what schools are easier to get into

[jav316]

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can anyone give a list of schools which might be easier to be accepted into for someone with a lower than average undergrad gpa (2.9-3.0). I will be taking a couple of post bacs but want to know what schools i should focus on. i'm mostly interested in east coast schools.
thanks,

 

[lbennett]

Hope i'm not offending anyone, but I have only *heard* that BU tends to accept a lot of people. It's a great school, I interviewed there and really liked it. Plus everyone there seemed happy which is really the most important thing, in my opinion. Also NYU accepts lots of people because its class size is so large. Are you from the east coast, because your state school will be really into you, as well. My advice is get your application in by middle of June and you'll be fine.

 

[Sprgrover]

can anyone give a list of schools which might be easier to be accepted into for someone with a lower than average undergrad gpa (2.9-3.0). I will be taking a couple of post bacs but want to know what schools i should focus on. i'm mostly interested in east coast schools.
thanks,

Run a search and you will find many, many threads devoted to this topic.

 

[DDS2BE]

NYU and BU

 

[crazy_sherm]

If you apply early and rock the DAT (22+), UOP may let you in. I know several people with high DATs but below a 3.0 that were accepted.

 

[PERFECT3435]

i think i answered the very same questions afew days ago. but anyways, to answer your question, there are NO "easy to get in" schools.

you never know who will accept you!!!!! i thought i would have easily gotten into NYU, BU, Howard, Temple, etc. guess what? i didnt even get a secondary from those "easy to get in" school let alone get accepted.

 

[PERFECT3435]

there are no easy to get in schools.

you never know who will accept/dny you. to give you an idea, i didnt even get a secondary from NYU, BU and some other "easy to get in" schools let alone get accepted.


good luck

 

[Pikeyman]

If you look at the schools' stats in the Barrons' Medical and Dental Schools Guide, Howard has the lowest, NYU and BU. But like other people have said before, you never know.

 

[dWiz]

If you apply early and rock the DAT (22+), UOP may let you in. I know several people with high DATs but below a 3.0 that were accepted.

i thought that UOP accepts applicants with really good stats because they have an accelerated program?

 

[J2AZ]

i thought that UOP accepts applicants with really good stats because they have an accelerated program?

Really good PA scores b/c they have to jump into clinic so quickly.

 

[GoGatorsDMD]

I would say most of the private schools, excepting the "prestigious" ones, Harvard, Penn, and the like. The public schools are going to be more competitive because the tuition is cheaper. Nothing is totally a given. I know of people who couldn't get into UF who are going to be attending Harvard.

 

[crazy_sherm]

i thought that UOP accepts applicants with really good stats because they have an accelerated program?

I only had a 3.2 GPA. xxdakinexx had around a 2.9 i believe. I have a friend that's a first year right now, he only had a 2.7. Its definitely possible to get in with a low GPA, but you have to make it up in other ways. At UOP, a large part of that means scoring high on the DAT. So i guess to answer the OP's original question, there are no easy schools to get into. Just different ways to get in that might meet your present situation better.

 

[DREDAY]

I only had a 3.2 GPA. xxdakinexx had around a 2.9 i believe. I have a friend that's a first year right now, he only had a 2.7. Its definitely possible to get in with a low GPA, but you have to make it up in other ways. At UOP, a large part of that means scoring high on the DAT. So i guess to answer the OP's original question, there are no easy schools to get into. Just different ways to get in that might meet your present situation better.

actually UOP looks for students who are well rounded. So if you have a 4.0 and no social skills, they will see right through it. Well rounded meaning if you have a 2.7-3.2. You better have alot of extracurriculars under your belt, like alot of research, alot of club involvement, community involvement, international volunteering, dedication to serving underserved communities, and finally leadership like club president or student government involvement. Basically they want you to have something to show for your low gpa. All the above mentioned involvements are good forms of showing your ability to keep a decent gpa, while engagin in many different social activities. Also if you can pull high scores in the DAT that will tell the lower GPA is not because you dont know the material but rather because you were engaging yourself in all those extracurricular activities which ill in turn give you a huge margin in dealing with patients. This definitely in my eyes is a much more indicative way of choosing individuals who will be successful dentists, than those schools which only choose based on numbers.

