School List for Low GPA/High DAT?? Help please :)

[jss7fa]

Background: Virginia resident, biochemistry major at UVA, very involved (Pre-Dental Society officer, leadership in sorority, significant volunteering in several organizations, InterVarsity, and salsa club to name some)

Shadowing: ~150 hours (mostly general dentistry, some pediatric and orthodontic)
Volunteering in Dental Clinics: ~60 hours

cGPA: 3.177
sGPA: 2.92
non-science: 3.72 (I know the discrepancy looks bad)

DAT: 23AA, 22PAT, 27TS (with a 28 ochem and 29 gchem)

I was looking to apply up and down the east coast with at least 15+ schools. Schools I'm considering are below. I'd really appreciate any help/advice on my list/my situation!

UConn
Boston
Tufts
Columbia
UPenn
NYU
Temple
Pitt
UMDNJ
Maryland
VCU
UNC
Louisville
Kentucky
MUSC
Georgia
Alabama
LSU
Florida
LECOM
Nova Southeastern
Michigan

Thank you!!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[periopocket]

I would add case and buffalo. I would reconsider LSU, Georgia and Alabama . List look good

 

[shootingstar7]

What are your plans for the 2013-2014 school year? If I were you I would take 4-5 upper level bio/chem courses this fall and make As in all of them. That way you can send in an academic update in December to boost your GPA and therefore your app. Maybe do the same in the spring in case you don't have an acceptance in your pocket after this cycle.

 

[jss7fa]

I'm required to take inorganic chemistry as well as biochemistry lab for my major. I also enrolled in a neurobiology class. Do all schools ask for a December update, unless they've already decided to reject your application?

 

[jss7fa]

This summer I'm also taking physical chemistry at my university.

 

[shootingstar7]

I'm required to take inorganic chemistry as well as biochemistry lab for my major. I also enrolled in a neurobiology class. Do all schools ask for a December update, unless they've already decided to reject your application?

The schools won't ask for the update, but it's an available option for you, as an applicant. It's an official update (grades only) that is completed through AADSAS.

When you complete your original AADSAS this summer, there will be a section in it for you to share your planned coursework. Therefore, the schools you apply to will be able to see what your plans are for the fall. A super-solid performance in your courses this fall might land you some post-December interviews you may have otherwise not received due to your sub 3.0 sGPA.

 

[dk4ey]

Biochem major at UVa sucked. I had to take inorgo, biochem lab, and pchem just like you and didn't really finish strong. Good luck to you and I think you'll do fine, looking at your DAT score.

 

[jss7fa]

Yeah, I'm hoping dental schools acknowledge that I have a difficult major. And I'm not really looking forward to the upper level classes. @dk4ey, are you applying this cycle?

 

[dk4ey]

Just make sure you keep up with your work. I learnt it hard way. I'm currently waitlisted at VCU, Maryland, UMDNJ, but it seems like I have to re-apply.

 

[jss7fa]

Best of luck to you! And thank you for the advice