Same old question but can use other people advice

[masri100]

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I am a canadian student 4th year university in biomed. My gpa went converted is 3.28 and 3.08 Science. My science GPA is low cuz i took high level classes like organic chem III, intermediate metabolism etc etc. I am doing my DAT in june. I have 1000+ volunteer experience with elderly, volunteered in an africain orphanages churches, events. 80+ shadowing hours. I was also a chemistry TA in fourth year. I did one summer research in chemistry and another summer research and a research project in molecular biology. What are my chances of getting accepted if i apply june 1st 2012.

There is one last thing, i don't know if it will help me in my application process but my dad had a work accident in which he is been on disability ever since. I help him daily accomplishing simple tasks, like cloth, cooking, since my mom works all the time. This is documented in the hospital and in paperwork. In fact, i can't blame the low GPA on my dad cuz its all my fault but to be honest, it does take away from my studying time but should i mention that in my application? In addition, i was working close to 15 hours a week just to help my parents out.

I got accepted in masters so ill be in master as of september 2012 but still taking one english course (missing from US pre-req)

 

[white fang]

Being a friend from the north and your GPA is going to work you over, and not in a good way. Get a 23+ on the DAT, and even then your chances are slim. Start getting a backup plan ready my friend; a lot of us need to do something after 4 years of college to gain acceptance.

 

[theleatherwalle]

Being a friend from the north and your GPA is going to work you over, and not in a good way. Get a 23+ on the DAT, and even then your chances are slim. Start getting a backup plan ready my friend; a lot of us need to do something after 4 years of college to gain acceptance.

This kinda of attitude always amazes me. Trolling and elitism often go way out of control on this site. Her GPA is weak, but she has a reason. GPAs are very subjective. Some people have family emergencies or have to work during school or go to an elite school or go to a very easy school. Some people have hard majors some people have easy majors. Trying to judge a candidate based on GPA is pretty difficult. An adcom once told me GPA shows work ethic nothing more and nothing less. A 23 DAT is a very high score. I am pretty sure its 95%, and it is extremely difficult to get. IMO get a 21 and you should have a shot. There are no guarantees if you want to improve your GPA post bacs or a masters are a good way to go. I personally think a masters look better.

 

[white fang]

This kinda of attitude always amazes me. Trolling and elitism often go way out of control on this site. Her GPA is weak, but she has a reason. GPAs are very subjective. Some people have family emergencies or have to work during school or go to an elite school or go to a very easy school. Some people have hard majors some people have easy majors. Trying to judge a candidate based on GPA is pretty difficult. An adcom once told me GPA shows work ethic nothing more and nothing less. A 23 DAT is a very high score. I am pretty sure its 95%, and it is extremely difficult to get. IMO get a 21 and you should have a shot. There are no guarantees if you want to improve your GPA post bacs or a masters are a good way to go. I personally think a masters look better.

How is what you said different than what I said? A back up plan to gain admissions is a post-bacc or a masters.

Get off your horse and learn to read.

23DAT might save the applicant with the stats they have now (DAT is upcoming in June).

Otherwise, the applicant will need to keep taking courses as you suggested yourself.

 

[masri100]

Yea i guess its all up the DAT. Does applying while in a masters help? I have a letter from an MD who is also a prof and med school committee member at the university of george washington...should i include that in my reference letters or only from dental/academic professors?

 

[white fang]

Yea i guess its all up the DAT. Does applying while in a masters help? I have a letter from an MD who is also a prof and med school committee member at the university of george washington...should i include that in my reference letters or only from dental/academic professors?

It is not all up to the DAT, it is just a quick/easy way out if you do incredibly well. If you don't you will likely need a masters or do a post-bacc. If you already have letters from a dentist and academic professors and you feel the letter from the MD will be strong, include it. But, it shouldn't replace one of the important letters (science profs and dentist).

Good luck to you, and welcome to the club of marginal applicants🙂.

 

[theleatherwalle]

I thought you said it in a rather rude way. Manners will get you far in life.
Back to the posters question though

Yes a masters will help usually. It shows continued interest and drive. I would include all letters that will make you stand out. I would avoid letters from family members/religious officials(unless your applying to a religious school). IMO a 23 is a bit of an over kill. This is rather good scale that I think should be pinned for general reference on this site.

4.0 GPA 17 DAT-Needs a serious explanation. Usually, this person went to a very easy college.
3.9 GPA 18 DAT-There needs to be an explanation for this discrepancy
3.7 GPA 19 DAT-Pretty good chance
3.5 GPA 20 DAT-The accepted norm
3.3 GPA 21 DAT-Pretty good chance
3.1 GPA 22 DAT-There needs to be an explanation for this discrepancy
2.9 GPA 23 DAT-How is this possible. Needs a serious explanation

You want to be somewhere in these ranges. If you have 3.4 and a 20 DAT along with some good ECs or a minor or 2 you should be fine.

 

[dentalprodigy]

Being a friend from the north and your GPA is going to work you over, and not in a good way. Get a 23+ on the DAT, and even then your chances are slim. Start getting a backup plan ready my friend; a lot of us need to do something after 4 years of college to gain acceptance.

^ that

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[masri100]

hopefully i can boost my gpa to 3.3 with my english class. However the gpa conversion kills me cuz I'm pulling B+ in Canada but US says I'm pulling a B. Thats with the online GPA conversion at least.

 

[theleatherwalle]

Wow I think i should apologize to white fang. I totally did not read that you were Canadian. Yeah it will be harder to get into U.S. Schools. Yeah you will need an amazing performance on the DAT. What I posted was for general U.S. citizens trying to get into school. Good luck. Is there any reason your not looking Canadian dental schools?

 

[white fang]

Wow I think i should apologize to white fang. I totally did not read that you were Canadian. Yeah it will be harder to get into U.S. Schools. Yeah you will need an amazing performance on the DAT. What I posted was for general U.S. citizens trying to get into school. Good luck. Is there any reason your not looking Canadian dental schools?

Its alright, I thought that was what happened which is why I scolded your reading😉

Canadian DS's seem to weigh GPA even more than US Dental schools, so the OP probably has as good of or a better chance with the US Schools. Just will take some work.