 

[airadface]

is it okay to have ec for volunteering at a hospital instead of a dental office? 😳 i have a lot of hours at a hospital and nothing for dental 🙁

 

[GoGatorsDMD]

radface,

It's nice that you volunteered at the hospital, but what does that have to do with dentistry? The interviewer is going to ask you something like that to ascertain if you know what you're getting yourself into by applying.

 

[DREDAY]

i'm just really torn between becoming a doctor or a dentist. I would be happy with either, i don't know what i really want to do 😳

whatever you do, do not give that response on a dental school interview... You will not get in.

 

[crazy_sherm]

actually UOP looks for students who are well rounded. So if you have a 4.0 and no social skills, they will see right through it. Well rounded meaning if you have a 2.7-3.2. You better have alot of extracurriculars under your belt, like alot of research, alot of club involvement, community involvement, international volunteering, dedication to serving underserved communities, and finally leadership like club president or student government involvement. Basically they want you to have something to show for your low gpa. All the above mentioned involvements are good forms of showing your ability to keep a decent gpa, while engagin in many different social activities. Also if you can pull high scores in the DAT that will tell the lower GPA is not because you dont know the material but rather because you were engaging yourself in all those extracurricular activities which ill in turn give you a huge margin in dealing with patients. This definitely in my eyes is a much more indicative way of choosing individuals who will be successful dentists, than those schools which only choose based on numbers.

Well, i had a low GPA, no volunteer, and very minimal research experience, just a decent DAT score. I have some post-grad work experience, but nothing related to research, dentistry ,or serving the community. Maybe I'm an exception to the rule, but it seems like UOP was happy enough with my DAT to offer me acceptance as well as a scholarship. I'm sure it wasn't for my GPA or lack of volunteer/research experience.

 

[DREDAY]

Well, i had a low GPA, no volunteer, and very minimal research experience, just a decent DAT score. I have some post-grad work experience, but nothing related to research, dentistry ,or serving the community. Maybe I'm an exception to the rule, but it seems like UOP was happy enough with my DAT to offer me acceptance as well as a scholarship. I'm sure it wasn't for my GPA or lack of volunteer/research experience.

you are definitely an exception to the rule 🙂 there are many students, with high DAT scores who did not get in.

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Also if you can pull high scores in the DAT that will tell the lower GPA is not because you dont know the material but rather because you were engaging yourself in all those extracurricular activities which ill in turn give you a huge margin in dealing with patients. .

Or maybe that tells the adcom that the person didnt bother studying when he/she should have and now is trying to somehow make-up for it..


So i think it could go either way.

 

[DREDAY]

Or maybe that tells the adcom that the person didnt bother studying when he/she should have and now is trying to somehow make-up for it..


So i think it could go either way.

actualyl no because the application asks for dates in which you partook in those actvities. Therefore they will be able to see if the times when the person "didnt" do as well was because they were working and volunteering, and researching etc. also if you partake in many of those activites and maintain a B average, that indicates you have much better time management than those individuals who take 2 science courses a quarter and dont engage in as many extra curriculars.... but have a 4.0.

 

[USAF_Dentman]

actualyl no because the application asks for dates in which you partook in those actvities. Therefore they will be able to see if the times when the person "didnt" do as well was because they were working and volunteering, and researching etc. also if you partake in many of those activites and maintain a B average, that indicates you have much better time management than those individuals who take 2 science courses a quarter and dont engage in as many extra curriculars.... but have a 4.0.

I meant just in general, without considering extracurrics... But why would you want to sacrifice getting good grades just to participate in these activities?

I can see what you mean if you have something like a 3.2-3.5 as a reason why your grades might be a little lower...

But come on 2.7!? To me (again, just my opinion) that maybe the priorities were not set straight, but extracurrics shouldnt be an excuse for a this low of a GPA.

 

[DREDAY]

I meant just in general, without considering extracurrics... But why would you want to sacrifice getting good grades just to participate in these activities?

