The Under 3.0 Club part 02

[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.

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[Allaboutteeth5]

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[bsfree]

For people in this club that went to interview, did your interviewer specifically ask about your gpa?

 

[Allaboutteeth5]

For people in this club that went to interview, did your interviewer specifically ask about your gpa?

at my interview, they had access to everything besides GPA and DAT

 

[sugarmagnolia91]

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 ):

The fact that you got a pre-December interview is awesome! You may hear back from more schools for spring interviews.

I had about the same oGPA, 2.9 science, and 3.3 non-science (and I had a bunch of re-takes and W's). My DAT scores were 21AA 22TS. I got two post-December interviews last cycle and was waitlisted at both. I did a one-year master's while I was applying, and I think that definitely helped me get in this cycle. On AADSAS your graduate GPA is calculated separately and schools seem to appreciate the commitment to a master's program that you can really only use for med/dental school. All of my interviewers asked about my experiences at grad school.

So if you cannot retake the DAT, I think you should really consider a master's. A high science GPA in a master's program will help your application stand out! Good luck, don't give up!

 

[sugarmagnolia91]

For people in this club that went to interview, did your interviewer specifically ask about your gpa?

Yeah. Some schools don't ask about grades/DAT if they do a closed file interview but I think it's definitely good to have a response prepared. Last cycle I was flustered when an interviewer asked why I'd had some really bad semesters and I was kind of defensive/nervous as a result. Just be honest about why you didn't do well and try to show how you're different now. It doesn't have to be an elaborate story- I said I was unfocused/immature in undergrad and highlighted the things I'd done to remedy my low undergrad GPA.

 

[Toothout]

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.

Hey. Look at you now!!!

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Hey. Look at you now!!!

I know! Not a day goes by that I am not thankful, grateful, and appreciative. Each night my prayers have turned from asking for a chance at an interview and acceptance to thanking God for the acceptance and to continue this path becoming something great to help those around me.

 

[ChillCops!]

I know! Not a day goes by that I am not thankful, grateful, and appreciative. Each night my prayers have turned from asking for a chance at an interview and acceptance to thanking God for the acceptance and to continue this path becoming something great to help those around me.

You're the man!

 

[ChillCops!]

Sidebar: If I get a 4.0 this coming 2nd semester of my senior year, I can get the hell out of this club.

 

[tlovaj]

Long time lurker. Finally have something to contribute to this awesome forum: https://forums.studentdoctor.net/th...-for-the-3-0-and-under.1238464/#post-18520969. Got accepted as a non-tradional applicant with an undergrad gpa of 2.72, a graduate gpa of 3.63, and an overall gpa of 2.84. Keep on it guys!

 

[smile matters]

Hey guys! I would like to know my chances
For my over all, I have 3.34 on my transcript but I repeated 2 courses so I am guess AADSAS GPA will be different. My science GPA in 2.9. I still have this semester grades to be included. I still haven't taken the DAT and planning on taking it in July.
Do you guys think I should apply this semester or not?

 

[JibsGuy52]

Hey guys! I would like to know my chances
For my over all, I have 3.34 on my transcript but I repeated 2 courses so I am guess AADSAS GPA will be different. My science GPA in 2.9. I still have this semester grades to be included. I still haven't taken the DAT and planning on taking it in July.
Do you guys think I should apply this semester or not?

Come back with your DAT score. If you crush this, it could make a world of a difference in this decision.
The key now is to make as many A's as possible.

 

[LizLemongrab]

Hey guys! I would like to know my chances
For my over all, I have 3.34 on my transcript but I repeated 2 courses so I am guess AADSAS GPA will be different. My science GPA in 2.9. I still have this semester grades to be included. I still haven't taken the DAT and planning on taking it in July.
Do you guys think I should apply this semester or not?

An unusually high DAT would be necessary and it's already March. I advise waiting for next cycle if you expect to be on better footing with GPA plus it gives time for a retake, to up your EC/shadowing hours, recc letters, and work on your personal statement.

 

[smile matters]

An unusually high DAT would be necessary and it's already March. I advise waiting for next cycle if you expect to be on better footing with GPA plus it gives time for a retake, to up your EC/shadowing hours, recc letters, and work on your personal statement.

I've already gotten my LORs, shadowing hours, and started studying for the DAT last month. Do you still think I shouldn't give it a shot? Also another issue is that, my university doesn't offer too many upper level bio courses and for the ones they do offer the professors are very hard. If I stay longer and take more classes I am scared it will lower my GPA.

