The Under 3.0 Club part 02

[CapricornGirl1991]

I have a 2.98 sGPA and got in this year. I want to tell my story, even if it's not the most inspirational one in the hopes of motivating even one person who is struggling right now.

I was pretty much lost and stressed out with family/financial situation all throughout undergrad. It's too long/personal of a story to tell, but I'm sure many of you guys are going through some tough times.

During the summer of my graduation, I really thought about my life and the future. I realized that I can have this pity party all day and feel bad for myself, or I can change my life around.
I became curious about dentistry through a friend and decided to test my ability by taking the DAT. I worked extremely hard to save up for a few months to study. I studied for 4 months, sometimes more than 12 hours a day. I ended up with a 23.

Then, I began to shadow a dentist. I initially wanted to shadow once a week, but I liked it so much that I went daily and I was hired and trained to become a dental assistant.
I gained a lot of experience and passion for dentistry over the two years.

I applied to 20+ schools and received only 1 interview. I was waitlisted and then got accepted shortly after. What I had thought impossible had come true.
And here I was about to send my deposit for a masters program that's due in a few weeks. I had pretty much given up about getting in this cycle.

Until you try, you never know what's going to happen. I never thought I would have a shred of chance at dentistry until I snapped out of that mentality and really went at it.
Many people may say that it's mandatory to do post-bac or masters with my GPA. Most people wouldn't apply to 20+ schools with my financial situation.
But I ended up studying hard for the DAT and spending a bit more on my application cycle, and now I can enter one year earlier into dental school.
This not by any means a guarantee, but my gamble paid off. A gamble on my own ability to change the future.

Even if it didn't work out, I could just do the masters program and reapply again. That's the great thing about this.
We can still control where our future is headed as long as we are determined and diligent about it.

I really hope that you guys won't give up on yourself and your future whether it's dentistry or not. You can definitely do it if you put your mind to it.

Your story is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing that I'm sure it will help a lot of people get the motivation/uplifting they need. I struggled a lot myself, but after applying for a second time, I finally got in. So you're right, all you need to do is to put your mind to it! I will be attending UNE as well. Looking forward to being classmates!

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[BeeeeJ]

Hi all. Long time lurker here. I've been inspired by everyone here whos never giving up on their dreams of becoming a dentist. I just wanted to get some take on my situation.

I'll try and make this short. I'm a non-traditional student that graduated from a top-50 (maybe 60? lol) university. Had too much fun in college and graduated with a 2.48 gpa (3.1 and 3.4 my last two semesters). Graduated, had a few full time jobs here and there, and decided to pursue dentistry. I ended up working at a dental lab full time for a little over a year before going back as a post bacc student to finish my prereqs. I just finished my two years of post bacc in May, and my gpa comes out to:
undergrad: 2.48
post bacc: 3.69
BCP: 3.45
Science: 3.31
Non-science: 2.54
Overall: 2.83
(my gpa is all over the place...)

And my dat scores from yesterday:
Bio: 19
GC: 22
OC: 19
QR: 18
RC: 17
PAT: 20
TS: 19
AA: 19

Extracurriculars include over 1 year of work experience as a dental lab technician (adds up to about 2700 hours), ~90 hours of general dentist shadowing (will have ~100 by the end of the month), ~235 hours of community service, and my full time jobs (bank, marketing). Pretty good LOR's from the dentist I'm shadowing (former NYU dental school professor), and two professors I was close with, including one orgo professor who asked me to do research with him in the fall, so I have that lined up also. let me know what you guys think. thanks!

 

[schmoob]

I don't think you're looking bad. The DAT is OK and you have great ECs. Your upward trend shows lots of growth and development which is awesome.

I say give it a shot this year and apply. In the meantime, continue to work on your app and if necessary retake the DAT if you have no luck.

Keep pushing, man. I'm part of this club and I made it eventually. If a dummy like me can do it, so can you!

 

[BeeeeJ]

Thanks @schmoob. I will join you one day!!

Can anyone suggest some goods I can apply to with my stats? I'm a New York resident and Asian.
This is my list so far:
Touro
NYU
Buffalo
Meharry
Howard
Roseman
Western
New England
USC
Temple
Midwestern (both)
Boston
Arizona
Maryland
Pitt
Louisville
Minnesota
Rutgers
Marquette
Tennessee
Nevada

Any school suggestions (narrowing it down, add/remove) or suggestions in general are welcomed!!

 

[Dennis Tree]

Thanks @schmoob. I will join you one day!!

