What Should I do?

[Jess06]

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Hello Everyone,

I have been a part of the Pre-Dent Forum for a while now, but this is my first time writing to hopefully receive some great feedback. So here is my situation.

I am graduating in May 2014. My cumulative GPA is about a 3.32 and my Science GPA is a 3.21. I used to be at a 3.6 until I took Organic Chem 1 & 2 and Microbiology. I received a C- in both Orgo 1 and Micro, and a C in Orgo 2. Everything else is an A besides 3 courses in which I received a B+. Next semester I will only be taking Physics 2.

Last June I made the biggest mistake of my life. I was registered for the DAT's and I barely had any time to study for it. However, at the time my mind set was thinking "Oh no, if I do not take the exam I will lose $360." Shame on me. I ended up taking the test and did horribly. So bad that if any dental school would look at my grade they would laugh at it and throw it straight into the garbage.

I have been working at dental office for 7 years now. I do not lack experience at all. I am President of the Biology Honor Society, and Vice-President of the Biology Club.

In Conclusion, this all brings me to my dilemma. I am afraid that my GPA, the C's, and the first DAT score will set me back a lot. I redid my calculation to see if I were to retake the three classes to get a higher grade if it would effect the GPA. However, because I have 176 credits, it will not make a difference at all. I plan on intense studying for the DAT December -May. I need to murder that test with I would hope a 23 or above.

Becoming a Dentist is the only thing I ever dream about. I cannot wait for the day someone walks out of my office and thanks me for giving them the opportunity to smile again. I just want to make people feel great about themselves. Changing someone's mouth can work miracles. I have seen it happen during my seven years in the work field, and I love it. I will not give up to pursue my career as a Dentist. I am just afraid that I will not be accepted in.

Thoughts, Comments, Suggestions? Please and Thank you.

Thanks a bunch for you time!

 

[sjv]

Retake the DAT as you planned, apply next cycle and hope for the best. With a more reasonable DAT score, you should be able to gain admittance despite your "dilemma". You don't necessarily need a 23 but of course higher is better.

 

[Papasmurf1234]

I have a C- and i'm doing fine with interviews. The only bad thing is that you're going to have to retake that orgo class as C- is not considered passing by any dental schools.

 

[Jess06]

I have a C- and i'm doing fine with interviews. The only bad thing is that you're going to have to retake that orgo class as C- is not considered passing by any dental schools.

Jaesango, thanks so much. No one in school has been telling me that the dental schools don't except the C-. I'll definitely retake that class then.

 

[jojomojo]

Retake the DAT and kill the orgo section 😉

And GPA isn't everything and it seems like the rest of your application is solid. I have two C's in Bio and Gen Chem, as well as an F from community college. I got 5 interviews so far.

Best of luck!