The Under 3.0 Club part 02

[schizo86]

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hey guys this is my first post and im really confused where to go. i know that dentistry is what i want to do,but i have no clue how to get there with my grades. i understand to go get a post-bacc but all the programs take >3.0 gpa. i understand that i need to take the DAT and maybe retake some of my classes. i need a little bit of direction please! here are my stats.

major😛hilosophy (bio-medical ethics)
minor: Chemistry/Biology

overall gpa:2.8

Bio 1- B
bio 2- B
microbio- C
chem 1- C
chem 2- A
ochem 1- B
ochem 2- C
physics 1- B
physics 2- not taken
calc 1- B
calc 2- B
cellbio- B
=2.71 Science GPA

 

[marscole]

hey guys this is my first post and im really confused where to go. i know that dentistry is what i want to do,but i have no clue how to get there with my grades. i understand to go get a post-bacc but all the programs take >3.0 gpa. i understand that i need to take the DAT and maybe retake some of my classes. i need a little bit of direction please! here are my stats.

major😛hilosophy (bio-medical ethics)
minor: Chemistry/Biology

overall gpa:2.8

Bio 1- B
bio 2- B
microbio- C
chem 1- C
chem 2- A
ochem 1- B
ochem 2- C
physics 1- B
physics 2- not taken
calc 1- B
calc 2- B
cellbio- B
=2.71 Science GPA

I will suggest you take some upper division Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry. For example: Pharmacology (Toxicology), Embryology, Histology, Epidemiology, Bacteriology, Signal transduction, Advanced Organic/Inorganic, Immunology... etc Take ask high grade as possible.

If possible, another option is enrolling in master degree. There are 2 types: thesis and comprehensive. Some schools require GRE and some schools don't. In my opinion, comprehensive will save a lot of time since some of my friends have graduated in MS of Chemistry by comprehensive exam. I chose thesis and that took longer time than expected.

 

[AASDDS1]

🙂

 

[marscole]

I am techincally not under 3.0, but right at the cusp and in need of some direction.

Basically, my UG major was in finance.
During my freshman yr, I got a 3.82. Then I transferred to a bigger/better school during my Soph yr and my GPA plummeted - i graduated with a 2.9.

I'm reading that the AADSAS will somehow average these GPAs from both universities to get my total overall UG gpa, which roughly would fall around a 3.0-3.1, correct?

The good thing here is that my major was in finance-havent taken any of the required science courses yet. This gives me a clean slate, and hopefully with close to all A's, I can pull up my overall UG gpa to a 3.3-3.4.

Just want to make sure my thinking is correct here and I know exactly what to expect. What do you guys think?

The GPA calculation is breaking down into several parts. Like BCP, Science, Non-Sci and total (overall GPA). Then, you will also see GPA from each school that you attended.

Do you mean 1 year biology, g chem, ochem, physics, and maths in your "required science courses"? So, if you get all As', then your BCP will bring up to 4.0, sci gpa will be in between 3.3-3.8 since some finance classes may be counted as science (guessing...). and finally your overall gpa will be high too...

hope my explanation helps!!!

 

[AASDDS1]

yeah i have not taken any science courses. still need to take
Bio I/II, ChemI/II, PhysicsI/II, OrgoI/II (all w/ labs) and then Biochem, Micro, Physiology..so about 45 hours.

On one hand I'm worried because I'm starting with a low UG gpa in finance (3.1), but on the other hand I'm not because I will be taking all of the aforementioned courses for the first time (clean slate).

Although I know my low fin gpa will be considered, just hoping it does not have too much bearing on my application.

 

[marscole]

yeah i have not taken any science courses. still need to take
Bio I/II, ChemI/II, PhysicsI/II, OrgoI/II (all w/ labs) and then Biochem, Micro, Physiology..so about 45 hours.

On one hand I'm worried because I'm starting with a low UG gpa in finance (3.1), but on the other hand I'm not because I will be taking all of the aforementioned courses for the first time (clean slate).

Although I know my low fin gpa will be considered, just hoping it does not have too much bearing on my application.

Hmmm... Based on your info here... I think you need about 2-2.5 years to complete. So, you need to work really really hard and show your academic capable in science areas. Also, when you've done 1 year of ochem, start to take DAT and then work on your dentistry application.

