The Under 3.0 Club part 02

[peterngu]

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Danny, thank you for the encouragement. I appreciate it!

Peter, Maryland would be the most cost-effective option for me. It is well ranked, and likewise it would be my primary choice. I am in no position to have that at this point, and I understand that. Also, I dont plan on limiting myself to Maryland, and plan on applying to other schools as well -- just would be really nice if I got into Maryland. Likewise, I asked how I could improve my chances significantly (i.e. 0% to like 60-70% if possible).

Sorry, wasvsdal. I didn't intend to put you down or anything. Danny's advice is about the best you can do then. If you can pull your sci GPA up as far as you want to, you should also address how you're prepared to handle the academic load of graduate school in your personal statement, and that your most current grades in upper level science are proof of this. I was lucky enough to convince a great program to give me a chance, coming from a situation similar to yours.

 

[wasvsdal]

no worries my man! what was ur gpa before and after post bac? what kind of extracurricular experience do u have?

 

[want2bedentist]

Sorry, wasvsdal. I didn't intend to put you down or anything. Danny's advice is about the best you can do then. If you can pull your sci GPA up as far as you want to, you should also address how you're prepared to handle the academic load of graduate school in your personal statement, and that your most current grades in upper level science are proof of this. I was lucky enough to convince a great program to give me a chance, coming from a situation similar to yours.

What program did you convince ?
I am looking for a program

 

[peterngu]

no worries my man! what was ur gpa before and after post bac? what kind of extracurricular experience do u have?

Before: 2.97 overall GPA and 2.73 (i think) sci GPA after repeating a class
After: 3.1 overall and 2.99 sci GPA

EC's: Teaching kids how to floss and brush at a clinic for the underserved, president of an academic fraternity, went on a dental mission to Mexico and assisted for a weekend at a free clinic, did a pre-dental class at UCLA, youth group leader at my church, and a few other things

 

[wasvsdal]

I believe he will be attending Michigan this upcoming fall, am i correct?

Well that is definitely something. Let me see if I can replicate that -- hopefully Maryland will be for me what Michigan is to you.

 

[armorshell]

... Has anyone here been accepted to UoP? Or do you know of anyone with a 3.0 ( or <) GPA whose been accepted to UoP?

You paged me?

 

[peterngu]

I believe he will be attending Michigan this upcoming fall, am i correct?

Well that is definitely something. Let me see if I can replicate that -- hopefully Maryland will be for me what Michigan is to you.

You are correct, sir.

I hope that for you too. Study your a** off and good luck!

 

[want2bedentist]

"Here's what Helen Yarenis, Admission Coordinator from Tufts, wrote to me:
As for your post-bac programs, that is definitely a step in the right direction. Your exposure to the field of dentistry is impressive and I am
interested to see your DAT performance."



Dear Yah E (I bet that stands for ‘dentist’ in some language for example ChineseJ )Above is #1 post from part1 of ‘Under 3.0 GPA club’.

“Your exposure to the field of dentistry is impressive”, can you please be very specific on that ?

I have low gpa and desperately want to learn from you. (I shadowed over 100 hr and will go back as unpaid intern

I got HIPPA training and will get a scrub )

I will go either Temple postbac or BU’s Oral Health Mastrer degree depends who accept me
Thanks a lot your help ! this is my favorite thread and club, how can I join it ?

 

[want2bedentist]

post baccs will only be beneficial to those who have taken no science or minimal science classes but not to the people who already have a B.A or B.S in a science major plus the problem of no financial aid

"post baccs will only be beneficial to those who have taken no science or minimal science classes"

this is not an accurate statement. Only some postbac accept only no science background students or career
Changers (Penn. Columbia U. ….).
Many postbac are specially for the ones who want to enhance GPA.
Check here
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

 

[Worriedontitis]

Hello everyone,

Recently I realized Dentistry is my calling. I have shadowed 4 dentists and hopefully I'll be able to shadow a 5th one as well. I have helped them do some impressions and moldings.

Now that I have finally realized my goal, I have something to work hard for. However in the past 3 years of my Undergrad I have been somewhat of an lazy butt. I have a cGPA of only 1.9. I figured I'll get a cGPA of 2.5 if I ace all my courses this year (in a 4.0 gpa system).

I realize my cGPA is definitely not as competitive as other people's.

I started studying for the cDAT however, and realize "wow, this is really easy." I have done about 10 mock tests and each time I've gotten over 90% in Biology, Chemistry and Perceptual Test.

Now my question is,
with a:
cGPA - 2.5
DAT - 27-30/27-30/27-30/2-3 (natural sciences, perception, comprehension, carving)

what are my chances of getting accepted in the states? and which would you guys suggest?
I'm 100% positive in Canada, I won't even get an interview.

and what should my back up plan be?

 

[want2bedentist]

I just want to say something to ~3.0 gpa people. First of all, don't give up. When I applied this year, my cumulative and science gpa is around 3.1. Here is my story. I did poorly during my first 2 years in college, my average gpa was about 2.7 or so. But I worked really hard in the last 2 years and the average was about 3.6 - 3.7. During my interviews, they were very impressed at my improvements and they definitely want to see people's grade going up. This shows that the student has experienced hardships and really has the passion to be successful. For DAT, I got 21/22/19. Even though I didn't do so well in general chem and ochem in college, my DAT scores proved that I have the knowledge to be successful in D school. I ended up with 3 interviews and 1 acceptance (my #1 choice) so far.
The important thing is, before you can convince a school to accept you, you should first convince YOURSELF that you deserve to be accepted. Don't give up, people. As long as you have a strong passion for dentistry, you will succeed.