I can see what you mean if you have something like a 3.2-3.5 as a reason why your grades might be a little lower...

But come on 2.7!? To me (again, just my opinion) that maybe the priorities were not set straight, but extracurrics shouldnt be an excuse for a this low of a GPA.

Actually, if an individual has to work through school to pay for school.... that is an extracurricular that definitely needs to be top priority. By the way just so you know a 2.7 gpa is a B- (average). And because a B=above average... a B- indicates you performed right at average with the rest of the students. His gpa is not becuase the student has inability to learn the material but because he has taken on other "social skills" enriching activities which are very precious in the dental proffession. These activities includes working to pay for school, volunteering many hours in underserved communities, student government, club president. Now if that same student, takes the DAT and proves to the ADCOMs that he has excellent knowledge of the materials despite performing average in the class, it should give some indication that the student's average performance in the class was because they were building their social skills, which most 3.2-4.0 students dont have. And social skills doesnt mean just being able to socialize with a friend. Instead it means being able to understand people of different cultures, be a leader, communicate with people who dont speak english, deal effectively with people of different temperaments, all those skills which would never be able to learn from a book or in the class room. And those social skill you acquire are definitely way more valluable than maintaining a 4.0. The number of people that can accomplish both is miniscule.

 

[Gurl21]

Actually, if an individual has to work through school to pay for school.... that is an extracurricular that definitely needs to be top priority. By the way just so you know a 2.7 gpa is a B- (average). And because a B=above average... a B- indicates you performed right at average with the rest of the students. His gpa is not becuase the student has inability to learn the material but because he has taken on other "social skills" enriching activities which are very precious in the dental proffession. These activities includes working to pay for school, volunteering many hours in underserved communities, student government, club president. Now if that same student, takes the DAT and proves to the ADCOMs that he has excellent knowledge of the materials despite performing average in the class, it should give some indication that the student's average performance in the class was because they were building their social skills, which most 3.2-4.0 students dont have. And social skills doesnt mean just being able to socialize with a friend. Instead it means being able to understand people of different cultures, be a leader, communicate with people who dont speak english, deal effectively with people of different temperaments, all those skills which would never be able to learn from a book or in the class room. And those social skill you acquire are definitely way more valluable than maintaining a 4.0. The number of people that can accomplish both is miniscule.

very well said 👍

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Actually, if an individual has to work through school to pay for school.... that is an extracurricular that definitely needs to be top priority. By the way just so you know a 2.7 gpa is a B- (average). And because a B=above average... a B- indicates you performed right at average with the rest of the students. His gpa is not becuase the student has inability to learn the material but because he has taken on other "social skills" enriching activities which are very precious in the dental proffession. These activities includes working to pay for school, volunteering many hours in underserved communities, student government, club president. Now if that same student, takes the DAT and proves to the ADCOMs that he has excellent knowledge of the materials despite performing average in the class, it should give some indication that the student's average performance in the class was because they were building their social skills, which most 3.2-4.0 students dont have. And social skills doesnt mean just being able to socialize with a friend. Instead it means being able to understand people of different cultures, be a leader, communicate with people who dont speak english, deal effectively with people of different temperaments, all those skills which would never be able to learn from a book or in the class room. And those social skill you acquire are definitely way more valluable than maintaining a 4.0. The number of people that can accomplish both is miniscule.

2.7 is a B-? I thought it was a C+...Anyways, yes you should do those social activities, but not soo much at the expense of your grades.. Btw i work around ~20 hrs/week, so yes, i know how hard it is, but i also limit the amount of extracurriculars so that i still can manage school reasonably...Also if you see your grades keep slipping, i would definitely cut back on "social" activities..

 

[DREDAY]

2.7 is a B-? I thought it was a C+...Anyways, yes you should do those social activities, but not soo much at the expense of your grades.. Btw i work around ~20 hrs/week, so yes, i know how hard it is, but i also limit the amount of extracurriculars so that i still can manage school reasonably...Also if you see your grades keep slipping, i would definitely cut back on "social" activities..

nope sorry bud, but B- is 2.7.... C+ is 2.3. and obviously your missing the point on my posts. im just explaining to you what makes the most successful dentists in the eyes of some adcoms. You on the other hand are arguing about a person giving up their "social learning" for better grades. I'll just leave it at that.

