- Joined
- Jul 31, 2011
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 0
Thank you LaughingGas. Are you in a program? If so how did you do it? Did you go to postbac? Is that the only option for me currently?Also anyone else that has input please help!
The Under 3.0 Club part 02
- Thread starter Yah-E
- Start date
- Joined
- May 17, 2010
- Messages
- 1,898
- Reaction score
- 712
I'm not in a formal postbac, but I had taken classes as informal postbac (just taking classes based on the availability)for the past 1.5 year. I'm applying to second bachelor, meanwhile keep taking upper div bio classes. I believe so far thats the only way, b/c some dental schols have automatic cut off of 2.75 gpa~3.0 gpa ( I'm not sure whether this is for ogpa or sgpa for undergrad only or overall), so you have to raise your GPA no matter what.
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 525
- Reaction score
- 1
You need to get your 2.17 BCP above a 3.0 (about 20 hours of A's, but many more hours will be better). Stay focused and earn all A's. It won't be easy but you can do it. After you have Bio I/II, Chem I/II and Orgo I/II out of the way- study for the DAT and earn an awesome score (lots of great info in the DAT forum). You also need to start shadowing dentists to make sure this is the right field for you. Some schools require 100 hours and others require around 30-40. The applicant pool is becoming more competitive. Because of your low GPA, it may take a couple of years to repair some of the damage. It sounds like you have plenty of EC's. Its time to put those aside and focus on school. Dental schools want to know that you can excel with a full course load of science classes. If you truly want dentistry as a career, show the adcoms that you can handle it. Good luck!
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 525
- Reaction score
- 1
Have you looked into a DO program? After you graduate you'll do the same type of residency as MD's and you'll be a physician when you finish. They are much more forgiving of low GPA's. If you retake a class, they only calculate the new grade into your GPA so its much easier to increase your GPA for DO vs MD (or dental schools- this is the dental school forum 🙂).
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2011
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 0
YouKnowTheDrill Thank you for the advice as well. Im just trying to figure out if I do get to that 2.8 - 3.0 range and Kill the DAT would it be feasible for me to apply to any schools or would I just be better off doing a Postbac program?
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 525
- Reaction score
- 1
Will you graduate with a business management degree this year? Will you also be able to finish your pre-reqs by next summer (physics can wait- its not tested on the DAT)? If so, you can study for the DAT as soon as you finish school and apply next summer. I would plan on taking a full load of science classes as an informal postbac because you may not get an acceptance your first time.
I would also suggest that you 1) order a copy of the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools. It has GPA and DAT stats for all of the dental schools in the US and Canada. 2) After you have 1-2 semesters with a 4.0, set up an appointment with your state dental school and ask them what you need to do to become competitive. I suggest waiting to meet with them because you will be more confident and they will be more likely to take you seriously if you have 1 or 2 successful semesters to show them. Good luck!
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2011
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 0
No I won't be graduating this year It is going to take me an extra semester, so I was thinking about finishing my pre reqs I already took physics I and II and Chem I as well as both Bios, but the should I aim for a formal one year postbacc when I'm out of school? Also is postbacc super competitive?
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 525
- Reaction score
- 1
The most important thing for you to do is meet with at least one dental school to make sure you are doing the things that they find important. You don't have to enroll in a formal postbac program. Just take lots of upper level science classes after you graduate. Many states are experiencing budget problems. I've read on SDN that its hard to get into science classes after you graduate in California. You may want to research this before you graduate. If this is the case for your state you would probably be better off switching to a science major or postponing graduation (if possible).
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 525
- Reaction score
- 1
Not with your current stats. Are you willing to take a full load of science classes for a couple of years? If you can do that and earn A's, then you have a chance.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2011
- Messages
- 18
- Reaction score
- 0
If they wouldn't let me take courses at my current university which is put of state for me I could probably try in state by asking like you said and if that doesn't work out a postbacc would probably be needed?
I am devastated...
just finished up with the dat and am sending in scores soon. I graduated with 2.97 in health and physical education and have a 3.2 in post bacc which accounts for ALL of my science courses. my dat scores were TS 18, AA 18, PAT 24 QR 16 RC 22 Bio 17 GC 19 OC 18. anyone have input on my chances?? im applying in state to umdnj and bu, tufts, nyu, asdoh, usc, western,
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2011
- Messages
- 70
- Reaction score
- 0
Hi there! Just wanted to give you a bit of hope.. I have a 3.44 oGPA and a 3.25 sGPA(Not that far from your post bacc) and VERY similar DAT scores. TS:18 AA:19 Bio:18 GC: 18 OC:18 QR:16 RC:24 PAT:22 and I just received my first interview of this cycle from LECOM. I would do some research on more schools and look at what there average scores are. Think of the average as a bell curve, just because their average is higher than your exact stats they are interviewing/admitting people with higher AND lower stats. Also take into consideration your extracurricular activities and dental experience when deciding on dental schools to apply to. There is a very good thread stickied at the top of the forum that breaks these things down. Good luck and always have hope!