 

[LizLemongrab]

I've already gotten my LORs, shadowing hours, and started studying for the DAT last month. Do you still think I shouldn't give it a shot? Also another issue is that, my university doesn't offer too many upper level bio courses and for the ones they do offer the professors are very hard. If I stay longer and take more classes I am scared it will lower my GPA.

Sorry to hear, usually there are some upper division courses that can boost sGPA. I did an extra year of undergrad to get a dual degree and boost my GPA rather than graduate early. I would say some time in late May or early June do a full DAT practice test under simulated test conditions. If you hit your target, apply. It's kind of risky to test in July of cycle, depending on which schools you are applying to.

 

[MedTechtoDentist]

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.

Care to share your stats please

 

[dkgrubby]

Can we have another thread where people with 2.8-3.2 got into programs?

 

[Shifff based]

Can we have another thread where people with 2.8-3.2 got into programs?

If you build it, they will come.

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[GOINGBALD42]

3.04 cum 2.8 sci gpa did post bac 3.2cum/3.2 science gpa. 20 on dat. lots of shadowing hours willing to go anywhere. What are my chances

 

[Flemish]

Hey guys! I would like to know my chances
For my over all, I have 3.34 on my transcript but I repeated 2 courses so I am guess AADSAS GPA will be different. My science GPA in 2.9. I still have this semester grades to be included. I still haven't taken the DAT and planning on taking it in July.
Do you guys think I should apply this semester or not?

Unless that DAT comes back 23+, I'd give it another year.

 

[smile matters]

Unless that DAT comes back 23+, I'd give it another year.

I will be taking the DAT in July and the application opens up on June 1st. How would I know if I should apply or not if I just wait for my DAT score.

 

[DMDHEAT]

Hi everyone,

So I have been on SDN for a while and value the advice and encouragement given to those of us who have struggled to get a good GPA and DAT scores. I recently got accepted and just wanted to take some time to give back and encourage those who are in the same position I was in. I'll start by saying you don't need a 23+ DAT score or a 3.8 GPA to get accepted. Although these are amazing numbers, gaining acceptance into dental school is a combination of GPA, DAT scores, LORs, ECs, and experience. I often felt discouraged reading the post of those with above average scores putting others down with below average stats. So, if you have a GPA around 3.1 and DAT scores around 18 YOU HAVE a shot if your LORs, ECs, and experience is strong. I am posting my stats in hopes that it will give those with under average scores some encouragement. Take it for what its worth and if dentistry is really your passion, you'll find a way to succeed!

Here are my stats:
DAT Attempt 1: 17 AV/17TS
DAT Attempt 2: 19AV/19TS
Overall GPA 3.1
Science GPA 3.2
Great letters of recommendation
A lot of volunteering experience
4+ years of dental assisting experience in all specialties



Good luck everyone! I wish you guys the best and ignore the negativity and discouragement you read on SDN.

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

Hi everyone,

So I have been on SDN for a while and value the advice and encouragement given to those of us who have struggled to get a good GPA and DAT scores. I recently got accepted and just wanted to take some time to give back and encourage those who are in the same position I was in. I'll start by saying you don't need a 23+ DAT score or a 3.8 GPA to get accepted. Although these are amazing numbers, gaining acceptance into dental school is a combination of GPA, DAT scores, LORs, ECs, and experience. I often felt discouraged reading the post of those with above average scores putting others down with below average stats. So, if you have a GPA around 3.1 and DAT scores around 18 YOU HAVE a shot if your LORs, ECs, and experience is strong. I am posting my stats in hopes that it will give those with under average scores some encouragement. Take it for what its worth and if dentistry is really your passion, you'll find a way to succeed!

Here are my stats:
DAT Attempt 1: 17 AV/17TS
DAT Attempt 2: 19AV/19TS
Overall GPA 3.1
Science GPA 3.2
Great letters of recommendation
A lot of volunteering experience
4+ years of dental assisting experience in all specialties



Good luck everyone! I wish you guys the best and ignore the negativity and discouragement you read on SDN.

Where'd you get accepted to? If you don't mind sharing.

