What are my chances?

[laugh]

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I know some are sick of seeing this thread but please respond. First off, I have yet to take the dat (I know its hard to get an idea when one's dat is not taken). My GPA is 3.25 and sGPA is around 3.15. My junior year of college I took 21 credit hours per semester so that explains a little why my GPA is not higher. I took 17 credit hours this last semester with a GPA of 3.52. I am a Biology major and have taken a wide variety of Bio classes (Cell, Micro, Physiology, Biochem, etc.). My first two years of college is what is bringing my GPA down (I got a handful of C's). I have worked as a dental assistant for a year, and worked at a dental lab for 2 years. I have volunteered at a local dental clinic, and have gone to Mexico twice to help dentists and doctors treat underprivileged individuals. I am somewhat active with the Pre-dental club at my school. I currently am a Bio/Chem high school tutor. I will graduate this spring and take the dat over the summer in hopes of applying somewhat early. Any advace? What are my chances? Please respond. Thanks.

 

[dentaldude8]

With a 3.25 and 3.15 sGPA you should shoot for a 21AA or better on the DAT. If you get a 20AA you'll probably get in somewhere if you apply early (May). If you get less than a 20AA and your GPA when you graduate is less than 3.3 I would either take more undergrad science classes or do a masters program. Whatever you do ROCK the DAT, take it until you get at least a 19AA. I've been shocked by how much love you get from schools if you can get that 20AA. Good luck to you, PM me if you have any questions about anything.

 

[yorkiepoo]

With a 3.25 and 3.15 sGPA you should shoot for a 21AA or better on the DAT. If you get a 20AA you'll probably get in somewhere if you apply early (May). If you get less than a 20AA and your GPA when you graduate is less than 3.3 I would either take more undergrad science classes or do a masters program. Whatever you do ROCK the DAT, take it until you get at least a 19AA. I've been shocked by how much love you get from schools if you can get that 20AA. Good luck to you, PM me if you have any questions about anything.

I agree. I think 19+, better 20+. If less than that, not sure a good chance. but from what you wrote it seems like your gpa is low just from your freshman year grades, so you probably have been getting As recently to make up for it and so you are probably bright enough to do well on the DAT. Good luck

 

[ibeflossin]

Keep in mind schools don't only look at GPA. Lots of schools have lower GPA averages... I think most schools are looking for a more well rounded applicant. So if you have decent grades, good DAT scores, lots of experience, and a personality, I think you would be just fine getting in w/ a 3.0+ GPA.

 

[laugh]

Thank you for your reply.

 

[laugh]

Any other advice? Please respond. Thanks

 

[jigabodo]

I agree with all the previous posts. To stand a good chance you will probably need a 20+ AA. That along with applying early should be able to get you in somewhere.

 

[CA0708]

With those scores, you are a perfect fit for most dental schools in the US. My family dentist had the same college professor I had during my 2nd year of undergraduate study. He went into pre-dentistry and later OMF - DDS, MD route. It ain't rocket science.

As for me, I haven't thought about dental school. Although, I do have friends who will be attending OSU for dental. Good Luck Porkchops.

 

[jrf271psu]

I am in a similar boat, but applying this year... freshman yr I pulled in a 2.5 first semester😱 , and struggled to pull my grades up while classes got progressively harder over the years (bio major, psych minor).

I know a lot of people do not like Kaplan prep course (cost, time, not the best instructors, etc.) but I found it helpful, and suggest you look into it if you need to kick a$$ on the DAT. I hadn't taken gen. chem. or organic for almost 2 years by the time I was preparing for the DAT, so Kaplans course and multiple practice DATs helped pull a lot of info back together in one place (especially helpful PAT practice). I agree though - rock the DAT and you should get some love from someone

p.s. - don't freak if you do not get an interview by aug/sep... I got two invites in November for January interviews (Nova, ASDOH). Good luck!

 

[CMistry]

I think what shines on your application is your extracurriculars - they definitely demonstrate a commitment to dentistry. I'm not going to tell you what DAT score you need, because I have no idea what it would be. My advice to you is to apply to many schools, and keep your options open. Do NOT dote on one school. Best of luck!

-Cyrus

 

[laugh]

Thank you all for replying? Is there anything else you would recommend besides doing well on the DAT and perhaps potentially doing a masters degree that would help me? Also, I have friends that take 12-14 credit hours a semester and end up with a 3.8 gpa while Im taking anywhere from 18-21 credit hours and getting a 3.3 gpa. Do dental schools take course load into consideration? Obvioulsy a 3.8 looks better than a 3.3, but taking a heavy course load is more difficult. Any comments? Advice?

 

[Calculus2008]

I would recommend that you take less credit hours to boost your GPA. I mean, I don't think the committee looks down on people who take 12-14 credit hours and do well. You really don't need to take 18-21 credit hours per semester 👍

Thank you all for replying? Is there anything else you would recommend besides doing well on the DAT and perhaps potentially doing a masters degree that would help me? Also, I have friends that take 12-14 credit hours a semester and end up with a 3.8 gpa while Im taking anywhere from 18-21 credit hours and getting a 3.3 gpa. Do dental schools take course load into consideration? Obvioulsy a 3.8 looks better than a 3.3, but taking a heavy course load is more difficult. Any comments? Advice?

 

[Suzan]

.

 

[laugh]

Does anyone know of someone like me with similiar "figures"? Did they get into dental school? What did they score on the DAT? Thanks for all your inputs.

 

[Suzan]

.

 

[laugh]

Does anyone have C's for their science courses? pre-req's? did any of you get into dental school with C's? How many C's?