Starting from scratch.. what are my chances?

[dentalhopefulsd]

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Hello everyone,

I'd be grateful if I can receive honest feedback from fellow SDN peers regarding my current situation. Here's my situation:

I earned my B/A in a non-science major back in 2011 (have not taken science courses). Since graduation, I've been working for a large company as an analyst in San Diego area. Recently, I have taken interest in becoming a dentist and wanted to know if I had actual chance of being admitted to a decent dental school in the US.

My overall undergrad GPA is around 3.1 and major GPA of 3.6 (non-science courses). Because I have not taken any science courses, I will have to take all the pre-requisites at a community college (Chem 1/2, Bio 1/1, Org Chem 1/2, Physics 1/2). Fulfilling my pre-req's will take me good two years and if I really decide to follow this path, I will have to quit my full-time job as well to dedicate my time to studying.

So my question boils down to this: Given that I Ace most of my classes (maintain high GPA for all the science courses), have average DAT score, while shadowing/volunteering and receiving stellar recommendations, do I have a good shot being admitted to dental schools?
(I understand there are more variables/factors involved in the admission process than what I presented here, but I still would like to hear from you guys).

EDIT: Some other factors to consider: my undergrad is a low-ranked state school and my major isn't considered "difficult" by any standard. Also, I'm in my mid-20's, so I'm also a bit wary about my age.

 

[cacajuate]

Dont take the prereqs at a CC, many schools don't accept those credits. Your GPA is already fine so just do well on the classes/DAT and you'll have a good chance.

 

[dentalhopefulsd]

Dont take the prereqs at a CC, many schools don't accept those credits. Your GPA is already fine so just do well on the classes/DAT and you'll have a good chance.

How else would I take the pre-req's? I'm just ignorant of any other options to take pre-req. courses expect through junior colleges.
And btw, from what I know NYU, BU, and Tuft doesn't consider CC classes at all. However, I'm in California and most CA schools accept CC courses.

 

[cacajuate]

How else would I take the pre-req's? I'm just ignorant of any other options to take pre-req. courses expect through junior colleges.
And btw, from what I know NYU, BU, and Tuft doesn't consider CC classes at all. However, I'm in California and most CA schools accept CC courses.

You apply to a university and take the classes there. I think most people would agree not to take the classes at a CC but thats your choice.

 

[hypemachine]

How else would I take the pre-req's? I'm just ignorant of any other options to take pre-req. courses expect through junior colleges.
And btw, from what I know NYU, BU, and Tuft doesn't consider CC classes at all. However, I'm in California and most CA schools accept CC courses.

Based on a number of posts I've seen on the school-specific forums, there's actually a decent number of schools who still give interviews/acceptances to applicants who took all CC pre-reqs. Off the top of my head, University of Pittsburgh is one, and some of the UC's will accept only 1/2 of your pre-reqs at CC's (the other 1/2 being at a 4-year university).

Tufts: Does not accept CC's for any classes
NYU: Accepts pre-reqs at CC's but prefers them to be taken at 4-year
BU: Doesn't accept CC's for pre-reqs; allows CC's for electives

 

[hypemachine]

Oh and for cali schools:

USC: very limited number of units allowed for pre-reqs; doesn't say exact number so you might want to contact their admissions dept
Western: allows CC pre-reqs
UoP: allows CC pre-reqs
UCSF: allows CC pre-reqs up to a maximum of 64 credit hours
UCLA: allows CC pre-reqs up to a maximum of 70 credit hours
Loma Linda: allows CC pre-reqs but strongly discourages it

 

[Glimmer1991]

Taking pre-reqs at a CC is just taking a gamble. It may not hurt you, but it certainly could. I'm all about lowering my risks, and along with that, I would stay completely clear of CC classes. They can cause major headaches.

Plus, I'm going to be honest--your oGPA is not terribly high right now, and you're going to want to REALLY prove that you can handle a rigorous schedule. The best way to do this is at a four-year university. I'm not saying that all CCs are easy, but that is generally the assumption.