 

[Iamloveandpeace]

Hi everyone,

So I have been on SDN for a while and value the advice and encouragement given to those of us who have struggled to get a good GPA and DAT scores. I recently got accepted and just wanted to take some time to give back and encourage those who are in the same position I was in. I'll start by saying you don't need a 23+ DAT score or a 3.8 GPA to get accepted. Although these are amazing numbers, gaining acceptance into dental school is a combination of GPA, DAT scores, LORs, ECs, and experience. I often felt discouraged reading the post of those with above average scores putting others down with below average stats. So, if you have a GPA around 3.1 and DAT scores around 18 YOU HAVE a shot if your LORs, ECs, and experience is strong. I am posting my stats in hopes that it will give those with under average scores some encouragement. Take it for what its worth and if dentistry is really your passion, you'll find a way to succeed!

Here are my stats:
DAT Attempt 1: 17 AV/17TS
DAT Attempt 2: 19AV/19TS
Overall GPA 3.1
Science GPA 3.2
Great letters of recommendation
A lot of volunteering experience
4+ years of dental assisting experience in all specialties



Good luck everyone! I wish you guys the best and ignore the negativity and discouragement you read on SDN.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement they mean a world to those of us who had to work full time to pay bills, raise a family, take care of elderly parents, those grades really don't speak of the sacrifices that we constantly make as human beings.

Just don't give up. Don't give up on your dreams. Work hard and continue to try.

I must say this is one of the most positive, encouraging, and motivating threads.

Thank you for your positive energy.

 

[Fallenfromgrace]

I'm planning to apply this cycle and hoping to take the DAT next month (I feel pretty good about it), but I'm wondering if it's worth retaking a C in physiology from my junior year. It's a twice a week summer class that ends on July 26.

A little about me:
My undergrad GPA was really not good-- 2.56 and an abysmal sGPA. I skipped a lot of class because I was immature and honestly did not want to be in school (my parents were just forcing me so I wouldn't embarrass them).
I've always had dental school dreams, so the first two years after undergrad I worked at two dental offices-- one as a technician and the other as an assistant. I went on two dental missions in Central America, then quit my job to focus on bumping up my GPA.
In two years, I took 40 units and have gotten all A's except for a B+ in biochem. My sGPA is still sub-3.0 but I'm trying to be optimistic about my trajectory.

Complete 180 because nowadays I really like learning so I'm also interested in the course for the content, but is it worth retaking a C if it means not being able to send in one of my transcripts until after July? Struggling with this decision because 1) I'm worried it would take some attention away from studying for the DAT (though it might help too) and 2) it's kind of pricey and would put me in a bind, especially after applications (but I'm willing to pay for it if it'll make a difference)

 

[deleted898849]

I also got into my dream school (also happens to be a state school) here on the West Coast!

Wanted to update those who think people with less-than-stellar stats are not competitive enough for a state school --it can happen if you put in an immense amount of hard work & commitment towards your future! For those doing post-bacs &/or Master's programs, retaking the DAT, applying more than once, and generally doing everything you can to beef up your app, I BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN & WILL ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM IN BECOMING A DENTIST! Ignore those people who put you down or say you're not good enough.

Oh, and if any of those mean people are reading this: I am not an URM. If I was, I would be proud to state that, because some URMs I've met have incredible stories and hurdles that they have overcome to get to where they want to be.

Please PM if anyone here needs advice! I truly believe we all deserve to be dentists when we put in the hard work & demonstrate that our undergrad GPA truly does not reflect how we will be in dental school or as future dentists & specialists. We all make mistakes, and it's important that we accept that, move on, and improve ourselves as much as we can!

/end rant. Sorry for the long post. I am just sick of people high off their egos/entitlement telling other predents that they are not good enough to get in or telling those with lower stats that the only reason they got in was because of a connection, URM status, or <any other insert dismissive reason here>.

Thank you for this

 

[HBares]

So what kind of position am I in? I know my GPA isn't under 3.0 but it's still low

oGPA : 3.26
sGPA: 3.13
21AA/21TS/21PAT

200+ shadowing/ with non paid dental assistant experience.
~90 hours of dental related volunteering
I'm pretty confident in my personal statement
I'm a TA for microbiology lab (2 semesters)
I know atleast 2/4 LORs are pretty good, others will range from average to good.

Applying to 30 schools, Florida resident (Already submitted application, and has been mailed but DAT hasn't been uploaded to AADSAS yet)

Hi there! My stats are similar to yours. Did you ever get accepted?

 

[AKtoTXstudent]

Hi there! My stats are similar to yours. Did you ever get accepted?

If you look at the message history,
"DetermineDent said: ↑
OGPA: 3.26
SGPA : 3:13
9 acceptances, 3 waitlist, 1 rejection with interview, 2 rejections without interview, 1 interview that I declined".

