UNDER 3.0 but Still Got in to D-School

[DMD2005]

---

Members do not see this ad.

oh, one more thing - once you finish up those pre-reqs, study like mad for the DAT...those of us with sub-3.0 need to prove ourselves worthy on this... 🙂 Eat, drink, breath and live the DAT for 6 weeks before taking it.

don't fprget to post ur stats on www.predents.com

 

[sumozmom]

oh, one more thing - once you finish up those pre-reqs, study like mad for the DAT...those of us with sub-3.0 need to prove ourselves worthy on this... 🙂 Eat, drink, breath and live the DAT for 6 weeks before taking it.

thats awesom- how many schools did u apply too>?

kids will be 11 -twins. I am willing to go anywhere!

congrats to u- and ur great for sharing.

 

[Ronald Jeremy]

I dont question that people w/ sub 3.0s can make great dentists, it just hurts the more qualified applicant whose spot is being taken. I myself am upset by some people getting in w/ sub 3.0's. I for one made a 3.6 overall/3.4-3.5 sci from UNC and 23/21/18 on my DAT's. I however did not get into my state school of UNC. I understand interviews come into play, though I dont feel one day where most people are likely nervous should outweigh 4 yrs of hardwork, extracurriculars, and great test scores. When I read about people w/ sub 3.0s and lower dat's getting in it does upset me. It makes me question effort put forth in undergrad, (studying for my test rather than celebrating a UNC win over Duke etc.) while people who likely slacked off the entire time are getting admitted. And yes the dat is a bit of an equalizer, but anyone who is slightly motivated (and you should if you have sub 3.0) can easily make 20s. I know there is a bigger picture and your application is not just stats but there are plenty of people, who have great grades, DAT's and good volunteering/research/dentistry experiences who arent getting into their number one.

For those of you who got 'good' grades and still can't get in ot get into the school you want, stop being haters! I had/have a 2.7 cumulative, but I gaurantee I would destroy any kid coming right out of undergard, regardless of gpa. If you didn't get into dental school with good grades, then you're probably deficient somewhere else. What we sub 3.0 people lack in gpa we make up for in personality, motivation, drive, and likeabilty. There are applicants out there with everything; a perfect blend of numbers and personal attributes. They are the people that go wherever they want. We just come from the other end of the spectrum!
Plus, I'm sure most of the applicants inthis club are like me. I did terrible my first three years of undergrad because I screwed around and got kicked out. I finished up (barely) and worked in the real world for a while and realized it sucked balls. I went back, took two-and-a-half years of the same classes you took/are taking and earned one A- and the rest A's, with 6 classes per semester. I know for a fact that there are quite a few people like me in here that are now on track to become doctors in four years!
So stop whining, go back to school, and learn from whatever mistakes YOU made in your app and rectify it before mid-May. My advice is to ask us what we did to make ourselves stand out from thousands of other applicants with the same, solid numbers and backgrounds.
Someone with better grades isn't necessarily more deserving! I'm sure I won't ever lose a patient because they found out Dr.Bookworm-Nopersonality got better undergrad grades than me!
As for not getting into your #1; deal with it! You've got to be kidding. Nowadays it doesn't matter who you are, just feel grateful you got in somewhere! Last time I checked there were over 50 schools that hand out a DDS or DMD, and I hear that's part of what you need to practice.
Not trying to be mean, just don't cut on someone for having a sub 3 and still getting in. We were interviewed by people who know what it takes to be successful, and obviously they thought we had 'it'. Best of luck, dude, and don't worry about not going to UNC.

 

[Ronald Jeremy]

Sorry. I wasn't directing most of those comments towards you. It was for all the haters out there. Especially that kid who's not even in undergrad yet. Wait until he/she discovers basement parties, keg stands, not living up to your potential, working at the Cheesecake Factory as a line cook, and life away from home! It'll be funny to see this kid in a couple years!

 

[DMD2005]

Hi,

I applied to 7 schools total:

BU
NYU
UCLA
USC
Loma Linda
UOP
UCSF

Like I said, I was only accepted at the first two. 🙂

thats awesom- how many schools did u apply too>?

kids will be 11 -twins. I am willing to go anywhere!

congrats to u- and ur great for sharing.

