Importance of a Master's Degree

[Clovers]

Hi All,

I just graduated with a B.S degree and my GPA is under a 3.0. I was wondering if a master's degree would help me get into dental school? A lot of people told me that adcoms look more strongly at your undergrad GPA versus graduate GPA. Even if you have a high graduate GPA, you wil be automaticaly filtered first round if your undergrad GPA is under 3.0. In that case, should I bother to apply to a master's program or should I do an informal postbacc where I just more upper division science classes at a 4-year institution?

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[LIer2010]

Well I did masters program instead of postbac and I think it definitely helped my application. My GPA wasnt very high either ... although it was way above 3. I think your app will benefit from either postbac or masters program. The bigger issue is rocking the DAT - if you get 20's across and apply early you'll definitely get in somewhere.

 

[Comet208]

You need to show them that you can handle graduate level coursework and there is no way better than actually showing that you can. Enrolling full time in a masters degree can make or break the deal. It certainly helped me a lot in getting into dental school of my choice.

 

[ursinus00]

My GPA was also pretty low back in college. I did a master degree in organic chemistry, and got myself into a dental school. I didn't score all that well on DAT either. this should help you a little ?

 

[remify]

As a fellow under 3.0 science gpa'er, I have had my share of difficulties of getting into dental school. I applied to dental schools this past year, and was was rejected to all of them and only waitlisted to one, NYU (which by the way, is the world's hugest beat-around-the-bush school ever when it comes to the status of your application).

So, instead of waiting around and praying for dental school acceptance, I have decided to apply into a master's program in biology, and hoping to reapply again, once I up my GPA. This also means that I will have to bust my butt once again studying for the DATs(since scores are only good for 2 years), but o well. Obtaining a masters will only help me, as of right now.

 

[mahya]

My GPA was high almost 3.9 but I did my masters as well even though I didn't tell them that I was doing it in my application which I wish I did..when I went to interviews and told them about what I am currently doing..it definitely impressed the interviewer and brought my application out..I would recommend you to do a master program and do great to bring your GPA high and research!

 

[Clapton]

Damn, I just started a thread like this. I'm such a newbie. Anyways, it seems like dental schools would want to look at your latest performance rather than past. Grades are generally higher in graduate classes because most people work harder. Hopefully when I send in my application, they don't stop reading it after they see my undergrad GPA, then thow it away. A Masters degree also shows dedication. I think it'll help out. I just don't know how much.

 

[Comet208]

My GPA was high almost 3.9 but I did my masters as well even though I didn't tell them that I was doing it in my application which I wish I did..when I went to interviews and told them about what I am currently doing..it definitely impressed the interviewer and brought my application out..I would recommend you to do a master program and do great to bring your GPA high and research!

what is your Masters in? did you really think you need it to get into dental school?

 

[NoBraces]

I did a masters more or less incidently and I believed that having this helped me get a spot in the 2006 cycle. I think if you have a low GPA a high graduate GPA (4.0 or close to it) will help you in your application. Of course, you also have to do well in the DAT. Good luck!