The Under 3.0 Club part 02

[dctim211]

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Congrats to those who got accepted this cycle! How did you guys improve your stats?

I've posted about my "story" before but thought I'd rehash for some of you newer sub-3.0ers. I applied in the 2008 cycle with a 2.67/2.7/2.88 BCP/Science/Cum GPA and 22/20/20 (AA/PAT/TS) DAT score (note: I was a Bio major in undergrad). Clearly, I didn't do very well in college but thought I'd apply anyway. Needless to say, I didn't get any interviews. I then applied again the next cycle (2009) with basically the same numbers (other than 3 As in Genetics, Animal Physio, Molec Bio courses I took at UCI over the summer) and once again, received no interviews.

I decided to take a year off from applying (skipped 2010 cycle) and took 3 straight semesters of full-time classes (all 300 and 400 level Bio courses at a Cal State University) while also working at dental office and as a math/science teacher. When all was said and done, I got my GPA up to 3.29/3.23/3.26 BCP/Sci/Cum. This cycle, I've had 4 pre-dec interviews and have 1 scheduled for next week and I'm hoping for some more in the future.

While it's easy to read a lot of success stories and say "OK, it can be done," I think it's also important to take this time to sit down and figure out if dentistry is really something you want to do. For many of you sub-3.0ers, it's going to take a solid 1.5-2 years to get your grades up to where you are competitive with some of the ridiculous numbers out there. If you reflect on your situation and still come to the conclusion that you are motivated/driven enough to get through the couple years of work its going to take before starting D school, don't let anyone around you (friends or family) change your mind/distract you from achieving your goal. In the end, this is your life, and the decisions you make will most profoundly affect your future and not anyone elses.

One last note of encouragement, of the schools I've been invited to interview at, I've had a very good experience in interviews talking to interviewers about my previous struggles and how I've rebounded with a post-undergrad 4.0. Not to mention, when looking at the other interviewee's stats on predents (granted, it's a small sample size), my #s are significantly lower than many of them but trend really is important. If you can show/prove that you have turned your life around (academically) and can convey your passion for dentistry not only through your ECs but also in both your personal statement and during your interview, you will be able to compete with the 3.7+ GPAs. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Btw, this forum (and particularly this thread) was VERY important in helping me stay positive, focused and determined. If any of you have any questions that you feel are better answered by someone that has been in your position, feel free to PM me.

EDIT: Forgot to tie up the story by saying that I was accepted to a school this morning!

 

[DunStopBelievin]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

I've posted about my "story" before but thought I'd rehash for some of you newer sub-3.0ers. I applied in the 2008 cycle with a 2.67/2.7/2.88 BCP/Science/Cum GPA and 22/20/20 (AA/PAT/TS) DAT score (note: I was a Bio major in undergrad). Clearly, I didn't do very well in college but thought I'd apply anyway. Needless to say, I didn't get any interviews. I then applied again the next cycle (2009) with basically the same numbers (other than 3 As in Genetics, Animal Physio, Molec Bio courses I took at UCI over the summer) and once again, received no interviews.

I decided to take a year off from applying (skipped 2010 cycle) and took 3 straight semesters of full-time classes (all 300 and 400 level Bio courses at a Cal State University) while also working at dental office and as a math/science teacher. When all was said and done, I got my GPA up to 3.29/3.23/3.26 BCP/Sci/Cum. This cycle, I've had 4 pre-dec interviews and have 1 scheduled for next week and I'm hoping for some more in the future.

While it's easy to read a lot of success stories and say "OK, it can be done," I think it's also important to take this time to sit down and figure out if dentistry is really something you want to do. For many of you sub-3.0ers, it's going to take a solid 1.5-2 years to get your grades up to where you are competitive with some of the ridiculous numbers out there. If you reflect on your situation and still come to the conclusion that you are motivated/driven enough to get through the couple years of work its going to take before starting D school, don't let anyone around you (friends or family) change your mind/distract you from achieving your goal. In the end, this is your life, and the decisions you make will most profoundly affect your future and not anyone elses.

One last note of encouragement, of the schools I've been invited to interview at, I've had a very good experience in interviews talking to interviewers about my previous struggles and how I've rebounded with a post-undergrad 4.0. Not to mention, when looking at the other interviewee's stats on predents (granted, it's a small sample size), my #s are significantly lower than many of them but trend really is important. If you can show/prove that you have turned your life around (academically) and can convey your passion for dentistry not only through your ECs but also in both your personal statement and during your interview, you will be able to compete with the 3.7+ GPAs. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Btw, this forum (and particularly this thread) was VERY important in helping me stay positive, focused and determined. If any of you have any questions that you feel are better answered by someone that has been in your position, feel free to PM me.

EDIT: Forgot to tie up the story by saying that I was accepted to a school this morning!

 

[GeekDentist]

New forum member and first time poster.

I'm a member of the sub-3.0 club. I go to a school known for its difficulty (Caltech/MIT) and I am a second-semester junior. I currently have a 2.9, and I'm not confident I can do much to raise it here. Worst of all, I got C's in Bio and Physics.

I still haven't taken orgo or a bio lab, and was hoping to do so this summer back home at my state school to save money on summer tuition and, frankly, to get a better grade in them.

My question: do dental schools take undergrad difficulty into account when looking at applicants?

 

[Destiny11]

New forum member and first time poster.

I'm a member of the sub-3.0 club. I go to a school known for its difficulty (Caltech/MIT) and I am a second-semester junior. I currently have a 2.9, and I'm not confident I can do much to raise it here. Worst of all, I got C's in Bio and Physics.

I still haven't taken orgo or a bio lab, and was hoping to do so this summer back home at my state school to save money on summer tuition and, frankly, to get a better grade in them.

My question: do dental schools take undergrad difficulty into account when looking at applicants?

They hardly do. You usually have to make the cut with your GPA and DAT before other factors are considered.