Can anyone suggest some goods I can apply to with my stats? I'm a New York resident and Asian.
This is my list so far:
Touro
NYU
Buffalo
Meharry
Howard
Roseman
Western
New England
USC
Temple
Midwestern (both)
Boston
Arizona
Maryland
Pitt
Louisville
Minnesota
Rutgers
Marquette
Tennessee
Nevada

Any school suggestions (narrowing it down, add/remove) or suggestions in general are welcomed!!

From what I've gathered over my undergrad I would say from your list
NYU ~ class sz and expense
Touro ~ New
USC ~ Expense!
Roseman~ read some sub 3.0ers got in here

But honestly if you have the money and want to have the broadest chance, then none of the those schools are particularly unrealistic. I would probably eliminate Meharry and Howard and add Lecom and another private with a decent class size like Mercy.

 

[BeeeeJ]

Thanks @Dennis Tree so my 19 AA/TS along with my stats should be competitive enough for those schools?

 

[genesbun]

Chance me please

2.6 sGPA, 2.9 oGPA, 3.6 grad GPA at an SMP with 25 credits and am taking an additional 11 credits in the fall.

DAT:
PA-18, QR-18, RC-22, Bio-20, GC-17, OC-19, TS-19, AA-19

I worked as a dental assistant so I have over 1000 hours of dental experience, about 100 hours of community service, 500 hours of research experience. I'm also a URM if that matters (latina). I'm applying to about 18 schools, but do you think I have a shot at any school this cycle?

Can you tell me which SMP accepted you with a low gpa? I am in the same boat currently

 

[tooth knockn]

Very Inspirational

http://www.studentdoctor.net/2015/0...-into-dental-school-after-6-tries/#share-link

 

[cacajuate]

Very Inspirational

http://www.studentdoctor.net/2015/0...-into-dental-school-after-6-tries/#share-link

He would have got in earlier if he applied to more than colorado.


Happy for him though.

 

[BYUorBust5]

**Deleted Post**

 

[Soleus715]

Badly need your advice sub 3.0'ers!
I'm going to be a senior but i'm graduating a semester early in December with a Economics degree. I've completed most of the pre-req's for dental school except Biochem and Anatomy&Phys. I also have to retake Organic Chemistry 2 due to a bad grade I received. My sgpa is 2.7 and my ogpa is 3.2. Is there anything I can do to raise my science gpa? I've heard of SMP's and Post-Bacc's. Also, I realize I need to kill the DAT. At this point I feel like I'm just not going to make it to any dental school with my poor track record. Any advice on raising my gpa is appreciated. Thanks

I would reconsider graduating early unless you're in an expensive private school. Why spend more on a post-bac or SMP when you can just stay a few extra semesters and take courses to boost GPA.
My public school had a limit of 6 years (or 4 extra semesters) to finish a degree.

If you get A's (not A-) in all your classes next semester, you may have a shot. I would use a GPA calculator and see how high you can get your sGPA. The goal is to get your sGPA to 3.0.
Many schools don't even consider applicants with sub 3.0 sGPA, sometimes even after getting a masters degree. The key is to get a high trend in your last semesters and to score a 21+ AA in order to offset the low sGPA.

The only other advice I have is to be motivated because your GPA and DAT will not be good without it. I'm sure you'll find many inspiring examples in this thread

 

[JakeSill]

Many schools don't even consider applicants with sub 3.0 sGPA, sometimes even after getting a masters degree.

What if you graduate and then take extra class after you graduate? like an informal post bacc?

 

[Soleus715]

What if you graduate and then take extra class after you graduate? like an informal post bacc?

Since post-bacs directly increase your GPA while Masters does not, it may be a great option if you've already graduated.
It does, however, heavily depend on what schools you're interested in applying to.

I know that my state school did NOT want me to pursue a post-bac because the one offered in my state only offered the same basic sciences courses I had already taken.
They preferred that I finish either SMP or an OOS post-bac program that lets me take advanced courses.

 

[JakeSill]

Since post-bacs directly increase your GPA while Masters does not, it may be a great option if you've already graduated.
It does, however, heavily depend on what schools you're interested in applying to.

I know that my state school did NOT want me to pursue a post-bac because the one offered in my state only offered the same basic sciences courses I had already taken.
They preferred that I finish either SMP or an OOS post-bac program that lets me take advanced courses.

I was just thinking about taking more upper level bio classes to boost my sGPA it after I graduate. Not the same classes I already took.

 

[Soleus715]

I was just thinking about taking more upper level bio classes to boost my sGPA it after I graduate. Not the same classes I already took.

Yeah sounds like a good plan, hopefully there are programs you can take in your area.
It was unfortunate that the program in my state is geared towards graduates that had a change of heart from non-science majors to pre-health.

