Should I take a gap year or hope for the best and apply? (Stats in description)

[Alaskan _Polarbear]

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Hi everyone;

I'm kind of in a pickle right now because I haven't been doing so well in school (Cs in physics and biochemistry, Bs in all other biology and organic chemistry) and I was planning on applying the 2020 cycle but now I don't even know if I'll make it. But below are my general application highlights/statistics and I was wondering if someone could help me out and tell me if I'm a somewhat competitive applicant despite the low grades or if I'm better off saving my money and taking a gap year to retake the DAT.

Cumulative 3.4 & Science 3.1
TS 19 TA 19
500 shadowing hours (pediatric 350, general 50, oral surgery 100)
120 volunteer hours at a zoo
160 hours wind ensemble
460 on campus work hours
140 psychology research (PSY BA major)

I also included as a fun fact on my application that I trained in muay thai for 5 years, played the flute for 14+ years, and won 1st place at a USPowerLifting meet for the 43kg weight-class.

I will be applying east coast schools only mainly in NY, NJ, NC, ME, and CT

 

[Dental2293]

Your stats are subpar, but I think you have a compelling story and a variety ECs to stand out. You might wanna jot down a well thought out list of schools that can maximize your chance of acceptance. IMO, definitely apply to all the private schools in east coast.

And for the public schools in NY, I think Stony is a bit reach because they value academic performances. Their average GPA is 3.65+ and DAT is 22.

I think Buffalo is a good fit for you bc their stats aren’t that high.

 

[MavsFanForLife]

I think you have a decent chance! Apply broadly. I had a lower sgpa (3.19) but did have 21 AA/TS and will be attending UNE! I know most of my classmates are from the east coast as well! Good luck!