 

[Impulse155]

Under 3.0 gpa, 2.86 to be exact. My science is somewhere around there too probably.Currently a junior in college. Hoping for a 3.7 or higher for the next 3 semesters (including second semester organic). Once I get into dental schools I will be posting my full story here. Its funny though because I often flip between this section and DAT discussion section and I know probably 80% of the questions asked and I have never even prepped for it. So well see how that goes.
Its all about knowing your priorities. People if you dont want to go through what I am, do consistantly well, dont **** up.

Stats by semester:
First year:
1st semester- 3.14
2nd semester- 1.96----------woowoo (D in gen chem, retook next semester, got a B) and a D in cell bio intro. Will be retaking this
Second year:
1st semester- 2.56
2nd semester- 3.09
Third year:
3.39 (including a B+ in organic chemistry which I will be TA'ing next year)

The way I see it, my stats will show us how much of an effect the "Improvement trend" over the years will be.
Also I willb e taking a year off since I basically need my senior scores to show. 3.7 this semeste (think like 3.68 to be exact) will bring me to exactly a 3.0

 

[wizkhalifa]

Under 3.0 gpa, 2.86 to be exact. My science is somewhere around there too probably.Currently a junior in college. Hoping for a 3.7 or higher for the next 3 semesters (including second semester organic). Once I get into dental schools I will be posting my full story here. Its funny though because I often flip between this section and DAT discussion section and I know probably 80% of the questions asked and I have never even prepped for it. So well see how that goes.
Its all about knowing your priorities. People if you dont want to go through what I am, do consistantly well, dont **** up.

Stats by semester:
First year:
1st semester- 3.14
2nd semester- 1.96----------woowoo (D in gen chem, retook next semester, got a B) and a D in cell bio intro. Will be retaking this
Second year:
1st semester- 2.56
2nd semester- 3.09
Third year:
3.39 (including a B+ in organic chemistry which I will be TA'ing next year)

The way I see it, my stats will show us how much of an effect the "Improvement trend" over the years will be.
Also I willb e taking a year off since I basically need my senior scores to show. 3.7 this semeste (think like 3.68 to be exact) will bring me to exactly a 3.0

what happened friend? any tips?

 

[toothhornet88]

Here is my GPA breakdown:

1st year:
Fall: 2.34
Spring: 3.465

2nd year:
Fall:2.7 (after this semester i had a turning point "awakening")
Spring:3.575

Summer: 4.0 (one class)

3rd year:
Fall: 3.953
Spring: 3.735

Summer: 4.0 (2 classes)
Winter: 4.0 (one class)

4th year:
Fall: 3.438
Spring: 3.72

5th year:
Fall: 3.71

My cumulative GPA is: 3.51 and science GPA is 3.1

Im a business major and a biology minor thats why its taking me an extra year to finish school.. I also have 4 years of Dental Assisting experience and will be getting my RDA license in a few months! I am currently studying for my DAT. Ladies and gentleman, please tell me what do you think of this trend and what chances i have since my science gpa is so low? Thank you so so much! Im worried i wont get accepted anywhere because of my science GPA!

 

[sequential]

They hardly do. You usually have to make the cut with your GPA and DAT before other factors are considered.

I have to say I don't agree completely with this statement. There are schools that will notice your degree from CalTech/MIT and your GPA will be evaluated differently from an applicant from other schools (e.g., Cal State, UCI, UCSD, etc.).

Dig around and you'll see a fair share of sub 3.0 applicants from certain schools (e.g., Berkeley and UCLA) get accepted....granted their DAT scores are competitive.

 

[Impulse155]

I have to say I don't agree completely with this statement. There are schools that will notice your degree from CalTech/MIT and your GPA will be evaluated differently from an applicant from other schools (e.g., Cal State, UCI, UCSD, etc.).

Dig around and you'll see a fair share of sub 3.0 applicants from certain schools (e.g., Berkeley and UCLA) get accepted....granted their DAT scores are competitive.

Yea im finding more and more often that the sub 3.0'ers are the people who go to those types of schools or get the 23's on the DAT lol

 

[Hygienist]

Hi group...I'm back with some more encouragement. I just got my 3rd accpetance into dental school. So far, I have gotten accepted into MCG, Meharry, and UTHSC-Memphis. I still say that anything is possible, you just have to sincerely believe it. Think positive thoughts and watch what words come out of your mouth. Put positive words into the atmosphere and watch the universe reply with positive replies.

if you dont mind, what are your stats?

 

[PrayingforDPT]

Got an Interview to Baylor... here is hoping that we can all get some 😀

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Hi! Congrats on the Baylor interview! Which program did you apply for? I'm interested in Baylor as well - their DPT program to be exact 🙂

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Oops, dental... nevermind... I should have probably read the whole forum title first!

 

[DrRoyal Pains]

Ha

 

[xaznxcountx]

Alright so I made my own thread for my story, but I'd like to copy and paste it here as well... I hope this inspires those of you who are under a 3.0 to never give up your dream of becoming a dentist. Thanks to all in the past who have helped me get to where I am today... an ACCEPTANCE!






First off here are my stats Overall GPA 2.95, Science GPA 2.8. DAT 20/20/18

Here's the story.

The end of my third year in college I stood at a 2.4 with 10 classes I had FAILED. The hopes of becoming a dentist seemed out of reach and impossible to attain. Faith however brought me to SDN and this site gave me the belief that I COULD GET INTO DENTAL SCHOOL. Here's my thread from 2008 if you wanna read it http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=511370

I decided enough was enough and I needed to study harder and get more focused. During my 4th year I brought my grades up. I decided to stay a fifth year in college and continued the upward trend. By the time I graduated from my undergraduate I had around a 2.8. I was accepted to Midwestern University's 1 year Master's Program and completed it with a 3.89. I retook my DAT and got the scores you see above. Applied to 16 schools and received four interviews and just got accepted to Midwestern's Downer's Grove c/o 2015! I have another interview to NYU next month.

I just want to let anyone in a similar situation as I was two years ago know... TO NEVER GIVE UP! DON'T DO IT! I didn't want to live my life wondering WHAT IF I had gotten into dental school and became a dentist. I wanted to live my life knowing I weathered the storm of my situation, and got into dental school. You have to change your study plan if its not working. Yes I wish I got into dental school earlier but you know what things happen for a reason... and right now I'm soaking in this incredible feeling. Its one thing to get an acceptance with a 3.5 GPA, its another to get it with a sub 3.0. Thanks for everything SDN!