Stellar !
Hope more and more dents come out and share their success story with us, thanks a million !

 

[want2bedentist]

2009 application cycle...
cGPA: 3.03
sGPA: 2.88
DAT: 18/19/21
EC's: tons!
Interviewed at 7 schools pre-dec
Accepted at 2 schools dec 1st
100% positive I will be going to Marquette University!

what kind of expereinces you have to help you to ge into d-school ?

 

[sjs887]

Hey Guys,

I just came upon this thread and have been reading it for a good two hours now...its good to hear that people in my situation have gotten in!! 🙂🙂
I created another thread with a bunch of questions and got feedback from one person (good stuff tho).
Just to put my stats up:
major: microbiology
minor: biology
oGPA 3.18
sGPA 2.91 ( I believe)

I am in a masters program at the same school as my undergrad and i am getting it in my major. The program doesn't really offer many courses so I will literally be taking 1 class, 1 seminar and lab credits. 🙁
I have a good amount of ECs but none related to dentistry...yet.
I plan on going abroad next year to volunteer for a dental program for a few months.
I was planning on taking my DATs this december but now i'm thinking of holding off...

Can anyone advice me on
1. How to approach a dentist to shadow him/her
2. If my masters program will help
3. If this abroad thing is a good idea (since I do have to pay for it...)
4. If I should consider enrolling into a post-bacc program (after my masters) or is my masters sufficient (I read a previous post that said it wasn't the best thing)
5. If I should wait to take my DATs
6. Any other suggestions anyone has!!

Thanks guys! You are all inspiring!!!🙂🙂🙂

 

[bennijai]

Oof, UMDNJ just rejected me. I'm freaking out a bit...I wonder what hurt my chances, probably the sub 3.0 GPA...hopefully it's nothing else...

 

[xhamburgersamx]

It seems you're implying Maryland will take low-caliber students with a C average for science courses, or that you know better than hamburger to give such advice. Having a sub 3.0 sci gpa won't open a lot of doors. I should know, since I got rejected from A LOT of schools. At the very least, wasvsdal shouldn't have their heart set on one school, and take what comes to him/her.

No I'm not on Maryland's admission committee but unless you are some special person outside of school, you have no not proven your academic ability to succeed in dental school with a C average undergrad GPA. The whole idea of having a good application is proving that you will have the aptitude to succeed in professional school. Realistically, anyone can pass a class, pass the board exams and become a dentist...BUT with so many people applying and wanting that spot in a class, every school has to filter and only accept the best qualified students.

 

[Mackchops]

Hey Guys,
Can anyone advice me on
1. How to approach a dentist to shadow him/her
2. If my masters program will help
3. If this abroad thing is a good idea (since I do have to pay for it...)
4. If I should consider enrolling into a post-bacc program (after my masters) or is my masters sufficient (I read a previous post that said it wasn't the best thing)
5. If I should wait to take my DATs
6. Any other suggestions anyone has!!

Thanks guys! You are all inspiring!!!🙂🙂🙂

1. As intimidating as it might be, just drop by an office and ask. Most dentists love what they do and love to show others what they do. If he/she is a grump about it then you don't want to shadow that person anyway 🙂
2. Yeah, it will help. Get A's
3. If it doesn't keep you from improving your gpa it should help
4. The problem with masters programs is they are reported as a separate grad gpa and won't boost what you've got. If you ace the DAT you can try applying and see what happens.
5. Take your DATs whenever you're ready. Seriously, this one's on you.
6. Try to set up an appointment with someone at your "local" dental school and ask them for THEIR advice on how you could best secure admission there. From the horse's mouth. Can't be beat! Good luck.

 

[Mackchops]

Now my question is,
with a:
cGPA - 2.5
DAT - 27-30/27-30/27-30/2-3 (natural sciences, perception, comprehension, carving)

what are my chances of getting accepted in the states? and which would you guys suggest?
I'm 100% positive in Canada, I won't even get an interview.

and what should my back up plan be?

First off, don't assume anything with the DAT. 27 is serious business. Shoot for a realistic 20+ then we'll talk...
Also, that gpa needs to come up. Get it up over 3.0 and, assuming you're rounded out elsewhere (ECs, interviewing, etc) you stand a shot. Good luck!

 

[DentalTech15]

Hey all, I've been a lurker of this forum for a long time now. I have found a lot of useful information on this site. I recently stumbled upon this thread and have read every post, very inspirational!

I was wondering if anyone here has experience on the dental lab tech side of things. I was a certified dental technician but did not keep it active. I graduated with a 4.0 in all courses but decided i would like to go on to dental school. I began to take my prereqs and hit a snag, depression/alcohol. I failed chem 1 once then got a c in it my second time and left school with out dropping bio 1 so i got an F. This was 4 or 5 years ago. I graduated with a BS in business but found out that my first career choice was really what i want to do. I am now trying to make up for my immaturity. I will be applying to post bacc programs that accept under 3.0 and if that fails i will be taking all my prereqs at a state school starting in fall 2010. My current overall gpa is 2.79.