 

[Soleus715]

Hi
Could someone give me advice?
I'm a science major graduated with a B.S.
I'm looking to apply to post bacc programs.
I really like Johns Hopkins Biotechnology program but they require a minimum undergrad GPA of 3.0 to be admitted.
A lot of post bacc programs seem to have this minimum GPA.
So it's very unlikely that I'll be accepted to this kind of programs, right?
I know a lot of masters programs have this requirement.
I live in the west coast and I'd like to find programs to boost my overall GPA and sGPA but I can't move out of state, so I'm trying to find online post bacc/masters programs.
So I'm stuck, not knowing what to do right now.
1. Are there any program (post bacc or masters) that I can apply with a GPA lower than 3.0?
I don't think this matters anyway but I spent my first two years at a cc (3.4ish) and the next two years at a four year university (with low GPA) for your information.
2. Also, when is a good time for me to take DAT? Start studying now and take whenever I feel ready or after applying and being accepted to a masters/post bacc program?
3. Would it be any useful if I just take some extra upper level biology classes at my undergrad school despite the fact that I already graduated? What happens to my old GPA if I do this?
4. Any recommended non-thesis programs?

Please help me.
Thanks in advance.

1. Since you cannot move out-of-state, I wouldn't be able to give you any suggestions unless I know what state you're in.
I would not do online post-bac/masters as these programs are heavily looked down upon by admissions of most dental schools.
Some OOS programs like Midwestern have set the minimum GPA at 2.75 for their masters program.

2. I took the DAT first so that I can gauge my intellectual ability before spending a lot of money on applications/school.
I think it really depends on when you can focus on studying for the DAT the most. The downside to what I did was that my DAT score was very close to expiring for several schools I applied to.

3. If your undergrad allows you to continue taking courses and costs less than post-bac/masters, then I would definitely go back to your undergrad. This is the best option.
In this case, you're pretty much doing an informal post-bac at your undergrad. It will factor into your GPA and will not have a separate GPA calculated like doing a masters.

4. Again, we'd need what state you're in and what GPA you have overall to be of help.

The most important thing here is to understand why your GPA is low and how you can fix this issue before you start taking more courses.

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[GoHoosDDS]

So I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now, and I'm kinda stuck. Was hoping for some specific advice.

Background: graduated from UVA (in-state) this past May. Had a rough first couple years with adjusting to college courses and struggling with orgo. Got a number of C's (and a D+ in a lab class). Upward trend the final two years, due to improved studying habits, with a 3.19 over my final 2 years, (including a 3.62 in my final semester) which raised my overall GPA from a 2.62 (after 2 years) to a 2.94 (when I graduated). A similar upward trend was seen in my science GPA, which ended up being 2.79 (up from a 2.49 after 2 years). BCP GPA finished at a 2.74 (up from a 2.47). Essentially, I screwed myself 2 years in, where I was a C-C+ student, and got myself up to being a B-ish student. Still, it clearly wasn't enough. I thought about giving up, but then I went and killed the DAT last September (24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT, every individual score at 21+).

Recap:
oGPA - 2.94
sGPA - 2.79
BCP - 2.74
DAT - 24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT

So, I ended up applying to 11 schools last October, hoping that maybe my DAT score would kinda cancel out the GPA, to no avail. Rejected from all 11, without even an interview. I knew it was late in the cycle, and combined with my grades, I didn't expect much. Yet it was still disappointing. From this thread, and what I've heard from others, it seems that the best option is to try to get into a post-bacc or Master's program, work my ass off for a year-2 years, and hope for the best. I have pretty solid EC's (yearlong internship at a dental clinic, hundreds of shadowing hours at a general dentist, and some more at a pediatric dentist, research experience, some volunteering), and I think I could get good recommendations from some 4th year professors and the dentist whose office I interned at.

Anyone who sees this: what would you all recommend? Back to school (for the soonest semester I can apply to) or apply to dental school again (last round was late, first time, and didn't include my final semester - the 3.6). And what schools might you recommend? Thank you so much! Also, if any of you are free to chat more privately (Skype, email, etc.), I'd very much appreciate that.

 

[DrLTD]

@eatpenny

I am no ad com, but you want your GPA to be as high as possible. I'm sure you've seen some schools that reject immediately without even looking at your app due to GPA. Two years of straight A's would bring all 3 of those GPAs up to 3.0+ depending on the hours you take. Outside of that, write a killer personal statement to go along with your ECs and LORs and you're more competitive. Good luck!

 

[Bear_Down]

@eatpenny A 3.19 over your final 2 years may be an improvement, but is not good.. And if it includes the 3.62 semester, that means one or more of your last 4 semesters was <3.0? Honestly, you need to either do a post-bacc or a masters to show that you can get achieve a 3.5+ consistently. Doing well during your last semester and on your DAT is not enough to show schools you can handle their rigorous curriculum.


