Thanks for your advice again.
But if I'm stronger in Chemistry, do you think it's wise to switch my major from bio to chem? If I do well in Organic I next semester, then I may consider doing so.
Also, do you know much about post-bachelor education? I know that if some students don't make it their first application, then they'll tend to go post-bac and get a gpa out of that and get in. I know you have to have spectacular grades here to get in if you didn't do as well in undergrad. Is it much like Grad school and is it recommended?
Again, thank you so much. You've helped me the most out of anyone.
This is a relatively complex decision.
First, you must determine if it will be noted on your transcript that you changed majors. If it is, be prepared to explain in an interview why you changed majors. Depending on your university, a biochemistry degree could be a good compromise (if they are more flexible in classes). The key is that you want flexibility in classes for the following objectives: Select a major that contain classes that will boost your gpa, allow you to graduate with a credible degree, and coincide with the prerequisites of dental schools (the latter option is not as necessary, it will just make your life easier).
I must ask which chemistry courses have you taken. If it is just general chemistry, I would strongly reconsider your potential decision. I do mention this since analytical, instrumental, physical, quantum chem is very different and COULD drag your gpa down. Look at the course requirements for each major and as I have explained above, find one that will allow you as much flexibility as possible to make your life easier in attaining a higher gpa. Do your research on easy professors, get old tests from friends, and so on... I have a pretty good gpa by avoiding classes that are known are very difficult.
A post-bacc should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, it is a last resort, and I see it as a waste of money, time, and effort. This is just another hurdle that you need to pass, and if you mess this one up, you are in a deeper hole. Grad school is completely different than post bacc. Post bacc is just more undergrad courses. Graduate school requires thesis/dissertations, research, etc... Lots of potential for abuse by bad PI's.
Graduate school also seems to be a very large waste of time (with respect, if a DDS/DMD is the ultimate goal -- for grad students, I don't mean anything bad, just saying don't go into in unless you plan to actually use it). Most PI's will try and use you for free labor, keep you there as long as possible, and you will be wasting years of your life on this. If you do not get into dental school, you should identify the weaknesses in your application before deciding where to go from there.
Keys for countering a low gpa and avoiding getting stuck in the abyss known as grad school/post bac:
1. Show an upward trend in grades, take classes that are easy but sound sophisticated... i.e statistical analysis of bimodal distributions?, haha, made that up off the top of my head.
2. What they can't see can't hurt you. Don't get a W, but learn to withdraw a class before a W pops up. a W is like an F. Shows inconsistency. (This is also known as damage control)
- Learn how your school works, and learn its policies. You will be surprised what you can get away with if you understand simple things such as: what is contained in your transcript, judicial affairs, registration policies, and so on..
3. High DAT score. Even though I didn't do as well on my bio gpa, I still negated it with a 27 in bio. People say get at least 20+, I say aim at least for 22. PAT, in the very least, 18. An 18 on PAT can be explained in the interview (I'll tell you when you get there)
4. Since low gpa filtering is automatic, get at least a 3.0... if you don't, the admissions office may not even open/review your file.
5. Solid application. Personal statement is the hook to lure them in. Creativity in describing your activities, extracurriculars, and research. There's one way of describing things (a dull, boring, straightforward way) or a lively way of explaining things. I'm not saying to outright lie, but what can't be proven cannot be disproven.
Central theme? Think before you do, calculate all your moves, do everything that has to be done. If you restrict your mindset to a more conservative constraint, you will only be cheating yourself out of a dental school acceptance. Pragmatic thinking is the only way to go.
As I do not know the variables of your situation (gpa, DAT, year, etc...), I cannot provide more specific advice.
-- Hope that helps