Study hard and good luck!!! 😉

 

[pharm82]

I've been a practicing pharmacist for 5+ years, and am wanting to go back to dental school. My GPA falls in this category. Assuming an average DAT score any one have any thoughts on what my chances of getting in would be? I have fallen out of academia and forgot how nerve wracking this is. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[s2agrado]

Hey Pharm82. I think you'd have a strong chance given that you've completed a pharmacy program. If dentistry is truly what you want to do, you're going to have to show some good volunteer/shadowing hours. They're obviously going to want to know why the change.

As for the DAT, I think it depends on where you want to go. It has become really competitive lately, so you would need to do well. I wouldn't shoot for "average"--if you have a pharm degree, the chemistry stuff should be a breeze for you. You would really just have to focus on bio, PAT and Math (which is a beast).

Good luck!

 

[DrDientes]

Hey guys I fall under this category as well and I really want to go into dentistry.
My GPA: 2.85 scienceGPA: 2.75
DAT: AA:20 TS:22 PAT:21
Extracurriculars are Decent enough

I am from california and hope to go to a school here, but if I get in somewhere else like NYU or ASDOH(places I applied I will go too). I am just wondering what people think my chances are? Also I want to to a post bacc program hopefully LLU or UCLA's. If anyone has done those programs I would appreciate any info you might have.

 

[americanpierg]

Hey guys I fall under this category as well and I really want to go into dentistry.
My GPA: 2.85 scienceGPA: 2.75
DAT: AA:20 TS:22 PAT:21
Extracurriculars are Decent enough

I am from california and hope to go to a school here, but if I get in somewhere else like NYU or ASDOH(places I applied I will go too). I am just wondering what people think my chances are? Also I want to to a post bacc program hopefully LLU or UCLA's. If anyone has done those programs I would appreciate any info you might have.

I don't think you stand a good chance of getting in without a post-bac or masters. If you had a 2.99, I would say you have a slim chance, but 2.85 is just way too low with only a 20AA. You would need around a 24-25AA to cancel out that GPA...

 

[bestsmile]

Hi everyone , i need advice . i have B.S with GAP 3.0 & sGPA 2.9 i took the DAT two times and didnt do well ...is it ok for dental school to take the dat more than two times and i also i am applying for postbac Biomedical science so hope i will get in and continue ...i really dont want to give up dental school it is my dream so plz tell me what u think should i take it again ......... thankx and good luck all 🙂

 

[americanpierg]

Hi everyone , i need advice . i have B.S with GAP 3.0 & sGPA 2.9 i took the DAT two times and didnt do well ...is it ok for dental school to take the dat more than two times and i also i am applying for postbac Biomedical science so hope i will get in and continue ...i really dont want to give up dental school it is my dream so plz tell me what u think should i take it again ......... thankx and good luck all 🙂

rumor has it that you need permission before you can take the DAT a 4th time. your next time is do or die...

 

[bestsmile]

rumor has it that you need permission before you can take the DAT a 4th time. your next time is do or die...

Thank you and thats my plan last time 🙁 and i will do my best thank you.

 

[saycheeese]

There's hope! I got an interview to minnesota today!

 

[DrDientes]

Congrats Saycheese! If you don't mind me asking what were your stats?

 

[saycheeese]

gpa 3.0, 19/19/20

 

[saycheeese]

i'm a canadian by the way

 

[gorrillaunit18]

i'm a canadian by the way

So you're going to take a spot away from a more qualified american student? Great...

 

[dmd87]

So you're going to take a spot away from a more qualified american student? Great...

what makes you think they would take a less qualified cdn applicant? last time i checked the US was a capitalistic country with free trade and opportunity... or are you one of those ignorant americans they depict on south park that yells "they took errr jobs"

 

[gorrillaunit18]

what makes you think they would take a less qualified cdn applicant? last time i checked the US was a capitalistic country with free trade and opportunity... or are you one of those ignorant americans they depict on south park that yells "they took errr jobs"

No, I'm actually not by the way. I'm all for equal opportunity, but as long as people's stats are up to par...

...I love that episode by the way. 👍

 

[klown1224]

Ive been spying on this thread for a couple of years now and Ive read some amazing stories. Just wanted to wish everyone well and share my journey as well.