If CC classes are your only options, I'd send all of your potential schools an e-mail asking them what they would do in your situation.

If you can, just sign up for science classes at your nearest 4-year university as a non-degree seeking student.

 

[dentalhopefulsd]

Oh and for cali schools:

USC: very limited number of units allowed for pre-reqs; doesn't say exact number so you might want to contact their admissions dept
Western: allows CC pre-reqs
UoP: allows CC pre-reqs
UCSF: allows CC pre-reqs up to a maximum of 64 credit hours
UCLA: allows CC pre-reqs up to a maximum of 70 credit hours
Loma Linda: allows CC pre-reqs but strongly discourages it

Thanks for this valuable information.. Do you have any comment on my current situation?

 

[hypemachine]

Thanks for this valuable information.. Do you have any comment on my current situation?

Yeah I do. In regards to your age or the difficulty of your undergraduate school, it really doesn't matter. It's all about the grades and resume/personal statement/LORs. And I met a 40 yr-old career switcher who had the best didactic skills of his dental class because he previously worked in construction.

Regarding your pre-requsites, I think what the others are saying in that CC classes are generally less respected, holds some merit. And they're probably right in saying that you would close a few doors by taking all your pre-reqs at CC. If the cost is really an issue, my recommendation would be to take a handful at a CC, and another handful (plus a few science electives to really show your understanding of the material) at a 4-year university.

For instance, let's say biology and physics come very easily to you but you have trouble with chemistry. Then you'd probably do well in taking GenChem and Orgo at a CC, and Bio/Physics/a couple other sciences at a 4 year.

 

[dentalhopefulsd]

Yeah I do. In regards to your age or the difficulty of your undergraduate school, it really doesn't matter. It's all about the grades and resume/personal statement/LORs. And I met a 40 yr-old career switcher who had the best didactic skills of his dental class because he previously worked in construction.

Regarding your pre-requsites, I think what the others are saying in that CC classes are generally less respected, holds some merit. And they're probably right in saying that you would close a few doors by taking all your pre-reqs at CC. If the cost is really an issue, my recommendation would be to take a handful at a CC, and another handful (plus a few science electives to really show your understanding of the material) at a 4-year university.

For instance, let's say biology and physics come very easily to you but you have trouble with chemistry. Then you'd probably do well in taking GenChem and Orgo at a CC, and Bio/Physics/a couple other sciences at a 4 year.

Hypemachine, I really appreciate your feedback.. It's very encouraging to hear your anecdote, as well as your advice on taking some classes at a 4-year to cut some costs. Thanks again for your feedback.

Edit: Anecdote, not antidote x|

 

[Gaucho4Life]

Hello everyone,

I'd be grateful if I can receive honest feedback from fellow SDN peers regarding my current situation. Here's my situation:

I earned my B/A in a non-science major back in 2011 (have not taken science courses). Since graduation, I've been working for a large company as an analyst in San Diego area. Recently, I have taken interest in becoming a dentist and wanted to know if I had actual chance of being admitted to a decent dental school in the US.

My overall undergrad GPA is around 3.1 and major GPA of 3.6 (non-science courses). Because I have not taken any science courses, I will have to take all the pre-requisites at a community college (Chem 1/2, Bio 1/1, Org Chem 1/2, Physics 1/2). Fulfilling my pre-req's will take me good two years and if I really decide to follow this path, I will have to quit my full-time job as well to dedicate my time to studying.

So my question boils down to this: Given that I Ace most of my classes (maintain high GPA for all the science courses), have average DAT score, while shadowing/volunteering and receiving stellar recommendations, do I have a good shot being admitted to dental schools?
(I understand there are more variables/factors involved in the admission process than what I presented here, but I still would like to hear from you guys).

EDIT: Some other factors to consider: my undergrad is a low-ranked state school and my major isn't considered "difficult" by any standard. Also, I'm in my mid-20's, so I'm also a bit wary about my age.

Maybe try and enroll as a non-degree seeking student at SDSU/UCSD? I'd avoid taking cc courses for pre-reqs.