What are my chances?

[kyleaw3]

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I am applying to dental schools now and I have an overall GPA of 3.36 and a low sGPA of 2.9. 19 AA and 18 TS for the DAT. I do want to go to dental school. I know they look at all parts of an application and i feel my extra curriculars are fairly strong.

• 500+ hours undergrad research (over 2 1/2 years like 5 hours a week)
• 1 scientific article as published author
• 800+ volunteer hours
• part of my university student body association
• worked at cancer hospice facility (3 months)
• Served as Program Organizer/Director for Spanish Tutoring for 1 year
• Mission trip to Mexico
• Salesman at ski shop
• 65 hours shadowing general dentistry
• 30 more shadowing oral surgery/orthodontics
• not much of an upward trend in grades

Part of me wants to just send in applications and hope for the best but part of me thinks that maybe I should apply to a Post-bacc/1 year MA in order to boost what I lack in grades (especially science).

I need to be realistic so wanted to get some feedback from people that have more experience with applying than I do. Any advice/constructive criticism helps.

 

[ppaa]

what's your DAT score

 

[kyleaw3]

I updated my post with my DAT score. it was a 19

 

[tiper15]

With your GPA you should probably think about retaking your DAT. I think if you still want to apply this cycle you'd have to really crush the retake that you do in a couple of months

 

[DentPhaze]

If I were you, I'd study really hard and retake your DAT. ECs are great, GPA is bad. Apply to 10 schools at least and if you don't get in then boost your sGPA.

 

[Arthur Jeffries]

definitely retake your DAT (aim for 22+ which is no easy task). without it i think your chances are slim for acceptance. after taking id apply to around 15 schools. 10 is average so applying broadly is around 15 i would say. also, if you can add some shadowing hours in the meantime to show continued improvement (maybe 30 hours or so nothing crazy)

if you don’t get in and/or you don’t significantly improve on a retake consider an intensive post bac or masters and retake after once you’ve had significant coursework

 

[sportfan6197]

where did you do your mission trip

 

[NewDent02]

I am applying to dental schools now and I have an overall GPA of 3.36 and a low sGPA of 2.9. 19 AA and 18 TS for the DAT. I do want to go to dental school. I know they look at all parts of an application and i feel my extra curriculars are fairly strong.

• 500+ hours undergrad research (over 2 1/2 years like 5 hours a week)
• 1 scientific article as published author
• 800+ volunteer hours
• part of my university student body association
• worked at cancer hospice facility (3 months)
• Served as Program Organizer/Director for Spanish Tutoring for 1 year
• Mission trip to Mexico
• Salesman at ski shop
• 65 hours shadowing general dentistry
• 30 more shadowing oral surgery/orthodontics
• not much of an upward trend in grades

Part of me wants to just send in applications and hope for the best but part of me thinks that maybe I should apply to a Post-bacc/1 year MA in order to boost what I lack in grades (especially science).

I need to be realistic so wanted to get some feedback from people that have more experience with applying than I do. Any advice/constructive criticism helps.

Hey kyle I am literally in the same exact boat! please message me about it! Like when i say the exact same boat lol im not kidding!

 

[kyleaw3]

If I just recently took the DAT and I can't retake it for another 3 months can I still send in applications now and submit my DAT Score later in the application process? or should I just pace myself and if I don't get in submit my new DAT score?

 

[zToothinator]

If I just recently took the DAT and I can't retake it for another 3 months can I still send in applications now and submit my DAT Score later in the application process? or should I just pace myself and if I don't get in submit my new DAT score?

You can still send in applications now with your current score and indicate the day you’re scheduled to retake it. However, you’ll be kinda late into the cycle. If your have a good GPA, depending on your most recent DAT, schools might offer you an interview anyways and see how your retake pans out.

 

[danchoi03]

OP,

Honestly, your realistic chance is very slim because your sGPA and DAT will hurt your application. I suggest you save your money for this cycle and enroll in a postbac while studying for the DAT. Your chance will be much higher if you can show upward trend in your postbac work and DAT 21AA.

 

[Namelessking]

I am applying to dental schools now and I have an overall GPA of 3.36 and a low sGPA of 2.9. 19 AA and 18 TS for the DAT. I do want to go to dental school. I know they look at all parts of an application and i feel my extra curriculars are fairly strong.

• 500+ hours undergrad research (over 2 1/2 years like 5 hours a week)
• 1 scientific article as published author
• 800+ volunteer hours
• part of my university student body association
• worked at cancer hospice facility (3 months)
• Served as Program Organizer/Director for Spanish Tutoring for 1 year
• Mission trip to Mexico
• Salesman at ski shop
• 65 hours shadowing general dentistry
• 30 more shadowing oral surgery/orthodontics
• not much of an upward trend in grades

Part of me wants to just send in applications and hope for the best but part of me thinks that maybe I should apply to a Post-bacc/1 year MA in order to boost what I lack in grades (especially science).

I need to be realistic so wanted to get some feedback from people that have more experience with applying than I do. Any advice/constructive criticism helps.

Sigh...all these people with colorful resumes and boatloads of volunteering and overseas excursions. Bro, just being honest, you probably won't be able to handle dental school even if you manage to get in. A sgpa of 2.9 just isn't going to cut it. If undergrad science was a challenge, dental school will be hell for you.

 

[toothyboi1996]

Hey! we have almost the same stats but I'm applying next cycle. how'd you do if you don't mind me asking?

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