 

[RachaelH]

First of all, I want to thanks the SDNers that inspire, encourage, and want to help people like me.

I graduated with a bio degree. GPA 2.89
1st attempt, my dat was too low. didnt apply
2nd attempt, I took classes and got 3.6 gpa (my sci 3.01 and overall 3.10) dat 19/22/21 AA/TS/Pat. Applied to 15 schools. 1 interview and waitlisted. some volunteer at dental offices.
3rd attempt, DAT 21/22/21 AA/TS/Pat. Volunteered at a community clinic. Applied to 15 schools. 2 interviews. 1 acceptance.

Goodluck and dont give up!

 

[alej1020]

Where did u get accepted?

 

[ddskater]

sgpa - 2.75
overall gpa - 2.98
DAT 19/20/20

Applied 1st time to 10 schools and got zero interviews.

Took 7 science classes at a community college and aced them all, rewrote personal statement, more volunteer and shadowing, found a job as a research assistant.

Applied 2nd time to 10 schools and got 2 interviews 2 acceptances =D

Don't give up people!

 

[armiiin]

Auh , my first post!
It's such a helpful thread here!
actually I wanted to know what do you guys recommend me since I'm new here, new in united states and new in these kind of fields.

I immigrated to united states 4 months a go and am a Permanent resident.
I majored in engineering and graduated one year ago at a university overseas.
I translated all of transcripts and brought them with myself, I didn't have them evaluated but I think that my GPA would be 2.6 or a little less.

Since I am really interested in Dentistry program , I would like to enroll in a Dental school, I researched in some schools and found out that I have to pass some prerequisites(bio, chemistry...) I want to start my studying this summer by passing these prerequisites and get myself ready for DAT and applying to dental schools,


my questions are:

Do I have any chances getting into a dental school?can I make better GPA from doing better in prerequisites?
How do they consider GPA? I mean do they consider GPA with prerequisites ?
as all we know Dental/medical schools are so expensive, I heard something about residency in states and loans. what if I have been accepted in another state? can I still use financial aids and loans? is my GPA involved with finance programming in schools?what about open universities(for passing prerequisites), can I use loans or financial aids for that?

I have so much concern about these , because I am new in this system and don't know much of educational systems here,



thanks beforehand

 

[yamu010]

hi userah...I'd like to get some advices regarding njds admissions if you can help. I saw your posts on SDN regarding your experience in masters program @ UMDNJ for improving admission chances and stronger gpa.

I am facing the experience way you went thru; I graduated from rutgers-nb in the summer with cgpa (3.1) and sgpa (2.9-3.0), and bombed other sections than science on DAT(TS 19, AA17)😳 ... so I've been receiving rejections from all the school I've applied to during this application cycle. UMDNJ is one of my top choices but I wanted to talk to someone in the admissions office before I apply again this June... who did you meet with? Should I meet with the director of admission directly, or talking to someone on the comittee is enough? and should I dress formal when meeting them?!
I recently was looking for a cheaper and affordable way than masters, like taking science classes thru continuing education to raise my cgpa and sgpa as well. This masters won’t help to get nice job if I couldn’t make it to dental school after masters.

On top of this, if I went for this program, I am skeptical if I can earn higher gpa with more difficult graduate classes than undergrad? I've seen a lot of people getting higher gpa's in masters than their undergrad gpa... why is that in despite of they were taking more demanding science classes?!! I struggled in my science classes all the time with no A’s ever in science classes (usually B and B+)! b/c I don’t have good note-taking skills. Are the grad courses harder to achieve B+/A? and what kind of student services I can get to help me to stay on top of the materials?

Any advices will be appreciated so much. I always like to listen from people who were in similar situations. Thank you

unfortunately, it differs based on the dental school. I decided to first try the masters route based on the advice I was given by the dean of admissions at umdnj since that was my #1. I figured if I still failed to get interviews after that, maybe I'd consider post-bacc as an option. I would say best option for you is call up the schools you're most interested in and see if you can schedule a meeting. Not only will you get the best personal advice from them but it also shows initiative. It shows them that this is really what you want to do and you are willing to do what is necessary to get in. Plus, added benefit is that they get to know you a little bit better and your application will invoke a slightly better memory than just some random name on a page. Hope that helps. Good luck 🙂

 

[hizawov]

I really love dentistry, and it is my dream, however due to various factors ranging from family problems, English as a second language (slow reader), really disadvantaged childhood education and instability took refuge in USA basically, car accident, and caring for my elderlies I have really bad numbers.

BS in Biochemistry and cell biology from UCSD 2009
sci GPA 2.27
tot GPA 2.69
took the DAT first time, did horrible so I won't even mention the scores.
took the DAT 2nd time: PAT 20, AA 17
PAT 20
RC 20
Bio 19
QR 12
GC 23
OC 9 (I almost had a heart attack, I completely forgot both ochem and gchem were joined under one timer, my heart dropped during the test when it flashed 5 min remaining for o-chem)

I have around 2 year of experience as a paid dental assistant and I have been volunteering at a homeless shelter dental clinic since 2009. ( I have about 60 hours, its very slow and depends on which dentist wants to volunteer)

I have applied twice to UW and UCSF, got rejections both times, the only difference second time around UW sent me secondaries (maybe because I was a resident of WA the second time since I wasn't first round)

I took some random post bac classes three so far (immuno at UW, medical micro at UW and anatomy and phys at Bellevue college, and they are expensive ( I am doing my own post bac) the only other school that offers a post bac in the Seattle area is Seattle uni and its hell expensive (private school).
I am only applying to these two schools because I depend on my husband and his job is in WA or could relocate to SF.

I contacted UW office of admission and talked so many times with their admission officers or associate admission officers, and they know me by now they said, acceptance depends on so many factors, GPA and DAT are not the only thing, but you got rejected b/c of your low sci gpa and low DAT score.

I calculated how long/ number of units I need to get my sci gpa in the 3.0 and it scared me, even in one year I won't be able to get it into the 3.0, even with straight A's I may get in the 2.7ish..........