I know that it is possible to turn this train wreck around but I was just wondering if my dental technician degree will help me out at all. I did also work 20 hours a week for two years with a cosmetic dentist and general dentist. I know it's a long post but any advice would be great thank you.

 

[uncbestyet]

Hey all, I've been a lurker of this forum for a long time now. I have found a lot of useful information on this site. I recently stumbled upon this thread and have read every post, very inspirational!

I was wondering if anyone here has experience on the dental lab tech side of things. I was a certified dental technician but did not keep it active. I graduated with a 4.0 in all courses but decided i would like to go on to dental school. I began to take my prereqs and hit a snag, depression/alcohol. I failed chem 1 once then got a c in it my second time and left school with out dropping bio 1 so i got an F. This was 4 or 5 years ago. I graduated with a BS in business but found out that my first career choice was really what i want to do. I am now trying to make up for my immaturity. I will be applying to post bacc programs that accept under 3.0 and if that fails i will be taking all my prereqs at a state school starting in fall 2010. My current overall gpa is 2.79.

I know that it is possible to turn this train wreck around but I was just wondering if my dental technician degree will help me out at all. I did also work 20 hours a week for two years with a cosmetic dentist and general dentist. I know it's a long post but any advice would be great thank you.

IMO the tech experience will help you out (especially interview wise), but ultimately the adcoms want to see:

1. strong performance in pre-reqs (core science classes - Mostly As)
2. strong DAT score
3. good performance upper level sci. classes

When in doubt, contact the dental schools you are considering and hear it from the horse's mouth. Might be tough this time of year but I have had good responses emailing deans of admissions (couple of years ago). They will generally give advice to people starting out ... more so than those anxious about the status of their application.

It might take a while to prove yourself, but if it's something you truely want .... it's just a matter of sweat and time!

Shoot its late and just realized you want to know if the tech part will help you .... oh well you've probably heard this regurgitated stuff before.

One more thing ... even though i've already graduated, I went to some of the ?USNDA? (undergraduate) meetings at my state school ... had luck getting face time with people at the state dental school.

 

[babiegurlbc]

i'm fairly new to sdn and am part of the under 3.0 club

in my undergrad years, i started off pre-med/dent and received average (C) grades and then during my 3rd/4th year switched majors (non-science). after graduating i realized that i really wanted to become a dentist and am now taking the pre-req courses at a CC (which i am getting A/B in). i haven't taken the DAT yet but plan to early next year. i have been working under a DDS/ORTHO for about a year now and have assisted in many procedures etc, but will find more shadowing/volunteering experiences when i'm done completing my pre-reqs.

i just wanted to know if any of you guys were non-science majors in undergrad and got into dent school? i want to know what are my chances.

also, im from CA and i plan to stay in CA because of financial and familial obligations so i was wondering if it is way too competitive in CA just to apply only to CA schools?

any help would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

 

[americanpierg]

Hello everyone,

Recently I realized Dentistry is my calling. I have shadowed 4 dentists and hopefully I'll be able to shadow a 5th one as well. I have helped them do some impressions and moldings.

Now that I have finally realized my goal, I have something to work hard for. However in the past 3 years of my Undergrad I have been somewhat of an lazy butt. I have a cGPA of only 1.9. I figured I'll get a cGPA of 2.5 if I ace all my courses this year (in a 4.0 gpa system).

I realize my cGPA is definitely not as competitive as other people's.

I started studying for the cDAT however, and realize "wow, this is really easy." I have done about 10 mock tests and each time I've gotten over 90% in Biology, Chemistry and Perceptual Test.

Now my question is,
with a:
cGPA - 2.5
DAT - 27-30/27-30/27-30/2-3 (natural sciences, perception, comprehension, carving)

what are my chances of getting accepted in the states? and which would you guys suggest?
I'm 100% positive in Canada, I won't even get an interview.

and what should my back up plan be?

don't know how canadian DAT is graded, but if you got 27-30 in all sections on the US DAT, you're almost guaranteed in somewhere. 27-30 is 0-1 wrong in most sections.

 

[saycheeese]

canadian DAT is graded on a standard curve. Nonetheless, 27-30 score on either canadian or US DAT is amazing.

 

[littlemango]

2009 application cycle...
cGPA: 3.03
sGPA: 2.88
DAT: 18/19/21
EC's: tons!
Interviewed at 7 schools pre-dec
Accepted at 2 schools dec 1st
100% positive I will be going to Marquette University!

congrats, things are looking up for you for sure!
so what schools did you apply to?

 

[Worriedontitis]

thanks amercianpierg and machops for the reply
I have been doing many mock DATs and been getting higher than 20 but not quite 27-30.
I'm assuming I will probably be staying back a year to boost my cGPA to a 2.9-3.0.

Though of course it'd be great if I didn't get delayed. Stupid me for not deciding what I wanted to do with my life earlier.

I guess the best tip (anyone) I could give is, decide EARLY on what you want to do and work for it. I was such a slacker and now I regret it as it evidently shows in my GPA.

Wish me luck guys!
and of course, I wish everyone else luck in getting accepted as well!

 

[sjs887]

Thanks mackchops!!