So I am guessing that DetermineDent must have found the recipe for getting acceptances. You should politely send him/her a PM and ask for advice

 

[HBares]

If you look at the message history,
"DetermineDent said: ↑
OGPA: 3.26
SGPA : 3:13
9 acceptances, 3 waitlist, 1 rejection with interview, 2 rejections without interview, 1 interview that I declined".

So I am guessing that DetermineDent must have found the recipe for getting acceptances. You should politely send him/her a PM and ask for advice

Oh awesome! Thank you for letting me know.

 

[crest4life]

Can we have another thread where people with 2.8-3.2 got into programs?

Did this thread ever happen?

 

[CanILive]

Just want to inspire those of you who are continuing your journey. I am one of the students with a low gpa and dat. I go my bachelors in chemistry. I also got rejected by all the schools I applied to my first time applying, no interviews no nothing. Went back to schools and got a master’s in biomedical science. Reapplied to around 15 dental schools. I received 3 invites for interviews this time around.

 

[thisismyacct]

Just want to inspire those of you who are continuing your journey. I am one of the students with a low gpa and dat. I go my bachelors in chemistry. I also got rejected by all the schools I applied to my first time applying, no interviews no nothing. Went back to schools and got a master’s in biomedical science. Reapplied to around 15 dental schools. I received 3 invites for interviews this time around.

where did you do your masters and how was your experience at that particular program?

 

[GoHoosDDS]

Just want to inspire those of you who are continuing your journey. I am one of the students with a low gpa and dat. I go my bachelors in chemistry. I also got rejected by all the schools I applied to my first time applying, no interviews no nothing. Went back to schools and got a master’s in biomedical science. Reapplied to around 15 dental schools. I received 3 invites for interviews this time around.

Congrats!

I was in a similar boat, struggled for 2 and a half years in undergrad. Finished a little better down the stretch but still ended just shy of a 3.0 overall. Got rejected from every school I applied to (even though my DAT was very good). Worked as a dental assistant for a year, then went back to school for a post-bacc program (the CERT program at VCU). Reapplied, got 2 interviews; 1 acceptance and 1 waitlist.

It's doable, it just requires hard work and perseverance.

 

[CanILive]

@thisismyacct I did my master’s at a small school in Mississippi, William Carey University (I had never been to Mississippi before). My program was accelerated so I think it will help with the pace of dental school. I took the basic upper level for science classes, Gross Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Micro, etc.). I also did dental research even though most of the people in my program were pre-med. It also helped that the school I went to had a D.O. school which made it hard because we had the exact same professors and the test were almost identical but it also taught me study skills and I was able to get tutoring from the 1st and 2nd year med students.

 

[CanILive]

@eatpenny CONGRATS to you also! Thanks for posting. It’s feels good to read about others like myself who put in all of that hard work to keep the dream alive. What dental school did you decide to attend?

 

[Gymgivitis]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to give everyone a under 3.0 success story. I’ve been in this thread for a 3 or 4 years now and finally got my first acceptance.

I finished my first semester of college with a 1.85 GPA. The next 2 semesters included multiple C’s and course drops. After changing my study habits and studying very hard for the DAT, I raised my GPA to a 3.3 overall/science, 3.9 non-thesis masters GPA, and scored a 20AA on my DAT. The first two times i applied i had 1 post December interview each year which led to rejections both times. This time i had 3 pre December interviews which turned into 1 waitlist offer. But i was FINALLY accepted off the waitlist on Friday. I can honestly say it was the most rewarding moment of my life.

If i can do it, anyone can do it i promise you. Just be sure to showcase your relentless dedication in your essays/interviews and most importantly be confident in yourself.

 

[Dentalgloss]

I never thought this day would come, but I was recently accepted off the waitlist! This journey felt impossible, and everyone said I was crazy for trying, but I’m glad I did. It was definitely the hardest but most rewarding experience ever. I applied last year and got zero invites, this year I got one interview, where I was waitlisted and eventually accepted. All I need is one acceptance!!

OGPA : 3.12
SGPA: 3.64
DAT 1: 18 AA / 18 TS / 18 PAT
DAT 2: 19AA / 19TS /20PAT

I didnt take much science classes in undergrad, mostly accounting classes which I did poorly in. I graduated with ~2.8 So most of the pre req I took happened after my bachelors. It wasn’t a post bac program or anything.. just took them as non degree. From last year to this year, I joined a dental outreach over the summer, volunteered more and got stronger letter of recs. I hope this gives you all motivation! In my opinion I am a below average applicant, so if I can get in, anyone can get in. Good luck everyone!