I know I can't take classes and study for the DAT at the same time, so I have to do one or the other.

I put my heavy/sad emotions on the side and came up with a plan (or several).
I am starting to volunteer in a research lab soon ( I don't have any research experience)

study my B**t off and retake the DAT a third and last time with really awesome scores. and apply very early this year.
I will have 2 new L.O.R for this cycle.
after I apply early I am going to study for the GRE, take it and apply for Masters of Public Health or any other masters program related to biology or dentistry. I don't even know if they will accept me with my GPA but I am going to try.


I am trying to keep a positive attitude and I hate the term: Over_achiever
Please let me know your thoughts, advices, comments are all very appreciated.
:troll:

 

[Alegna86]

You will want to meet with the Director of Admissions, Dr. Chaviano-Moran. I was told last month that the current cycle ends this month and she will be taking appointments for consultations. You can call Pam Belo to schedule an appointment with her at 973-972-5362.

I would dress formally if I were going to meet with her, but it is entirely up to you.

Good luck.

hi userah...I'd like to get some advices regarding njds admissions if you can help. I saw your posts on SDN regarding your experience in masters program @ UMDNJ for improving admission chances and stronger gpa.

I am facing the experience way you went thru; I graduated from rutgers-nb in the summer with cgpa (3.1) and sgpa (2.9-3.0), and bombed other sections than science on DAT(TS 19, AA17)😳 ... so I've been receiving rejections from all the school I've applied to during this application cycle. UMDNJ is one of my top choices but I wanted to talk to someone in the admissions office before I apply again this June... who did you meet with? Should I meet with the director of admission directly, or talking to someone on the comittee is enough? and should I dress formal when meeting them?!
I recently was looking for a cheaper and affordable way than masters, like taking science classes thru continuing education to raise my cgpa and sgpa as well. This masters won't help to get nice job if I couldn't make it to dental school after masters.

On top of this, if I went for this program, I am skeptical if I can earn higher gpa with more difficult graduate classes than undergrad? I've seen a lot of people getting higher gpa's in masters than their undergrad gpa... why is that in despite of they were taking more demanding science classes?!! I struggled in my science classes all the time with no A's ever in science classes (usually B and B+)! b/c I don't have good note-taking skills. Are the grad courses harder to achieve B+/A? and what kind of student services I can get to help me to stay on top of the materials?

Any advices will be appreciated so much. I always like to listen from people who were in similar situations. Thank you

 

[LaughingGas]

My personal opinion is that, you should focus more on raising your GPA and definitely kill DAT.
Volunteer at research position for you is very minor plus to your application. Research position would be beneficial for those people with high stats >3.4gpa and >20 DAT and has everything else.
Priority should be gpa>DAT> Shadowing~ Letter of rec > Volunteer > Research.
If you could relocate to SF, I would apply to postbac programs for academic enhancer at SFSU and other schools in the area.
If 1 year of postbac of straight As only brings up to 2.7 then do 2 years of postbac.
I wouldn't apply to MPH program, because as above its only beneficial to those people with "ok stats". There is no point of having 4.0 in MPH when you can't go over the cutline of undergrad sgpa of 2.75~3.0 minimum.

I would do academic enhancer postbac for 2 years then if you have above 3.0 and DAT above 22, apply dental and at the same time apply to master program in biology (non-thesis preferable b/c is usually shorter).Lastly I would call schools of interest and ask about your situation and what you could do to improve your application.
As engilsh is your second language thats not a good excuse.. nor about being a slow reader, thats something you should work on. You can't pull of the same excuse once you are in dental school when amount of reading material is probably massive compared to undergrad... Hope that's a wake up call for you
It's gonna be tough road but good luck. As you said if you love dentistry, you could go through it.

I really love dentistry, and it is my dream, however due to various factors ranging from family problems, English as a second language (slow reader), really disadvantaged childhood education and instability took refuge in USA basically, car accident, and caring for my elderlies I have really bad numbers.

BS in Biochemistry and cell biology from UCSD 2009
sci GPA 2.27
tot GPA 2.69
took the DAT first time, did horrible so I won't even mention the scores.
took the DAT 2nd time: PAT 20, AA 17
PAT 20
RC 20
Bio 19
QR 12
GC 23
OC 9 (I almost had a heart attack, I completely forgot both ochem and gchem were joined under one timer, my heart dropped during the test when it flashed 5 min remaining for o-chem)

I have around 2 year of experience as a paid dental assistant and I have been volunteering at a homeless shelter dental clinic since 2009. ( I have about 60 hours, its very slow and depends on which dentist wants to volunteer)

I have applied twice to UW and UCSF, got rejections both times, the only difference second time around UW sent me secondaries (maybe because I was a resident of WA the second time since I wasn't first round)

I took some random post bac classes three so far (immuno at UW, medical micro at UW and anatomy and phys at Bellevue college, and they are expensive ( I am doing my own post bac) the only other school that offers a post bac in the Seattle area is Seattle uni and its hell expensive (private school).
I am only applying to these two schools because I depend on my husband and his job is in WA or could relocate to SF.

I contacted UW office of admission and talked so many times with their admission officers or associate admission officers, and they know me by now they said, acceptance depends on so many factors, GPA and DAT are not the only thing, but you got rejected b/c of your low sci gpa and low DAT score.

I calculated how long/ number of units I need to get my sci gpa in the 3.0 and it scared me, even in one year I won't be able to get it into the 3.0, even with straight A's I may get in the 2.7ish..........

I know I can't take classes and study for the DAT at the same time, so I have to do one or the other.

I put my heavy/sad emotions on the side and came up with a plan (or several).
I am starting to volunteer in a research lab soon ( I don't have any research experience)

study my B**t off and retake the DAT a third and last time with really awesome scores. and apply very early this year.
I will have 2 new L.O.R for this cycle.
after I apply early I am going to study for the GRE, take it and apply for Masters of Public Health or any other masters program related to biology or dentistry. I don't even know if they will accept me with my GPA but I am going to try.


