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do i have a chance at dentistry with these retakes?

so the first time i did my a levels i got CDE (psych, bio, chem) and then i retook them this summer and i got A*AA and my gcse grades are (8,6,6,6,6,6,6,5,5,5) but i retook gcse maths again and i went from grade 5 to grade 8.
i am supposed to start biochemistry at uni in september but i want to do dentistry afterwards.
i could just do ucat this year and apply to normal undergrad dentistry but my first set of a levels were rlly bad and most dental schools accept resits but they want you to get ABB-BBB at your first go.
so if i end up with 2:1 degree and i apply with those stats, would i stand a chance at dentistry (assuming i do alright at ucat since i have quite a long time to revise)
PLEASE ANY HONEST ADVICE WOULD BE NICE
Reply 1
Original post by gr00vygal06
so the first time i did my a levels i got CDE (psych, bio, chem) and then i retook them this summer and i got A*AA and my gcse grades are (8,6,6,6,6,6,6,5,5,5) but i retook gcse maths again and i went from grade 5 to grade 8.
i am supposed to start biochemistry at uni in september but i want to do dentistry afterwards.
i could just do ucat this year and apply to normal undergrad dentistry but my first set of a levels were rlly bad and most dental schools accept resits but they want you to get ABB-BBB at your first go.
so if i end up with 2:1 degree and i apply with those stats, would i stand a chance at dentistry (assuming i do alright at ucat since i have quite a long time to revise)
PLEASE ANY HONEST ADVICE WOULD BE NICE

You’ve shown remarkable determination and ability by improving your A Level grades from CDE to A*AA and significantly boosting your GCSE maths grade from a 5 to an 8. This level of improvement demonstrates both your capability and commitment, which are essential qualities for a career in dentistry. While your first set of A Levels was not as strong, many dental schools value final grades and the dedication it takes to achieve them, even if it takes a second attempt. However, you’re right to be concerned about the fact that some dental schools prefer students who achieved ABB-BBB on their first attempt. Each school has its own admissions policies, and while some may be strict about this requirement, others are more flexible, particularly when an applicant shows such substantial improvement.

Given your situation, researching specific dental schools that are more accommodating of resits is crucial. Some universities understand that students may have had challenges during their first exams and are more interested in your final grades and UCAT performance. Speaking of the UCAT, doing well on this test will be crucial to your application. Since you have time to prepare, dedicating yourself to consistent practice and possibly investing in a UCAT preparation course could significantly improve your chances. High UCAT scores could compensate for any concerns about your first set of A Level results.

In addition to applying for standard undergraduate dentistry programs, you might consider pursuing a biochemistry degree as a strategic pathway into dentistry. Completing a biochemistry degree with a strong classification, such as a 2:1 or higher, could open doors to graduate-entry dental programs. These programs are designed for students who already hold a degree in a related field and are looking to transition into dentistry. Your A*AA grades, paired with a solid degree and strong UCAT scores, would make you a competitive candidate for these programs, which often place more emphasis on degree performance and entrance exam results rather than A Level history.

Beyond academics, gaining relevant work experience in the dental field could further strengthen your application. Volunteering, shadowing a dentist, or working in a dental practice will not only give you valuable insights into the profession but will also demonstrate your commitment to pursuing dentistry. This experience will be invaluable when crafting your personal statement, where you can explain your journey, reflect on your academic improvement, and articulate your passion for dentistry. Your personal statement will be an important opportunity to convey your resilience and determination, qualities that are highly valued in the medical and dental fields.

Finally, it might be worth reaching out directly to the admissions offices of the dental schools you're interested in. They can provide specific guidance on their policies regarding resits and offer advice tailored to your situation. By taking these steps and continuing to demonstrate the same determination that led to your improved grades, you certainly have a strong chance of pursuing a career in dentistry, whether through a traditional undergraduate route or a graduate-entry program.
Reply 2
Original post by Mona c
You’ve shown remarkable determination and ability by improving your A Level grades from CDE to A*AA and significantly boosting your GCSE maths grade from a 5 to an 8. This level of improvement demonstrates both your capability and commitment, which are essential qualities for a career in dentistry. While your first set of A Levels was not as strong, many dental schools value final grades and the dedication it takes to achieve them, even if it takes a second attempt. However, you’re right to be concerned about the fact that some dental schools prefer students who achieved ABB-BBB on their first attempt. Each school has its own admissions policies, and while some may be strict about this requirement, others are more flexible, particularly when an applicant shows such substantial improvement.
Given your situation, researching specific dental schools that are more accommodating of resits is crucial. Some universities understand that students may have had challenges during their first exams and are more interested in your final grades and UCAT performance. Speaking of the UCAT, doing well on this test will be crucial to your application. Since you have time to prepare, dedicating yourself to consistent practice and possibly investing in a UCAT preparation course could significantly improve your chances. High UCAT scores could compensate for any concerns about your first set of A Level results.
In addition to applying for standard undergraduate dentistry programs, you might consider pursuing a biochemistry degree as a strategic pathway into dentistry. Completing a biochemistry degree with a strong classification, such as a 2:1 or higher, could open doors to graduate-entry dental programs. These programs are designed for students who already hold a degree in a related field and are looking to transition into dentistry. Your A*AA grades, paired with a solid degree and strong UCAT scores, would make you a competitive candidate for these programs, which often place more emphasis on degree performance and entrance exam results rather than A Level history.
Beyond academics, gaining relevant work experience in the dental field could further strengthen your application. Volunteering, shadowing a dentist, or working in a dental practice will not only give you valuable insights into the profession but will also demonstrate your commitment to pursuing dentistry. This experience will be invaluable when crafting your personal statement, where you can explain your journey, reflect on your academic improvement, and articulate your passion for dentistry. Your personal statement will be an important opportunity to convey your resilience and determination, qualities that are highly valued in the medical and dental fields.
Finally, it might be worth reaching out directly to the admissions offices of the dental schools you're interested in. They can provide specific guidance on their policies regarding resits and offer advice tailored to your situation. By taking these steps and continuing to demonstrate the same determination that led to your improved grades, you certainly have a strong chance of pursuing a career in dentistry, whether through a traditional undergraduate route or a graduate-entry program.

thank you so much, this means a lot to me :smile:

i will start my biochemistry degree in september and i will definitely take your advice and contact admissions offices 🙂
Original post by gr00vygal06
so the first time i did my a levels i got CDE (psych, bio, chem) and then i retook them this summer and i got A*AA and my gcse grades are (8,6,6,6,6,6,6,5,5,5) but i retook gcse maths again and i went from grade 5 to grade 8.
i am supposed to start biochemistry at uni in september but i want to do dentistry afterwards.
i could just do ucat this year and apply to normal undergrad dentistry but my first set of a levels were rlly bad and most dental schools accept resits but they want you to get ABB-BBB at your first go.
so if i end up with 2:1 degree and i apply with those stats, would i stand a chance at dentistry (assuming i do alright at ucat since i have quite a long time to revise)
PLEASE ANY HONEST ADVICE WOULD BE NICE


first of all this is AMAZING!
you’ve shown so much drive and dedication already, and CDE to A*AA is insane! i am looking to resit biology and chemistry after getting my results back this year, do you have any tips please :smile:
and do you mind me asking how much it cost you to resit them? i am looking into private centres but i’m not sure if the price includes the invigilation with the papers, or just the papers? it’s just so stressful right now as i’m also revising for my UCAT and setting up my application again :frown:

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