 

[Hardbody]

For those of you who got 'good' grades and still can't get in ot get into the school you want, stop being haters! I had/have a 2.7 cumulative, but I gaurantee I would destroy any kid coming right out of undergard, regardless of gpa. If you didn't get into dental school with good grades, then you're probably deficient somewhere else. What we sub 3.0 people lack in gpa we make up for in personality, motivation, drive, and likeabilty. There are applicants out there with everything; a perfect blend of numbers and personal attributes. They are the people that go wherever they want. We just come from the other end of the spectrum!
Plus, I'm sure most of the applicants inthis club are like me. I did terrible my first three years of undergrad because I screwed around and got kicked out. I finished up (barely) and worked in the real world for a while and realized it sucked balls. I went back, took two-and-a-half years of the same classes you took/are taking and earned one A- and the rest A's, with 6 classes per semester. I know for a fact that there are quite a few people like me in here that are now on track to become doctors in four years!
So stop whining, go back to school, and learn from whatever mistakes YOU made in your app and rectify it before mid-May. My advice is to ask us what we did to make ourselves stand out from thousands of other applicants with the same, solid numbers and backgrounds.
Someone with better grades isn't necessarily more deserving! I'm sure I won't ever lose a patient because they found out Dr.Bookworm-Nopersonality got better undergrad grades than me!
As for not getting into your #1; deal with it! You've got to be kidding. Nowadays it doesn't matter who you are, just feel grateful you got in somewhere! Last time I checked there were over 50 schools that hand out a DDS or DMD, and I hear that's part of what you need to practice.
Not trying to be mean, just don't cut on someone for having a sub 3 and still getting in. We were interviewed by people who know what it takes to be successful, and obviously they thought we had 'it'. Best of luck, dude, and don't worry about not going to UNC.

HolyShiite, another me!!

 

[jbeaner]

Overall GPA: 2.92
Science GPA 2.73
DAT: Overall Sci : 21
PAT: 17
Reading: 24
Math: 15

Interviews: Meharry, UNLV, Tufts
Accepter: Meharry, UNLV, Tufts
AGE: 22

Hello everybody. This is my first time posting. Im glad to announce that I will be going to Tufts University ( Class of 2010 ). For those of you out there who have low grades.... Stop reading these threads, they are full of innacurate information with people that are only trying to scare you into not applying. Look at the interview feedback and nothing else. Apply EARLY and forget what other people say. Remember, its the admission committee that has to reject your application. Stay positive and remember that getting a rejection from dental school is not the end of the world. There is always next year or a post bac. program you can do. Stay productive and out of trouble in the time you are waiting for your interviews/answers. Remember, if they invite you to an interview that means they consider you as a potential candidate for their program. There is still 2 months left in the game for those applying. Maybe you all know this and Im just wasting my time but good luck anyway.

Well said! I was very discouraged about my stats because I listened to people on this site. Most people on this site told me to retake the DAT and do a post bac next year. I just went on an interview, and the admissions coordinator was extremely encouraging. She pretty much discounted all of my preconceived notions, saying that I do not need to retake the DAT, nor do a postbac for next year. So, you are absolutely right. Don't take any postings seriously. Talk to admissions people directly.

 

[sumozmom]

Hello All...

would ya'll identify yourself:


WHAT SCHOOL:

WHAT STATS:

WHAT AGE:


thnx!
😎

Any more of you awesome people out there?

 

[sumozmom]

For those of you who got 'good' grades and still can't get in ot get into the school you want, stop being haters! I had/have a 2.7 cumulative, but I gaurantee I would destroy any kid coming right out of undergard, regardless of gpa. If you didn't get into dental school with good grades, then you're probably deficient somewhere else. What we sub 3.0 people lack in gpa we make up for in personality, motivation, drive, and likeabilty. There are applicants out there with everything; a perfect blend of numbers and personal attributes. They are the people that go wherever they want. We just come from the other end of the spectrum!
Plus, I'm sure most of the applicants inthis club are like me. I did terrible my first three years of undergrad because I screwed around and got kicked out. I finished up (barely) and worked in the real world for a while and realized it sucked balls. I went back, took two-and-a-half years of the same classes you took/are taking and earned one A- and the rest A's, with 6 classes per semester. I know for a fact that there are quite a few people like me in here that are now on track to become doctors in four years!
So stop whining, go back to school, and learn from whatever mistakes YOU made in your app and rectify it before mid-May. My advice is to ask us what we did to make ourselves stand out from thousands of other applicants with the same, solid numbers and backgrounds.
Someone with better grades isn't necessarily more deserving! I'm sure I won't ever lose a patient because they found out Dr.Bookworm-Nopersonality got better undergrad grades than me!
As for not getting into your #1; deal with it! You've got to be kidding. Nowadays it doesn't matter who you are, just feel grateful you got in somewhere! Last time I checked there were over 50 schools that hand out a DDS or DMD, and I hear that's part of what you need to practice.
Not trying to be mean, just don't cut on someone for having a sub 3 and still getting in. We were interviewed by people who know what it takes to be successful, and obviously they thought we had 'it'. Best of luck, dude, and don't worry about not going to UNC.

