What should I do...?

[rawilson1112]

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Hello everyone. I am currently confused on what to do and wanted to get some advice from people that are/were in a similar situation. I just finished up my sophomore year and I currently have a 2.5 ogpa (I know really bad, mostly C’s and a few B’s because I slacked off and was completely unmotivated). I am majoring in psychology at Campbell University where most of my classes are at an extended campus or online due to the fact that I work FT. I really want to go to dental school after finishing my undergrad but I don’t think that will be possible considering my low GPA and lack of science classes. I’ve already reached out to a couple of schools that I’m thinking about applying to (ECU, UNC, NYU, MUSC, Roseman) to see if they will accept online classes and all said they would as long as regionally accredited and CC is acceptable but 4 year is preferred. I haven’t taken ANY of the science pre-reqs yet due to my extended campus not offering it or them being online. I have been thinking of taking them at a local 4 year univerisity that offers them in the evening possibly but that will be very expensive. Another alternative would be to take them at a CC where it would be cheaper and much more convenient but I feel like with my gpa I should take them at a 4 year university and do well to show that I can handle the workload. My final option is to just finish out my undergrad and do a post bacc or master’s program and obtain my pre-reqs through that. I just feel like that would be the exact same as doing dual enrollment at another university or CC and obtaining them now. What are some suggestions? Also, what other schools should I add/take off? I am a URM if that matters.

 

[wwdentist]

Have you considered Meharry or Howard? Seeing as you’re an URM, I would think these schools would be your best shot, especially with a low GPA.

 

[SPK8]

I hardly post on here but heres my OPINION on your situation... (Fellow Pre-Dent)

1) Is dentistry actually what you want to do? Think about it for a few days... try to find your true motivation behind dentistry? If not don't stress! You just finished sophomore year! There is plenty of time to switch majors/careers.

2) You just finished up sophomore year..... you have time to show what you are capable of! You don't need to stick to the traditional guide to dental school where it's suggested to take the DAT after junior year & apply that summer. You are only half way done with your undergrad. Plenty of time to dental schools you can handle difficult classes.

3) So you've gotten your GPA up after the next year or so, it's time for the DAT. You're going to have to do well. (I'd say 21+ AA just to play it safe) FIND and STICK to a schedule for studying. Set aside a few weeks to study. Be realistic with yourself. You know how you study best. Can you do 8 hour days of studying over and over? Or are you a 3-4 hour person? Plan it out carefully and realistically!

4) So your GPA has gotten back into a reasonable range and you have a clear UPWARD TREND. You have plenty of EXTRACURRICULARS! Nailed the DAT! You apply BROADLY and STRATEGICALLY and get a few interviews! You will need to go and knock them out of the park. Know who you are. Be confident in yourself. The ADCOMS are regular people. No need to be nervous. You'll do great!

You didn't get in that cycle... That's fine. Re-evaluate your situation... Is dentistry really what you'd like to do? If so, beef up your EC's, ask dental schools why you didn't get it and how you could improve your chances to get into THEIR school the following. Take their advice. Re-apply! Life always ends up working out! Good Luck!

 

[rawilson1112]

Have you considered Meharry or Howard? Seeing as you’re an URM, I would think these schools would be your best shot, especially with a low GPA.

Thank you for your response Yes, both Howard and Merharry were on my list but I contacted both schools and they stated that they do not accept online courses and most of my courses have been online. I didn't see the point in retaking the classes I already took online again in person for those two schools when there are other schools that will accept them, but I'm not sure if I should do that anyway.

 

[rawilson1112]

I hardly post on here but heres my OPINION on your situation... (Fellow Pre-Dent)

1) Is dentistry actually what you want to do? Think about it for a few days... try to find your true motivation behind dentistry? If not don't stress! You just finished sophomore year! There is plenty of time to switch majors/careers.

2) You just finished up sophomore year..... you have time to show what you are capable of! You don't need to stick to the traditional guide to dental school where it's suggested to take the DAT after junior year & apply that summer. You are only half way done with your undergrad. Plenty of time to dental schools you can handle difficult classes.

3) So you've gotten your GPA up after the next year or so, it's time for the DAT. You're going to have to do well. (I'd say 21+ AA just to play it safe) FIND and STICK to a schedule for studying. Set aside a few weeks to study. Be realistic with yourself. You know how you study best. Can you do 8 hour days of studying over and over? Or are you a 3-4 hour person? Plan it out carefully and realistically!

4) So your GPA has gotten back into a reasonable range and you have a clear UPWARD TREND. You have plenty of EXTRACURRICULARS! Nailed the DAT! You apply BROADLY and STRATEGICALLY and get a few interviews! You will need to go and knock them out of the park. Know who you are. Be confident in yourself. The ADCOMS are regular people. No need to be nervous. You'll do great!

