Seeking some real advice

[alldayhumble]

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Hey guys,

I've been a long time lurker here. I never thought I'd post anything here but I am now at quite a desperate point in this journey.

Quick stats:
- Graduated in 2014 from a reputable Big-ten U with a 2.9 cumulative GPA.
- Worked as a dental assistant upon graduating - I have tons of experience in pediatric and general dentistry.
- Enrolled in a local college in summer 2017 to finish off my pre-reqs:
- Orgo I - B+
- Orgo I Lab - B-
- Orgo II - W
- Orgo II Lab - B+
- Physics I - A
- Physics II - A
- Biochem - W
- Microbiology - B

I am worried about the Withdrawals (presently, I have 5). These withdrawals are related to work reasons. I currently work two jobs to pay for the rent and what not.

My plan -
1. Take Orgo II and Biochem I together in the summer of 2019 while applying for dental school in the 2019 cycle.
2. In the meantime, study hard for the DAT exam and try to achieve a 22+
2. Volunteer at a local shelter
3. Keep working in dental offices
4. Research?

Any thoughts on my plan? What could I do now to truly increase my chances of acceptance?

Thank you to all who took the time to hear me out!

 

[DSchoolorBust202X]

You're experience sounds similar to mine. I also graduated in 2014 with a low GPA and have been taking classes here and there while working.

I don't think research will help too much. I ran into problems where research really took a lot of time away from my studies, so I would only do it if you have an interest in it. Definitely don't research if you're just using it to give your application a boost.

Really buckle down and get serious about spending a lot of time (and free time) studying for those classes. B's in these pre-reqs are not the end of the world, but try your best to shoot for A's to raise up that undergrad GPA as much as possible. It takes a lot to move the needle when you're in your situation. Try to aim for 3.0 or higher.

Definitely keep volunteering and working. From experience, I know that studying for the DAT and working is extremely difficult. I gave myself 3.5 months to prepare; I did two to three hours on weekdays and all day weekends, and I felt comfortable with that.

If this is what you want, you will rise to the occasion and achieve it. You are more than capable!

 

[Pearl E. White]

Hey guys,

I've been a long time lurker here. I never thought I'd post anything here but I am now at quite a desperate point in this journey.

Quick stats:
- Graduated in 2014 from a reputable Big-ten U with a 2.9 cumulative GPA.
- Worked as a dental assistant upon graduating - I have tons of experience in pediatric and general dentistry.
- Enrolled in a local college in summer 2017 to finish off my pre-reqs:
- Orgo I - B+
- Orgo I Lab - B-
- Orgo II - W
- Orgo II Lab - B+
- Physics I - A
- Physics II - A
- Biochem - W
- Microbiology - B

I am worried about the Withdrawals (presently, I have 5). These withdrawals are related to work reasons. I currently work two jobs to pay for the rent and what not.

My plan -
1. Take Orgo II and Biochem I together in the summer of 2019 while applying for dental school in the 2019 cycle.
2. In the meantime, study hard for the DAT exam and try to achieve a 22+
2. Volunteer at a local shelter
3. Keep working in dental offices
4. Research?

Any thoughts on my plan? What could I do now to truly increase my chances of acceptance?

Thank you to all who took the time to hear me out!

Your plan looks solid! You seem to have good reasons for the Ws so I wouldn't worry about that too much if I were you. Focus on getting good grades in your remaining pre-reqs, do well on the DAT, and keep doing what you're already doing. Best of luck to you! You know what you're doing 🙂

 

[Tommy1234]

Hey guys,

I've been a long time lurker here. I never thought I'd post anything here but I am now at quite a desperate point in this journey.

Quick stats:
- Graduated in 2014 from a reputable Big-ten U with a 2.9 cumulative GPA.
- Worked as a dental assistant upon graduating - I have tons of experience in pediatric and general dentistry.
- Enrolled in a local college in summer 2017 to finish off my pre-reqs:
- Orgo I - B+
- Orgo I Lab - B-
- Orgo II - W
- Orgo II Lab - B+
- Physics I - A
- Physics II - A
- Biochem - W
- Microbiology - B

I am worried about the Withdrawals (presently, I have 5). These withdrawals are related to work reasons. I currently work two jobs to pay for the rent and what not.

My plan -
1. Take Orgo II and Biochem I together in the summer of 2019 while applying for dental school in the 2019 cycle.
2. In the meantime, study hard for the DAT exam and try to achieve a 22+
2. Volunteer at a local shelter
3. Keep working in dental offices
4. Research?

Any thoughts on my plan? What could I do now to truly increase my chances of acceptance?

Thank you to all who took the time to hear me out!

Do you know how hard to take Orgo 2 and Biochem during summer. Materials are hard and it goes by really fast . How are you manage between school and work during summer? Do you need to work to pay for rent?