You guys encouraged me a lot but it amazes me that you guys think it's very easy to pull off a 3.6 GPA from now on. But when someone replied that my 28 units, is less than 10%, when exactly do most average people apply to d-school? Isn't it the summer after 3rd year? Or senior year? I mean, I'm done with two quarter, and I have 7 more to go so I don't see the <10% thing
Sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like it was easy. Getting grades does take a lot of work, and in college it can be killer. I was merely commenting that you're obviously not an incapable individual, since you're going to UCSD, which is a very selective school. And you're obviously smart (you're on SDN, which is a good sign!). We believe in you!
But really, do you think dental school will be any easier than college? At UCLA, the school you want to go to, their finals week isn't just 3 finals long. It's more like 10 finals long. I heard 15 from one guy. It won't be easy, but everyone who's interested in Dentistry has to do it! So at least take comfort in that your struggles are shared by the rest of this community.
Re: The 28 units being less than 10% of your units when you graduate was based on my unit count at graduation, which may have been skewed by a minor and some research units. Sorry if I misrepresented.
28 units is still a very small portion of the 180 minimum units required to graduate at most schools, which was my main point. Since your unit count is still very small, it's relatively easier for you to change your gpa than say someone with 150 units and a 2.7. You can still overcome your perceived deficit if you don't worry overly about the number, and really do your best! But again, from my experience, getting into dental school is not about the numbers at all, and rather the way you achieved those numbers and what you learned from it.
The way I would look at it is this: Sure, your first couple quarters in college were a bit rocky. Easily explainable by adjustments etc. But what's important is that this represents is an opportunity to show that you can overcome obstacles and show improvement in your academic endeavors. You're not stagnant. You adjust. YOU DON'T GIVE UP HOPE.
Don't fret the little stuff, as it seems like you have consistently done on this forum. Your application is still a baby! Just do what you can to take care of it, and it will grow up healthy and strong if you really want to be a dentist. You're taking the right steps by looking for advice on these boards, but don't worry too much! Enjoy college for crying out loud!
Even if you can't raise it to as high as you would like, I think there are some 3.0's who get in. And there's always the opportunity for a postbac.
Hah, I didn't expect to have to explain myself so thoroughly...but thanks for the backup joey! lol.
And yes. May of your junior year.
Good Luck.
Sorry. Long post crits you for 9999!