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[Mason91]

So I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now, and I'm kinda stuck. Was hoping for some specific advice.

Background: graduated from UVA (in-state) this past May. Had a rough first couple years with adjusting to college courses and struggling with orgo. Got a number of C's (and a D+ in a lab class). Upward trend the final two years, due to improved studying habits, with a 3.19 over my final 2 years, (including a 3.62 in my final semester) which raised my overall GPA from a 2.62 (after 2 years) to a 2.94 (when I graduated). A similar upward trend was seen in my science GPA, which ended up being 2.79 (up from a 2.49 after 2 years). BCP GPA finished at a 2.74 (up from a 2.47). Essentially, I screwed myself 2 years in, where I was a C-C+ student, and got myself up to being a B-ish student. Still, it clearly wasn't enough. I thought about giving up, but then I went and killed the DAT last September (24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT, every individual score at 21+).

Recap:
oGPA - 2.94
sGPA - 2.79
BCP - 2.74
DAT - 24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT

So, I ended up applying to 11 schools last October, hoping that maybe my DAT score would kinda cancel out the GPA, to no avail. Rejected from all 11, without even an interview. I knew it was late in the cycle, and combined with my grades, I didn't expect much. Yet it was still disappointing. From this thread, and what I've heard from others, it seems that the best option is to try to get into a post-bacc or Master's program, work my ass off for a year-2 years, and hope for the best. I have pretty solid EC's (yearlong internship at a dental clinic, hundreds of shadowing hours at a general dentist, and some more at a pediatric dentist, research experience, some volunteering), and I think I could get good recommendations from some 4th year professors and the dentist whose office I interned at.

Anyone who sees this: what would you all recommend? Back to school (for the soonest semester I can apply to) or apply to dental school again (last round was late, first time, and didn't include my final semester - the 3.6). And what schools might you recommend? Thank you so much! Also, if any of you are free to chat more privately (Skype, email, etc.), I'd very much appreciate that.

Damn... 24 AA didn't even get you a single interview, huh? That is depressing.. I have 3.3 overall GPA but my science is same (or close) to yours.. I was hoping I can compensate with a high DAT score.. I guess I gotta go do post-bacc, too.
Since your DAT score is real good, I think you need to do some GPA repairing. Maybe raise it up to 3.0? A lot of schools have a minimum cutoff of 3.0. I'm thinking of taking about 30 credit hours (some are retakes) and may be bring my science GPA to 3.0ish and oGPA to 3.4? You might need to do that too.

 

[cyclohexane101]

Hello, I would like to hear your opinion on whether I have a chance for this cycle. My goal is at least landing myself an interview spot at Touro, Buffalo, and NYU.

My cumulative GPA is 2.9 and my BCP GPA is 3.4 as calculated by the AADSAS. However I have a sharp upward trend after messing myself up during the freshman year.

I understand that the GPA is the most important factor in admission to dental schools so I tried to compensate my low GPA by trying my best for the DAT.

I recently took the DAT for the first time and I scored 23AA and 24TS (21 gen chem, 27 ochem, 26 bio, 22 reading, 20 math, and 20 PAT). Is there any chance that a dental school will grant me at least an interview spot? I'm planning to apply as soon the official score gets uploaded on the AADSAS in the next two weeks. I have everything else ready on file.. Thank you for reading this.

 

[pgex2t]

So I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now, and I'm kinda stuck. Was hoping for some specific advice.

Background: graduated from UVA (in-state) this past May. Had a rough first couple years with adjusting to college courses and struggling with orgo. Got a number of C's (and a D+ in a lab class). Upward trend the final two years, due to improved studying habits, with a 3.19 over my final 2 years, (including a 3.62 in my final semester) which raised my overall GPA from a 2.62 (after 2 years) to a 2.94 (when I graduated). A similar upward trend was seen in my science GPA, which ended up being 2.79 (up from a 2.49 after 2 years). BCP GPA finished at a 2.74 (up from a 2.47). Essentially, I screwed myself 2 years in, where I was a C-C+ student, and got myself up to being a B-ish student. Still, it clearly wasn't enough. I thought about giving up, but then I went and killed the DAT last September (24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT, every individual score at 21+).

Recap:
oGPA - 2.94
sGPA - 2.79
BCP - 2.74
DAT - 24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT

So, I ended up applying to 11 schools last October, hoping that maybe my DAT score would kinda cancel out the GPA, to no avail. Rejected from all 11, without even an interview. I knew it was late in the cycle, and combined with my grades, I didn't expect much. Yet it was still disappointing. From this thread, and what I've heard from others, it seems that the best option is to try to get into a post-bacc or Master's program, work my ass off for a year-2 years, and hope for the best. I have pretty solid EC's (yearlong internship at a dental clinic, hundreds of shadowing hours at a general dentist, and some more at a pediatric dentist, research experience, some volunteering), and I think I could get good recommendations from some 4th year professors and the dentist whose office I interned at.

