Do dental schools see both grades if you fail a course in university and retake it?

Yes, dental schools typically see both grades if you fail a course in university and retake it. Let me explain why this is the case and how it may impact your dental school application.

When you apply to dental school, you will be required to submit your official transcripts from all the colleges and universities you have attended. These transcripts provide a detailed record of your academic performance, including the grades you received in each course. So, if you fail a course and retake it, both the failed grade and the retaken grade will be visible on your transcript.

Now, you might be wondering how dental schools view failed courses and retaking them. Well, it's important to know that dental schools take a holistic approach when evaluating applicants. They consider various factors, such as GPA, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and extracurricular activities, in addition to your academic record.

While failing a course is not ideal, it does not necessarily mean the end of your dental school dreams. Dental schools understand that students may face challenges and setbacks during their academic journey. What matters is how you handle those challenges and demonstrate growth and improvement.

Retaking a failed course can actually be seen as a positive step. It shows dental schools that you are committed to your education and willing to put in the effort to improve your understanding of the subject matter. However, it's important to note that simply retaking a course may not completely erase the impact of the failed grade. Dental schools may still consider the failed grade in their evaluation process.

When reviewing your application, dental schools may look at the trend in your academic performance. They will consider factors such as the number of failed courses, the reasons behind those failures, and the steps you took to address them. If you can demonstrate that you have learned from your mistakes and have shown consistent improvement in your academic performance, it can strengthen your application.

It's also worth mentioning that some dental schools have specific policies regarding retaking courses. They may have limits on the number of times you can retake a course or may calculate your GPA differently when retaking a course. It's important to research the admission requirements of the dental schools you are interested in to understand their specific policies.

In conclusion, dental schools do see both grades if you fail a course in university and retake it. However, it's not the end of the world if you have a failed grade on your transcript. Dental schools take a holistic approach when evaluating applicants and consider various factors in addition to your academic record. Retaking a failed course can demonstrate your commitment to improvement. Just make sure to research the admission requirements of the dental schools you are interested in and take steps to address any academic challenges you may have faced.

Sylvia Green

Preventative care, patient education, hiking, cooking

Dr. Sylvia Green is an experienced dentist with a decade of professional practice under her belt. Her commitment lies in guiding her patients toward excellent oral health, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of preventative measures. Outside of her medical pursuits, Dr. Green is an avid hiker and culinary enthusiast, always keen on discovering and experimenting with new recipes.