 

[danchoi03]

Hello there,

I read up a lot of old forum messages last night until my eyes turned red and I still haven't found the answers that I was looking for. Thus, I am hoping someone can help me answer these questions listed below base on my current status. I have a BS degree in engineering in 2004 and I have been working for 5 years. I don't enjoy working as an engineer and I want to pursue dentistry for my future profession. However, my undergrad overall GPA is 2.39 so I will be qualified for this club. Due to my terrible undergrad GPA, I was planning to come back to school and find a way to boost my GPA to a competitive level. Here are several options that I can do from reading the forum last night.

1. Apply for Post-Bac programs
2. Apply for SMP
3. Take pre-req classes at a 4 years school as non-degree status student
4. get a master in biodmedical science

My questions for you are:

1. How can I get into these post-bac program when my overall gpa doesn't meet the minimum requirement 2.5?

2. Should I re-take lower division classes that I have less that C at a local CC? Here are the clases:
a. English 3: C-
b. Biology I: C-
c. Geology I: D-

3. How can I re-take upper division engineer classes that I have less that C ? Should I even bother to take these classes if I am going to dental route? Here are the classes:
a. Thermaldynamics: D+
b. Mechanical Engineer Desig"n: D-

4. If I cannot get accepted to any Post-Bac programs, is my only option is to take pre-req classes at a university extension program as a non-degree status student?

5. Do I need to take all pre-req classes before I apply for Post-Bac programs? It looks like a lot of Post-Bac requires for you to take DAT. Will the pre-req classes prepare me for the DAT?

6. When calculate overall GPA for science classes do I need to include my engineering classes (upper and lower divisions)?

Thank you for your help.

 

[biorenaissance]

Hello there,

I read up a lot of old forum messages last night until my eyes turned red and I still haven't found the answers that I was looking for. Thus, I am hoping someone can help me answer these questions listed below base on my current status. I have a BS degree in engineering in 2004 and I have been working for 5 years. I don't enjoy working as an engineer and I want to pursue dentistry for my future profession. However, my undergrad overall GPA is 2.39 so I will be qualified for this club. Due to my terrible undergrad GPA, I was planning to come back to school and find a way to boost my GPA to a competitive level. Here are several options that I can do from reading the forum last night.

1. Apply for Post-Bac programs
2. Apply for SMP
3. Take pre-req classes at a 4 years school as non-degree status student
4. get a master in biodmedical science

My questions for you are:

1. How can I get into these post-bac program when my overall gpa doesn't meet the minimum requirement 2.5?

2. Should I re-take lower division classes that I have less that C at a local CC? Here are the clases:
a. English 3: C-
b. Biology I: C-
c. Geology I: D-

3. How can I re-take upper division engineer classes that I have less that C ? Should I even bother to take these classes if I am going to dental route? Here are the classes:
a. Thermaldynamics: D+
b. Mechanical Engineer Desig"n: D-

4. If I cannot get accepted to any Post-Bac programs, is my only option is to take pre-req classes at a university extension program as a non-degree status student?

5. Do I need to take all pre-req classes before I apply for Post-Bac programs? It looks like a lot of Post-Bac requires for you to take DAT. Will the pre-req classes prepare me for the DAT?

6. When calculate overall GPA for science classes do I need to include my engineering classes (upper and lower divisions)?

Thank you for your help.

Go back for second major like bio and then take dat then apply if this fails go to post-bac😳

 

[danchoi03]

Biorenaissance,

Should i reconsider a MS degree in Biology than a second Bach degree in Biology?

 

[YmeHuuH]

I need some help from the pros.... I have a BS in Finance with a 2.7 overall and I decided to go into dentistry last Spring. I was able to add two courses through Open University, Biology 1 and Physics 2A. I pulled an A in Bio 1 and a B+ in Physics 2A. This semester, due to budget cuts, I wasn't able to add any courses. Now I don't know what to do. Next semester is supposed to even be harder to add courses. Should I try applying for formal post-bacc programs? Any recommendations? All other colleges have mostly started already, I don't want to sit around twiddling my thumbs.

 

[ronmillsey]

Are there schools that accept people with lower than a 3.0 GPA? If so, what kind of credenetials do they need to get in? a monster DAT score?

my gpa isnt that great and i was really aiming for the best field(Med) but then I Realized Im probabaly not good enough so im actually considering less compretitive fields like this or pharmacy so this thread sheds some light for me

 

[HookEmBP]

Just a word of advice to everyone on here - take all the information you read with a grain of salt and don't make any life changing decisions based on it. The absolute best thing thing you can do is call (or even better, visit) the dental schools you're interested in and ask what they'd suggest for your particular situation.

 

[ncdentist711]

ronmillsey: "The best field?" You're on the wrong forum if you want to say crap like that, my friend.

 

[uncbestyet]

Just a word of advice to everyone on here - take all the information you read with a grain of salt and don't make any life changing decisions based on it. The absolute best thing thing you can do is call (or even better, visit) the dental schools you're interested in and ask what they'd suggest for your particular situation.

👍

Hookem's right. Everyone's situation is a little different. The dean of admissions at the dental school of interest (or someone comperable) will be able to tell you what they think you need to do to prove yopurself. After all ... they are the ones making the decisions.