Anyone who sees this: what would you all recommend? Back to school (for the soonest semester I can apply to) or apply to dental school again (last round was late, first time, and didn't include my final semester - the 3.6). And what schools might you recommend? Thank you so much! Also, if any of you are free to chat more privately (Skype, email, etc.), I'd very much appreciate that.

I would recommend having at least a year of post-bacc under your belt before you reapply again (or during re-application). Aim for a 4.0 and get a 3.9+ and you should be golden. Don't forget to stay active in a few extra-curricular activities.

Hello, I would like to hear your opinion on whether I have a chance for this cycle. My goal is at least landing myself an interview spot at Touro, Buffalo, and NYU.

My cumulative GPA is 2.9 and my BCP GPA is 3.4 as calculated by the AADSAS. However I have a sharp upward trend after messing myself up during the freshman year.

I understand that the GPA is the most important factor in admission to dental schools so I tried to compensate my low GPA by trying my best for the DAT.

I recently took the DAT for the first time and I scored 23AA and 24TS (21 gen chem, 27 ochem, 26 bio, 22 reading, 20 math, and 20 PAT). Is there any chance that a dental school will grant me at least an interview spot? I'm planning to apply as soon the official score gets uploaded on the AADSAS in the next two weeks. I have everything else ready on file.. Thank you for reading this.

The 2.9 and late application is going to hold you back a bit. Of the three schools you mentioned, Touro may give you an invite at the moment. There's a small chance with receiving an interview with NYU but you'll have to aggressively pursue them; they really prefer all gpa's to be above 3.0. If possible, you should push for a 3.0 ogpa before applying. Unfortunately, I believe Buffalo may be out of reach without a significant commitment to further GPA increase.

 

[cyclohexane101]

I just applied to Touro, NYU, LECOM, and Buffalo. I'm also considering applying to Boston, Rutgers, and Tufts.
Does anyone have any suggestion for other schools to apply for a low GPA student?

 

[Gymgivitis]

I just applied to Touro, NYU, LECOM, and Buffalo. I'm also considering applying to Boston, Rutgers, and Tufts.
Does anyone have any suggestion for other schools to apply for a low GPA student?

Why are you applying so late?

 

[Johnwickk]

Does anyone know if a high smp gpa will help a low undergrad gpa

 

[dannybobanny182]

So I've been lurking on this thread for a few months now, and I'm kinda stuck. Was hoping for some specific advice.

Background: graduated from UVA (in-state) this past May. Had a rough first couple years with adjusting to college courses and struggling with orgo. Got a number of C's (and a D+ in a lab class). Upward trend the final two years, due to improved studying habits, with a 3.19 over my final 2 years, (including a 3.62 in my final semester) which raised my overall GPA from a 2.62 (after 2 years) to a 2.94 (when I graduated). A similar upward trend was seen in my science GPA, which ended up being 2.79 (up from a 2.49 after 2 years). BCP GPA finished at a 2.74 (up from a 2.47). Essentially, I screwed myself 2 years in, where I was a C-C+ student, and got myself up to being a B-ish student. Still, it clearly wasn't enough. I thought about giving up, but then I went and killed the DAT last September (24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT, every individual score at 21+).

Recap:
oGPA - 2.94
sGPA - 2.79
BCP - 2.74
DAT - 24 AA/22 TS/21 PAT

So, I ended up applying to 11 schools last October, hoping that maybe my DAT score would kinda cancel out the GPA, to no avail. Rejected from all 11, without even an interview. I knew it was late in the cycle, and combined with my grades, I didn't expect much. Yet it was still disappointing. From this thread, and what I've heard from others, it seems that the best option is to try to get into a post-bacc or Master's program, work my ass off for a year-2 years, and hope for the best. I have pretty solid EC's (yearlong internship at a dental clinic, hundreds of shadowing hours at a general dentist, and some more at a pediatric dentist, research experience, some volunteering), and I think I could get good recommendations from some 4th year professors and the dentist whose office I interned at.

Anyone who sees this: what would you all recommend? Back to school (for the soonest semester I can apply to) or apply to dental school again (last round was late, first time, and didn't include my final semester - the 3.6). And what schools might you recommend? Thank you so much! Also, if any of you are free to chat more privately (Skype, email, etc.), I'd very much appreciate that.