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2010
- Messages
- 253
- Reaction score
- 31
I just wanted to provide some light at the end of the tunnel kind of inspiration.... My background is what you might call a big turd. I dropped out of highschool and got a 2.1 GPA my freshman yr of community college.. not exactly dentist material. However with a little maturing and a whole lot of studying I came back to school and kept a 4.0 for the last 3 years of my college career and ended up w/ a sGPA of 3.85. After that i studied my butt off for the DAT and nailed it with an AA 23 TS 25 PAT 20.. the moral of the story is you should NEVER underestimate yourself.
I
iwannabeadds
I am a white male who had a 2.9 Science GPA. Took me three years, research publications volunteering/working at the school I wanted to go to and showing my face a lot--lots of visiting with the people in admissions.
I
iwannabeadds
shoot, i had no idea how old that post was hahaha! sorry guys
hey everyone. I'm in need of some advice...
I'm going to be a senior in college this year and unfortunately my stats aren't looking to hot. I am a biopsychology major with a 3.0 and yesterday I took my DAT which turned out to be a lot worse than I expected, AA16 PAT18 BI16 OC15 GC14 RC17 QR18. To say the least, I am devastated. I need to know if it's even worth applying to dental school.
My college offers a master's degree in microbiology that I might take in place of a post bacc degree so there's another option.
I might even decide on going to another school for my post bac- but that's something I need to research a bit more.
Anyway I'm feeling pretty discouraged at the moment and need your advice, whether it be good or bad.
Thanks!
I'm going to be a senior in college this year and unfortunately my stats aren't looking to hot. I am a biopsychology major with a 3.0 and yesterday I took my DAT which turned out to be a lot worse than I expected, AA16 PAT18 BI16 OC15 GC14 RC17 QR18. To say the least, I am devastated. I need to know if it's even worth applying to dental school.
My college offers a master's degree in microbiology that I might take in place of a post bacc degree so there's another option.
I might even decide on going to another school for my post bac- but that's something I need to research a bit more.
Anyway I'm feeling pretty discouraged at the moment and need your advice, whether it be good or bad.
Thanks!
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
I highly recommend you to not apply this year. If those are indeed your stats, I'd hate to see you waste thousands of dollars. You definitely need to retake your DAT and score at least 18 on every section to even have a chance, and competitive scores are 20 or higher. Do take it when you're absolutely ready. Taking it a second time with dramatic improvement is a tremendous plus to your application.
Secondly, masters sounds like a good idea. If you are looking to start your masters this fall, go for it, and don't settle for less than a 3.8 GPA. The only way to make up for a lower GPA is to have a high graduate GPA from your masters so admissions can see that you've worked hard and improved and can handle grad level courses. But if you're looking to start your masters in the spring or even next fall, you might as well take some upper level sci courses this fall to increase your science undergrad GPA.
ANYTHING you do i.e. more shadowing, more studying for DAT, more upper level division sci classes (get A's!) and MS microbio will improve. It's a long road and don't expect an instant gratification like starting next fall. People take YEARS to improve their stats in order to become strong applicants. I know people who've reapplied 4 times while doing post-bac, continuous shadowing/assisting, and doing grad level course work and it's the ones that really stick til the end that succeeded. Some of them are actually top 5 students and have every specialty to choose from. Don't have a defeatist attitude. Patience and perseverance!
Thanks KittySquared, that really helped! In your opinion, when should I retake the DAT? My adviser says that everything is fresh in my mind now and if I work hard for the next 3 months, I might be ready to take it. However, I do have classes and research going on and also I feel like by the time I actually send my application, schools would have made their decisions.
Would you suggest taking it after 2 years when I've completed my masters?
Would you suggest taking it after 2 years when I've completed my masters?
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
I agree with your advisor, however, understand that you don't want to jeopardize DAT study time or classes. Research is the least important of all 3. I'd say focus on your class and squeeze some time for DAT but don't rush to take it. Since DAT scores are only good for 2 years or so, I'd say the summer right before your masters, you should take it. Since you've already studied o chem gen chem and all that, it should still be in your mind. Just do 8 hours a day for 2 and a half months in the summer before masters 1st year and take it. You should do well if you discipline yourself to study hard enough. Then apply after MS year 1. That way, your score is only 1 year old.
