GPA isn't Everything!

When applying to Dental School, your grade point average  (GPA) is
undoubtedly important to your application. However, contrary to common belief that in order to be admitted into Dental School you must possess a "high" GPA, this is certainly not the case in most schools. While a "competitive" GPA is essential, when applying to Dental School, or
any professional school, it is your overall package that is looked at,
not solely your GPA. The admissions committee want to see a well
rounded and balanced individual. You must demonstrate that you possess
the skill-set fit to be a dental practitioner. To this end, your
overall package, which includes your DAT scores, GPA, volunteer work
or community service, recommendation letters, dental experience, and
leadership skills, will be looked at and scaled when assessing your application. Each of the aforementioned tenets will in some ways complement each other. Hence, it is important to understand that your application must be competitive, possessing a balanced repertoire of most, if not all of the areas listed above. Understand that I am in no way saying that you can receive acceptance into dental school with a 2.5 GPA, although the chances of this happening are slim to none; in the end, the admissions committee doesn't care how smart you are but if you reflect a personality that befits the definition of someone that can succeed in dental school, vis a vis your personal statement, recommendation letters, dental experience, community service, grade point average and moderate to competitive DAT scores, an interview letter will surely be coming in the mail from a school of your interest.
Again, do not place your eggs in one basket. At minimum, a 3.0 grade point average with a competitive balance in the other areas mentioned, will suffice at least in getting you an interview.

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

In life too, it's the overall package. But if one thing stands out as a deficiency, it can ruin us.

Secretia

Riz said...

Hey Patrice,

I can't seem to see anything when I click on your other Blog. I tried it several for several days already.

Riz

MisAdventuresofMomof3 said...

Good luck! New follower from Friday follow

misadventuresofmomof3.me

Dr. Patrice Smith said...

Oh Riz, You are the third person to complain of this. I believe it has something to do with your browser. The other two ppl that complained of this use Internet Explorer while I believe the template of the other blog was built so that it is only compatible with Mozilla firefox. This is just my guess.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for linking up at Friday Follow! I am going down the list, so here I am...your newest blog follower.

~ Lynn
http://www.middayescapades.com

Unknown said...

I totally agree with the GPA isn't everything. I was fortunate enough to be receiving 5 interviews with a 3.3 overall and 3.24 science. And I will be attending either UOP or MAYBE UCSF if they do choose to accept me later on post my interview there. I BELIEVE

Dr. Patrice Smith said...

Yes! Dental Schools, or any other professional school look at your complete package. Many people walk around with fluffed up GPA's but Ad-comms know that there is more to it than the numbers. What if you cheted your way through college to attain that 3.8??
Congrats on your interviews David! I wish you all the very best.

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