S
schmoob
Whaaaaat!! Good for you! You're in a good position. You can continue to make mortgage payments for 4 years while in school? Who could ask for more? And the prices here....
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.
From what I've gathered over my undergrad I would say from your listThanks @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!!
Can you tell me which SMP accepted you with a low gpa? I am in the same boat currentlyChance 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?
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
What if you graduate and then take extra class after you graduate? like an informal post bacc?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?
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.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.
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.
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.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.
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.
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.
Why are you applying so late?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?
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.
Why are you applying so late?
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!!
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.
Texas schools do some sort of grade forgiveness after 5 or 7 years. Dunno much about it though.
It was answered above but here you goIs there somewhere with more information about this?
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.
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?
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.
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.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!![]()
Hi. Could you reinstate your stats please? I'm new to this thread and I don't see it anywhere :/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,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!
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 ):
lol not sure if a good or bad interesting