very low GPA and low DAT score. what should i do?

[LOSTBOY89]

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GPA : 2.98

PA: 20
QR: 19
RC: 15
Bio: 21
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 19

job shadowing: 300+ hours
Volunteering 500+ hours.

BS in Microbiology
BBA in Marketing from India

Someone I know suggested I should look into the master's program and apply. so I looked up and found our online MBA program. what should I do? should I go for it? I am thinking of retaking my DAT in March for next cycle and will try to apply for this cycle.

 

[Veni vidi vicii]

Three quick things.
1. There is no such thing as job shadowing.
2.I would save the money and not apply this year.
3. I want to start out by saying that you should not go by strictly one person's advice from this forum because nobody can give you a guide to being accepted. It's such a complex process with many variables at play. Do research, and take into account various opinions and advice on this forum to formulate your own opinion on what you should do going forward. With that said I'll address your concerns. - @Ollivander

I agree with your friend, I would look into a special masters program where you take upper level science courses. I'm pretty sure MBA won't cut it because this is a biomedical field, not business. Depending on the masters program it could be 1-2 years, but halfway through it you can apply to dental schools and complete it once you matriculate it. You can also raise your GPA to a 3.0 so you meet cutoffs for a lot of school at the very least, but if you have a lot of credits, your GPA won't change significantly. I don't know how many credits you have so figure out a plan of action to see how many credits you need to raise your GPA to at least a 3.0(Which still isn't good, but at least gives you the option to apply to schools with cutoffs)

The reason I say don't apply this year is because of this. You are probably feeling at the lowest point right now with your GPA and DAT combo, and if you apply and waste thousands of dollars and get rejected (most likely outcome), you will feel even lower and regret the decision. Also, everyone thinks they are special (why many people play the lottery), so you're probably thinking I might have a shot somewhere. There is a possibility of you having a shot somewhere, just as there is a possibility of you winning the lottery, however most likely you will get rejected. If I'm going to apply and spend money I would have the upmost confidence in my application.

So, your goal for the year should be to re-take the DAT and scoring above a 23+ would put you in a great place, and improve your GPA. How you do that depends on you and how much time you have. This isn't my area of expertise but based off of what I have learned on SDN I expressed my opinion. Again do your own research.

I realize hearing this sucks, but you need to hear it. If you take anything from this just don't apply this year, yeah you might have a shot but that shot is really low. Each dental school probably accepts less than I don't know maybe 8% of students from the applicants they get and your stats are the bottom of the bucket so you're even at a more disadvantage.

You can also get a 3.0 GPA and get a 25AA and then you could apply too. There are so many options, take the time to figure them out and don't give up. What's an extra year in the long run? Sorry for the disorganization of ideas, but you get the idea.Good luck and don't give up!

I leave you with this. A 30 year old applicant who applied 3 times and got in and had stats lower than yours. He did a master and retook the DAT. A glimpse of hope. 3rd Time's the charm. Some hope for the 3.0 and under.

 

[AKtoTXstudent]

I'd say take a shot and go for it this cycle. Retake the DAT and study hard for it to bring up the TS and AA in case if you don't get in. I'd say the Master's is not that necessary, apply to around 15-20 schools just to increase your chances.

YS

I'm not on an adcom obviously, but I disagree with this advice. Applying broadly with below average GPA and slightly above average DAT is not a recipe for an acceptance but rather for disappointment.

**part below is copied from the 3rd Time's the charm. Some hope for the 3.0 and under.** <-- I think this thread is worth a read

"This is going to sound like a no-brainer but this third time around I cleared everything from my schedule and devoted myself to studying for 2.25 months.

My first DAT attempt, I had just finished a summer's worth of OCHEM I and OCHEM II with lab and spent 3 weeks studying for the DAT. This was probably the worst decision I could have made because honestly my brain was fried, I was literally dead, but I wanted to stick to my aggressive schedule of getting accepted to dental school for 2014. Well we know how that went.

My 2nd attempt, I got swamped with work and was only able to devote 1 month to studying for the DAT. Honestly, with a Master's degree I felt getting the matriculating score would be enough to get me in. And ofcourse it wasn't.

For my last attempt (last summer) I set June - August aside for studying and planned to take the DAT early September. Well that didn't happen because of work and by July I realized I wasn't getting anywhere with my studying. SO I had my mummy come and watch my 8mo old. Dropped my 40hr work schedule to 10hrs/week, and spent 6 - 8hrs a day from Aug. - Sept. studying the materials and I mean REALLY studying the materials and learning all those special case scenarios that might getcha on the DAT."

This guy/girl realized the shortcomings of their app and didn't give up. Took classes but also crushed the DAT and got into DS.
Not sure how an MBA would help your app but a great DAT will certainly help. Best of luck!!

 

[Veni vidi vicii]

That is not what I'm saying. His EC's certainly will set him off from a lot of other students who also will have similar stats compared to him. I'm only trying to give this guy hope not disappointment, be positive.