I am trying to keep a positive attitude and I hate the term: Over_achiever
Please let me know your thoughts, advices, comments are all very appreciated.
:troll:

 

[LilyBrunes]

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone knows of schools in the states that put more emphasis on the DAT than other schools and less emphasis on GPA than other schools? I've been searching online and I can only find Canadian schools like that. Thanks 🙂

 

[glo1984]

My personal opinion is that, you should focus more on raising your GPA and definitely kill DAT.
Volunteer at research position for you is very minor plus to your application. Research position would be beneficial for those people with high stats >3.4gpa and >20 DAT and has everything else.
Priority should be gpa>DAT> Shadowing~ Letter of rec > Volunteer > Research.
If you could relocate to SF, I would apply to postbac programs for academic enhancer at SFSU and other schools in the area.
If 1 year of postbac of straight As only brings up to 2.7 then do 2 years of postbac.
I wouldn't apply to MPH program, because as above its only beneficial to those people with "ok stats". There is no point of having 4.0 in MPH when you can't go over the cutline of undergrad sgpa of 2.75~3.0 minimum.

I would do academic enhancer postbac for 2 years then if you have above 3.0 and DAT above 22, apply dental and at the same time apply to master program in biology (non-thesis preferable b/c is usually shorter).Lastly I would call schools of interest and ask about your situation and what you could do to improve your application.
As engilsh is your second language thats not a good excuse.. nor about being a slow reader, thats something you should work on. You can't pull of the same excuse once you are in dental school when amount of reading material is probably massive compared to undergrad... Hope that's a wake up call for you
It's gonna be tough road but good luck. As you said if you love dentistry, you could go through it.

I definitely agree with this advice, you really need to follow this. To make this situation worse, you are trying to get accepted at a very competitive program. You need to be aware that the average stats on the DAT at UW are 21AA/22RC. These stats are very competitive when you look at all the other programs across the nation. Don't focus your efforts on UW because honestly, I know people who have applied 3 times with nothing.

Kill the DAT and raise that GPA.

Check their latest stats out if you haven't - http://www.dental.washington.edu/education/prospective_students/admissions.php

 

[youknowthedrill]

I just discovered someone with a sub 3.0 GPA who was accepted to dental school after lots of hard work. It can be done! They will be posting updates from UOP dental school via Twitter:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=808697

 

[cariesRbad]

it is time to tell my story for all you people to hear.

when i was a sophomore in undergrad, i went through a horrible time personally and socially which hurt my over all grade. I went from a 3.6 GPA freshmen year to a 2.6-7 GPA overall sophomore year. (this means there were quarters where i had 1.9 GPA...ouch). i went to my bio sci counselor and asked if there was any hope for me to continue on to graduate school. she told me "no, just be glad that you are graduating." i then went out to prove her wrong. i know i couldn't pull off 4.0 quarters, so i did my best to get nothing but B-'s and above (since they are 2.7). my mindset was that if i could get nothing, but B-'s and above it would raise my GPA, little by little. i succeeded with a 3.0 that very next quarter. i think said to myself "if i can do that let's shoot for B's and above." i succeeded again with a 3.3 GPA the very next quarter. this went on so forth including summer school taking full course loads. by the time i was ready i had a 3.01 GPA and that was when i decided to apply to dental school. i studied for my DATs on and off for 6 months (while taking full course loads). i then took and received an AA of 21 which i was really proud of myself. I applied to 20 schools and received 3 interviews and 1 acceptance. by the time i matriculated into dental school i had an overall of 3.1 GPA. fast forward 2 years and now i'm a D3. i have an overall of 3.7 GPA and ranked top 10% of my class. i recently took the NBDE Part 1 and received a 92% composite score.

this shows you that sure you messed up in undergrad, but given the second chance at life you can surely succeed if you believe in yourself.

What school do you go to?

 

[cariesRbad]

I'll be gearing up for my third application cycle this year. I recently retook the DAT for the second time and would like to know if you all think I have competitive scores or if I need to improve. I also recently did a 1 year pre-professional M.S. program.

Undergrad GPA:
Overall: 3.04
Science: 2.86

Graduate GPA (All Science Courses): 3.7

Recent DAT: 20/20/20
Bio: 21
GC: 21
O: 18
PA: 20
RC: 23
QR: 15
AA: 20
TS: 20

Do you think that I have made enough progress in my DAT retake and graduate school grades to offset my poor undergraduate GPA? My poor undergraduate GPA was significantly affected by an illness I had (which I have addressed in my PS).

I should note that the only thing that has changed from my previous cycle's application is my retake of the DAT. Last cycle I had a AA 17/TS 17/PA 19 and only got one interview which was at my state school.

I have hundreds of hours of shadowing/lab work and volunteering.

Also, if you have any suggestions for schools where these scores would be very competitive then I would appreciate your input on that as well.

 

[bing12]

I'll be gearing up for my third application cycle this year. I recently retook the DAT for the second time and would like to know if you all think I have competitive scores or if I need to improve. I also recently did a 1 year pre-professional M.S. program.

Undergrad GPA:
Overall: 3.04
Science: 2.86

Graduate GPA (All Science Courses): 3.7

Recent DAT: 20/20/20
Bio: 21
GC: 21
O: 18
PA: 20
RC: 23
QR: 15
AA: 20
TS: 20

Do you think that I have made enough progress in my DAT retake and graduate school grades to offset my poor undergraduate GPA? My poor undergraduate GPA was significantly affected by an illness I had (which I have addressed in my PS).

I should note that the only thing that has changed from my previous cycle's application is my retake of the DAT. Last cycle I had a AA 17/TS 17/PA 19 and only got one interview which was at my state school.

I have hundreds of hours of shadowing/lab work and volunteering.

Also, if you have any suggestions for schools where these scores would be very competitive then I would appreciate your input on that as well.

It seems like your app looks great, you have made a great improvements, so Congratulations on that.

I think you will for sure gain an acceptance. Especially if you were granted an interview with a 17AA. Clearly a 20AA is significantly better so you will likely gain admissions to your state school and possibly other interviews. Good Luck.