Hey....did you decide where your going...I forgot sorry..................🙂

 

[sumozmom]

Overall GPA: 2.92
Science GPA 2.73
DAT: Overall Sci : 21
PAT: 17
Reading: 24
Math: 15

Interviews: Meharry, UNLV, Tufts
Accepter: Meharry, UNLV, Tufts
AGE: 22

Hello everybody. This is my first time posting. Im glad to announce that I will be going to Tufts University ( Class of 2010 ). For those of you out there who have low grades.... Stop reading these threads, they are full of innacurate information with people that are only trying to scare you into not applying. Look at the interview feedback and nothing else. Apply EARLY and forget what other people say. Remember, its the admission committee that has to reject your application. Stay positive and remember that getting a rejection from dental school is not the end of the world. There is always next year or a post bac. program you can do. Stay productive and out of trouble in the time you are waiting for your interviews/answers. Remember, if they invite you to an interview that means they consider you as a potential candidate for their program. There is still 2 months left in the game for those applying. Maybe you all know this and Im just wasting my time but good luck anyway.

did you take any classes at CC?

 

[Snowpea]

did any of the 3.0 and under people redo the sciences at a community college?

 

[Madeleine405]

Sorry...wrong page. =)

 

[sumozmom]

Sorry...wrong page. =)

oops

 

[Clapton]

Grad school classes DEFINITELY weren't easier in my opinion. I thought they were quite a bit more difficult, actually. The difference is that MOST grad programs do not want you to fail out. If you've made the cut to get into the program, generally they will do all they can to keep you around. Also, I went from 6+ classes a semester down to 3 plus research. The sheer volume of undergrad was an issue for me, I suppose. Then again, that was 10+ years ago... 😉

I agree. I guess it depends on the school. A few people had to drop out after the first semester. It's especially hard when you're a TA teaching 3 different labs. This takes up 20 hours of your week. Masters programs here are based around research. If you don't do enough, or research doesn't work, you're stuck there until it's done. Research takes about 30 hours a week for me. Classes are a lot tougher. I spend about 30-40 hours a week with them. It's about 80-90 hours of school each week. Even if the classes are easier for some people, with that type of workload, it's hard to get good grades.

 

[Smuv_Chick]

Wow - let’s not be condescending! I think you were on the right track by giving the advice to work hard, however, I don't think you were compassionate. As humans we have the tendency to lack self confidence in situation were society has judged. I don’t think the question Sumozmom posed was ignorant or selfish - this question was adequate. I believe this is the process for Sumozmom to acclimate herself to the long journey of becoming a dentist. We all are inspired by success stories one way or another.

I am 27 (maybe considered old to you) with two boys and a husband. I received my undergraduate degree in business administration. I just decided two years ago to pursue my dream of being a dentist. I have always wanted to be dentist; I just didn’t go through the process of becoming one because I was told that I could not go to medical school with a family.

I have taken all of the required courses and will take the DAT next month. I finally decided to work hard and stop letting others accomplishments or downfalls shape my future.

So, Sumozmom I say go for the gold! It is a lot of work and it requires a TON of support.

Good Luck!

I don't think I have seen your stats anywhere, is that correct?

You keep wanting to judge others on this website to see if you will fail/succeed.

Just go do it. Everyone has their own personal circumstances that they must overcome and from your posts you seem like you need lots of encouragement.

Heres my advice, if you have to post ignorant threads on this site to motivate you to get through the basic of pre-reqs in undergrad then I fear that you will fail.