Hey @eatpenny,

Are you in the current application cycle? If not, I would use the time and take 2-3 open university science courses to get your science gpa up and apply for a post-bac program that will accept you this coming winter quarter or spring semester. Most post-bacs offer committee letters which a lot of dental schools prefer. If you can get into a master's program, that would be great option too! I would just try to get into any pre-health formal program offered in your state for cost. I have some friends from my post-bac who had science gpas around 2.5-2.6 and went ham for 2 years consistently taking 3-4 science courses. They earned close to a 3.0 after 80 to 90 quarter units taken and had many interviews (they will be attending d-school in a few weeks). Obviously, your DATs are good but careful with the application time since there are schools (ex. UCSF) that only accept scores within 2 years. PM me if you have more questions.

 

[cyclohexane101]

Why are you applying so late?

Because I took my DAT late which was on Sept 2.

 

[pinkdentist29]

Hello,

I am a Canadian student with a 2.73 (with +/-) overall GPA and a 2.63 (with +/-) GPA. I took the CDAT last year and got 22 Bio, 17 chem, 17 RC, 17 Pat, 19AA, 20 ST. I have been out of school for a year now and was working in a pharmaceutical company. I will take the CDAT again in November this year and hopefully score higher than 20 in all sections. I have 61 shadowing hours, lots of leadership and volunteer experience throughout undergrad, I am currently volunteering as a community leader with Canadian blood services, volunteering at a old home and volunteering with a professor in medical/psychiatry genetics (its not lab based, more like transcribing, data entry). What are my chances of getting in? Dentistry has been my passion since I was 4 (I saw a traumatic dentistry related event happen), however my gpa is low due to family stress, working, volunteering and computing at least 6 hours a day to get to and from school everyday. I know I have it in me, but I don't know if my GPA will allow me to get in or not!!

 

[Likkriue]

Hello,

I am a Canadian student with a 2.73 (with +/-) overall GPA and a 2.63 (with +/-) GPA. I took the CDAT last year and got 22 Bio, 17 chem, 17 RC, 17 Pat, 19AA, 20 ST. I have been out of school for a year now and was working in a pharmaceutical company. I will take the CDAT again in November this year and hopefully score higher than 20 in all sections. I have 61 shadowing hours, lots of leadership and volunteer experience throughout undergrad, I am currently volunteering as a community leader with Canadian blood services, volunteering at a old home and volunteering with a professor in medical/psychiatry genetics (its not lab based, more like transcribing, data entry). What are my chances of getting in? Dentistry has been my passion since I was 4 (I saw a traumatic dentistry related event happen), however my gpa is low due to family stress, working, volunteering and computing at least 6 hours a day to get to and from school everyday. I know I have it in me, but I don't know if my GPA will allow me to get in or not!!

A masters no doubt....That gpa is really low.

 

[Bear_Down]

If I was an admissions committee and read what you just said, I would see so many red flags. I wont sugar coat this so if you cant handle criticism, stop reading this now!

1. If it was your passion since 4, why do you only have 61 shadowing hours?
2. Your stats are not good and I know some schools dont even except the canadian DAT.
3. You're held to a higher standard being an international student because there are very few seats for int'l student, and they usually have amazing stats.
4. If you told a school that your gpa is low because of those different stresses and time consuming activities, they'll think, "how would she be able to handle the stress and long hours of our program".
5. If you actually commuted 6hours a day, that is bad judgement on your part. The amount of money you spent on gas, you could have put into paying for a cheap apartment within a 1 hour radius of the school. And also, I dont even know how that is possible, how many hours did you sleep, got to class, and work if you commuted 6 hours? Red flag
6. You chose dentistry after one event that happened when you were 4?...

Anyways, my advice is if you actually want to become a dentist, prove it by putting in the work. First increase that gpa with a post bacc or masters. Second, increase your shadowing hours. Last, take the non-canadian DAT.


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[IndianCurry]

Hey guys,

My apologies in getting back to your messages late. Figured I'd stop by and provide some encouragement for those that feel "trapped" in this group.

As others have mentioned, there is NO other way around to making a GPA comeback except hard and efficient work. If you screwed up, say with a 2.5 GPA over 4 years. Guess what? You're going to need 3.5+ GPA worth of work for the subsequent 4 years of classes to make yourself competitive. Of course, there is the bold option of moving to Texas as others have mentioned and starting from scratch. Find one of the BCP sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or biomedical engineering) and EXCEL in the foundation (introductory) courses. The upper-level courses in these subjects just builds on the foundation that you've set in the introductory courses. In other words, the learning curve to mastering the advanced level courses is by far, a lot lower than mastery of the introductory courses. Think of it in terms of DAT chemistry terms - activation energy. Once the ball starts rolling and you've made it past the Ea, i.e., "A-/A/A+" in the introductory science courses, the advanced courses will be comparatively easier. You will have built study habits that work for YOU in addition to other ways of success.