Worst case scenario you don't get in (but I doubt it if you can maintain a 3.7+ GPA in masters and at least 18 on every section of DAT), you can apply after MS year 2 so your score is barely 2 years old and hopefully have an even stronger GPA, volunteer/shadowing hours and research down your belt.
At that point, I doubt any dental school is going to pass you up and take on a barely 20 year old doofus from some small university with a 20 DAT and just decided a few months ago that s/he wants to be a dentist like mom/dad. You'll be way more qualified than said doofus and have dedicated a few years into pursuing dentistry. Any wise adcom would know you can succeed way more than the doofus.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2011
- Messages
- 249
- Reaction score
- 0
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
You can always un-doofusize yourself by actively reading up on dentistry, gaining shadow/volunteer hours, and really look pass the superficiality of $$$ and lifestyle of a dentist and wonder if you'd want to serve people by digging into their mouths all day. 😎😛
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2011
- Messages
- 249
- Reaction score
- 0
lol I was joking. Mainly referred to the "barely 20 year old doofus comment" I've been considering a career in healthcare for about 2.5 yrs, but searched around a lot and came to dentistry this past summer. I actually shadowed a dentist the other day and enjoyed every moment...I was really tempted to take over and "play" in the patient's mouth hahaha. Could you take a look at my post and give me your POV? Your advice is realistic and I could use some lol
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=847042
Hey guys. Just to give you some hope. I got my first interview yesterday to Lecom!!!!!! My stats are:
BCP GPA: 3.31
sGPA: 3.21
oGPA: 3.17
DAT:
Bio 21
GC: 24
OC: 22
QR: 18
RC: 14
TS: 22
AA: 20
Last year, I had a 3.0. Since then I've gotten 11 A's & a B+ to get my GPA up! It's def a struggle, but if you want this really bad, you can do it. Take the time to improve everything and show how serious you are now.
Good luck everyone!
BCP GPA: 3.31
sGPA: 3.21
oGPA: 3.17
DAT:
Bio 21
GC: 24
OC: 22
QR: 18
RC: 14
TS: 22
AA: 20
Last year, I had a 3.0. Since then I've gotten 11 A's & a B+ to get my GPA up! It's def a struggle, but if you want this really bad, you can do it. Take the time to improve everything and show how serious you are now.
Good luck everyone!
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2011
- Messages
- 341
- Reaction score
- 55
Hey congrats, I'm sure you will do fine on your interview... I am currently in the same position as you were I have a 3.0 and I'm goin to do a years worth of postbac work, with full dedication I hope to pull off straight A's... Did you do an informal postbac as well? And do you have any suggestions for a fellow hopeful dentist.
I did an informal postbac. I took about 12 credits per semester and made sure I would get an A in them all. When I got a B+ in just 1 class I was upset with myself. Even after getting 8 A's & 1 B+ I was only able to bring my GPA up from a 3.0 to a 3.2 in 1 year. It would help to take more credits, but don't do it if you'll end up getting B's. Remember, every time you get a B, you're bringing your GPA back toward a 3.0 and basically shooting yourself in the foot.
Honestly, it just depends on how bad you want it. Just do the work for your classes and be patient since it takes a lot to move an inch and you can pull your GPA up! Also, keep in contact with your schools to show them your progress over the year, rather than your GPA statistics. Don't give up if this is what you really want!
Best of luck to you and everyone else!
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2011
- Messages
- 249
- Reaction score
- 0
But be careful not to take too few classes per semester or it looks bad if you didn't have a job or something during.
so i'm planning on doing an informal post-bacc this upcoming semester (im far too late in in applying for formal programs for this fall) and i was wondering how it is looked upon if i take a few upper level bio courses at a community college.
i tried taking some classes at a 4 year university, but the classes fill up so quickly, it's impossible to get in to any of hte classes this late in the registration phase. im basically left with no choice but to register at a community college and take a few classes there. what do you guys think?
i tried taking some classes at a 4 year university, but the classes fill up so quickly, it's impossible to get in to any of hte classes this late in the registration phase. im basically left with no choice but to register at a community college and take a few classes there. what do you guys think?
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
Community college really doesn't look all that great on your transcript. The admissions person I spoke to said that they'd much see university. I'd say show up first day of class to 6 of the classes and explain your situation to the professor and say you'd really like to take the class. Generally they'll let you in. It's just 1 extra person so not a big deal. I'm pretty sure you'll get into at least 3 out of 6 that way. Seriously! Good luck!