YS

It's nice to be positive and optimistic, but as a consequence a false hope could be expressed as well. Yeah why not give it a shot and apply to 15-20 schools, but do you know how much money that will cost him or her? Not to mention secondary fees, and maybe even emotional cost. This person may very well spend 4k-5k and not even receive an interview. If that happens that's not something to easily brush off, and the chances of that happening to this applicant is way higher than the chances of them getting an interview.

You can be positive in another light where you encourage the applicant to re-take the DAT, improve the GPA, not giving up, trying again next cycle, and give sound reasons of why not to apply this cycle. I think this is a positive and safe message. I would love for the applicant to apply this cycle and get in, but if he were my future son I would give him the sincere advice of waiting a year. I'm not being pessimistic, but I'm being realistic and I am optimistic if this person waits a year he'll probably get in next cycle with an improved DAT. The only thing he has to lose is money when applying, and I can tell this person he will certainly lose money with an unfortunate result. There are low-tier schools out there like Howard for example, so if the applicant is eager to apply this year, then I would reluctantly tell them to apply to only those kinds of schools, where your chances might be a tad bit higher.

 

[AKtoTXstudent]

Three quick things.
1. There is no such thing as job shadowing.
2.I would save the money and not apply this year.
3. I want to start out by saying that you should not go by strictly one person's advice from this forum because nobody can give you a guide to being accepted. It's such a complex process with many variables at play. Do research, and take into account various opinions and advice on this forum to formulate your own opinion on what you should do going forward. With that said I'll address your concerns. - @Ollivander

I agree with your friend, I would look into a special masters program where you take upper level science courses. I'm pretty sure MBA won't cut it because this is a biomedical field, not business. Depending on the masters program it could be 1-2 years, but halfway through it you can apply to dental schools and complete it once you matriculate it. You can also raise your GPA to a 3.0 so you meet cutoffs for a lot of school at the very least, but if you have a lot of credits, your GPA won't change significantly. I don't know how many credits you have so figure out a plan of action to see how many credits you need to raise your GPA to at least a 3.0(Which still isn't good, but at least gives you the option to apply to schools with cutoffs)

The reason I say don't apply this year is because of this. You are probably feeling at the lowest point right now with your GPA and DAT combo, and if you apply and waste thousands of dollars and get rejected (most likely outcome), you will feel even lower and regret the decision. Also, everyone thinks they are special (why many people play the lottery), so you're probably thinking I might have a shot somewhere. There is a possibility of you having a shot somewhere, just as there is a possibility of you winning the lottery, however most likely you will get rejected. If I'm going to apply and spend money I would have the upmost confidence in my application.

So, your goal for the year should be to re-take the DAT and scoring above a 23+ would put you in a great place, and improve your GPA. How you do that depends on you and how much time you have. This isn't my area of expertise but based off of what I have learned on SDN I expressed my opinion. Again do your own research.

I realize hearing this sucks, but you need to hear it. If you take anything from this just don't apply this year, yeah you might have a shot but that shot is really low. Each dental school probably accepts less than I don't know maybe 8% of students from the applicants they get and your stats are the bottom of the bucket so you're even at a more disadvantage.

You can also get a 3.0 GPA and get a 25AA and then you could apply too. There are so many options, take the time to figure them out and don't give up. What's an extra year in the long run? Sorry for the disorganization of ideas, but you get the idea.Good luck and don't give up!

I leave you with this. A 30 year old applicant who applied 3 times and got in and had stats lower than yours. He did a master and retook the DAT. A glimpse of hope. 3rd Time's the charm. Some hope for the 3.0 and under.

I agree with this line of thinking

DAT and GPA are the first hurdles you have to clear to be considered.

I am rooting for the OP

A friend of mine applied to 15+ schools with around a 3.4 GPA and 18 AA, all sections above 18 except one very low section.
My friend had excellent work experience. Office Manager for an incredibly successful dental practice and is involved in every part of the practice.
She will be an excellent owner/dentist one day.
My friend applied broadly and received no interviews. She is applying again this cycle and studying for a retake right now.

5 yrs ago I applied with 3.75 GPA and low scores and received no interviews. This cycle was different for me.
I am not trying to be negative but rather encourage this person to assess their situation.

Please go back and reread Veni vidi vicii 's post.

 

[AKtoTXstudent]

It's nice to be positive and optimistic, but as a consequence a false hope could be expressed as well. Yeah why not give it a shot and apply to 15-20 schools, but do you know how much money that will cost him or her? Not to mention secondary fees, and maybe even emotional cost. This person may very well spend 4k-5k and not even receive an interview. If that happens that's not something to easily brush off, and the chances of that happening to this applicant is way higher than the chances of them getting an interview.