 

[KY2007]

Actually, if an individual has to work through school to pay for school.... that is an extracurricular that definitely needs to be top priority. By the way just so you know a 2.7 gpa is a B- (average). And because a B=above average... a B- indicates you performed right at average with the rest of the students. His gpa is not becuase the student has inability to learn the material but because he has taken on other "social skills" enriching activities which are very precious in the dental proffession. These activities includes working to pay for school, volunteering many hours in underserved communities, student government, club president. Now if that same student, takes the DAT and proves to the ADCOMs that he has excellent knowledge of the materials despite performing average in the class, it should give some indication that the student's average performance in the class was because they were building their social skills, which most 3.2-4.0 students dont have. And social skills doesnt mean just being able to socialize with a friend. Instead it means being able to understand people of different cultures, be a leader, communicate with people who dont speak english, deal effectively with people of different temperaments, all those skills which would never be able to learn from a book or in the class room. And those social skill you acquire are definitely way more valluable than maintaining a 4.0. The number of people that can accomplish both is miniscule.

😴 Try telling this story to your interviewers. High grades are always better than extracuricular activities. If you have bad grades because you were "too busy" to study, it just shows that you have your priorities all screwed up. However, if the only way that you can go to school is if you have to pay for it yourself then maybe the admission committee will have mercy on you.

 

[toothfairy_TX]

Actually, if an individual has to work through school to pay for school.... that is an extracurricular that definitely needs to be top priority. By the way just so you know a 2.7 gpa is a B- (average). And because a B=above average... a B- indicates you performed right at average with the rest of the students. His gpa is not becuase the student has inability to learn the material but because he has taken on other "social skills" enriching activities which are very precious in the dental proffession. These activities includes working to pay for school, volunteering many hours in underserved communities, student government, club president. Now if that same student, takes the DAT and proves to the ADCOMs that he has excellent knowledge of the materials despite performing average in the class, it should give some indication that the student's average performance in the class was because they were building their social skills, which most 3.2-4.0 students dont have. And social skills doesnt mean just being able to socialize with a friend. Instead it means being able to understand people of different cultures, be a leader, communicate with people who dont speak english, deal effectively with people of different temperaments, all those skills which would never be able to learn from a book or in the class room. And those social skill you acquire are definitely way more valluable than maintaining a 4.0. The number of people that can accomplish both is miniscule.

You see, dental schools don't pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a ~2.7 GPA. They pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a much higher GPA. It's possible, trust me. And just because you have a 3.2-4.0 doesn't mean that you're only "book smart" and have no "social skills". If a student can't perform well in class, like the rest of the world, then whose to say that he will perform well in dental schoool?? ADCOMS like to see that you are well rounded, can handle a variety of stresses and STILL maintain an above average GPA. After all, it's those ppl that get accepted first. There is no excuse for crappy grades. Work hard in school, no matter what your circumstances, (cuz everyone has "issues"), show that you have "social skills" by doing your extracurricular activities and you'll be that well-rounded individual that dental schools want.

 

[USAF_Dentman]

You see, dental schools don't pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a ~2.7 GPA. They pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a much higher GPA. It's possible, trust me. And just because you have a 3.2-4.0 doesn't mean that you're only "book smart" and have no "social skills". If a student can't perform well in class, like the rest of the world, then whose to say that he will perform well in dental schoool?? ADCOMS like to see that you are well rounded, can handle a variety of stresses and STILL maintain an above average GPA. After all, it's those ppl that get accepted first. There is no excuse for crappy grades. Work hard in school, no matter what your circumstances, (cuz everyone has "issues"), show that you have "social skills" by doing your extracurricular activities and you'll be that well-rounded individual that dental schools want.

Exactly what i was trying to get across..you should do well at both..

