What to do to improve chances of getting into a Texas school?

[ooopepper]

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Hey guys, so I'm going to cut to the chase here. I applied this cycle and I'm pretty sure I'm going to get rejected. My DAT was a 20AA/20PAT, however my GPA is below a 3.0...I recently graduated with a Biology degree so any class I take from here will be considered post-bacc.

My question is, should I retake classes or take new classes to improve my GPA? Are there any things I could improve on other than my GPA and most likely my DAT? I have 100 volunteer hours and at least 50 hours of shadowing a general dentist. Please help! I really want to avoid entering a masters program so no one has to mention that here XD. Thanks for any help!

 

[JLT223]

Did you get below a C in any pre-req? If yes, you NEED to re-take them.

 

[Typical Average Student]

Take a 1 year, non-thesis masters program, I see that your location is in Houston, so I would recommend the 1 year biomedical sciences at UH Clear Lake or something.
Your GPA is too low.
Retaking classes won't raise your GPA much, unless your prereq grades are below a B-, I don't recommend retaking it. (I say B- because I feel a C isn't going to cut it for Texas.)
You could apply for Baylor's PBP which is also, pretty competitive but might as well try.

Do more volunteering, I feel 100 hours isn't enough, try to get 500+ in various sectors (non-health, health, humanitarian, etc.). Do more shadowing in different specialties. Try to aim for at least 50 in each?

Get your RDA from UTSA's online program work actually use it if you haven't already. Do some volunteer research at the medical center.

 

[dentjo]

what is your sgpa? how far is it from 3.0? Only retakes you should do is for prereq classes that you received below a C. Masters would be your best option, but if you really dont want to go that route, then go take a year worth of upper level bio classes at a local university and get all A's.

 

[swindoll]

I hope you're a Texas resident

 

[Mad Jack]

Master Spanish to a conversational level if you haven't already. I'm not even joking. Then do a SMP or other master's program to boost your GPA, because <3.0 just won't cut it.

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

I've known several people with sub 3.0 GPAS whom got into a Texas school. One is an oral surgeon now. That said, it is doable contrary to what people will tell you. Each of those who got in aced the DAT.

You say you want to get into a Texas school .... well, if you really want to be a dentist you have to prove yourself worthy otherwise no school will accept you. You put yourself in this position. Working more hours, volunteering a few extra weeks, etc will not suffice. You have to show the ad com that you weren't dedicated enough in undergrad, but things have changed now. You may have to work on a master's or some other educational program to separate your past from your future you. Otherwise, you may never get in. Good luck

 

[ooopepper]

what is your sgpa? how far is it from 3.0? Only retakes you should do is for prereq classes that you received below a C. Masters would be your best option, but if you really dont want to go that route, then go take a year worth of upper level bio classes at a local university and get all A's.

Do you know if just taking post-bacc upper level classes will improve my chances if it's not in a program? I plan on just taking the classes without being under a program

 

[jsptr986]

Do you know if just taking post-bacc upper level classes will improve my chances if it's not in a program? I plan on just taking the classes without being under a program

i would say yes, but you need to make sure you take a heavy course load each semester and make all A's. your gpa is very low and your DAT is not high enough to offset it. what are your break down scores like on the DAT? id consider a retake too.

shadowing hours are low but i wouldn't make this a priority.

all the little things to consider: when did you send in your application? how are your recc letters? personal statement/essays?

You say you want to get into a Texas school .... well, if you really want to be a dentist you have to prove yourself worthy otherwise no school will accept you. You put yourself in this position. Working more hours, volunteering a few extra weeks, etc will not suffice. You have to show the ad come that you weren't dedicated enough in undergrad, but things have changed now. You may have to work on a master's or some other educational program to separate your past from your future you. Otherwise, you may never get in. Good luck

^this.

 

[ajj70]

I've known several people with sub 3.0 GPAS whom got into a Texas school. One is an oral surgeon now. That said, it is doable contrary to what people will tell you. Each of those who got in aced the DAT.

You say you want to get into a Texas school .... well, if you really want to be a dentist you have to prove yourself worthy otherwise no school will accept you. You put yourself in this position. Working more hours, volunteering a few extra weeks, etc will not suffice. You have to show the ad come that you weren't dedicated enough in undergrad, but things have changed now. You may have to work on a master's or some other educational program to separate your past from your future you. Otherwise, you may never get in. Good luck

From how long ago though?

OP, I'm guessing your whole package just wasn't enough. The low GPA needs to be offset by a higher DAT, your volunteer and shadowing hours are low. Did you have all the pre-reqs done--biochem and stats included? Baylor requires 75 hours of shadowing with a general dentist (how strict this is, I don't know), but with a below average overall application, my guess is that was something else that stood out. What were your EC's like?

 

[ooopepper]

From how long ago though?

OP, I'm guessing your whole package just wasn't enough. The low GPA needs to be offset by a higher DAT, your volunteer and shadowing hours are low. Did you have all the pre-reqs done--biochem and stats included? Baylor requires 75 hours of shadowing with a general dentist (how strict this is, I don't know), but with a below average overall application, my guess is that was something else that stood out. What were your EC's like?

Yes, I have all my pre-reqs completed, stats included. The shadowing and volunteering is something I can take care of. I was an active member in ASDA but that's about it. What do you mean by something else that stood out?

 

[TheEpicFruitCake]

25+ DAT