Should I even attempt DAT test

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Tryingtobepostive

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Hello everyone,
I need everyone's opinions, and please don't be shy, I need people to tell me the harsh truth. I have always wanted to become a dentist since I can remember, but I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Biology with a very disappointing GPA of, get ready, 2.386, and yes that is very embarrassing. I know that no one in their right mind would even attempt this exam, but I just know that Dentistry is in my future. I really feel that if I study and prep for this exam, I can do well. My question is, should I even attempt this exam, do you guys feel that a Dental School would even look at my application considering this useless GPA? I don't want to waste my time and energy if it isn't worth it. I've heard of people taking this exam with low GPA's but they've never told me theirs, which is understandable. Please help, I'm confused and scared.....
 
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I think with that GPA you would be wasting your time. You could have all of the volunteering hours in the world and research publications, and probably be declined at most schools because they have GPA cutoffs. This career is very competitive to gain acceptance, let alone an interview. Your stats have to be pretty high or at least average. Just my two cents.
 
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shaidester said:
I think with that GPA you would be wasting your time. You could have all of the volunteering hours in the world and research publications, and probably be declined at most schools because they have GPA cutoffs. This career is very competitive to gain acceptance, let alone an interview. Your stats have to be pretty high or at least average. Just my two cents.
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Thank you for your honesty, I appreciate it. I kind of want to try it out and just see, but I do agree with what you say, my GPA will hinder my applications to schools. I feel like if I don't try it, I'll regret it later in life.
 
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I think pursuing a masters or a post bacc focused on the sciences would be a good move for you. try to get into a program that mimics the level of dental school courses. When you get there try to keep the GPA high. A lot of what you learn will be helpful for your dat too.
 
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swolly said:
I think pursuing a masters or a post bacc focused on the sciences would be a good move for you. try to get into a program that mimics the level of dental school courses. When you get there try to keep the GPA high. A lot of what you learn will be helpful for your dat too.
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Thank you, I'll look into the post bacc, just because I don't have the funds right now to try and get my Masters, plus I don't think any schools would accept me, even my school.
 
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Lots of schools have GPA cutoffs. My 2 cents would be to go to grad school to boost up your GPA and apply right before you get your Masters. That way admins can look at how much you've improved and that you're serious. I think DAT are valid for 3 years but I wouldn't take it now if I were you. Good luck! If there's a will, there's a way.
 
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Thetoothhurts91 said:
Lots of schools have GPA cutoffs. My 2 cents would be to go to grad school to boost up your GPA and apply right before you get your Masters. That way admins can look at how much you've improved and that you're serious. I think DAT are valid for 3 years but I wouldn't take it now if I were you. Good luck! If there's a will, there's a way.
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Thank you, I was thinking the same thing. I am making an appointment to see my former professor and talk further about it.
 
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TheEpicFruitCake said:
Look up "Yah-E." He is this famous SDN member from the under 3.0 club who is now an oral surgeon (or at least in his final years of residency).

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/stats-page.28785/

Take the DAT if you think you want to be a dentist! It's a great career and field to be in. I'm not going to lie though, it will probably be a longer journey than most.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/the-under-3-0-club-part-01.28491/
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I'll look him up, thank you. I'm going to really think about it and make a wise decision.
 
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Yea looking at your gpa.. if you even want a shot at dental school, you have to be patient and do a post-bac because im almost certain that you will not be able to get in with that gpa. As far as taking the DATs, save your money and take it later when you have a better shot. Don't give up hope though. Be patient and start working hard now. If you "just know that Dentistry is in my future" then keep working at it, otherwise start looking for a new future.
 
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easyas123 said:
Yea looking at your gpa.. if you even want a shot at dental school, you have to be patient and do a post-bac because im almost certain that you will not be able to get in with that gpa. As far as taking the DATs, save your money and take it later when you have a better shot. Don't give up hope though. Be patient and start working hard now. If you "just know that Dentistry is in my future" then keep working at it, otherwise start looking for a new future.
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You're right, I'm attending a graduate workshop at my alum university to get some more info. I'm also going to speak with my dentist and see if I can shadow him and volunteer in his office. Thank you.
 
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SMP is special master's program. Since your GPA is 2.4, it will take years to bring it up to at least a 3.0. If you get a 4.0 in SMP you might have a chance, so you should look that up too.
 
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I've heard of people with lower gpa at a 4 year community college. They did two years post bac at normal 4 year college and got a 3.75. Scored a 22AA and got accepted their first try. If you want to be a dentist it's not impossibly by no means. Just get your goal in front of you and do the things necessary to get a high GPA in post bac
 
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ZPederson11 said:
I've heard of people with lower gpa at a 4 year community college. They did two years post bac at normal 4 year college and got a 3.75. Scored a 22AA and got accepted their first try. If you want to be a dentist it's not impossibly by no means. Just get your goal in front of you and do the things necessary to get a high GPA in post bac
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Wow really? I thought I was the only one with a crappy GPA. I'm definitely going to ask about the post bacc and getting information about a masters degree so that I can teach in the meantime or as a plan b. Thank you
 
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