 

[DREDAY]

KY, JAMESD, AND FAIRY,

Thi discussion topic started because someone was asked how a sub 3.0 individual can get into dental school. AND I ANSWERED JUST THAT.... EXACTLY WHAT I WROTE IN MY PAST 4 POSTS. NOW I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU GUYS ARE TRYING TO ARGUE BUT NEXT TIME READ THE ENTIRE MESSAGE BOARD BEFORE POSTING NONSENSE.

 

[dds]

You see, dental schools don't pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a ~2.7 GPA. They pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a much higher GPA. It's possible, trust me. And just because you have a 3.2-4.0 doesn't mean that you're only "book smart" and have no "social skills". If a student can't perform well in class, like the rest of the world, then whose to say that he will perform well in dental schoool?? ADCOMS like to see that you are well rounded, can handle a variety of stresses and STILL maintain an above average GPA. After all, it's those ppl that get accepted first. There is no excuse for crappy grades. Work hard in school, no matter what your circumstances, (cuz everyone has "issues"), show that you have "social skills" by doing your extracurricular activities and you'll be that well-rounded individual that dental schools want.

Disregard this post! It's full of BS. Sorry to bash you, but you seem so strong headed and sure of yourself. I had a 3.0 GPA and had "issues" in my life that others may not have encountered. These obstacles/experiences have made me not only a better applicant, but a better person. There's no excuse for crappy grades, but there is an explanation for them. It's easy to make that statement. But, did you have to help support your family by making a 2 hour commute from your college almost every other day? I agree with DREDAY all the way. Not all dental students fit the "4.0" mold. "Well-rounded" is a very subjective term when you include all these applicants who have done community service, shadowed other dentists, and held various leadership roles in school. What makes an applicant unique is something else. I believe that my "social skills" go beyond extracurricular activities and into the business world. "They pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a much higher GPA. It's possible, trust me." Don't be so sure of yourself...that's why they have what is called the "non-traditional applicant." Let's get real here.

 

[USAF_Dentman]

Disregard this post! It's full of BS. Sorry to bash you, but you seem so strong headed and sure of yourself. I had a 3.0 GPA and had "issues" in my life that others may not have encountered. These obstacles/experiences have made me not only a better applicant, but a better person. There's no excuse for crappy grades, but there is an explanation for them. It's easy to make that statement. But, did you have to help support your family by making a 2 hour commute from your college almost every other day? I agree with DREDAY all the way. Not all dental students fit the "4.0" mold. "Well-rounded" is a very subjective term when you include all these applicants who have done community service, shadowed other dentists, and held various leadership roles in school. What makes an applicant unique is something else. I believe that my "social skills" go beyond extracurricular activities and into the business world. "They pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a much higher GPA. It's possible, trust me." Don't be so sure of yourself...that's why they have what is called the "non-traditional applicant." Let's get real here.

But your situation is different. There's a big difference between having a family emergency and just participating in too many extracurriculars. Family situations dont happen by choice, while a person can control how many extracurrics they partake in... 😉

 

[Sprgrover]

...it should give some indication that the student's average performance in the class was because they were building their social skills, which most 3.2-4.0 students dont have.... And those social skill you acquire are definitely way more valluable than maintaining a 4.0. The number of people that can accomplish both is miniscule.

This is a misguided statement. Having a 3.2-4.0 gpa and "social skills" are not mutually exclusive. Besides overlooking the innate traits and abilities of a candidate, such as personality. There are many students pulling down excellent grades that are also involved in the community around them and whom are very outgoing - in short they have "social skills."

...all those skills which would never be able to learn from a book or in the class room...

Look up some courses in management, communication, critical theory, women's studies, and cultural studies. Yes, tolerance and all of those things you have listed can be learned in a classroom and for many students that is where they learn them and gain a better appreciation and understanding about the culture around them. 😉

...Now if that same student, takes the DAT and proves to the ADCOMs that he has excellent knowledge of the materials despite performing average in the class...

This is true. The DAT does demonstrate an applicant's knowledge as compared to other applicants and is a great standardized bar with which to measure him/her.



