should i take a gap year without trying first?

[amy1016]

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I would really not prefer to have a year off between my ungrad and dental school, but it may be what i need to do financially. I haven't taken my DAT yet, but I'm worried that my GPA may not be competitive enough. I have plenty of shadowing experience, as well as volunteering at a summer camp. My overall GPA is a 3.55 and my science is a sad 3.2. Throughout the years I realized that science wasn't really my strong suit, however i realized a little too late (my non-science is a 3.94). I was just wondering if a GPA like that will get me interviews, or should I just try applying my senior year to bring it up. My only concern is that I don't get into that year, and I'm stuck sitting around for another year with only a BS in biology.

 

[pk62281]

I would really not prefer to have a year off between my ungrad and dental school, but it may be what i need to do financially. I haven't taken my DAT yet, but I'm worried that my GPA may not be competitive enough. I have plenty of shadowing experience, as well as volunteering at a summer camp. My overall GPA is a 3.55 and my science is a sad 3.2. Throughout the years I realized that science wasn't really my strong suit, however i realized a little too late (my non-science is a 3.94). I was just wondering if a GPA like that will get me interviews, or should I just try applying my senior year to bring it up. My only concern is that I don't get into that year, and I'm stuck sitting around for another year with only a BS in biology.

See how you do on the DAT and then decide. Waiting another is not so bad either. You'd still get in at a younger age than me.

 

[omnipoDent]

See how you do on the DAT and then decide. Waiting another is not so bad either. You'd still get in at a younger age than me.

👍

 

[crax]

i think your gpa is more than good. I would study hard and do as well as you can on the DAT, and you will have a minimal average gpa, and with a minimal avergage dat (shoot for a > average though) and you should land some interviews i think. This is assuming you have >50 volunteering/shadowing, and decent lor's / ec's. GPA isnt your problem though

 

[wired202808]

I would really not prefer to have a year off between my ungrad and dental school, but it may be what i need to do financially. I haven't taken my DAT yet, but I'm worried that my GPA may not be competitive enough. I have plenty of shadowing experience, as well as volunteering at a summer camp. My overall GPA is a 3.55 and my science is a sad 3.2. Throughout the years I realized that science wasn't really my strong suit, however i realized a little too late (my non-science is a 3.94). I was just wondering if a GPA like that will get me interviews, or should I just try applying my senior year to bring it up. My only concern is that I don't get into that year, and I'm stuck sitting around for another year with only a BS in biology.

sGPA is pretty low at a 3.2, if you dont get a 20AA or above I would also do a post bacc or something.

 

[timwatley]

Nothing wrong with a year off, I took several years off after undergrad and had a great time enjoying life. You're only in your 20's once don't rush it. GPA is fine. Very similar to mine. I thought I'd have trouble with a 19AA but got into 2 schools. Make sure to have some good EC's, my travels came up a lot during my interviews.

 

[amy1016]

Thanks everyone helping out! Just another quick question though..although I don't have outstanding ECs, I am a manager where I work. I also work about hours a week. Do they look at that as a good thing, that I can manage work and school? Because I heard sometimes they look down on that.

 

[wzhu85]

Thanks everyone helping out! Just another quick question though..although I don't have outstanding ECs, I am a manager where I work. I also work about hours a week. Do they look at that as a good thing, that I can manage work and school? Because I heard sometimes they look down on that.

Regarding this question, I don't really see the logic of being able to handle both work and school as being a bad thing. On one of my secondaries, it specifically asked if the work experience I put down was concurrent with my schoolwork. I think most schools out there value an applicant who can juggle the responsibilities of work and school as long as you keep up your grades.

As others have said, I would see if you get over a 20 on your DAT and decide if you'd apply this year or not. Your GPA with should still be able to land you interviews with a decent DAT score and strong extracurriculars. Having one year gap between undergrad and Dental school isn't bad at all in my opinion, as long as you fill it with productive activities. You can try to find work related to dentistry or work on your extracurricular stuff while saving up money from a part/full time job. Take it from someone who took 2 years off after school to work full time, then another year to apply. Best of luck on next cycle if you apply.

 

[wired202808]

Regarding this question, I don't really see the logic of being able to handle both work and school as being a bad thing. On one of my secondaries, it specifically asked if the work experience I put down was concurrent with my schoolwork. I think most schools out there value an applicant who can juggle the responsibilities of work and school as long as you keep up your grades.

As others have said, I would see if you get over a 20 on your DAT and decide if you'd apply this year or not. Your GPA with should still be able to land you interviews with a decent DAT score and strong extracurriculars. Having one year gap between undergrad and Dental school isn't bad at all in my opinion, as long as you fill it with productive activities. You can try to find work related to dentistry or work on your extracurricular stuff while saving up money from a part/full time job. Take it from someone who took 2 years off after school to work full time, then another year to apply. Best of luck on next cycle if you apply.

OP needs to boost that weak sGPA, unless he gets a 21+ (which doesnt seem plausible due to a low sPGA) he might not get into any good schools.

 

[Seamonkey Doc]

See how you do on the DAT and then decide. Waiting another is not so bad either. You'd still get in at a younger age than me.

Agreed. A 3.2 sci GPA is not bad/weak/etc. It's lower than average but a nice DAT can help out. Good luck

 

[Firm]

If you have to take a gap year, move to Costa Rica(or some other Latin country) and study spanish. It's ridiculously cheap, you can transfer the credits through USM at some programs.

 

[93geo]

What schools do you plan on applying to?

 

[amy1016]

i plan on applying to Temple, OSU, Case, Pitt, and UNC

 

[dantemac]

I would apply more broadly than just that list, despite the financial limitations.

Also, your GPA and experience is not bad at all. You have a fighting chance in the cycle. Just apply to more schools and try to score very highly (20+) on the DAT! Good luck!!