Those of you in this group that are applying now: I suggest your DAT AA is 22+ at this point. Otherwise, save yourself the application fees and apply next cycle, June 2017. Some of you have also addressed concerns about mastering the PAT. In all honesty, the PAT is a lot more doable than the science sections. I have seen junior high school students (and even younger) master this section. Out of all the sections, rote repetition is really the key to success in the PAT.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

I was accepted with 2.98 oGPA with 180ish credits to a Texas school. Graduated from undergrad 2009.


Decided to be a dentist after working for a few years. 3.7 postbacc with 60 credits, 21/21/23 DAT. Applied 3 years, interviewed 3 years, accepted this year.

Persistence pays off, no easy way to do it.

Congrats man! This is my 4th and final cycle.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Texas schools do some sort of grade forgiveness after 5 or 7 years. Dunno much about it though.

Is there somewhere with more information about this?

 

[2y4life]

Is there somewhere with more information about this?

It was answered above but here you go


https://www.tmdsas.com/medical/texasAcFrshStrt.html

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

It was answered above but here you go


https://www.tmdsas.com/medical/texasAcFrshStrt.html

Thanks! I did not see it, but I also did not scroll to read everyone's response past a certain point. So reading that, it sounds more like having the ability to redo everything from scratch which kind of sucks too because if, let's say, you earned a bad undergrad GPA, but did s great grad GPA, but being held back because of a bad undergrad GPA, then they are saying you can redo it all? I mean, that's how I read it. Anybody interpret it differently based on the "fresh new start act" listed there?

 

[cacajuate]

Thanks! I did not see it, but I also did not scroll to read everyone's response past a certain point. So reading that, it sounds more like having the ability to redo everything from scratch which kind of sucks too because if, let's say, you earned a bad undergrad GPA, but did s great grad GPA, but being held back because of a bad undergrad GPA, then they are saying you can redo it all? I mean, that's how I read it. Anybody interpret it differently based on the "fresh new start act" listed there?

Your uGPA is a 3.5 and grad gpa is 3.9 and you haven't got in? 3.5 uGPA is good dude, let along that grad gpa. Do you have good ECs, or good work/life experience during the 4 years you were applying? I find it hard to believe it's grades holding you back.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Your uGPA is a 3.5 and grad gpa is 3.9 and you haven't got in? 3.5 uGPA is good dude, let along that grad gpa. Do you have good ECs, or good work/life experience during the 4 years you were applying? I find it hard to believe it's grades holding you back.

Yes, I have a lot of EC, research, outreach, volunteering, community involvement, teaching, tutoring, professional experience, and I've revamped my personal statement each time with a different theme. I discussed overcoming struggles and health issues, but nobody has really cared. Life isn't fair and I'm not going to complain about it when children are dying across the world. It is what it is. The only thing I can and will complain about is when I apply to schools I'm more competitive for and get rejected and then schedule to speak to a counselor and follow their advice and then reapply and get rejected again without an interview. That to me is just really, really messed up. Really tells me how much they care for interested applicants.

 

[ncide]

Yes, I have a lot of EC, research, outreach, volunteering, community involvement, teaching, tutoring, professional experience, and I've revamped my personal statement each time with a different theme. I discussed overcoming struggles and health issues, but nobody has really cared. Life isn't fair and I'm not going to complain about it when children are dying across the world. It is what it is. The only thing I can and will complain about is when I apply to schools I'm more competitive for and get rejected and then schedule to speak to a counselor and follow their advice and then reapply and get rejected again without an interview. That to me is just really, really messed up. Really tells me how much they care for interested applicants.

Maybe your DAT scores are holding you back? 19 isn't bad but at some places that is just below average. Any single scores of yours low?

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Maybe your DAT scores are holding you back? 19 isn't bad but at some places that is just below average. Any single scores of yours low?

Only the QR was a 17 and nothing under that. My stomach hurt so bad when I started the RC section I actually didn't care about the QR. lol. Yeah, I took the DAT three times, but each time I improved so there's maybe that holding me back. I have upwards trend all through college and upwards trend on the DAT.

 

[cacajuate]

Yes, I have a lot of EC, research, outreach, volunteering, community involvement, teaching, tutoring, professional experience, and I've revamped my personal statement each time with a different theme. I discussed overcoming struggles and health issues, but nobody has really cared. Life isn't fair and I'm not going to complain about it when children are dying across the world. It is what it is. The only thing I can and will complain about is when I apply to schools I'm more competitive for and get rejected and then schedule to speak to a counselor and follow their advice and then reapply and get rejected again without an interview. That to me is just really, really messed up. Really tells me how much they care for interested applicants.

I'm pulling for you this year dude.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

I'm pulling for you this year dude.