There are many aspects to a candidate's application, not just grades or DAT scores. The personal statement, background, experience, transcripts, and LOR's all help build a picture for the adcom. Dental school is rigorous and challenging. If an applicant has a low gpa, and a 2.7 is low, then yes, the other areas of his/her application will have to convince the adcom that he/she will be able to function in dental school and eventually in the profession. Of course not all students fit the 4.0 mold. I certainly didn't. But that's not to say that the higher your grades, DAT score, experience, etc. won't make you an attractive, and hence, desirable applicant. It will. If an application is weak in one area then that person should try to bolster it in other areas so that they can get an all-important interview. If things go well in the interview then he/she probably has a good chance of getting an acceptance, even though he/she might not be the school's top pick. Everyone is unique and ultimately it's up to the adcom and whatever way or technique they use to gauge an applicant and his/her likelyhood for success in dental school.

 

[DREDAY]

This is a misguided statement. Having a 3.2-4.0 gpa and "social skills" are not mutually exclusive. Besides overlooking the innate traits and abilities of a candidate, such as personality. There are many students pulling down excellent grades that are also involved in the community around them and whom are very outgoing - in short they have "social skills."



Look up some courses in management, communication, critical theory, women's studies, and cultural studies. Yes, tolerance and all of those things you have listed can be learned in a classroom and for many students that is where they learn them and gain a better appreciation and understanding about the culture around them. 😉



This is true. The DAT does demonstrate an applicant's knowledge as compared to other applicants and is a great standardized bar with which to measure him/her.



There are many aspects to a candidate's application, not just grades or DAT scores. The personal statement, background, experience, transcripts, and LOR's all help build a picture for the adcom. Dental school is rigorous and challenging. If an applicant has a low gpa, and a 2.7 is low, then yes, the other areas of his/her application will have to convince the adcom that he/she will be able to function in dental school and eventually in the profession. Of course not all students fit the 4.0 mold. I certainly didn't. But that's not to say that the higher your grades, DAT score, experience, etc. won't make you an attractive, and hence, desirable applicant. It will. If an application is weak in one area then that person should try to bolster it in other areas so that they can get an all-important interview. If things go well in the interview then he/she probably has a good chance of getting an acceptance, even though he/she might not be the school's top pick. Everyone is unique and ultimately it's up to the adcom and whatever way or technique they use to gauge an applicant and his/her likelyhood for success in dental school.

1st. I never said 3.2 - 4.0 gpa and social skills are exclusive. On the contraire what I said was the numbers of students who obtain "high" gpa and "high" social skills is small. And let me give you my definition of social skills as it applies to dentistry: your social skills include, 1. your ability to be a good leader i.e. involvement in student government or manager at work. 2. your ability to communicate with people of different languages 3. your ability to communicate with people of different backgrounds, i.e. different cultures. different beliefs, different customs. 4. your ability to speak effectively in front of a group of people 5. your charisma 6. your ability to form new relationships and keep those relationship....... and the list goes on and on ..

2. Most of those social skills, cannot be read about, nor cannot be acquired through "declarative learning". Most social skills you develop through undeclarative learning. For example, you can view numerous videos on how to ride a bike, even read info on how to ride a bicycle effectively, but you wont learn.... until you actually do it. So no matter how much you read the books that you mentioned, if you dont actually interact with people you will not learn anything. Experience, especially those that evoke emotions is the nervous system's most effective way of forming new memories.

 

[toothfairy_TX]

Disregard this post! It's full of BS. Sorry to bash you, but you seem so strong headed and sure of yourself. I had a 3.0 GPA and had "issues" in my life that others may not have encountered. These obstacles/experiences have made me not only a better applicant, but a better person. There's no excuse for crappy grades, but there is an explanation for them. It's easy to make that statement. But, did you have to help support your family by making a 2 hour commute from your college almost every other day? I agree with DREDAY all the way. Not all dental students fit the "4.0" mold. "Well-rounded" is a very subjective term when you include all these applicants who have done community service, shadowed other dentists, and held various leadership roles in school. What makes an applicant unique is something else. I believe that my "social skills" go beyond extracurricular activities and into the business world. "They pick those students that have tons of extracurricular activities and a much higher GPA. It's possible, trust me." Don't be so sure of yourself...that's why they have what is called the "non-traditional applicant." Let's get real here.