You need motivation from yourself. If I were you I would question myself as to why I am even doing this.

If you cant get through these pre-reqs you will never make it through dental school at all.

 

[Smuv_Chick]

Amen!

For those of you who got 'good' grades and still can't get in ot get into the school you want, stop being haters! I had/have a 2.7 cumulative, but I gaurantee I would destroy any kid coming right out of undergard, regardless of gpa. If you didn't get into dental school with good grades, then you're probably deficient somewhere else. What we sub 3.0 people lack in gpa we make up for in personality, motivation, drive, and likeabilty. There are applicants out there with everything; a perfect blend of numbers and personal attributes. They are the people that go wherever they want. We just come from the other end of the spectrum!
Plus, I'm sure most of the applicants inthis club are like me. I did terrible my first three years of undergrad because I screwed around and got kicked out. I finished up (barely) and worked in the real world for a while and realized it sucked balls. I went back, took two-and-a-half years of the same classes you took/are taking and earned one A- and the rest A's, with 6 classes per semester. I know for a fact that there are quite a few people like me in here that are now on track to become doctors in four years!
So stop whining, go back to school, and learn from whatever mistakes YOU made in your app and rectify it before mid-May. My advice is to ask us what we did to make ourselves stand out from thousands of other applicants with the same, solid numbers and backgrounds.
Someone with better grades isn't necessarily more deserving! I'm sure I won't ever lose a patient because they found out Dr.Bookworm-Nopersonality got better undergrad grades than me!
As for not getting into your #1; deal with it! You've got to be kidding. Nowadays it doesn't matter who you are, just feel grateful you got in somewhere! Last time I checked there were over 50 schools that hand out a DDS or DMD, and I hear that's part of what you need to practice.
Not trying to be mean, just don't cut on someone for having a sub 3 and still getting in. We were interviewed by people who know what it takes to be successful, and obviously they thought we had 'it'. Best of luck, dude, and don't worry about not going to UNC.

 

[Smuv_Chick]

Amen!!!

This has to be one of the more ignorant statements I've read in a long time. You have no idea how someone arrived at a sub 3.0 undergrad GPA nor the circumstances surrounding it. Take your foot out of your mouth and head out of your rear end...it'll make your argument a lot clearer.

 

[sumozmom]

Wow - let’s not be condescending! I think you were on the right track by giving the advice to work hard, however, I don't think you were compassionate. As humans we have the tendency to lack self confidence in situation were society has judged. I don’t think the question Sumozmom posed was ignorant or selfish - this question was adequate. I believe this is the process for Sumozmom to acclimate herself to the long journey of becoming a dentist. We all are inspired by success stories one way or another.

I am 27 (maybe considered old to you) with two boys and a husband. I received my undergraduate degree in business administration. I just decided two years ago to pursue my dream of being a dentist. I have always wanted to be dentist; I just didn’t go through the process of becoming one because I was told that I could not go to medical school with a family.

I have taken all of the required courses and will take the DAT next month. I finally decided to work hard and stop letting others accomplishments or downfalls shape my future.

So, Sumozmom I say go for the gold! It is a lot of work and it requires a TON of support.

Good Luck!

thnx I appriciate it...I think the Jedi was banned a few mths ago.

have you been working during these study times?

 

[cdpiano27]

Dental admissions is a tricky process. The admission committe wants a diverse, interesting class but at the same time wants their school to look good with high incoming statistics. So there is always a dual weighing going on.

But what is interesting. What in you will the admission committee think is special. That is the question. And I think dental school is less stats driven than allopathic medical school admissions where they will not even look at someone with a lower GPA. So there is more room for dental schools to think who they would really want in their school.

So for someone with a lower GPA, apply to schools that will either:

1) have a lower average
2) or only look at the most recent performance
3) want a diverse class and have a range of statistics

Furthermore, I think older applicants who are career changers may be looked at in a good light in certain schools and not for others.

So dental admissions is very unpredictable and since we cannot read the minds of the admissions committees you just have to apply to around 15 schools. If stats are good then apply to wide variety of schools.

Many dental schools could fill their class with 3.9-4.0 GPA students and 23 AA DAT students but they don't.