 

[uncbestyet]

really aiming for the best field(Med) but then I Realized Im probabaly not good enough so im actually considering less compretitive fields like this or pharmacy so this thread sheds some light for me

😱

Two Suggestions:

1. Avoid comments like this. (sounds like a good ps for your app though)
2. Do some shadowing first.

 

[sionbz]

hey peoples, i've been reading through this thread for a long time now and it seems like the collection of people represent the nicer, more humble portion of SDN and not the ego strokers that have a tendency to plague these forums. That being said, i was hoping some of you would be kind enough to give me feedback on my plans for the spring 2010 semester, so here goes:

i just graduated from a four year college last semester and i majored in cell and molecular bio. According to AADSAS my sGPA is 2.9 and my cGPA is 3.06. On the DAT my breakdown was

Bio 20
Chem 21
Orgo 26
PAT 17
QR 14
RC 22
TS 22
AA 21

I applied this year, but only to 3 schools NYU, BU and Stonybrook (new york born and raised! 😀), which are my top 3 choices. I figured i wouldn't get in and would have to apply again next year, I just wanted the schools to see my stats now so i can ask them what i could do. The thing is, registering for classes next semester are coming up and i want to be sure i make the right choice even if i can't get a chance to talk to the schools to ask their opinion.

Right now, i am working as a dental assistant back home, and i really like it. i opted not to try to apply to a post-bacc or masters b/c my gpa was too low and plus i didn't want to pay for another degree that i am not going to use. I thought working for a year in a dental office would be better for me, but i will get to that later. I am taking anatomy and physiology I on saturdays to raise my sGPA and a psych class (necessary for another purpose) on fri nights.

So that is more or less where i am coming from right now, so here are the questions i wanted feedback on:

1. should i retake the DAT? I know my PAT and and especially my QR score are low, i don't mind taking it over but thinking about it and trying to find time to is tough. I would probably take it in may or june of next year.

2. Is it better to remain at the dental office for the full year or should i quit in dec and take biochem and two other upper level bio classes to raise my sGPA in the spring? Working at the dental office is a great experience but i can't ignore the fact that classes and GPA are very important (if not more so). Thoughts on this one is especially appreciated!

We all have our reasons for not doing well in the past so i'll save my sob story and just focus on the future. For all of you who were in similar situations, even the smallest bit of advice would be great. Thanks and good luck to you all if you are applying now!

 

[Futuredds2010]

hey peoples, i've been reading through this thread for a long time now and it seems like the collection of people represent the nicer, more humble portion of SDN and not the ego strokers that have a tendency to plague these forums. That being said, i was hoping some of you would be kind enough to give me feedback on my plans for the spring 2010 semester, so here goes:

i just graduated from a four year college last semester and i majored in cell and molecular bio. According to AADSAS my sGPA is 2.9 and my cGPA is 3.06. On the DAT my breakdown was

Bio 20
Chem 21
Orgo 26
PAT 17
QR 14
RC 22
TS 22
AA 21

I applied this year, but only to 3 schools NYU, BU and Stonybrook (new york born and raised! 😀), which are my top 3 choices. I figured i wouldn't get in and would have to apply again next year, I just wanted the schools to see my stats now so i can ask them what i could do. The thing is, registering for classes next semester are coming up and i want to be sure i make the right choice even if i can't get a chance to talk to the schools to ask their opinion.

Right now, i am working as a dental assistant back home, and i really like it. i opted not to try to apply to a post-bacc or masters b/c my gpa was too low and plus i didn't want to pay for another degree that i am not going to use. I thought working for a year in a dental office would be better for me, but i will get to that later. I am taking anatomy and physiology I on saturdays to raise my sGPA and a psych class (necessary for another purpose) on fri nights.

So that is more or less where i am coming from right now, so here are the questions i wanted feedback on:

1. should i retake the DAT? I know my PAT and and especially my QR score are low, i don't mind taking it over but thinking about it and trying to find time to is tough. I would probably take it in may or june of next year.

2. Is it better to remain at the dental office for the full year or should i quit in dec and take biochem and two other upper level bio classes to raise my sGPA in the spring? Working at the dental office is a great experience but i can't ignore the fact that classes and GPA are very important (if not more so). Thoughts on this one is especially appreciated!

We all have our reasons for not doing well in the past so i'll save my sob story and just focus on the future. For all of you who were in similar situations, even the smallest bit of advice would be great. Thanks and good luck to you all if you are applying now!

I am in a similar situation. My gpa is close to your as well. I would recommend taking the biochem courses to raise your gpa for sure. This is my senior year and I only applied to uic because I am hoping for a shot at their post bac program. But this year I am taking

Molecular Medicine
Physics
Cell Bio
Anatomy
Immunology

I am hoping that these courses will definitely boost my gpa by june 2010 which is when I plan on applying to several schools. As for the DAT I think you can get in some schools with your scores but if you want to be safe you can retake it to improve your PAT and QR. Other than that I think your scores are fine. Have you checked predent.com?