I graduated in 2005. Majored in Biochem. GPA was 2.6/2.7.
Went to work as an engineer for 3 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Then decided to check out other career options. After deciding on dentistry... I left my full time job and started working for my aunt in clothing retail because she allowed me to have a flexible schedule.
Took a predental course at UCLA (Setting denture teeth, performing waxups. This was an awesome class. You really get the feel for what dental work is like.)
I shadowed/volunteered a total of about 1000 hours at 2 dental offices.
Went back to school and took 3 sciences courses for 1 semester. (This was not a formal post bach program or masters. just took sciences classes. GPA 3.7 for the semester)
Took the DAT (AA 23 TS 21 PAT 24).
continued volunteering in non dental areas through church.
AND FINALLY IN 2008, APPLIED LATE.
I applied to 23 schools and got 0 interview invitation.
Really depressing time. But I figured this is what i want to do so i continued to shadow/volunteer/work and applied early in 2009 to 18 schools.
I just came back from my second interview (first was NYU and then Tufts).
Not sure of how well I did but Im hoping for the best. Ill find out in december.

I just thought Id share my story because Im finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I hope this inspires some of yall to keep truckin.
If I dont get any acceptances again, I will definitely reapply. I have a feeling that adcom wants to see committed applicants.

Good luck to everyone! Follow your BLISS.

 

[PaulieGualtieri]

Wow Klown... excellent work and good luck

 

[DrDientes]

Good stuff Klown I def. know where you're coming from with grades and applying late 👍

 

[Marker008]

I applied to 23 schools and got 0 interview invitation.
Really depressing time. But I figured this is what i want to do so i continued to shadow/volunteer/work and applied early in 2009 to 18 schools.
I just came back from my second interview (first was NYU and then Tufts).
Not sure of how well I did but Im hoping for the best. Ill find out in december.

I just thought Id share my story because Im finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I hope this inspires some of yall to keep truckin.
If I dont get any acceptances again, I will definitely reapply. I have a feeling that adcom wants to see committed applicants.

Good luck to everyone! Follow your BLISS.

Nice work Klown! Keep it up. I am similar boat, although I don't feel like typing out my career-change story now. 🙄

When visiting DS's and talking to students, I was surprised to hear so many applicants tell me that they applied 2 or even 3 times before getting in. Last application cycle I thought "Hope that's not going to be me", then after 19 denials I found out painfully that it is me.

I have learned that there is no problem going after something you are passionate about and failing. As long as you get back up and try again you will succeed. Best of luck to all in a similar position. Keep working hard and your dreams will materialize.

 

[klown1224]

Thanks guys! I love this thread!

 

[spreadyourwings]

For anyone who is already in dental school, or finished with it, was there anything that you would suggest dental students get to help them through? Like a book or something?
I have a friend who was just accepted and I would like to get them a nice gift.

 

[lemcnei2]

2.8 cum gpa
2.5 science gpa...

currently post bacc student with straight As this semester. I am currently volunteering at a dental clinic and working as lab technician. I am also doing research this summer....

guys give me some encouragement because sometimes i feel like i am wasting my time and i will never get in.........but something inside tells me to keep trying and by this time next fall i will be getting acceptance letters....i will be applying next fall .........after completing a year and a half here doing a post bacc........i will also be taking a full load during the summer.

 

[nartnad]

2.8 cum gpa
2.5 science gpa...

currently post bacc student with straight As this semester. I am currently volunteering at a dental clinic and working as lab technician. I am also doing research this summer....

guys give me some encouragement because sometimes i feel like i am wasting my time and i will never get in.........but something inside tells me to keep trying and by this time next fall i will be getting acceptance letters....i will be applying next fall .........after completing a year and a half here doing a post bacc........i will also be taking a full load during the summer.

my stats arent too far off. I had about a 2.9 cumulative and science gpa. had a good DAT score with 20 AA and 22 PAT...plenty of dental experience...