 

[matinmatino]

I'm currently a Sophomore at a college with 53 credits taken. My GPA so far is a 2.33. I know its very low and I'm disappointed on that.

Obviously, i want to apply to a dental school. Is there any chance at all i can still be able to be competitive? 🙁

 

[bing12]

I'm currently a Sophomore at a college with 53 credits taken. My GPA so far is a 2.33. I know its very low and I'm disappointed on that.

Obviously, i want to apply to a dental school. Is there any chance at all i can still be able to be competitive? 🙁

Use this site to calculate what you would need to bring your gpa up.

http://registrar.missouri.edu/grades-transcripts-records/gpa-calculator.php

I messed around with it, you would need 36 credits of straight A's to get a 3.0. With hard work and dedication, you could achieve it.

 

[LaughingGas]

I'm currently a Sophomore at a college with 53 credits taken. My GPA so far is a 2.33. I know its very low and I'm disappointed on that.

Obviously, i want to apply to a dental school. Is there any chance at all i can still be able to be competitive? 🙁

It depends which classes you took. If those 2.33 is including couple of prereqs or completed prereqs thats bad news. If not , it's good b/c you get the chance to do well on those. Now either way highly encourage you to get 3.7 above (A- average at least) for the rest of 2 years. good luck and work hard if you don't want to waste more years of your life after graduation.

 

[matinmatino]

It depends which classes you took. If those 2.33 is including couple of prereqs or completed prereqs thats bad news. If not , it's good b/c you get the chance to do well on those. Now either way highly encourage you to get 3.7 above (A- average at least) for the rest of 2 years. good luck and work hard if you don't want to waste more years of your life after graduation.

I have not taken the pre-req's yet. Since i live in FL, im most likely planning to attend UF. In their Pre-req's they want Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chem, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, English and Psychology.

Out of all those, ive only taken English and Psychology, to which i both ended up with a B. SO if i were to get A's in those classes, would i be in somewhat of a good shape?

 

[LaughingGas]

I have not taken the pre-req's yet. Since i live in FL, im most likely planning to attend UF. In their Pre-req's they want Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chem, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, English and Psychology.

Out of all those, ive only taken English and Psychology, to which i both ended up with a B. SO if i were to get A's in those classes, would i be in somewhat of a good shape?

Yes. Doing well in core prereq science classes is one of the major factors that adcoms take in consideration of a competitive candidate.
Since you haven't taken science prereqs, now you have a chance to make your sgpa (including prereq gpa) look really good. Don't forget tho, even if you average A- on the next 70 units, even your sgpa will look good, your overall gpa will barely be 3.1. meaning is below of avg candidate. Just keep a good uptrend gpa with a good dat >21, you can become a competitive candidate. Goodluck

 

[sengineer]

Hi all
I am a 35 year old software developer who just up till this week was intending to venture into the pre-dentistry path. Married with 3 kids, I completed my undergrad while married and broke away from dentistry path due to advice from others and personal issues which I now regret. I had a 2.76 overall gpa and thought that I could go back and do this...but in reality I will need to take 1.5-2 years full courses to raise it high enough to be considered. SO I am going to think about this for a few nights but probably will not pursue it since 5 years in total was my plan to complete dentistry school but I cannot extend this longer.
Good luck to everyone else and for those who are single and young; even if you are working...do NOT hesitate, just dive in and do not look back.

 

[UCSD1984]

Hi all
I am a 35 year old software developer who just up till this week was intending to venture into the pre-dentistry path. Married with 3 kids, I completed my undergrad while married and broke away from dentistry path due to advice from others and personal issues which I now regret. I had a 2.76 overall gpa and thought that I could go back and do this...but in reality I will need to take 1.5-2 years full courses to raise it high enough to be considered. SO I am going to think about this for a few nights but probably will not pursue it since 5 years in total was my plan to complete dentistry school but I cannot extend this longer.
Good luck to everyone else and for those who are single and young; even if you are working...do NOT hesitate, just dive in and do not look back.

sengineer, I'm going to pray for you man. I'm 27 and regretting the fact that I started college at 22 and graduated with a bachelor's at 26. Now I feel like Dental school is a pipe-dream since I'll be so old when I'm done. Yet I read your story and you're still considering it. I honestly hope you not only go for it, but that you demolish it and finally fulfill your dream.

 

[sacapuntas]

Hi all
I am a 35 year old software developer who just up till this week was intending to venture into the pre-dentistry path. Married with 3 kids, I completed my undergrad while married and broke away from dentistry path due to advice from others and personal issues which I now regret. I had a 2.76 overall gpa and thought that I could go back and do this...but in reality I will need to take 1.5-2 years full courses to raise it high enough to be considered. SO I am going to think about this for a few nights but probably will not pursue it since 5 years in total was my plan to complete dentistry school but I cannot extend this longer.
Good luck to everyone else and for those who are single and young; even if you are working...do NOT hesitate, just dive in and do not look back.

I know little of your circumstances, but don't give up if you don't have to! Life is short, you don't want to go the rest of it regretting that you didn't give dental school a shot...unless your family situation dictates that you are not able to pursue the dream. In that case, I respect that you put your family before yourself. Just because you can't now, doesn't mean you cant someday! Good luck to you sir.

 

[sengineer]

I know little of your circumstances, but don't give up if you don't have to! Life is short, you don't want to go the rest of it regretting that you didn't give dental school a shot...unless your family situation dictates that you are not able to pursue the dream. In that case, I respect that you put your family before yourself. Just because you can't now, doesn't mean you cant someday! Good luck to you sir.

To you and UCSD1984 thanks for the response and words of encouragement. I realize that if I go ahead with starting to raise my GPA and lets say take 2 years and actually get into dental school thereafter I will be 37 and then maybe 41-42 when I graduate. Now that is 7 years from now and I began to think that if I decide to sit 7 years in a cubicle I will go insane so perhaps I should shift and become a consultant or something but now my brain is just playing games with me.
So still going to think about it but my wife made a great comment last night..."besides work and the kids and I, what else do you have to do?"...isn't she great?
so instead of just working and continuing my current job, why not do the make up classes and see where it goes....
UCSD...do not be discouraged by your age; I do not know your situation but unless you have other commitments holding you down...just go for it.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

is the under 3.0 club referring to overall gpa or other gpa (sci or BCP) ?

cuz my overall gpa is 3.42, science is 3.2 and BCP is 2.94. am i considered under 3.0 ?


im scared my bcp gpa will ruin my application, will 20+ DAT scores keep me safe ?