 

[zitsross]

Hey Guys

I've been a long time reader of this forum and just recently got official overall GPA of a 2.8....My first two years were very horrible but my last two years my GPA was about 3.1 (I know not great at all). I am currently 26, I graduated with an honors degree in 2006. The year after I took a couple science courses. The year after I didn't do any university courses then I returned this year just taking a course. It's been a slow process because I have had increased family responsibilities since my 2nd year and its been hard keeping up with everything. Now I've reached a point that time is passing me by. I was going to apply for 2010 acceptance but I thought there is no chance of getting in so I didn't. I was just wondering what steps are best for me. I truly need help as time is passing me by and money is getting lower but this is my dream and we live one life so I can't give up on it. All I need is some guidance. I know contacting the schools is best which I am also doing but I like to hear from my peers that actually are or have been in the same similar position as me....From what I understand I could go back and 1. take upper level science course 2. I can do a masters but I dont know if Id even get accepted to that and its annoying that most master programs are 2 years in duration 3. Take an online masters program...Please ladies and gents any information is greatly appreciated.....Thank you

 

[uncbestyet]

1. take upper level science course 2. I can do a masters but I dont know if Id even get accepted to that and its annoying that most master programs are 2 years in duration 3. Take an online masters program...

I think it depends on your situation.

1. What were your grades like in intro biol, chem I/II, organic chem, anatomy/physiolgy (or equivalent biol)?

2. What are your DAT scores (if you have taken it)?

I ask these questions because of few reasons:

1. I think masters are good for recent graduates, but they but they won't pull up your undergrad GPA. They are calculated seperately on AADSAS. IMO - it will not help you in preparation for the DAT (excexpt maybe biol). They do show you can handle upper level courses though.

2. Taking classes as post-bacc student (no additional degree) will help pull up your undergrad GPA since they are calculated in with your undergrad GPA. I think that getting As in the pre-reqs, when taken for a second time, looks better if you have not taken them recently (as opposed to if you took them last year). I also think the pre-reqs will definitely help you in preparation for the DAT. (some schools also require that you pre-reqs be less than 5 years old)


I am in a situation that I graduated in 2001 with a 2.35 GPA. An admissions dean recommended that I retake all the pre-reqs and get all As or Bs (mine were 10 years old). He also said the DAT will be HUGE for me. Two and a half years later....(present).. I have taken all of the pre-reqs, 8hrs/semester, while working 40+ hours/week and commuting a hour each way to school. I have gotten all As in the pre-reqs and pulled my GPA up to a ~2.65. I did pretty good on the DAT (AA23/TS25/PAT23) and am applying this cycle. I think taking the pre-reqs definitely helped with the DAT. I am continuing to take classes and pull up my GPA to reapply next semester if necessary.

That's my situation and what a dean of admissions told me. But everyone's situation is unique.

I think a strong DAT is almost required in the case of a low GPA.

 

[zitsross]

I think it depends on your situation.

1. What were your grades like in intro biol, chem I/II, organic chem, anatomy/physiolgy (or equivalent biol)?

2. What are your DAT scores (if you have taken it)?

I ask these questions because of few reasons:

1. I think masters are good for recent graduates, but they but they won't pull up your undergrad GPA. They are calculated seperately on AADSAS. IMO - it will not help you in preparation for the DAT (excexpt maybe biol). They do show you can handle upper level courses though.

2. Taking classes as post-bacc student (no additional degree) will help pull up your undergrad GPA since they are calculated in with your undergrad GPA. I think that getting As in the pre-reqs, when taken for a second time, looks better if you have not taken them recently (as opposed to if you took them last year). I also think the pre-reqs will definitely help you in preparation for the DAT. (some schools also require that you pre-reqs be less than 5 years old)


I am in a situation that I graduated in 2001 with a 2.35 GPA. An admissions dean recommended that I retake all the pre-reqs and get all As or Bs (mine were 10 years old). He also said the DAT will be HUGE for me. Two and a half years later....(present).. I have taken all of the pre-reqs, 8hrs/semester, while working 40+ hours/week and commuting a hour each way to school. I have gotten all As in the pre-reqs and pulled my GPA up to a ~2.65. I did pretty good on the DAT (AA23/TS25/PAT23) and am applying this cycle. I think taking the pre-reqs definitely helped with the DAT. I am continuing to take classes and pull up my GPA to reapply next semester if necessary.

That's my situation and what a dean of admissions told me. But everyone's situation is unique.

I think a strong DAT is almost required in the case of a low GPA.

Honestly just want to start off with a huge thank you. I have been stressing out for a long time and finally found this forum which I see now was a huge help. It seems like I'm in the exact same boat as you. My pre reqs were all ok like orgo was 80's biochem and intro bio were mid 70's but its just my first year chem was horrible. It was in the high 50's because i had never taken it in high school (dont ask me why because I have no idea) and just found it overwhelming. My 2 anatomy courses were 79 and 85. So the pre reqs were ok.....but I mean for me to take first year chem again, I would do it but you think it is worth doing a first year course again. Also I am currently looking into an anatomy/cell biology graduate program. Now I have a semester in which I will be able to take some upper level courses in sciences. Do you think that would be a good idea? And again thanks for getting back to me with that I truly appreciate it

 

[uncbestyet]

I would do it but you think it is worth doing a first year course again. Also I am currently looking into an anatomy/cell biology graduate program. Now I have a semester in which I will be able to take some upper level courses in sciences. Do you think that would be a good idea? And again thanks for getting back to me with that I truly appreciate it

I hear ya... the only pre-req I didn't retake was intro chem. It seems pointless to me. It think part of the reason I was recommended to retake the pre-reqs is because I had been out of school about 7 years.

