What Should I Do Now?

[cu2cool]

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I'm currently a 4th year premed student and will be graduating this May. I have applied to dental schools this year, but am afraid that I will not be accepted this first try. The reason for this is because I applied in late January, my GPA is a 2.8, my DAT AA is 16, and PAT is 21. I do plan to retake the DAT in late June this year. My question is what should I do during my year(s) off that will make me a more stronger candidate for acceptance the next time I apply? As of now I can only think of is to try looking for a job in a dental related area. Unfortunately, the only jobs I can think of that would be available for a BS in Premed are research jobs. Is that the only option I really have, or is that the best option to go for? With my GPA, would it be best to go for more schooling to raise it higher? If so, should I major in a science or broaden my horizons such as: a masters in business, MBA, or others? That way I can be prepared to own a clinic, or show that I am diverse. Thank you.

 

[DentalHope]

I'm currently a 4th year premed student quote]

First question, if your Premed why are you applying to dental school?

 

[cu2cool]

First question, if your Premed why are you applying to dental school?

My school only has a Pre-med program. I believe they basically are the same, considering that I've completed all the required courses for dental school applications.

 

[airsimon]

Apply to D.O. schools and Caribbean Medical Schools. Maybe chiropractic schools/ Podiatry?

 

[MonchichiMan]

As a third year applicant who hasn't been going to school full-time the last two years, I would say stay in school. It varies widely among dental schools, but the sense to me is they prefer to see you enrolled actively trying to raise your GPA. Actually you really can't raise it all that much, but they are looking for an increased trend. My overall science GPA is a 3.0 and my DAT was an academic 17 and PAT 18. I have worked full-time as a dental assistant the last two years and have a great aptitude for it. However, the majority of schools would have liked me to reenroll and take some upper division science course to prove I can cut it. Good luck, you can make it out there!

 

[ummjoey]

I'm currently a 4th year premed student and will be graduating this May. I have applied to dental schools this year, but am afraid that I will not be accepted this first try. The reason for this is because I applied in late January, my GPA is a 2.8, my DAT AA is 16, and PAT is 21. I do plan to retake the DAT in late June this year. My question is what should I do during my year(s) off that will make me a more stronger candidate for acceptance the next time I apply? As of now I can only think of is to try looking for a job in a dental related area. Unfortunately, the only jobs I can think of that would be available for a BS in Premed are research jobs. Is that the only option I really have, or is that the best option to go for? With my GPA, would it be best to go for more schooling to raise it higher? If so, should I major in a science or broaden my horizons such as: a masters in business, MBA, or others? That way I can be prepared to own a clinic, or show that I am diverse. Thank you.

you can also work as a dental assistant. you dont HAVE to do research, but research will improve your application. do both research and work as a dental assistant?

the decision is really up to you. if you want to continute school to raise your gpa.

i would suggesting trying to raise your gpa.

also retake the DAT........

how are you ECs? make sure to have some good ECs too.

 

[cu2cool]

Apply to D.O. schools and Caribbean Medical Schools. Maybe chiropractic schools/ Podiatry?

I know I want to stick with dental if I go into healthcare.

I think I should raise my GPA too. I've also heard if I can balance it out with more volunteer/observing experience and a high DAT score, I can stick with my GPA. I do plan on retaking the DAT this year, so I guess I'll see whether or not I need more schooling from that point. Also, I have an opportunity to do 2+ years of research at BU Dental for around $35,000/year, but I have to commit to at least 2 years. I'm debating whether or not I should do this or try to reapply next cycle after a year of other options that would boost my application. Any suggestions?

My EC's are mediocre, so I plan on doing some heavy volunteering/observing on my time off. The only problem I see with dental assisting is that most clinics require experience and certification. Both of which I do not have. Would dental assisting really make a good impression on the admissions board, or would they think it's just a job where you hand things to the dentist? I've heard that they look for jobs and experiences that has a lot of responsibilities.

 

[TempleDMDKrazd]

What I would do is take more upper division biology/science courses to raise your GPA close to 3.0 (Basically get A's and maybe a few B's here and there) to show ADCOM that you can handle rigorous science courses. While at the same time study for the DAT and get more EC's. If you have time get a researching job/volunteering. IMHO that is the best combo.

 

[cu2cool]

Thanks for all the feedback I've been getting everybody. I've come down to two options on my next moves based on my GPA and EC standing.

1.) Score above 20 on the DAT for all sections, work on EC's for a year and reapply in June of 2009.

2.) Score below 20 on the DAT for all sections, work on EC's, apply for a master in science (biology, biochem, other?), try to get a high GPA, then reapply (most likely in 2011).

I will be taking the DAT in June this year, and I imagine that it is already too late to apply for a master degree at this time. I also think that if I really plan to work hard in grad school for a masters that I will have little or no time to work on EC's. The longer it takes me to become a dentist, the longer I'm going to have to pay off my student loans, and the more the interest will build up. I don't even know what I am going to do with the loans if I am unsuccessful in reaching my goal. ::sigh::

Let me know what you guys think about this.

 

[Simply_Unique]

Thanks for all the feedback I've been getting everybody. I've come down to two options on my next moves based on my GPA and EC standing.

1.) Score above 20 on the DAT for all sections, work on EC's for a year and reapply in June of 2009.

2.) Score below 20 on the DAT for all sections, work on EC's, apply for a master in science (biology, biochem, other?), try to get a high GPA, then reapply (most likely in 2011).

I will be taking the DAT in June this year, and I imagine that it is already too late to apply for a master degree at this time. I also think that if I really plan to work hard in grad school for a masters that I will have little or no time to work on EC's. The longer it takes me to become a dentist, the longer I'm going to have to pay off my student loans, and the more the interest will build up. I don't even know what I am going to do with the loans if I am unsuccessful in reaching my goal. ::sigh::

Let me know what you guys think about this.

I would personally choose the first option, if you work hard to raise your DAT scores and get more involved in EC's... however, you have to do what is more convenient for you.

 

[coolslugs]

bump👍

 

[playa2652]

What I would do is take more upper division biology/science courses to raise your GPA close to 3.0 (Basically get A's and maybe a few B's here and there) to show ADCOM that you can handle rigorous science courses. While at the same time study for the DAT and get more EC's. If you have time get a researching job/volunteering. IMHO that is the best combo.

I agree with TempleDMDKrazd...your gpa needs to improve to be somewhat competitive and your DAT score is not good, so study really hard for it. My impression from adcoms this year was that they don't like applicants who have good DAT scores, but a low gpa, and vice versa. They want to see a good solid gpa and DAT score (or in my case, a significantly improved GPA and a pretty good DAT score). Research really helps you out in applying for all the dental schools as well. If you can, try to get into a post-bacc program, that way it gives you an opportunity to excel in didactic science courses, and shows that you really want to get into dental school.

 

[coolslugs]

If I have a low undergrad science GPA, should I do a post-bacc or masters program? My feeling is that more undergraduate classes won't make much difference in my undergrad GPA. Would a post-bacc program only raise my undergrad GPA?

 

[Clubby]

Whether or not you should take classes depends on whether or not you really can raise your GPA. A 3.0 GPA with a 3.2 post-bacc doesn't mean too much.

If you really know you can get a solid 3.8+ in a post bacc, do it. Otherwise, find the determination or look into a different career.