Thanks!

 

[Glil100]

I've been around these forums for a while (I know it says I joined in 2014, but I was stalking WAAAY before then) and found encouraging stories here.
To all those that got in, congratulations! To those that didn't, I want to encourage you!!

I graduated from a big University in NC with a BS in Bio, a Second major in Music (equivalent to a BA), with a minor in Chem.
My oGPA was 3.21 (God bless music) and my sGPA was significantly lower (under 3.0).

I knew I had to do a post-bacc if I wanted to apply to dental school, so I ended up at UNCG's informal post-bacc program (if you are anywhere near NC or can afford to move, DO IT. Ask me about this program. 10/10 would recommend).

I took 36 credit hours (2 semesters) of upper level bios and retakes, managed to bump both of my GPAs up (above 3.0 YAHOO).
I didn't want to take the DAT more than once (more of a money thing), so I studied for 3 months (I'd say ~9-12 hours a day) and got 21AA, 21 TS, which was fine by me.

That plus my service/shadowing hours (2000 hours over the course of 5 years/~300 over 3 years), letters of rec (I would say my professor letters were mediocre, but my dentist and extra LoR were almost TOO nice) added in with my personal statement and interview somehow got me IN.

If I were to offer any advice, I would say KEEP GOING. When I was going through my post-bacc studies, I wondered if any of this would pay off. Was spending $XXXX amount of money WORTH going to dental school? Is it even worth going to dental school? If you can get over these times and surround yourself with positive, UPLIFTING people, YOU CAN DO IT. You know what you have to do.

I don't have any advice on money stuff. I did have to pay my post-bacc studies completely out of pocket AKA no financial aid. Thankfully, I was an in-state resident, UNCG's post-bacc program considers you to be a second degree seeking student so you pay undergrad rates (HALLELUJAH). My family also lived in the area so I didn't have to worry about housing/working.

No one in my family/circle of friends understood what going through this kind of stuff is like, so this thread gave me good advice when I got down.
Thanks to all who posted!! Keep it up!

That is awesome!! Congratulations, I'm doing the same thing currently at UNCG doing a post-bacc taking upper level bio classes .. What was your post-bacc GPA? I really want to go to ECU dental school.

 

[22tran]

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.

Hi. Could you reinstate your stats please? I'm new to this thread and I don't see it anywhere :/

 

[22tran]

For those that are sub-3 and still worried, don't fret.

Undergrad: Swarthmore GPA: 2.64
Did a semester at Pomona College: 3.50
Took a couple post-bac classes at UMBC: 3.50
Went to grad school: 3.06

Cumulative: 2.85 GPA
Dat: 18

Worked 5 years as lab tech. Did some volunteer work... maybe 50 hours.

Applied to ~5 schools. Accepted at Maryland. Work hard, get good recs, be solid in your interview, and very importantly if you have a lower GPA write a good essay. Stand out. What separates you from other 3.8gpa/27DAT 22 year old applicants? GPA isn't everything. Life experience, maturity, and reasons why dental school are all important!

Hi,
I graduated at UMBC!!
I also applied to MD.
What did you mean when you said post bac classes at umbc?

 

[Allaboutteeth5]

.

 

[LizLemongrab]

Hey all,
DAT 18, RC: 23 PAT: 19
oGPA: 3.15, nonscience: 3.75, science: 2.97
currently taking a few classes
had 1 pre-december interview and was rejected
worked as a dental assistant for 3 years, tons of shadowing/volunteering, leadership positions

Not looking great this cycle, third time applying ):
Cannot retake DAT
I am so discouraged ):

Why can't you retake DAT? It's not a bad score but I bet you can do better. I did much better in my non-science classes as well. You are welcome to PM me- it's final exams season right now for a lot of us but I can definitely take a look after Dec 16th. I'd be happy to help you prep for post-Dec interviews or with the next cycle.

 

[anoda013]

Interesting


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[Allaboutteeth5]

Interesting


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lol not sure if a good or bad interesting

 

[Mason91]

Hey all,
DAT 18, RC: 23 PAT: 19
oGPA: 3.15, nonscience: 3.75, science: 2.97
currently taking a few classes
had 1 pre-december interview and was rejected
worked as a dental assistant for 3 years, tons of shadowing/volunteering, leadership positions

Not looking great this cycle, third time applying ):
Cannot retake DAT
I am so discouraged ):

What is your TS? Also, have you retaken DAT multiple times? Is that why you cannot retake it?
And I'm certain it's your 2.97 science GPA that's holding you back the most. A lot of schools have a 3.0 cut off. I'd recommend doing a semester or two of post-bacc to raise your GPA a bit. And a higher DAT score's always a plus.

 

[Allaboutteeth5]

.