You didn't get in that cycle... That's fine. Re-evaluate your situation... Is dentistry really what you'd like to do? If so, beef up your EC's, ask dental schools why you didn't get it and how you could improve your chances to get into THEIR school the following. Take their advice. Re-apply! Life always ends up working out! Good Luck!

Thank you for your response, it was really helpful. I have never been more certain that dentistry is what I want to do for so many reasons. I just wish I would have realized sooner and was able to plan accordingly. I will definitely use your advice and I'm glad it's not too late!

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

Hello everyone. I am currently confused on what to do and wanted to get some advice from people that are/were in a similar situation. I just finished up my sophomore year and I currently have a 2.5 ogpa (I know really bad, mostly C’s and a few B’s because I slacked off and was completely unmotivated). I am majoring in psychology at Campbell University where most of my classes are at an extended campus or online due to the fact that I work FT. I really want to go to dental school after finishing my undergrad but I don’t think that will be possible considering my low GPA and lack of science classes. I’ve already reached out to a couple of schools that I’m thinking about applying to (ECU, UNC, NYU, MUSC, Roseman) to see if they will accept online classes and all said they would as long as regionally accredited and CC is acceptable but 4 year is preferred. I haven’t taken ANY of the science pre-reqs yet due to my extended campus not offering it or them being online. I have been thinking of taking them at a local 4 year univerisity that offers them in the evening possibly but that will be very expensive. Another alternative would be to take them at a CC where it would be cheaper and much more convenient but I feel like with my gpa I should take them at a 4 year university and do well to show that I can handle the workload. My final option is to just finish out my undergrad and do a post bacc or master’s program and obtain my pre-reqs through that. I just feel like that would be the exact same as doing dual enrollment at another university or CC and obtaining them now. What are some suggestions? Also, what other schools should I add/take off? I am a URM if that matters.

As a URM myself, I totally feel you.

Here's my take on your situation:

- You just finished your sophomore year. So, you have two more years on your hand. Start taking your pre-req classes preferrably at a 4-year college. Some college will accept online classes and you can take advantage of that. But, I recommend going to a physical location because you will be able to form study groups easily. The core classes require a lot of studying and you need to be studying in a group to perform well. It's much harder when you are doing online classes.
- I am assuming you are reasonably smart and can do well on your science and core requirement classes. This means that you need to at least get 3.75 GPA or above from now and on to ensure an upward trajectory of your GPA. It may not always happen. But you should try harder.
- Given that you haven't taken any pre-requisite classes (or many) yet, you have an advantaged during your application. You can mention that after sophomore year, I became much more focused on what I wanted to do with my future career and started pulling more weight to studying. You will gain respect for having that upward trend (hypothetically speaking).

I don't think at this point in time you'd need a post-bac or masters. You may want to decide that during your senior year ( I am assuming that you won't be applying anytime next year).


Finally, start thinking of your classes as an investment for your future. Once you are a dentist, you will make ~$200K + annually. The classes may seem really expensive now and because of that you are looking to take online classes, but you should think of it as an investment towards becoming a dentist. Don't be cheap about your academics.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Once you are a dentist, you will make $200K + annually.

Is this guaranteed and fully backed by dentalschoolcoach.com?

Big Hoss

 

[rawilson1112]

As a URM myself, I totally feel you.

Here's my take on your situation:

- You just finished your sophomore year. So, you have two more years on your hand. Start taking your pre-req classes preferrably at a 4-year college. Some college will accept online classes and you can take advantage of that. But, I recommend going to a physical location because you will be able to form study groups easily. The core classes require a lot of studying and you need to be studying in a group to perform well. It's much harder when you are doing online classes.
- I am assuming you are reasonably smart and can do well on your science and core requirement classes. This means that you need to at least get 3.75 GPA or above from now and on to ensure an upward trajectory of your GPA. It may not always happen. But you should try harder.
- Given that you haven't taken any pre-requisite classes (or many) yet, you have an advantaged during your application. You can mention that after sophomore year, I became much more focused on what I wanted to do with my future career and started pulling more weight to studying. You will gain respect for having that upward trend (hypothetically speaking).

I don't think at this point in time you'd need a post-bac or masters. You may want to decide that during your senior year ( I am assuming that you won't be applying anytime next year).


Finally, start thinking of your classes as an investment for your future. Once you are a dentist, you will make ~$200K + annually. The classes may seem really expensive now and because of that you are looking to take online classes, but you should think of it as an investment towards becoming a dentist. Don't be cheap about your academics.

Thank you for your response. Making an investment to my future is definitely important so I’m going to look into taking classss at a 4 year college. I’m glad I still have time!

 

[macsak]

Is this guaranteed and fully backed by dentalschoolcoach.com?

Big Hoss

depends if you get the silver, gold, or platinum package...