 

[sumozmom]

Dental admissions is a tricky process. The admission committe wants a diverse, interesting class but at the same time wants their school to look good with high incoming statistics. So there is always a dual weighing going on.

But what is interesting. What in you will the admission committee think is special. That is the question. And I think dental school is less stats driven than allopathic medical school admissions where they will not even look at someone with a lower GPA. So there is more room for dental schools to think who they would really want in their school.

So for someone with a lower GPA, apply to schools that will either:

1) have a lower average
2) or only look at the most recent performance
3) want a diverse class and have a range of statistics

Furthermore, I think older applicants who are career changers may be looked at in a good light in certain schools and not for others.

So dental admissions is very unpredictable and since we cannot read the minds of the admissions committees you just have to apply to around 15 schools. If stats are good then apply to wide variety of schools.

Many dental schools could fill their class with 3.9-4.0 GPA students and 23 AA DAT students but they don't.

SO which would one reccommend as the "2) or only look at the most recent performance" catagory?
🙂

 

[mochafreak]

Dental admissions is a tricky process. The admission committe wants a diverse, interesting class but at the same time wants their school to look good with high incoming statistics. So there is always a dual weighing going on.

But what is interesting. What in you will the admission committee think is special. That is the question. And I think dental school is less stats driven than allopathic medical school admissions where they will not even look at someone with a lower GPA. So there is more room for dental schools to think who they would really want in their school.

So for someone with a lower GPA, apply to schools that will either:

1) have a lower average
2) or only look at the most recent performance
3) want a diverse class and have a range of statistics

Furthermore, I think older applicants who are career changers may be looked at in a good light in certain schools and not for others.

So dental admissions is very unpredictable and since we cannot read the minds of the admissions committees you just have to apply to around 15 schools. If stats are good then apply to wide variety of schools.

Many dental schools could fill their class with 3.9-4.0 GPA students and 23 AA DAT students but they don't.

Very well said.

 

[hopelessdoc]

Hey guys,
I know there is a lot of talk about under 3.0 gpa...still i have some quest...hope someone answers...

I m really interested in d-school...and thinking about applying for next cycle...but my sgpa is just around 2.6 and overall about 3.0 and taking DAT's in june or july this year...do u guys think I have a chance anywhere? I m a bio major and I just have 3 more bio classes (science) to go if it helps boost my gpa anyhow??? i m really nervous and depressed...dont think i have any hopes...I know i should have thought about all this earlier but I tried my best...
thanks ...

 

[phremius]

Hey guys,
I know there is a lot of talk about under 3.0 gpa...still i have some quest...hope someone answers...

I m really interested in d-school...and thinking about applying for next cycle...but my sgpa is just around 2.6 and overall about 3.0 and taking DAT's in june or july this year...do u guys think I have a chance anywhere? I m a bio major and I just have 3 more bio classes (science) to go if it helps boost my gpa anyhow??? i m really nervous and depressed...dont think i have any hopes...I know i should have thought about all this earlier but I tried my best...
thanks ...

you need serious DAT scores if you don't have any non-academic "hooks". I don't know about post bacc since you were a science major but maybe a masters since then your graduate GPA would be separated into itself. The road would be hard but it's definitely possible.

 

[hopelessdoc]

you need serious DAT scores if you don't have any non-academic "hooks". I don't know about post bacc since you were a science major but maybe a masters since then your graduate GPA would be separated into itself. The road would be hard but it's definitely possible.

thanks for replying...what do u mean by non-academic hooks??...i m shadowing a dentist this summer + i will try to find a prof looking students for research projects...if all this means non-academic hooks...what do u think i should focus more?? any other recommendations??? Also which school/s would be my best bet??

 

[rdsmithdds]

thanks for replying...what do u mean by non-academic hooks??...i m shadowing a dentist this summer + i will try to find a prof looking students for research projects...if all this means non-academic hooks...what do u think i should focus more?? any other recommendations??? Also which school/s would be my best bet??

I would skip applying this year and go strait to a masters program! I had About 2.8 undergrad gpa 3 years ago and did not get in. I am currently working on a masters and have a 3.6 grad gpa with a 19 AA DAT and still not getting in, but am waitlisted.

Just my 2 cents

Good luck!