The upper level courses will help your GPA and ADCOMS like to look at the current trend (last 2-3 years when slightly lower GPA/also workload). The nice thing about the masters is that you have an additional degree if things don't work out with dental school.

Which ever route you take, I recommend going ahead and start studying for the DAT. A high DAT score will be crutial.

Best of Luck .. and I hope you also get some additional advice from other folks.

 

[boarder0904]

fellas,
Now that i got my first official rejection from Temple out of 9 schools that i applied to, im effing stressed out. I know many of you got into good schools with sub 3.0 gpa, but is this really possible? ive been always reminding myself 'the past is the past, what have happened already happened' but im beginning to lose my faith. I prolly shouldn't have hoped too much for the first application. Now that im in a position to prepare for the next cycle, what do you think is the field that i need to make the most improvements? gpa for sho..but is there anything else? here are my stats.

overall GPA 2.96/2.94(Inc+/without+)
science GPA 2.9/2.87
Non science GPA 3.14/3.17

Ive been in University of British Columbia undergrad for 6 years (got my degree in 5th year, had extra year to improve gpa). Im a Canadian student with not many courses left to take as an undergrad. F***ed up in my first 2 years, improvements from the third year, 3.8ish in the fifth year, listed on deans honors list, 4.2 in my last year although i took only 5 courses to prepare DAT

DAT 22/23/28 (AA/TS/PAT)- taken in July 14th, 2009

EC-shadowed about 5 dentists every vacation from year 2005
currently helping out a dentist whos about to write a book, im helping out with translating articles from JADA
4 years of volunteers at a hospital
couple of part time job during high school

schools i applied to- BU, Columbia, NYU, Temple, Tufts, Buffalo, Penn, USC, UoP (chose based on schools that are Canadian friendly)

Could anyone help out? give some advise?
take grad program? post bach? anything? please?
Dayummm that rejection letter killed my day!
Hope i feel better tomorrow while im in the clinic for the observation. sigh.

 

[bennijai]

fellas,
Now that i got my first official rejection from Temple out of 9 schools that i applied to, im effing stressed out. I know many of you got into good schools with sub 3.0 gpa, but is this really possible? ive been always reminding myself 'the past is the past, what have happened already happened' but im beginning to lose my faith. I prolly shouldn't have hoped too much for the first application. Now that im in a position to prepare for the next cycle, what do you think is the field that i need to make the most improvements? gpa for sho..but is there anything else? here are my stats.

overall GPA 2.96/2.94(Inc+/without+)
science GPA 2.9/2.87
Non science GPA 3.14/3.17

Ive been in University of British Columbia undergrad for 6 years (got my degree in 5th year, had extra year to improve gpa). Im a Canadian student with not many courses left to take as an undergrad. F***ed up in my first 2 years, improvements from the third year, 3.8ish in the fifth year, listed on deans honors list, 4.2 in my last year although i took only 5 courses to prepare DAT

DAT 22/23/28 (AA/TS/PAT)- taken in July 14th, 2009

EC-shadowed about 5 dentists every vacation from year 2005
currently helping out a dentist whos about to write a book, im helping out with translating articles from JADA
4 years of volunteers at a hospital
couple of part time job during high school

schools i applied to- BU, Columbia, NYU, Temple, Tufts, Buffalo, Penn, USC, UoP (chose based on schools that are Canadian friendly)

Could anyone help out? give some advise?
take grad program? post bach? anything? please?
Dayummm that rejection letter killed my day!
Hope i feel better tomorrow while im in the clinic for the observation. sigh.

Take it easy, I received my first rejection a few weeks back as well. Although it was a downer you need to look past that now and wait for the others. You've done all you could up to this point and you did great on your DAT. You seem very committed to dentistry and I believe adcoms will see this as they review your application.

Worst comes to worst, you take on a post-bach, preferably a one year M.A. program where you can take upper level bio courses and show that you can handle the work. But seriously, its still early in the game and you just need to be patient.

 

[pogue]

I am a non-traditional student. Wife, kids, all that stuff. I want to put my stats on here so you all know where I am coming from.

This is a straight up copy and paste of my GPA from ADEA 2010. Post continues after the fold...

-----------------------------------------
BCP 2.37
Science 2.27
Non-Science 2.65
Total 2.37
Repeated Hours: 13.34
-----------------------------------------
I want everyone to pay particular attention to the "repeated hours". I took Organic I and II twice... each. Both were failed and repeated for a D. I took calculus and failed. Retook and got a B. That marked the end of my first attempt at professional school, and it accounts for the majority of my repeated work.

I took the DAT this summer and scored, shall we say, astonishingly average. Take a peek:
-----------------------------------------
Academic Average: 17
Perceptual Ability: 18
Quantitative Reasoning: 17
Reading Comprehension: 21
Biology: 17
General Chemistry: 15
Organic Chemistry: 16
Total Science: 16
-----------------------------------------
I applied to one school. I know I won't get an interview, because their cutoff for Total Science is 17.

I am currently in a M.S. program and doing better than most of the others in my program. I attribute this to the fact that I am 10 years older than most of them, and I study like the future of my kids depends on it (which, financially, it does).

Sometime around Christmas of next year I will post my acceptance letter for the matriculating class of 2011.