I dont mean to discourage anyone, but I applied 3 years in a row with no interviews. the thing is...I didnt do much to improve myself. BIG MISTAKE. In this last year, I turned everything around:

- took a full load of classes for 1.25 years and got A's (summer school + postbacc)
- retook the DAT - they expired. I did a couple points better.
- wrote a really good essay

of course, I did other things like work as a lab tech, community outreach, etc....but its the major improvement in academics that the schools look for. iif your GPA is bad...screw it. Do better NOW, and dont look back.

as a 4th time applicant, Ive gone thru the most changes in the past year. now, Ive racked up 7 interviews and counting. Keep your heads up!

 

[DrDientes]

2.8 cum gpa
2.5 science gpa...

currently post bacc student with straight As this semester. I am currently volunteering at a dental clinic and working as lab technician. I am also doing research this summer....

guys give me some encouragement because sometimes i feel like i am wasting my time and i will never get in.........but something inside tells me to keep trying and by this time next fall i will be getting acceptance letters....i will be applying next fall .........after completing a year and a half here doing a post bacc........i will also be taking a full load during the summer.

Hey what post-bac program are you doing? I am hoping to get into the UCSF/SFSU disadvantaged reapplicant program next cycle.

 

[jsalina1]

my stats arent too far off. I had about a 2.9 cumulative and science gpa. had a good DAT score with 20 AA and 22 PAT...plenty of dental experience...

I dont mean to discourage anyone, but I applied 3 years in a row with no interviews. the thing is...I didnt do much to improve myself. BIG MISTAKE. In this last year, I turned everything around:

- took a full load of classes for 1.25 years and got A's (summer school + postbacc)
- retook the DAT - they expired. I did a couple points better.
- wrote a really good essay

of course, I did other things like work as a lab tech, community outreach, etc....but its the major improvement in academics that the schools look for. iif your GPA is bad...screw it. Do better NOW, and dont look back.

as a 4th time applicant, Ive gone thru the most changes in the past year. now, Ive racked up 7 interviews and counting. Keep your heads up!

Was your postbacc formal or informal?
Did you just attend a state university and retake general science courses?

 

[nartnad]

it was an informal post bacc at a state school...just classes basically. I retook one class, but the rest were new and supplemental to my cell bio degree.

 

[FreeFallin]

Hi everyone! This thread is very motivating. My question is that I graduated with a BS in Biology in 2005. My cGPA was 3.43 and sGPA 3.0-3.1. I haven't taken the DAT yet because I understand how competitive dental school admission is and I'm not sure if my GPAs will give me a chance in getting in. Any thoughts? Are they ok enough to get at least have a chance? Is it worth it for me to take the DAT? Thanks everyone!

 

[beatsdre]

Hi everyone! This thread is very motivating. My question is that I graduated with a BS in Biology in 2005. My cGPA was 3.43 and sGPA 3.0-3.1. I haven't taken the DAT yet because I understand how competitive dental school admission is and I'm not sure if my GPAs will give me a chance in getting in. Any thoughts? Are they ok enough to get at least have a chance? Is it worth it for me to take the DAT? Thanks everyone!

Gpa is competitive enough. Just raise the SGPA just a tad, and ace the dat and you are good to go.

 

[efitzger]

I'm in the current app cycle - my sGPA is 3.1, overall about the same, and my DAT's essentially 21's across the board with a 😀 26 in RC.

I'll let you know if/when I get accepted and where! If I don't make it this year, my plan is for a Biology M.S. to show that I'm able to hack hard coursework and get close to a 4.0.

Hi everyone! This thread is very motivating. My question is that I graduated with a BS in Biology in 2005. My cGPA was 3.43 and sGPA 3.0-3.1. I haven't taken the DAT yet because I understand how competitive dental school admission is and I'm not sure if my GPAs will give me a chance in getting in. Any thoughts? Are they ok enough to get at least have a chance? Is it worth it for me to take the DAT? Thanks everyone!

 

[FreeFallin]

I'm in the current app cycle - my sGPA is 3.1, overall about the same, and my DAT's essentially 21's across the board with a 😀 26 in RC.

I'll let you know if/when I get accepted and where! If I don't make it this year, my plan is for a Biology M.S. to show that I'm able to hack hard coursework and get close to a 4.0.