Thanks for calling my post "full of BS". That's so mature of you. Anyways, I wasn't saying that only people with GPAs from 3.2-4.0 will get in, I was only trying to defend those of us in that group. Look, whatever "issues" you had in your life may make you the "non-traditional applicant" but you fail to even consider what those in the 3.2-4.0 range have overcome. Just because someone has a good GPA doesn't mean that they haven't had to work for it or overcome their own personal obstacles. You have no clue what some ppl have to overcome, and yet maintain high GPAs. I'm only saying that sure you may be "non-traditional" but so are tons of others with much higher GPAs and DATs then you. I don't know your GPA, I don't know your DAT score, and frankly I don't care. Again, all I'm trying to say is that there are people out there that have had to overcome "situations" that may be comparable or even worse then yours, still maintain their high GPAs, and are thus much more desirable to ADCOMs.

Next time you decide on bashing somebody's post or calling it "BS", try to be a bit more mature about it.

 

[RaiderNation]

C'mon DreDay. A 2.7 isn't going to cut it these days, no matter what you're involved with. There is no excuse. If you have a GPA that low, obviously you didn't put enough time into school, regardless of the reason/excuse. Will the Adcoms honestly think that you have the study skills to survive in dental school?

 

[DREDAY]

C'mon DreDay. A 2.7 isn't going to cut it these days, no matter what you involved with. There is no excuse. If you have a GPA that low, obviously you didn't put enough time into school, regardless of the reason/excuse. Will the Adcoms honestly think that you have the study skills to survive in dental school?

Bro read the entire thread. I attemptiong to theorize HOW A STUDENT WITH with 2.7 - 3.0 GPA HAVE GOTTEN INTO DENTAL SCHOOLS LIKE UOP.

 

[RaiderNation]

But do you honestly think the adcom will say "This guy has a crappy GPA...but alas! He was doing service with the pre-dental club 40 hours a week and only had but one hour to study! His dedication to service has prevented him from getting good grades. I'm sure he'll be able to survive in dental school. Accepted!" I seriously doubt it. When all is said and done, its all about the numbers. Of course, you need to have some extracurriculars, but grades are the top priority.

 

[DREDAY]

But do you honestly think the adcom will say "This guy has a crappy GPA...but alas! He was doing service with the pre-dental club 40 hours a week and only had but one hour to study! His dedication to service has prevented him from getting good grades. I'm sure he'll be able to survive in dental school. Accepted!" I seriously doubt it. When all is said and done, its all about the numbers. Of course, you need to have some extracurriculars, but grades are the top priority.

so why dont you give a better explanation as to why schools accept students with 2.7 GPA because thats all im trying to do.

 

[PERFECT3435]

this is probably the second time i have ever agreed with raider nation. believe me i am surprised.

with that said, raidernation is totally right. its true that there have been students with some low numbers getting into dental school. however, you cannot rely on what has happened in the past. heck, i had a 3.1 gpa with some good DAT's and i barely got some interviews. every school that i called told me my gpa was too low.

now i am not saying its not possible to get in with a lower GPA (my class is full of smart ass people and then there is one person who got in with a 13 PAT, one who got in with a 12 PAT) but you are really hoping for a long shot. with the applicants becoming more and more competitive, i wouldnt count on getting in with less than a 3.1 gpa anymore.

 

[DREDAY]

Again missunderstanding the point. All I am doing is offering an explanation as to why a school would accept such low gpa. Obviouly the higher the stats (gpa/dat) the better candidate you are. However there are those students with 2.7 gpa that get in.... why ?? how?? i am merely offering an explanation why. What you guys are saying are a given. no one is contesting that a high gpa and high dat are needed.

 

[jav316]

thanks for all the input. i'm working on bringing the gpa to 3.1 (hopefully by the end of the summer) and apply to schools right after. i have some masters coursework (gpa about 3.3) and work experience i clinical research (it should count for something 😉). i'm also planning to work on getting shadowing experience.
Thanks 🙂