Which schools to apply to?

[casiouser]

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Im asking a question for a friend of mine who has yet to apply, he wrote his DAT last week and wasn't too happy about it....

He got a 20 AA but a 19 PAT.
His GPA is a 3.03.
Very good ECs.
Has got his LOEs (not the best LOEs, however)

Not being the richest guy around, he can only apply to 3-4 schools (depending on secondary fees, etc). I was wondering should he just bring his GPA up and rewrite the DAT, and then try next cycle? Obviously if he has a less than 10% chance of an interview, at this point in time, he would wait. After learning about competitiveness in the states, I personally think his chances are low. Any ideas on what schools to apply too, if he applies?

Thanks y'all,

 

[bluesprite13]

Has your friend considered a post-bacc to bring up his gpa? I know that costs money too, but it would bring up your friend's chances if he does well in a post-bacc.

 

[shayanH]

What is his science GPA? his chances are low with that GPA.

 

[casiouser]

sGPA 3.03, oGPA 3.09. Not sure of his BCP, but seeing he only took 2 other science courses, stats and calculus, im guessing his BCP is really really close to the 3.03. Maybe a 3.10.

 

[casiouser]

He said nothing about a post bach, would it be better to do so? So you also think he shouldn't even apply this cycle?

 

[bluesprite13]

Well, he needs to be at least almost finished will all his pre-reqs including bio, gchem w/ labs, ochem w/ labs, physics w/ labs, etc before he applies to dental school.

 

[casiouser]

he has all those.

 

[casiouser]

Im saying his BCP GPA is similar to his sGPA. Both include bio, chem, and physics.

 

[bluesprite13]

Yes a post bacc would be recommended. His DAT is perfectly fine. The GPA is more worrisome. If not a post-bacc, try to retake some of his classes if he got a C- or below. I would recommend him bringing his GPA first before applying. Hold off for a year.

 

[shayanH]

sGPA 3.03, oGPA 3.09. Not sure of his BCP, but seeing he only took 2 other science courses, stats and calculus, im guessing his BCP is really really close to the 3.03. Maybe a 3.10.

tell him to save his money and apply later when he has taken more science courses with straight A's.

 

[casiouser]

Oh ok, so he shouldnt even expect a interview at BU, NYU, LECOM? Not saying they are easy, but they are relatively easier. Would a post bach suffice? Or is a masters more appropriate?

 

[Toasted]

Is your friend Canadian? LECOM doesn't accept any Canadians.

 

[casiouser]

So its more likely he'd need to do a post bach for a year? I want to make sure what i'm thinking is also what most of you would think. And would a masters be better, if not necessary?