What would you do if you were me?

[MissDDS88]

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Hi all,

I'm new to SDN and could really use your help. I really want to apply this coming cycle but my stats are not up to par with everyone else. I'm currently sitting at a 3.0 overall gpa/2.9 science/3.0 BCP. I'll be able to bring it up to a 3.1 by this summer but I know its still relatively low. Also, I plan on taking the DAT this summer(my practice test scores are around 22). This would also mean that I would have to apply late in the cycle.

Lastly, I have prefected everything thing else on application(i.e. Tons of shadowing/volunteering/leadership/research/personal statement)

So, my question to you is: Do I have the slightest hope of getting in this cycle? Or will I just be wasting my time and money?

 

[two thirty]

If you get the science GPA over 3.0, and live up to your DAT projections, you may have a shot if your EC's are as good as you claim. Just apply to a lot of schools and apply to the right ones.

 

[John Durian]

Hmm, you should check out the under 3.0 club (thread) for better advice and ideas. I think it would be more helpful and inspirational.

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi all,

I'm new to SDN and could really use your help. I really want to apply this coming cycle but my stats are not up to par with everyone else. I'm currently sitting at a 3.0 overall gpa/2.9 science/3.0 BCP. I'll be able to bring it up to a 3.1 by this summer but I know its still relatively low. Also, I plan on taking the DAT this summer(my practice test scores are around 22). This would also mean that I would have to apply late in the cycle.

Lastly, I have prefected everything thing else on application(i.e. Tons of shadowing/volunteering/leadership/research/personal statement)

So, my question to you is: Do I have the slightest hope of getting in this cycle? Or will I just be wasting my time and money?

I wouldn't apply this year. Ur time and money could be used more wisely doing a 1-year intense post-bacc, and apply next year early in June.

I am not trying to put you down, but....if you decide to apply this year (wishing you best of luck) you will need to apply to a lot of schools (20+) and take the DAT earlier. You need to be an early applicant.

 

[Osity]

I agree with dentalworks. Knock out a year of post-bac to show schools that you can handle a full course load and get high grades. Then take your DAT and apply early, because schools will still look at your undergrad GPA. If you apply smart and to a bunch of schools and do well in the DAT, you'll land an acceptance somewhere.

 

[Karelia]

You do not have to apply late just because you aren't taking the DAT till this summer! Aadsas sends your application before the test scores are received. I applied June 4, took the DAT in July, and still got a bunch of early interviews.

It really doesn't matter as long as you take it in early August or before. OHSU didn't even start doing interviews until November anyway.

It's up to you if you want to apply now, but don't apply late just because you haven't taken your DAT yet!

 

[TechnoViking01]

My friend got an acceptance with a GPA of 3.1 and a science GPA of 3.0 with 21s on his DAT. But he also had a 4.0 in his post-bac and had a good GPA in his final years at University (>3.5). It may be worth applying this year because you never know if you'll get in unless you try, but definitely plan on doing either a course-based masters or post-bac as a back-up, and get all A's.

 

[dentalWorks]

You do not have to apply late just because you aren't taking the DAT till this summer! Aadsas sends your application before the test scores are received. I applied June 4, took the DAT in July, and still got a bunch of early interviews.

It really doesn't matter as long as you take it in early August or before. OHSU didn't even start doing interviews until November anyway.

It's up to you if you want to apply now, but don't apply late just because you haven't taken your DAT yet!

True, but the schools won't even look at your application unless EVERYTHING is there (DAT score, LORs, etc etc)

 

[glo1984]

True, but the schools won't even look at your application unless EVERYTHING is there (DAT score, LORs, etc etc)

I would strive to take the DAT as early as possible as dentalWorks says. You don't want to be a late applicant and you also need to score 22+. One thing I want to point out though is that once you start scoring in the 22 or higher range, it becomes tedious as one or two mistakes can drop your score fast. Being confident for the right reasons is essential for destroying the DAT.

Make sure you are prepared because this score will make or break you especially if you choose to not do the post-bacc. Best of luck!!

 

[MissDDS88]

I wouldn't apply this year. Ur time and money could be used more wisely doing a 1-year intense post-bacc, and apply next year early in June.

I'm going to be a 5th year next year regardless if I apply or not and I do plan on taking 16+ units/quarter of upper division science classes. Some classes I am considering taking are: BiochemA, B, and C, Immunology,Oncology, Anatomy, Micro bio, Molecular Bio etc.

If I did apply this year, would I be able to send them an academic update in the fall,winter, or spring of 2011-2012? Would it make a big difference?

Thanks!