-Kitty
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2010
- Messages
- 55
- Reaction score
- 1
hey guys...
need some advice from ya'll..
so basically for this application cycle..it doesnt look good for me..i was expecting it but hey i just wanted to give it a shot..
been rejected to couple schools already...
and it would be smart to think of a backup plan..
i have a bcp of 2.74
with dats: AA:20 PAT: 23 TS:20
i live in california and it would be ideal for me if i were to do a post bacc, or informal one in california...do you guys have any advice for me? any advice would be greatly appreciated..
and if anyone has taken post baccs in california, which one? and how was it?
thanks all.
need some advice from ya'll..
so basically for this application cycle..it doesnt look good for me..i was expecting it but hey i just wanted to give it a shot..
been rejected to couple schools already...
and it would be smart to think of a backup plan..
i have a bcp of 2.74
with dats: AA:20 PAT: 23 TS:20
i live in california and it would be ideal for me if i were to do a post bacc, or informal one in california...do you guys have any advice for me? any advice would be greatly appreciated..
and if anyone has taken post baccs in california, which one? and how was it?
thanks all.
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2009
- Messages
- 525
- Reaction score
- 1
I'm not if Cali so I'm not sure how hard it is to enroll in classes if you already have a degree. Just take as many BCP classes as you can to up that GPA- even at a CC if its the only place you can enroll. I know many people say not to repeat pre-reqs, but I would if they're the only classes that are open and you have a C or less in any of them. Also, you need to take the DAT. You have a good score but its not good enough when combined with a low GPA.
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2011
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 0
I agree with taking BCP courses to increase the GPA but I don't know about retaking the DAT. What is the breakdown? I wouldn't retake it unless you are certain that you would do better on it. Otherwise just focus on getting A's in those courses to raise up your GPA and maybe some ECs.
- Joined
- May 17, 2010
- Messages
- 1,898
- Reaction score
- 712
at this point you can only take classes at UCLA extension, or open enrollment at Cal States (fullertonn, LA, etc). CCs already started classes.
Maybe a retake for DAT would be a good idea, if you think you have potential to raise it up to 22+ AA,TS......
Hi there to all of you brave hearts that have been a great example to what a persevering human should look like with all the blood and guts and scars...
I am a post-bacc(unofficial) with an oGPA 2.35 BS in Exercise Science, curruntly taking pre-reqs oChem/GenChem/Bio w/ respective labs, planning on getting nothing but A's this semester and the one to follow ( same load) take DAT and rock it by the end of May 2012 and apply by June 2012 ( I'll finish Physics summer time since i don't need it for DAT)! I have 4 years of assisting experience (last year being a lead assistant/ leadership) plus a month of abroad volunteering in a clinic in El Salvador( under direct supervision of a US dentist got to extract TEETH, without flinching🙂) though I realize all the dental experince in the world is no replacment of a great GPA. I feel I definitely jeopardized my GPA while working in a dental office concurrently! 🙁
I love the field and before I show my face out there, I need some input from people that are in similar situations that have succeeded.
I want an honest opinion of what chances would I have of getting in by next June? Would it be advisable to do so, or should i enroll into the MS program in Speech Pathology and just focus on that program so I display my serious intentions of becoming A DENTIST one day...
" Remember to keep your head up, for thoughts follow the same direction! "
~ my own personal quote
I am a post-bacc(unofficial) with an oGPA 2.35 BS in Exercise Science, curruntly taking pre-reqs oChem/GenChem/Bio w/ respective labs, planning on getting nothing but A's this semester and the one to follow ( same load) take DAT and rock it by the end of May 2012 and apply by June 2012 ( I'll finish Physics summer time since i don't need it for DAT)! I have 4 years of assisting experience (last year being a lead assistant/ leadership) plus a month of abroad volunteering in a clinic in El Salvador( under direct supervision of a US dentist got to extract TEETH, without flinching🙂) though I realize all the dental experince in the world is no replacment of a great GPA. I feel I definitely jeopardized my GPA while working in a dental office concurrently! 🙁
I love the field and before I show my face out there, I need some input from people that are in similar situations that have succeeded.
I want an honest opinion of what chances would I have of getting in by next June? Would it be advisable to do so, or should i enroll into the MS program in Speech Pathology and just focus on that program so I display my serious intentions of becoming A DENTIST one day...
" Remember to keep your head up, for thoughts follow the same direction! "
~ my own personal quote
- Joined
- May 17, 2010
- Messages
- 1,898
- Reaction score
- 712
I'm not in dental school and I'm applying next cycle as you are. I am answering based on the knowledge that I gathered in this pre-dental forum.
