Stressed out non-traditional applicant - I would really appreciate some advice

[simbalion92]

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[acesofseven]

Taking your pre-reqs at a CC is fine. Plenty of people do it and get into DS without a problem.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

You can mix and match. No rules against it. You can also look into distance learning accredited online schools that provide pathways into dentistry. I'm not sure if the 2.9 GPA will stop you from getting into that, but you can try. You can certainly raise it with the added courses to get into them as well. I would advise against taking ALL your pre-reqs at a CC though. It will limit your options.

 

[mexifresh]

Don't give up is the first step! I just got in to dental school and I had a 2.9 GPA so if I can do it so can you !

you can take your prereqs anywhere, just get all A's if you can ! and destroy your DAT , like 22 or something, I was lucky enough to score that the first time but i studied for a good 300 hours so idk man just gotta grind. you can do it!!!

 

[Watergrizzly]

Non-trad here. I was just accepted this past cycle with a 3.0 ish gpa. I won't comment any further on the need for a high DAT and gpa improvements. Further reinforcing the above I believe the strength of a non trad applicant lies in their life experiences. While improving your GPA I highly recommend you also look for ways to boost this strength while showing an interest in dentistry. The more unique the better! (fundraisers, volunteer activities, address specific needs to an underserved community)

 

[kittycat090198]

Make sure you research the schools you will be applying to because there are some schools with limitations on whether or not you can take prereq's at CC. Other limitations include the number of credits that are able to come from a CC as well.

I'm a nontrad as well and my path looks more like your option #1. I took classes during summers and the semesters at my state schools after I graduated with my BS - my undergrad was a private ($$) institution.

Was taking classes in the summer miserable?
Yes.
Did I get it done (and am now accepted into a DS program?) YES!

You'll be fine. There is no one path into dental school.

 

[Persephone11]

SMP is most definitely a good idea. Try to raise your GPA to 3.0 or above with your prereqs, preferably at CC (although schools like Case Western DON'T accept CC courses FYI). Shoot for above 20 AA and go to the DAT forum part of SDN if you need to ask any DAT related questions.

I know you didn't ask about personal statement, but I'd definitely mention your previous career and non-dental experiences and how it will help you as a future dentist. I had a completely unrelated career for 4-5 years and although many schools didn't care and/or didn't put much emphasis on that, the schools that were interested definitely asked me questions about it during the interview.

If you have any questions regarding nontrad stuff, feel free to PM me

Are you sure that Case Western does not accept CC course because their website says they accept CC courses for prerequistes.