to dream the impossible dream

Unlike all the over achievers that I have been seeing asking questions on this website worried as to whether or not the university of Toronto would accept their stellar grades. I am deeply sorry to say that I am but an average student who receives marks that range between the low to high 70s (although I do attain the rare low to mid 80 every once in a while and even rarer 90 that I have received once or twice.)

So here goes my dilemma:
It has always (really always) been my dream to be a dentist. The problem is although I have the brains to get stellar marks and get early acceptance into any university that I want–my marks have shown to say otherwise due to family issues).

Question: Should I give it up (meaning is it too late)? OR should I keep striving towards my dream?

**and if you think I should keep striving for my dream do you think along with my application for admittance should I write a letter explaining my marks and my hardships. Will admissions officers understand?

Like, what do you expect me to say: “yes, discard your dreams! Give up! You better of scraping off dead animals from the road, coz you ain’t going nowhere wi’doze marks”?

This choice of annoying rhetorical style, obviously used to squeeze some empathy out of aska will generally get you the opposite results… so please don’t attempt it again.

This is especially bothersome due to the fact that you’re situation isn’t that bad at all. That is, except for your lame dream of becoming a dentist (when I was your age, I wanted to become Rod Stewart. Now that’s cool!).

From your question, I take it that your average is in the 70-75 range. Well, that won’t get you into the Life Science stream at UofT. But that’s definitely not the only way you can (eventually) get into a dentistry program. Actually, for someone who has always wanted to be a dentist, you should take the time to research the requirements for Dentistry programs.

So I made the first step for you, and through the simple act of googling, I found some interesting stuff about dentistry at UofT.

So take a look at this. Check out the requirements. Read them through, and you’ll find out that you have more than one option:

a- You can add a personal statement to your application procedure, and send it separately to UofT admissions and awards. Indicate your OUAC application number, and all your personal information, and then spill your guts. I’m not sure that would get you anywhere, but it’s an option you have.

b- Take another year of high school, improve your marks, and try to apply next year to the life science stream. In terms of dream-fulfilling, that might be a worthwhile decision.

c- If you’re anxious to apply sooner rather than later, you can apply to UofT through the Humanities stream (on your OUAC application). Students that are admitted into humanities are able to enrol in any first year Life Science course they desire. The only difference is they don’t receive priority for the science courses, and have to request them in the second round of enrolment. No biggy. Even if one is gets into UofT as a humanities student, s/he can pursue a full life science degree once admitted. So there you go. The thing is, you need to have the marks to get into the humanities stream, which are still up there (albeit lower than the req’s for life science).

(By the way, the dentistry admission requirements don’t mention you have to complete a life science program! You need to take quite a few bio courses, but the stipulation is to complete a “program that demonstrates focus and coherence in education and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (4.0 scale)”- see the link above.)

d- Check out other schools, where you may be able to get into a life science program upon admission. Remember- you don’t need to do your undergrad at UofT in order to get into the UofT dentistry program. So maybe you can do your undergrad somewhere else, excel in your studies, and meet the requirements in the links above.

e- Open your own illegal practice and just wing it. (I’m kidding- DON’T DO THAT!).

And the most important thing: hold on to your dream, no matter what, never give up, do your best and believe in yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!