 

[youknowthedrill]

To you and UCSD1984 thanks for the response and words of encouragement. I realize that if I go ahead with starting to raise my GPA and lets say take 2 years and actually get into dental school thereafter I will be 37 and then maybe 41-42 when I graduate. Now that is 7 years from now and I began to think that if I decide to sit 7 years in a cubicle I will go insane so perhaps I should shift and become a consultant or something but now my brain is just playing games with me.
So still going to think about it but my wife made a great comment last night..."besides work and the kids and I, what else do you have to do?"...isn't she great?
so instead of just working and continuing my current job, why not do the make up classes and see where it goes....
UCSD...do not be discouraged by your age; I do not know your situation but unless you have other commitments holding you down...just go for it.

If all goes as planned I will finish undergrad at 41 and dental school at 45. I was worried about taking on such a challenge until my wonderful husband pointed out that I'd be 45 one day anyway. I would rather be 45 and know that I worked for my dream than 45 and regret that I never tried. Good luck to both of you!

 

[sengineer]

If all goes as planned I will finish undergrad at 41 and dental school at 45. I was worried about taking on such a challenge until my wonderful husband pointed out that I'd be 45 one day anyway. I would rather be 45 and know that I worked for my dream than 45 and regret that I never tried. Good luck to both of you!

good luck to you...any kids? cause if you do double hats off to you.

 

[321931]

is the under 3.0 club referring to overall gpa or other gpa (sci or BCP) ?

cuz my overall gpa is 3.42, science is 3.2 and BCP is 2.94. am i considered under 3.0 ?


im scared my bcp gpa will ruin my application, will 20+ DAT scores keep me safe ?

BCP has been stressed as the most important GPA section. BCP >>>>CGPA/SGPA, because it is an indicator of how well one will do/survive in Dental School. Whether or not it will ruin your app...I cannot say; however, I know it will be detrimental regardless of the situation. If you don't get in this cycle or have little to no interviews, it would be because of that. Personally I would invest in a science related post-bac/masters in the fall just in case.

 

[Kobebucsfan]

BCP has been stressed as the most important GPA section. BCP >>>>CGPA/SGPA, because it is an indicator of how well one will do/survive in Dental School. Whether or not it will ruin your app...I cannot say; however, I know it will be detrimental regardless of the situation. If you don't get in this cycle or have little to no interviews, it would be because of that. Personally I would invest in a science related post-bac/masters in the fall just in case.

in fall i'll be a senior so i'm gonna take some science courses hopefully bring it above 3.0

 

[zdent88]

I'm a senior and will be graduating in less than a week. My gpa is really low, at about 2.0 and my science gpa isnt too high either. I was hoping to get into a post-bacc program after graduation but most of them require a gpa of 3.0 or above. At this point I have no idea what to do, I am trying really hard not to loose my motivation and hope.

I have been in the dental field since junior year of high school and got my dental assisting license my senior year and ever since then I have strived to stick to dentistry. I have alot of experience in the field .i.e. working/shadowing with dentists, volunteering, MOMs prosjects etc. The main thing thats holding me back is my gpa. I know this is what I want and always have but the last 2 years have really kicked my butt as I was dealing with alot personal/family issues.

I want it, and I want it bad but just dont know how to go around it anymore.

Please help! all kinds of advice/criticism will be appreciated.

 

[toothpaste52]

amazing story, wish that I can say the same thing two years later....my first attempt was 209-2010 cycle...applied 20 schools and received 0 interviews. you know how it feels when your inbox are full of rejections....i felt like this world treated me unfairly. but after a while, when I was trying to immediately re-apply for the next cycle, I realized that my stats are really bad...if I was adcom I probably would have done the same thing: My undergrad gpa was/is 3.1 and science 2.82---Dat 18/17/17...3 years shadowing experience. I had no community service hours, no research experience, and with poor gpa and dat scores in my hands and expected to get accepted by somewhere??? I was thinking like a fool...

last year, I did not reapply because I know that I need to do some movements. So I took time off for GRE and at the same time I was working as a researcher in a stem cell lab at my feeder school. this fall I will start a master program which will last for 2 years, and this summer I will retake my DAT and kill it~! I do realize that hard work exchanges things, but there is no guaranteed deal. I just hope that I can get in somewhere in 2012-2013 app cycle and come back to share my story....

I recently posted a thread and please feel free to take a look and leave your suggestions and advice. Thank you guys.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=10972265#post10972265

Alright so I made my own thread for my story, but I'd like to copy and paste it here as well... I hope this inspires those of you who are under a 3.0 to never give up your dream of becoming a dentist. Thanks to all in the past who have helped me get to where I am today... an ACCEPTANCE!






First off here are my stats Overall GPA 2.95, Science GPA 2.8. DAT 20/20/18

Here's the story.

The end of my third year in college I stood at a 2.4 with 10 classes I had FAILED. The hopes of becoming a dentist seemed out of reach and impossible to attain. Faith however brought me to SDN and this site gave me the belief that I COULD GET INTO DENTAL SCHOOL. Here's my thread from 2008 if you wanna read it http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=511370

I decided enough was enough and I needed to study harder and get more focused. During my 4th year I brought my grades up. I decided to stay a fifth year in college and continued the upward trend. By the time I graduated from my undergraduate I had around a 2.8. I was accepted to Midwestern University's 1 year Master's Program and completed it with a 3.89. I retook my DAT and got the scores you see above. Applied to 16 schools and received four interviews and just got accepted to Midwestern's Downer's Grove c/o 2015! I have another interview to NYU next month.