 

[GoHoosDDS]

@eatpenny CONGRATS to you also! Thanks for posting. It’s feels good to read about others like myself who put in all of that hard work to keep the dream alive. What dental school did you decide to attend?

Thanks! Reading this thread a few years back is part of how I gained that boost I needed to work harder to improve my chances. I'm gonna be attending Ohio State as a D1 student this fall, and I'm excited to don my gray scrubs for 4 years!

 

[thisismyacct]

Thanks! Reading this thread a few years back is part of how I gained that boost I needed to work harder to improve my chances. I'm gonna be attending Ohio State as a D1 student this fall, and I'm excited to don my gray scrubs for 4 years!

what were your grades? and congrats btw

 

[GoHoosDDS]

what were your grades? and congrats btw

Undergrad was a 2.94 (with an upward trend of about a 3.3 my final 2 years), but my grad GPA at VCU, taking all science classes was about a 3.5. And my 24 AA on my DAT and dental experience definitely helped me stand out where my overall GPA might have fallen short.

 

[FairyOfTeeth11]

7 interview invitations. Accepted 4. Rejected the other 3. 3 acceptances. 1 scholarship. Waiting to hear back from 1.

1st time applicant. Took the DAT 1 time. 22 AA

You can do it! Check out my post for more details ☺.

what was your cGPA and sGPA? Congrats!

 

[B4SS]

Officially part of the under 3.0 club. Significantly below a 3.0 gpa. Two application cycles. 1 interview each time. message me if you are interested in more details.

 

[FairyOfTeeth11]

Officially part of the under 3.0 club. Significantly below a 3.0 gpa. Two application cycles. 1 interview each time. message me if you are interested in more details.

Would like to find out more. I am unable to send you a PM though. Not sure why it is not working.

 

[deleted1039129]

Officially part of the under 3.0 club. Significantly below a 3.0 gpa. Two application cycles. 1 interview each time. message me if you are interested in more details.

Would very much like to talk to you when you get the chance!

 

[rduran94]

Finished my undergrad with ~2.7 sgpa. My first DAT attempt had scores of 19AA and 19TS. No interviews.
Recently completed a 1 year graduate postbac with a 3.5 gpa to bring my sGPA to around a 2.95. Retook the DAT scored a 21 AA, 20TS, 24 RC, 21 PAT. Received 5 pre december interviews, 4 acceptances and 1 waitlist. Also, received 3 post December interviews which i turned down 2 of them.
Had 300+ shadowing hours with GD and worked 2 years as a surgical assistant for multiple oral surgeons. Had 4 strong LORs and 400+ volunteer hours at Habitat for Humanity and at local food banks.
Anything is possible, just gotta keep grinding and follow your dreams


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[dragonjinse]

Hi guys, I am so happy to read all the successful stories for sub 3.0 students. I am also in the same shoes right now.
My sPGA is 2.4 and cGPA is 2.8. My DIY post-bac GPA is 3.72 (all upper science classes). I haven't taken DAT yet and planned to take in June.
I have 200+ volunteering at SICU and my GD office. I am currently working as a med assistant for 4 years. I already got 4 LORs: 2 science profs, 1 dentist and 1 Nurse practitioner.

I would like to know if I have a chance for this cycle?

Thank you very much!

 

[deleted1039129]

Finished my undergrad with ~2.7 sgpa. My first DAT attempt had scores of 19AA and 19TS. No interviews.
Recently completed a 1 year graduate postbac with a 3.5 gpa to bring my sGPA to around a 2.95. Retook the DAT scored a 21 AA, 20TS, 24 RC, 21 PAT. Received 5 pre december interviews, 4 acceptances and 1 waitlist. Also, received 3 post December interviews which i turned down 2 of them.
Had 300+ shadowing hours with GD and worked 2 years as a surgical assistant for multiple oral surgeons. Had 4 strong LORs and 400+ volunteer hours at Habitat for Humanity and at local food banks.
Anything is possible, just gotta keep grinding and follow your dreams


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what was your overall gpa? Thanks!

 

[rduran94]

what was your overall gpa? Thanks!

2.92


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[deleted1039129]

2.92


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wow, your story is pretty impressive. congrats on coming all this way. Was that your cGPA before or after the post bac?