 

[phremius]

thanks for replying...what do u mean by non-academic hooks??...i m shadowing a dentist this summer + i will try to find a prof looking students for research projects...if all this means non-academic hooks...what do u think i should focus more?? any other recommendations??? Also which school/s would be my best bet??

yeah those aren't strong enough hooks. You'd need to ace the DAT and even then the road would be hard as almost all the schools will immediately toss out your app based on their minimum numbers criteria alone. I recommend you legitimately look at a masters.

 

[hopelessdoc]

yeah those aren't strong enough hooks. You'd need to ace the DAT and even then the road would be hard as almost all the schools will immediately toss out your app based on their minimum numbers criteria alone. I recommend you legitimately look at a masters.

i know it's not exactly related to this thread...but sgpa means gen chem, phy, orgo and bio only??? eventhough u have taken genetics or other higher level bio courses???

 

[xxJuiceDxx]

i know it's not exactly related to this thread...but sgpa means gen chem, phy, orgo and bio only??? eventhough u have taken genetics or other higher level bio courses???

Your science gpa takes into consideration not only biological sciences, chem. and physics courses but math as well.

 

[hopelessdoc]

so it does count genetics and bio eelctives u take as a bio major including math? thanx

 

[mochafreak]

SO which would one reccommend as the "2) or only look at the most recent performance" catagory?
🙂

Since, you basically asked me this last week and I didn't answer then 🙄 ...

IMO, the schools most likely to reward your most recent academic performance are the ones that look at your entire app and value well-rounded applicants....so IMO here's the list: IU, Creighton, Louisville, NYU, UOP, Temple, Detroit Mercy. Of all those, Detroit Mercy specifically mentions that they stress the most recent coursework...the others are on the list due to my personal experience and their history of admitting lower gpa students from time to time.




Don't forget the fine print... 😎
Disclaimer: The list may not be complete and your experience may vary...

 

[Comet208]

IMO, the schools most likely to reward your most recent academic performance are the ones that look at your entire app and value well-rounded applicants....so IMO here's the list: IU, Creighton, Louisville, NYU, UOP, Temple, Detroit Mercy. Of all those, Detroit Mercy specifically mentions that they stress the most recent coursework...the others are on the list due to my personal experience and their history of admitting lower gpa students from time to time. ...[/SIZE]

I garee with Mocha (speaking of which, I cant wait to see you in 7 weeks.. can you believe it??)

the best (and maybe the only way) to remedy a poor undergrad GPA is to show proof that you can handle coursework and that you have the determination. Obtaining a Masters degree proved to me any many others that if it is done well, it can help. if your GPA (especially sci and BCP) are low get a masters in biology or related field and further suppliment your application with more dentistry exposure. Ad Comms want committment, so show them that. The only thing that (after 4 application cycles) got me into dental school was my Masters GPA.

 

[Snoopy903171]

has anyone gotten accepted with gpa under 3.0 the normal way, meaning not post-bacc or any other extra schooling???

 

[Mackchops]

has anyone gotten accepted with gpa under 3.0 the normal way, meaning not post-bacc or any other extra schooling???

I'm sure it happens from time to time but you'd have to have something super in your app to make you stand out.

I just got my spring post-bac grades... straight A's!!!! 😀 😀 😀 First time in my undergrad career that I've had a cumulative GPA over 3.0 😀 Got a hard summer coming up though, so wish me luck.
Mack

 

[Jdreb]

If you are a minority, that probably helps a lot too. Minorities don't have the achieve the same high numbers that white students have to.

I am new here, but Dr2BSoon, can you be any more prejudice? Minority students work just as hard as the white students... 😡 👎

 

[Jdreb]

I'm sure there's truth to this statement, but I really resent it.
I'm a minority and I don't think my stats are much lower than most "white" students.
Dat: 20/21/19
Science Gpa: 3.8
Overall Gpa: 3.4
How about the fact that us "minorities" have to work twice as hard to prove ourselves equal?

Amen to that!

 

[3eb4me]

I am new here, but Dr2BSoon, can you be any more prejudice? Minority students work just as hard as the white students... 😡 👎

Especially the Asians.

 

[sumozmom]

bump stay focused on topic 🙂 please

 

[sumozmom]

has anyone gotten accepted with gpa under 3.0 the normal way, meaning not post-bacc or any other extra schooling???

really good question.....any input?