Sweet, good luck!!! 😉

 

[wintkyaw]

hi ppl,

my gpa is roughly about 2.99, even i have taken 10 post-bacc courses (~35 units, w/ 8 As and 2 Bs). This is my 4th time applying. My 2nd DAT scores were avg, so i decided to retake DAT in Oct. My nightmare started after i took the 3rd attempt. I got 14 on my RC. (bio 18, ochem 19, gchem 22, PAT 21, QR 18, TS 19, AA 18).

I'm studying for DAT right now to take it the 4th time in Jan. (got the permission from ADEA and scheduled the test time). As I said this is my 4th time applying, so i realy want to get in this year.

I'm currently working on my master. I'm also thinking about retake all the pre-req. The reason I want to retake them is because it has been 8 yrs since I took those pre-req. I heard that all courses are only eligible up to 7 yrs. (correct me if i'm wrong).

plz advise me if i'm going to the right direction, or is there anything else i can do for this cycle? I know taking DAT in Jan is SUPER late, but do I still have that little chance if i can do well this time?

 

[gte691w]

hi ppl,

my gpa is roughly about 2.99, even i have taken 10 post-bacc courses (~35 units, w/ 8 As and 2 Bs). This is my 4th time applying. My 2nd DAT scores were avg, so i decided to retake DAT in Oct. My nightmare started after i took the 3rd attempt. I got 14 on my RC. (bio 18, ochem 19, gchem 22, PAT 21, QR 18, TS 19, AA 18).

I'm studying for DAT right now to take it the 4th time in Jan. (got the permission from ADEA and scheduled the test time). As I said this is my 4th time applying, so i realy want to get in this year.

I'm currently working on my master. I'm also thinking about retake all the pre-req. The reason I want to retake them is because it has been 8 yrs since I took those pre-req. I heard that all courses are only eligible up to 7 yrs. (correct me if i'm wrong).

plz advise me if i'm going to the right direction, or is there anything else i can do for this cycle? I know taking DAT in Jan is SUPER late, but do I still have that little chance if i can do well this time?

IF you don't mind my asking, who informed you that the courses are only eligible for 7years?

 

[klown1224]

Ive been spying on this thread for a couple of years now and Ive read some amazing stories. Just wanted to wish everyone well and share my journey as well.

I graduated in 2005. Majored in Biochem. GPA was 2.6/2.7.
Went to work as an engineer for 3 years in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Then decided to check out other career options. After deciding on dentistry... I left my full time job and started working for my aunt in clothing retail because she allowed me to have a flexible schedule.
Took a predental course at UCLA (Setting denture teeth, performing waxups. This was an awesome class. You really get the feel for what dental work is like.)
I shadowed/volunteered a total of about 1000 hours at 2 dental offices.
Went back to school and took 3 sciences courses for 1 semester. (This was not a formal post bach program or masters. just took sciences classes. GPA 3.7 for the semester)
Took the DAT (AA 23 TS 21 PAT 24).
continued volunteering in non dental areas through church.
AND FINALLY IN 2008, APPLIED LATE.
I applied to 23 schools and got 0 interview invitation.
Really depressing time. But I figured this is what i want to do so i continued to shadow/volunteer/work and applied early in 2009 to 18 schools.
I just came back from my second interview (first was NYU and then Tufts).
Not sure of how well I did but Im hoping for the best. Ill find out in december.

I just thought Id share my story because Im finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. I hope this inspires some of yall to keep truckin.
If I dont get any acceptances again, I will definitely reapply. I have a feeling that adcom wants to see committed applicants.

Good luck to everyone! Follow your BLISS.

UPDATE!

If I can do it, You can do it! my official gpa is 2.7X and 2.8X.
Just got accepted to Tufts. Good luck everyone! Keep you hopes UP! Anything is possible!

 

[saycheeese]

UPDATE!

If I can do it, You can do it! my official gpa is 2.7X and 2.8X.
Just got accepted to Tufts. Good luck everyone! Keep you hopes UP! Anything is possible!

congrats!

 

[SMILETOOTH]

UPDATE!

If I can do it, You can do it! my official gpa is 2.7X and 2.8X.
Just got accepted to Tufts. Good luck everyone! Keep you hopes UP! Anything is possible!

How many time(s) you took the DAT?

 

[154930]

A

 

[saycheeese]

No offense guys, but i wouldn't want my dentist to be an under 3.0 gpa, so i hope none of you get anywhere... You represent a danger for society.

