WAMC Low gpa

[random99999]

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I decided to give applications a shot this cycle. I applied kind of late due to my DAT, and I’m well aware my gpa isn’t competitive even though I have an upward trend. I just wanted to see if I may have some chance at getting into a school this cycle. If I don’t get any interviews by November I plan on retaking my DAT around May, since I know I can score higher as I got my current score in like 3-4 weeks of prep time and a busy schedule. I also can improve my gpa to a 3.28 gpa for next cycle after my last year of school. Even then, I think I may have to apply to a masters program.

Date of submission: I applied near the end of August.
Overall GPA: 3.1
Science GPA: 3.0
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: 3.0
DAT score (include AA and all sections):
QR = 410/19
RC = 430/22
PAT = 460/21
BIO = 500/25
GC = 470/23
OC = 410/19
SNS = 460/22
AA = 440/21

State of Residence: I’m from Canada, but I have dual citizenship and have American citizenship too

Undergrad Attended:
Major: Honors Specialization in Biology
Minor: Genetics
Minority? ORM (South Asian)
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 130hrs at general dentist
Volunteering Experience: 250hrs Volunteered as an adult tutor for adults with learning needs + clinical volunteering
Employment: 500 hrs, reception and consulting
Research: None
Other Extracurriculars: Helped create after school science classes for young children in underrepresented areas.
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools? No
Relevant Honors or Awards: Dean’s honor roll last year
LOR type and strength: one from general dentist I shadowed (very strong), 2 from science professors which I think are good
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: I struggled my first two years, but I have a strong upward trend.
School list:
NYU, Touru, Tufts, Boston, NOVA, Midwestern Illinois, USC, UDM, LECOM, Roseman

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

We don't have your transcript, but I would want to know how you intend to improve this. What are your year-by-year GPA's? If you attend/ed a Canadian university, your classes are probably full of science courses, so have you taken any non-science courses that could be recommended by many of the US schools on your list?

Would you consider taking a postbac or special master's program, especially in the US? I don't really think your DAT is as much a barrier as your GPA would be, but I'd need to see evidence of your upward trend and see where there may be space to improve.

I also think your dental clinical hours are lower than desired. Your community service experience is okay, but it would be better to pursue activities where you aren't teaching. Most predental students love "teaching," so it doesn't help you stand out.

 

[random99999]

Welcome to the forums.

We don't have your transcript, but I would want to know how you intend to improve this. What are your year-by-year GPA's? If you attend/ed a Canadian university, your classes are probably full of science courses, so have you taken any non-science courses that could be recommended by many of the US schools on your list?

Would you consider taking a postbac or special master's program, especially in the US? I don't really think your DAT is as much a barrier as your GPA would be, but I'd need to see evidence of your upward trend and see where there may be space to improve.

I also think your dental clinical hours are lower than desired. Your community service experience is okay, but it would be better to pursue activities where you aren't teaching. Most predental students love "teaching," so it doesn't help you stand out.

Thanks for your response! My first year average was a 65%, second year was a 73%, third year was a 83%, and fourth year was a 92%. I also took all science heavy classes that last year. I’m doing an extra year in my undergrad, and hopefully I can maintain the grades.

I took some of the non-science classes including English based classes, philosophy classes, and a humanities class.

I am also looking into taking a masters program in the states to prove that I could handle a rigorous course load, but the problem is that they are pretty expensive. I think the most valuable option is trying to retake the DAT and get a higher score.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Thanks for your response! My first year average was a 65%, second year was a 73%, third year was a 83%, and fourth year was a 92%. I also took all science heavy classes that last year. I’m doing an extra year in my undergrad, and hopefully I can maintain the grades.

I took some of the non-science classes including English based classes, philosophy classes, and a humanities class.

I am also looking into taking a masters program in the states to prove that I could handle a rigorous course load, but the problem is that they are pretty expensive. I think the most valuable option is trying to retake the DAT and get a higher score.

The most valuable option should include networking with the US schools you want to enroll in. I wish I could confidently tell you a high DAT score compensates for a lower GPA; I have to trust your upward trend, but not all schools will take your word on face value. There's much more to your application than the metrics, especially in dentistry.

I have already recommended more community service that doesn't involve teaching or tutoring, especially in the United States. I get that SMP's are expensive, but they're a bet on yourself to show the faculty at the dental schools you are ready. Not every adcom appreciates how hard a courseload you have in Canada, but they will measure how much you can relate to the patients they see in their clinic since most of your upbringing is outside the US. They want to see your potential to be a self-starter/learner who their faculty want to mentor. That's not as easy as it sounds, nor is your WAMC profile giving me a stronger clue into this quality.