If took you 4 years of school to get 2.35 ogpa, it will take you at least 2 years of As to get to 3.0 ogpa which are cut off for some schools.
MS in Speech Pathology.. I don't recommend it. It would be better to do MS in Oral Biology or biology related. SMPs are more suitable in this case.
About your chances its on the low side. Getting A's (4.0) on those prereqs, and killing DAT and with your experience, although ur ogpa is under 3.0 you might get in, or you may not. Best thing is to call schools that you are interested in and see how hypothetical chances are if you ace those prereqs. Goodluck.
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2010
- Messages
- 1,571
- Reaction score
- 33
I would recommend you taking 2 years of post-bac, actually. Make sure you get straight A's, which is easier said than done. You may end up with approximately a 3.2 GPA if you do that. Then, you need to nail the DATs and get 20+ on all sections and then apply. But also simultaneously apply to a 1 year or 2 year masters program in ORAL/MICRO/BIOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, and NOT speech pathology. At your point, I'd say you need to probably invest about 2 and a half, if not 3 years of hardcore science classes in order to bring up the GPA to an acceptable GPA.
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2011
- Messages
- 249
- Reaction score
- 0
You really think 2 years would bring his GPA up almost 1 point? I would think it'd barely reach 3.0 if he's already taken 4 years of classes.
Thank you for the advise LaughingGas. From this point on I'll be taking every step very carefully, hence I will try to bring up the gap before I think of applying. I need to at least come to the cut off point...A little background , I am a Turkish female born and raised in Bulgaria. I was a Valedictorian in a Math/Sciences intensive high school in Bulgaria ( much harder system to go through required entrance exams to get into) came to the US after high school via TOEFL and slacked off( few schools, couple of degrees AS/BS) for a while till I came to a point of figuring out what I REALLY wanted to do... Back home you choose one thing and you do it for the rest of your life. I was so busy with high school and straight A's that I didn't have a chance to really discover myself and explore. The one thing thats a fact I sure have a lot of human experience being a first generation immigrant.
Good luck with your application process next year and again thank you for your input , I will follow as directed!
"We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough.
Helen Keller"
Hello KittySquared!
My university does not have MS in OralBio but MicroBio, what would you say about going to Dental Hygiene instead, prior to applying for DDS? There is a program that offers AS in Dental Hygiene, but my concern is that because is AS schools would look at it unfavorably???!!
All else you mentioned I have taken into consideration. I appreciate it!
You have a valid point there jackalo34, hence my contemplation of starting FRESH with a masters degree/ dental hygiene or stick with it to the end and repeat courses /take higher level sciences.
Yaiks
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2010
- Messages
- 96
- Reaction score
- 0
Here's my story, at least the short and sweet version.
I went to Stanford, and graduated with a 2.90. I was an Anthropology major. During school I worked in a Veterinary diagnostic and pathology lab. We did lots of blood tests and blood chemistry test on the research animals at Stanford.
After graduation, I move back to my hometown and began working. I've been working for 9 years now. Two years ago I realized I wanted to be a dentist so I enrolled at one of the local community colleges so I could take care of my dental prereqs. I was able to bring up my GPA and I am applying to 10 dental schools this cycle.
Here are my stats:
DAT-
PA: 21
QR: 18
RC: 23
Bio: 22
Gen. Chem.: 30
O. Chem.: 21
Total Science: 23
Academic Average: 23
GPA-
BCP: 3.40
Science: 3.35
Non-Science: 3.09
Total: 3.20
I've gotten an interview from UoP and I hope for ones from UCSF, USC, UCLA, and ASDOH. I haven't received rejections yet, so I still have hope.
I went to Stanford, and graduated with a 2.90. I was an Anthropology major. During school I worked in a Veterinary diagnostic and pathology lab. We did lots of blood tests and blood chemistry test on the research animals at Stanford.
After graduation, I move back to my hometown and began working. I've been working for 9 years now. Two years ago I realized I wanted to be a dentist so I enrolled at one of the local community colleges so I could take care of my dental prereqs. I was able to bring up my GPA and I am applying to 10 dental schools this cycle.
Here are my stats:
DAT-
PA: 21
QR: 18
RC: 23
Bio: 22
Gen. Chem.: 30
O. Chem.: 21
Total Science: 23
Academic Average: 23
GPA-
BCP: 3.40
Science: 3.35
Non-Science: 3.09
Total: 3.20
I've gotten an interview from UoP and I hope for ones from UCSF, USC, UCLA, and ASDOH. I haven't received rejections yet, so I still have hope.
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2011
- Messages
- 249
- Reaction score
- 0
None, but the ones with high tuitions tend to have lower average stats.