 

[dentalWorks]

I'm going to be a 5th year next year regardless if I apply or not and I do plan on taking 16+ units/quarter of upper division science classes. Some classes I am considering taking are: BiochemA, B, and C, Immunology,Oncology, Anatomy, Micro bio, Molecular Bio etc.

If I did apply this year, would I be able to send them an academic update in the fall,winter, or spring of 2011-2012? Would it make a big difference?

Thanks!

you can do academic updates after the end of each semester, but it won't make a big difference....Applying in June with good stats is alot better than applying with lower stats but updating them every 4 months.... how many schools are you planning to apply to?

Just to give you an idea, I applied to 18 schools, and between AADSAS + secondary fees, it came to about $3000 (and this doesn't even include the money spent on airfare / hotels). If I include the money spent on the 5 interviews (2 of them were in-state), it came to about.... $4500 total

 

[glo1984]

If you are planning on a 5th year, achieve A- or better in every class. Wait to apply till you have all those credits behind you.

Study & take the DAT before the next cycle begins. Apply on opening day of cycle with your new grades, upwards trend, 22+ DAT, personal statement that screams dedication and experience, and great LOR.

If you do that, you will get interviews and probably at least one acceptance. I really wouldn't apply this next cycle and bank on academic updates because those academic updates are just too late in the game.

 

[MissDDS88]

you can do academic updates after the end of each semester, but it won't make a big difference....Applying in June with good stats is alot better than applying with lower stats but updating them every 4 months.... how many schools are you planning to apply to?

I'm planning on applying to Uop,Nyu,USc, western, and loma linda

 

[lnngu]

I'm with Osity and DW, but it's really up to you.

It's a matter of odds. Your chances aren't good, this year, especially if you apply to only 5 school. They will be better next year with more grades in, a supposedly high DAT and an early app.
Doesn't mean it can't be done, but it comes down to what Dirty Harry said: "Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?"... and can you afford to gamble?

 

[DazzlingSmile87]

you can do academic updates after the end of each semester, but it won't make a big difference....Applying in June with good stats is alot better than applying with lower stats but updating them every 4 months.... how many schools are you planning to apply to?

I'm planning on applying to Uop,Nyu,USc, western, and loma linda

You need to apply to a LOT more schools than that!

I "only" applied to 9 schools, and my stats are on the high end (3.5 sGPA/3.7oGPA/21AA/21TS/19PAT/2 types rsch/tons of extracurriculars, etc)...take the advice of others, it would be best for you to apply for a post-bacc, do really well on that and apply next year...EVEN with that extra effort, it would still behoove you to apply to 20+ schools regardless of when you apply. Best of luck!

 

[youknowthedrill]

What was your GPA each term? If you had a low GPA early on and a 3.7+ the last year, then apply now. If your GPA has been consistently around a 3.0 you should focus on school earn a high GPA for a couple of semesters. If you don't take a chance and apply you certainly won't get in.

 

[MissDDS88]

What was your GPA each term? If you had a low GPA early on and a 3.7+ the last year, then apply now. If your GPA has been consistently around a 3.0 you should focus on school earn a high GPA for a couple of semesters. If you don't take a chance and apply you certainly won't get in.

If I do decide to apply this cycle I will have 3 consecutive quarters with 3.8+ Gpa...I also choose have schools becuase I noticed their gpas were on the lower end. Also, im VERY big on research and have had multiple publications with high impact factors(im not sure if this will help much)

 

[bing12]

If I do decide to apply this cycle I will have 3 consecutive quarters with 3.8+ Gpa...I also choose have schools becuase I noticed their gpas were on the lower end. Also, im VERY big on research and have had multiple publications with high impact factors(im not sure if this will help much)

IF i were you, and this might not be the most "ideal" decision, but I would deff apply to atleast a few schools, schools that I know I would have the best shot at an acceptance and would not cost much. If you have the money, then go ahead and apply. I just personally would think WHAT IF, if i did not apply to atleast a few schools. nyu, usc are deff great schools to apply to. idk about UOP, i hear its very competitive ( but i am unfamiliar with this school). You should prob add schools that have been previously kind to those with lower gpa's and higher DAT( hopefully you do great). Apply in a intelligent matter and I think you will be fine.

Overall: IMO, if spending the money wont kill you, then go ahead and apply. If money is a huge issue, then you should apply at least several schools that you think you have a great shot at.

 

[MissDDS88]

Overall: IMO, if spending the money wont kill you, then go ahead and apply. If money is a huge issue, then you should apply at least several schools that you think you have a great shot at.

Overall, its the money that's mainly an issue for me. I'm mainly worried that if I apply and I do get an interview, I won't have a strong case for myself with regards to subpar grades.