should I be really worried?

Started by enpassant87
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enpassant87

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10+ Year Member
I am currently applying for dental school and I am kind of panicking. Ever since I remember I wanted to be a dentist but I am afraid that my grades are going to hold me back. I went to a pretty decent undergrad school and came out with a 2.9 GPA. Last month I took the DAT and i got a 19AA. Am I screwed or should I retake the DAT then apply?
 
Major? Science GPA? DAT is average, but with that GPA your application probably won't be competitive. How are your EC's and dentistry experience? Think about doing a Masters/SMP to improve the GPA.
 
look into a 1 or 2 year masters or certificate program, get good grades in it, and bump your dat up to a 20.
 
major was Bio. science gpa was about 2.8
ECs are decent
shadowed 2 dentists for combined 5 months
it was a bad experience for me my first 2 years (relationship) but i did well in the upper level courses

should i retake the DAT and then apply?
 
If you really nailed the upper level classes, like a B or better in everyone, you might have a chance. I am not going to lie, the GPA isn't the best and the DAT is average. My GPA was average, or maybe a little better than average, and my DAT was below average and I was able to get in. You never know for sure. You might want to give it a shot, if the resources are there for you. Apply to as many schools, mainly private and your state school. Make sure that you find ways to show the adcoms that you will be a good dentist, ie personal statement...etc. Prepare for a masters, or re-take the DAT, if this year falls through for you. If you wanted you could re-take the DAT but you have to be sure that you are going to improve!

I wish you the best!!
 
what are the details of your DAT score? TS? PAT? BIO? CHEM?

if your DAT scores are all above 17 or 18 or so, then you'd probably have a chance at your state school if you've had shadowing or dental working experience
 
enpassant87 said:
I am currently applying for dental school and I am kind of panicking. Ever since I remember I wanted to be a dentist but I am afraid that my grades are going to hold me back. I went to a pretty decent undergrad school and came out with a 2.9 GPA. Last month I took the DAT and i got a 19AA. Am I screwed or should I retake the DAT then apply?
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I am in a very similar situation. I have a lower gpa and an average DAT but have been working on a masters for the past few months and have been working in a dental office for nearly 2 years. The post bac gpa is not enough to raise my gpa significantly but my PS is strong and I have EC and dental experience. I understand your anxiety cause I have felt it. I do not think it is a lost cause for us but only time will tell.
 
hey im in the same situation as you right now getting ready to apply. what i am doing is taking DAT again going for a 20+, and Apply to less competitive schools. If time is not a concern for you then do master for 2 years like suggested above. Good Luck 😀
 
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