WAMC applying this cycle

[smileystudy]

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Hi Everyone, I am applying this cycle and I am a bit concerned on my low science GPA. Currently studying for the DAT so I know I have to crush it but just wanted some insight because I am considering retaking a few science courses that I have Cs in before applying but not sure if it is worth it. I cannot do a masters due to finances but am willing to retake 1 or 2 classes if necessary. I have a C in Chem 2 , Physics 1 and 2 both C+, Biochem C+, Physiology C, Genetics C.
Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.1
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: Unsure
DAT score (include AA and all sections):
State of Residence: MA

Major: Public Health
Minor: Bio
Minority? Yes
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? Graduated spring 2024

Shadowing Experience: 100+ General, Oral surgery, Pediatric
Volunteering Experience: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Disability Note taker 200+ hours
Employment: Dental Receptionist during Gap year, Retail Job 2019-2022
Research: 200+ Research on structural racism and pediatric oral health outcomes, in addition to research on a separate project of structural racism and adolescents
Other Extracurriculars: SHPEP Columbia University, Pre-Dental Secretary, Resident Assistant, University hearing board member, Pre Health student advisor
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? Harvard Intro to Dentistry Program
Relevant Honors or Awards:
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: All my C's except biochem were prior to doing SHPEP.
Any advice will help, I know not having a DAT score is hard to determine my chances but any insight will be great.

 

[macsak]

Hi Everyone, I am applying this cycle and I am a bit concerned on my low science GPA. Currently studying for the DAT so I know I have to crush it but just wanted some insight because I am considering retaking a few science courses that I have Cs in before applying but not sure if it is worth it. I cannot do a masters due to finances but am willing to retake 1 or 2 classes if necessary. I have a C in Chem 2 , Physics 1 and 2 both C+, Biochem C+, Physiology C, Genetics C.
Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.1
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: Unsure
DAT score (include AA and all sections):
State of Residence: MA

Major: Public Health
Minor: Bio
Minority? Yes
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? Graduated spring 2024

Shadowing Experience: 100+ General, Oral surgery, Pediatric
Volunteering Experience: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Disability Note taker 200+ hours
Employment: Dental Receptionist during Gap year, Retail Job 2019-2022
Research: 200+ Research on structural racism and pediatric oral health outcomes, in addition to research on a separate project of structural racism and adolescents
Other Extracurriculars: SHPEP Columbia University, Pre-Dental Secretary, Resident Assistant, University hearing board member, Pre Health student advisor
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? Harvard Intro to Dentistry Program
Relevant Honors or Awards:
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: All my C's except biochem were prior to doing SHPEP.
Any advice will help, I know not having a DAT score is hard to determine my chances but any insight will be great.

most will say don't retake c or c+
figure out your BCP and make sure it's above 3.0
what is your last year GPA? last 2 years GPA?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You have several connections i want to hear from. What do your advisors with SHPEP and Harvard say?

 

[smileystudy]

You have several connections i want to hear from. What do your advisors with SHPEP and Harvard say?

Harvard Introduction to Dentistry was run by D1s and D2s so I have no admissions advisor connections from them. My advisor from SHPEP told me to not get any more C's (ended up getting a c in biochem) but encouraged me to still apply without taking a gap year and that the upward trend showed in my transcript showed positive improvement. I needed more time to study for the DAT so unfortunately had to take the gap year.

 

[smileystudy]

most will say don't retake c or c+
figure out your BCP and make sure it's above 3.0
what is your last year GPA? last 2 years GPA?

my BCP is 3.07. GPA in last two years were 3.6.

 

[macsak]

my BCP is 3.07. GPA in last two years were 3.6.

what about in the last year?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

As a predental student peer advisor, what would you tell yourself? Sure, the Harvard students may not serve on admissions, but that never stops anyone to share their perspective or insights given what they know about their peers.

Being a Massachusetts resident makes it hard for your chances to the private dental schools in Boston, though you have had opportunities to work with students (at least) through their enrichment programs. I place weight on being in SHPEP, but not all schools do. I would have a chat with admissions staff before applying to gauge whether you must retake those C's (not the C+'s).

When were you in SHPEP (after freshman, sophomore year?) relative to the last-two-year science GPA?

Some schools will focus on your more recent coursework, especially over the last two years. Whether that's enough to sway some adcom members depends on the school. I can't comment without a transcript. But clearly take whatever time you need to crush the DAT.

 

[smileystudy]

As a predental student peer advisor, what would you tell yourself? Sure, the Harvard students may not serve on admissions, but that never stops anyone to share their perspective or insights given what they know about their peers.

Being a Massachusetts resident makes it hard for your chances to the private dental schools in Boston, though you have had opportunities to work with students (at least) through their enrichment programs. I place weight on being in SHPEP, but not all schools do. I would have a chat with admissions staff before applying to gauge whether you must retake those C's (not the C+'s).

When were you in SHPEP (after freshman, sophomore year?) relative to the last-two-year science GPA?

Some schools will focus on your more recent coursework, especially over the last two years. Whether that's enough to sway some adcom members depends on the school. I can't comment without a transcript. But clearly take whatever time you need to crush the DAT.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. My apologies I thought you were referring to strictly admissions, one Harvard student that I spoke to recommended I retake Chem 2 and Biochem, and excel on the gen chem portion of the DAT . As of right now the advice I am giving myself is to apply and ace the DAT.

I have had a one on one with one of the BU Deans who looked at my transcript and extracurriculars. He recommended the BU masters and if that wasn't an option for me then he also gave me advice to do well on the DAT and gave me some schools to apply to within range of my stats such as NYU Meharry etc. He also recommended I talk about SHPEP and being on the university hearing board in my personal statement.

I participated in SHPEP summer of 2022 so after sophomore year. The first two years of college were rough for me academically but had a turn around the last two yeas.

 

[dentalb00f7715]

Hi Everyone, I am applying this cycle and I am a bit concerned on my low science GPA. Currently studying for the DAT so I know I have to crush it but just wanted some insight because I am considering retaking a few science courses that I have Cs in before applying but not sure if it is worth it. I cannot do a masters due to finances but am willing to retake 1 or 2 classes if necessary. I have a C in Chem 2 , Physics 1 and 2 both C+, Biochem C+, Physiology C, Genetics C.
Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.1
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: Unsure
DAT score (include AA and all sections):
State of Residence: MA

Major: Public Health
Minor: Bio
Minority? Yes
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? Graduated spring 2024

Shadowing Experience: 100+ General, Oral surgery, Pediatric
Volunteering Experience: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Disability Note taker 200+ hours
Employment: Dental Receptionist during Gap year, Retail Job 2019-2022
Research: 200+ Research on structural racism and pediatric oral health outcomes, in addition to research on a separate project of structural racism and adolescents
Other Extracurriculars: SHPEP Columbia University, Pre-Dental Secretary, Resident Assistant, University hearing board member, Pre Health student advisor
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? Harvard Intro to Dentistry Program
Relevant Honors or Awards:
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: All my C's except biochem were prior to doing SHPEP.
Any advice will help, I know not having a DAT score is hard to determine my chances but any insight will be great.

Retake the C courses and might have a shot, even then might be tough depending on your DAT score. Better not to even apply this cycle.