Good luck to my fellow underachievers for this application cycle. Make the rest of us "dummies" proud. 😀

 

[boarder0904]

Take it easy, I received my first rejection a few weeks back as well. Although it was a downer you need to look past that now and wait for the others. You've done all you could up to this point and you did great on your DAT. You seem very committed to dentistry and I believe adcoms will see this as they review your application.

Worst comes to worst, you take on a post-bach, preferably a one year M.A. program where you can take upper level bio courses and show that you can handle the work. But seriously, its still early in the game and you just need to be patient.

Thanks for the comment.
It does help, really it does..
Im just hoping for the good news someday, fingers crossed.
Even if i don't get in this year, i'll be keep trying.
Today i was in the clinic and noticed this is something that i can't give up no matter what. After realizing this, it just feels so much better. I'll be doing whatever i can do to make this happen.

Keep your hopes high everyone, you prolly know what you want as much as i do.
Wish you luck too bennijai🙂👍

 

[dentalbear]

Before: 2.97 overall GPA and 2.73 (i think) sci GPA after repeating a class
After: 3.1 overall and 2.99 sci GPA

EC's: Teaching kids how to floss and brush at a clinic for the underserved, president of an academic fraternity, went on a dental mission to Mexico and assisted for a weekend at a free clinic, did a pre-dental class at UCLA, youth group leader at my church, and a few other things

Hey Peter, I was wondering how your DAT scores were. I didn't do so well on my first DAT so I'm retaking it at the end of the month.

 

[jiapgi]

🙂

 

[wintkyaw]

after reading most of the posts here, it seems like everyone is improving their gpa and/or DAT score...there are hopes ahead of you guys...

but i think i lost my chance and hope...

my gpa:
BCP: 2.95
science: 2.98
non-science: 3.01
total: 2.99


i recently re-took DAT in sept....3rd attempt already
PAT: 21
QR: 17
RC: 14😡
BIO: 18
GC: 22
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18

after my test, i called up some schools...and they just rejected me right away through phone even i told them that i'm going to retake in jan. they just told me i should try next yr.

i know that if i study good and retake again when i'm ready, i probably still have some hope/chance to get into ds...
the reason i feel hopeless is...this is my 4th yr applying for ds, and i'm really mad at myself getting such a low score on DAT after already taken it two times. I suppose to show the schools that i become more competitive with higher scores but now i just screwed everything....

ppl told me that these scores can still get me one/two interviews...but i doubt it
even though i feel hopless...i'm still studying DAT for the 4th time but lossing my motivation day by day...

and i dun even know the purpose of me writing this post...i gues i'm looking for an advice or sth.....

 

[marscole]

after reading most of the posts here, it seems like everyone is improving their gpa and/or DAT score...there are hopes ahead of you guys...

but i think i lost my chance and hope...

my gpa:
BCP: 2.95
science: 2.98
non-science: 3.01
total: 2.99


i recently re-took DAT in sept....3rd attempt already
PAT: 21
QR: 17
RC: 14😡
BIO: 18
GC: 22
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 18

after my test, i called up some schools...and they just rejected me right away through phone even i told them that i'm going to retake in jan. they just told me i should try next yr.

i know that if i study good and retake again when i'm ready, i probably still have some hope/chance to get into ds...
the reason i feel hopeless is...this is my 4th yr applying for ds, and i'm really mad at myself getting such a low score on DAT after already taken it two times. I suppose to show the schools that i become more competitive with higher scores but now i just screwed everything....

ppl told me that these scores can still get me one/two interviews...but i doubt it
even though i feel hopless...i'm still studying DAT for the 4th time but lossing my motivation day by day...

and i dun even know the purpose of me writing this post...i gues i'm looking for an advice or sth.....

NEVER GIVE UP!!!Write down why dental school and dental career in your future. List several and make your motives BIG. Paste them on your study desk, your bed and your front door of your room. OR somewhere you can see your motives/reason everyday. Committed yourself on something. Spend at least 6-8 hours per day to study and take a day off per week.

Keep reminding yourself WHY dentistry... When you're tired of or lacking of motivations, read your motives and reasons why dentistry in front of your desk or somewhere in your room... you will focus on your goal!!!

I hope you don't give up!!!

 

[ahinks21]

Hi all new to this forum and just wanted to get some feedback on what you think my chances are of getting in:

Overall GPA: 3.16
BCP: 3.24
Science: 3.15
Graduate GPA: 3.6
DAT: 19

Im finishing my masters in Anatomy at Ohio State, took courses along side current OSU dental students and did better than them. Have college level teaching experience. I have an interview scheduled 11-7 at OSU, soooo what do you think of my chances?

 

[marscole]

Hi all new to this forum and just wanted to get some feedback on what you think my chances are of getting in:

Overall GPA: 3.16
BCP: 3.24
Science: 3.15
Graduate GPA: 3.6
DAT: 19

Im finishing my masters in Anatomy at Ohio State, took courses along side current OSU dental students and did better than them. Have college level teaching experience. I have an interview scheduled 11-7 at OSU, soooo what do you think of my chances?

You got an interview invitation... Congrats!!! You are what they are looking for. Anyway, just be yourself!!! Fully understand what you've written in your personal statement. Chances of getting accepted... cant tell!!! 😉