Question

Hi, I am currently a junior with a 3.1 GPA and I REALLY want to be a dentist. I know I'm supposed to take the DAT this semester and apply to dental school but I decided to apply my last semester before graduating to help boost my GPA. I know its really low but I know I want to go to dental school. I have been shadowing a dentist for quite some time and love it! But I think my GPA will hold me back. =/ What chance do you think I have of getting into a dental school in the US?

Answer 1

Your chances outside the US won't be any better I can tell you that.

Something else you need to look at is your science GPA, this number is often more important than your cumulative GPA. Your idea of waiting to apply while you raise your GPA is a good one. I also suggest you prepare as well as possible for the DAT, do not take it unless you are absolutely ready, and do make use of the DAT forums here at SDN, they are full of lots of good information for people in your shoes. That said, your chances of getting in are going to depend on where you apply and how many schools you apply to (the more the better); at this point your DAT has the potential to offset your GPA if you do well.

Please take a look at this post, it will help you see where you stand or where you need to be in order to get accepted, a "what are my chances" thread for just about anyone, if you will:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046

One other thing, if this is really what you want, then you'll have to be ready to persevere in the face of any difficulties/failures/rejections you may face in the future, even if that means having to apply over more than one application cycle.