You can be positive in another light where you encourage the applicant to re-take the DAT, improve the GPA, not giving up, trying again next cycle, and give sound reasons of why not to apply this cycle. I think this is a positive and safe message. I would love for the applicant to apply this cycle and get in, but if he were my future son I would give him the sincere advice of waiting a year. I'm not being pessimistic, but I'm being realistic and I am optimistic if this person waits a year he'll probably get in next cycle with an improved DAT. The only thing he has to lose is money when applying, and I can tell this person he will certainly lose money with an unfortunate result. There are low-tier schools out there like Howard for example, so if the applicant is eager to apply this year, then I would reluctantly tell them to apply to only those kinds of schools, where your chances might be a tad bit higher.

I second this

 

[Bingwen]

GPA : 2.98

PA: 20
QR: 19
RC: 15
Bio: 21
GC: 19
OC: 19
TS: 19
AA: 19

job shadowing: 300+ hours
Volunteering 500+ hours.

BS in Microbiology
BBA in Marketing from India

Someone I know suggested I should look into the master's program and apply. so I looked up and found our online MBA program. what should I do? should I go for it? I am thinking of retaking my DAT in March for next cycle and will try to apply for this cycle.

If you absolutely have your heart set on applying this cycle I would look into programs like the master's programs at Rutgers, Midwestern and others that are biomedical and are linked to a dental program. With your stats, that may be your only shot at getting in this cycle and it will probably be only to that school. These are not guaranteed programs either so keep that in mind, but these programs typically have agreements that if you do well they will at least give you an interview.

 

[Ollivander]

Three quick things.
1. There is no such thing as job shadowing.
2.I would save the money and not apply this year.
3. I want to start out by saying that you should not go by strictly one person's advice from this forum because nobody can give you a guide to being accepted. It's such a complex process with many variables at play. Do research, and take into account various opinions and advice on this forum to formulate your own opinion on what you should do going forward. With that said I'll address your concerns. - @Ollivander

I agree with your friend, I would look into a special masters program where you take upper level science courses. I'm pretty sure MBA won't cut it because this is a biomedical field, not business. Depending on the masters program it could be 1-2 years, but halfway through it you can apply to dental schools and complete it once you matriculate it. You can also raise your GPA to a 3.0 so you meet cutoffs for a lot of school at the very least, but if you have a lot of credits, your GPA won't change significantly. I don't know how many credits you have so figure out a plan of action to see how many credits you need to raise your GPA to at least a 3.0(Which still isn't good, but at least gives you the option to apply to schools with cutoffs)

The reason I say don't apply this year is because of this. You are probably feeling at the lowest point right now with your GPA and DAT combo, and if you apply and waste thousands of dollars and get rejected (most likely outcome), you will feel even lower and regret the decision. Also, everyone thinks they are special (why many people play the lottery), so you're probably thinking I might have a shot somewhere. There is a possibility of you having a shot somewhere, just as there is a possibility of you winning the lottery, however most likely you will get rejected. If I'm going to apply and spend money I would have the upmost confidence in my application.

So, your goal for the year should be to re-take the DAT and scoring above a 23+ would put you in a great place, and improve your GPA. How you do that depends on you and how much time you have. This isn't my area of expertise but based off of what I have learned on SDN I expressed my opinion. Again do your own research.

I realize hearing this sucks, but you need to hear it. If you take anything from this just don't apply this year, yeah you might have a shot but that shot is really low. Each dental school probably accepts less than I don't know maybe 8% of students from the applicants they get and your stats are the bottom of the bucket so you're even at a more disadvantage.

You can also get a 3.0 GPA and get a 25AA and then you could apply too. There are so many options, take the time to figure them out and don't give up. What's an extra year in the long run? Sorry for the disorganization of ideas, but you get the idea.Good luck and don't give up!

I leave you with this. A 30 year old applicant who applied 3 times and got in and had stats lower than yours. He did a master and retook the DAT. A glimpse of hope. 3rd Time's the charm. Some hope for the 3.0 and under.

Not sure why I was tagged haha

 

[Veni vidi vicii]

Not sure why I was tagged haha

Haha, I quoted that part on #3 from you on a different thread I saw.

 

[thor12]

Take the master's program, maybe at a school that also has a dental program but if not just go for some bio-related topic. I was in a similar situation (undergrad GPA:3.22) and I just completed a MS in mol bio with a 4.0. That would allow you to make the case that you learned from your mistakes and are motivated enough to handle the high-level coursework in dental school.

 

[thor12]

Also, like others are saying, you may have to retake the DAT. A good amount of schools require a 17+ in all DAT categories and I've been told they look pretty hard at RC.

 

[Ollivander]

Haha, I quoted that part on #3 from you on a different thread I saw.

Ah I've gotcha! It's been a while since I posted that so you'll have to forgive me for being a little forgetful. All in all I thought your response was sound advice for OP.

MBA is a waste of time. Honestly so is a SMP in my opinion though. To each their own.

 

[n02688402]

I have a 2.97 and a 22. Your stats are the closest to mine I've ever seen. Good luck, man.