I just want to let anyone in a similar situation as I was two years ago know... TO NEVER GIVE UP! DON'T DO IT! I didn't want to live my life wondering WHAT IF I had gotten into dental school and became a dentist. I wanted to live my life knowing I weathered the storm of my situation, and got into dental school. You have to change your study plan if its not working. Yes I wish I got into dental school earlier but you know what things happen for a reason... and right now I'm soaking in this incredible feeling. Its one thing to get an acceptance with a 3.5 GPA, its another to get it with a sub 3.0. Thanks for everything SDN!

 

[youknowthedrill]

good luck to you...any kids? cause if you do double hats off to you.

Thank you!

 

[toothpaste52]

sgpa - 2.75
overall gpa - 2.98
DAT 19/20/20

Applied 1st time to 10 schools and got zero interviews.

Took 7 science classes at a community college and aced them all, rewrote personal statement, more volunteer and shadowing, found a job as a research assistant.

Applied 2nd time to 10 schools and got 2 interviews 2 acceptances =D

Don't give up people!

hey this is amazing, may I ask you what schools you applied and got accepted by which 2 schools? I have a similar stats, my sgpa is 2.82 overall 3.12...dat will be retaken this summer...hopefully will get somthing like yours thank you

 

[toothpaste52]

I've posted about my "story" before but thought I'd rehash for some of you newer sub-3.0ers. I applied in the 2008 cycle with a 2.67/2.7/2.88 BCP/Science/Cum GPA and 22/20/20 (AA/PAT/TS) DAT score (note: I was a Bio major in undergrad). Clearly, I didn't do very well in college but thought I'd apply anyway. Needless to say, I didn't get any interviews. I then applied again the next cycle (2009) with basically the same numbers (other than 3 As in Genetics, Animal Physio, Molec Bio courses I took at UCI over the summer) and once again, received no interviews.

I decided to take a year off from applying (skipped 2010 cycle) and took 3 straight semesters of full-time classes (all 300 and 400 level Bio courses at a Cal State University) while also working at dental office and as a math/science teacher. When all was said and done, I got my GPA up to 3.29/3.23/3.26 BCP/Sci/Cum. This cycle, I've had 4 pre-dec interviews and have 1 scheduled for next week and I'm hoping for some more in the future.

While it's easy to read a lot of success stories and say "OK, it can be done," I think it's also important to take this time to sit down and figure out if dentistry is really something you want to do. For many of you sub-3.0ers, it's going to take a solid 1.5-2 years to get your grades up to where you are competitive with some of the ridiculous numbers out there. If you reflect on your situation and still come to the conclusion that you are motivated/driven enough to get through the couple years of work its going to take before starting D school, don't let anyone around you (friends or family) change your mind/distract you from achieving your goal. In the end, this is your life, and the decisions you make will most profoundly affect your future and not anyone elses.

One last note of encouragement, of the schools I've been invited to interview at, I've had a very good experience in interviews talking to interviewers about my previous struggles and how I've rebounded with a post-undergrad 4.0. Not to mention, when looking at the other interviewee's stats on predents (granted, it's a small sample size), my #s are significantly lower than many of them but trend really is important. If you can show/prove that you have turned your life around (academically) and can convey your passion for dentistry not only through your ECs but also in both your personal statement and during your interview, you will be able to compete with the 3.7+ GPAs. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Btw, this forum (and particularly this thread) was VERY important in helping me stay positive, focused and determined. If any of you have any questions that you feel are better answered by someone that has been in your position, feel free to PM me.

EDIT: Forgot to tie up the story by saying that I was accepted to a school this morning!

great story! when you enroll at th Cal State University, did you enroll as a grad or undergrad? I am just wondering about if you tak upper classes as a grad students...how the BCP/SCIENCE gpa calculated....will they get seperated from your under gpa or what.?...thanks

 

[clarkbar]

Are you sure of the graduate grades being separate from the undergrad ones. I have not applied to dental school, but in other career school applications they combine them into one GPA, though making the distinction on separate lists of class work. I always thought that was unfair because grad GPAs will naturally be lower.
How can a school not care about grad work? Also, what if a student did excellent in undergrad but horribly in grad school?

however for those of you that have 2.8+, if you score well on the DAT (20s) and have alot of good extracurricular, apply early and you should be fine and recieve a few interviews.

after talking to many dental schools, ive been told that if you have under a 3.0, you should not take a non-dental related masters.

graduate couses DO NOT raise your gpa at most dental schools, they take it into consideration that you have a 3.8 gpa, but still look at your undergraduate overall, science BCP and SCIENCE GPA.

therefore, i believe it is more of a risk to take a masters that you know you will not use in the future. I suggest getting a 2nd bachelors, doing a formal postback, or at the least doing a informal post back.

As for me, im doing a formal postbac and retaking my DATs (22+ hopefully) in order to become more compeitive.




good luck

 

[stumblebee]

delete

 

[spearmint]

So I've gone through my second year and haven't gotten straight A's...far from it. D in ochem51b, retook for a B, and am looking at a C for ochem51C...I've been hit with a reality check and have finally woken up to what it takes (focus/determination wise) for dental school. Basically, with all those F's and D's, is it time to just give up on dentistry because of the huge hole I have made during my first 2 years? Also asking because I don't see a point in continuing paying uci tuition if I won't end up at a dental school. (very expensive bio degree)...

All hope is not lost. You still have 2 more years to pull up your GPA. Figure out what you're doing wrong to result in your low grades. Are you working part-time? Might have to quit. Bad study habits? Maybe try studying with a small group. If your GPA is not up to par by your 4th year, stay on for an additional year and take as many upper div classes to bump up your GPA OR do a post-bacc at a local state university (which might be cheaper, if finances are tight).

 

[FGCUdental2013]

I've gone through 2 years of undergrad with eh grades. I have an overall of 2.33 right now. I've taken CHEM1&2 both C's Bio the same and took orgo1 dropped it got a W and currently retaking it but just did horrible on my exam.

So, with the way i'm heading im not sure how the rest of my science classes will pan out. When I graduate, if I don't get into any schools would it be better to take my masters or to post-bacc?

I've seen a lot of posts about this but I haven't got a concrete answer regarding if dental schools (im applying to UF, UofBuffalo, NYU and some others) will look more on my masters then my undergrad.

Need some help, Thanks!