Nothing personal

It would be more of a danger to society if someone who couldn't hold a drill or someone who didn't have a steady hand at all were your dentist. Marks aren't everything.

And besides, a lot of people here boosted their gpa by doing really well in a post-bacc/masters

 

[armorshell]

No offense guys, but i wouldn't want my dentist to be an under 3.0 gpa, so i hope none of you get anywhere... You represent a danger for society.

Nothing personal

No offense, but if you don't realize that if someone has the ability to pass dental school, both parts of the NBDE and a regional licensing exam that their undergrad GPA is of ZERO relavence, I wouldn't want you to be my dentist.

Nothing personal

 

[154930]

guys dont take it personally, just ask yourself if you would want the surgeon who is going to operate you to have steady hands but a 2.5 GPA..???

 

[saycheeese]

guys dont take it personally, just ask yourself if you would want the surgeon who is going to operate you to have steady hands but a 2.5 GPA..???

just ask yourself if you would want the surgeon who is going to operate on you to have issues like shaky hands and bad eyesight but had a 4.0 GPA

 

[armorshell]

guys dont take it personally, just ask yourself if you would want the surgeon who is going to operate you to have steady hands but a 2.5 GPA..???

Here's why I would be fine with it. If my surgeon (We'll assume I'm getting my appendix out, so a General Surgeon) did poorly in college, but managed to get into medical school, did well enough in medical school not only to pass, but to get into a competitive surgical residency he must have done something right in medical school.

Whether or not you are a competent dentist has absolutely ZERO to do with your undergrad performance. It has everything to do with your dental school performance. Look into the literature, and why don't you tell me what the correlation is between undergraduate GPA and pre-clinical and clinical performance in dental school.

 

[chuongnn18]

There are lots of reason why people GPA is under 3.0. For me, I screwed up my first two and half year of undergrad. Since then I have taken 27 courses of upper division science classes, and most of it is 400 level classes, and getting mostly A's and B's. Does this mean I'm stupid? Certainly not. People make mistakes, but the adcom want to see improvement, and that's what my profile show. For you to say that you don't want your dentist to be someone who's under 3.0 GPA is just arrogant and misinform. Undergrad GPA doesn't show everything about an applicant. As long as a person work hard in dental school and passes all the board exams, then they are qualify to be dentist. There are lots of people with under 3.0 GPA who got into dental school and become good dentist. Again it all about what do in the future, an not make the same mistake from the past. I certainly learn from my mistakes.

No offense guys, but i wouldn't want my dentist to be an under 3.0 gpa, so i hope none of you get anywhere... You represent a danger for society.

Nothing personal

 

[Gbrando2]

Hey everyone, you can see all of this on my predents profile, but here's an update from me too. I graduated in April with a 2.97 cGPA and 2.97 sPA. Took the DAT once in June and got a 20AA/19TS/24PAT and applied to 11 schools in early June. I had 4 interviews and yesterday found out that I was accepted by UNLV and UoP (with a 30k scholarship!). I didnt do any coursework after my undergrad and, aside from full time work, my ECs during school werent anything amazing.

I never ever thought I would be able to get into dental school, but this thread always made me feel a little bit better. Hopefully my story will cheer someone up. Just keep plugging away, get an upward trend going, and keep your head up!

No offense guys, but i wouldn't want my dentist to be an under 3.0 gpa, so i hope none of you get anywhere... You represent a danger for society.

Nothing personal

I got into 2 schools... Suck it.

 

[154930]

Gbrando2 --> I didnt say that you cannot get into dental school, I just said I wouldnt want my dentist to be an "under 3.0"... but congrats anyway.

ps: try not to hurt anyone 🙂

armorshell --> every surgeon have both good GPA and hand-eye coordination

otherwise, I never said that any of you were stupid...

 

[Tommy43087]

No offense guys, but i wouldn't want my dentist to be an under 3.0 gpa, so i hope none of you get anywhere... You represent a danger for society.

Nothing personal

guys dont take it personally, just ask yourself if you would want the surgeon who is going to operate you to have steady hands but a 2.5 GPA..???

You are an idiot!

And your ignorance represents the real danger to society...