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In my opinion, I don't think the masters program will help you much since most dental schools REALLY like to look at a student's undergrad performance. You should do post-bacc. Another problem you might have with masters is that it doesn't combine with your undergrad GPA, it forms its own category. So the schools who have GPA cutoffs (some around 3.0, some around 3.2ish) woun't even look at your application even if you pulled off a 4.0 masters GPA.
In my opinion, I don't think the masters program will help you much since most dental schools REALLY like to look at a student's undergrad performance. You should do post-bacc. Another problem you might have with masters is that it doesn't combine with your undergrad GPA, it forms its own category. So the schools who have GPA cutoffs (some around 3.0, some around 3.2ish) woun't even look at your application even if you pulled off a 4.0 masters GPA.
I'm wondering where you got that information from?
In my case, I had a low undergrad gpa, so I met with the admissions advisor at UMich and she suggested a Master's for me. She even told me to forget about taking anymore undergrad classes since taking a couple more really won't do anything to change 120+ credits already down.
Also, apparently Midwestern looks at your cumulative (undergrad and Master's).
I'm not trying to disprove you, I'm just interested in knowing where you got this information from, cuz I'm one of those applicants who's really relying on schools looking at my Master's performance, since it's wayyyy better than my undergrad. If they were to look at my undergrad only, well...then i guess im screwed! lol
I couldn't disagree more, my udergrad GPA was 2.9 and 2.6s. and since then I have aced my masters and received 3 interviews to NOVA, UF, and BU all early. (hoping to hear good news on the 1st). I also don't understand how you could attribute more merit to a postbac course than to a graduate, when it is the graduate level that will more likely represent the courses you will be taking in dental school. My intention is not to spur controversy but I do question where you got that information and your reasoning.
While undergrad IS important, most any school will show an applicant consideration if they have proven at least 3 semesters of 3.5 or better in the biomedical sciences. My initial recommendation to you would be to contact the schools you have most interest in are believe you would be applying to and consult their admissions director, likely they will recommend a masters (thesis/or not)
Post-bacc 4.0,
24 minimum on DAT,
Good Extras, but focus on grades first,
Incredibly unique personal statement.
Oh, and URM helps. well duh.
How do I go about it? Do I email, call, or set an appointment with them? Are they hard to reach? Will they keep a record of me calling in and asking?
You, along with majority of the other replies, suggested to contact all or most of the dental schools I wish to apply to. How do I go about it? Do I email, call, or set an appointment with them? Are they hard to reach? Will they keep a record of me calling in and asking?
Thank you very much. I truly appreciate your help.
In this light, having a master won't affect your overall GPA much.
I'm curious because it is being continually stated...... why is it believed that postbac coursework is going to have more of an effect on your gpa in comparison to graduate coursework? A credit hour is a credit hour, no matter how you get it. And if those courses are associated with a degree and inline with dental school curriculum how can it not fair better than postbac.
because for most schools, post-bacc can bump up your undergrad GPA (assuming you do well), while the masters doesn't.
ya but some schools take an average of both and look at that...
I couldn't disagree more, my udergrad GPA was low. and since then I have aced my masters and received 3 interviews to NOVA, UF, and BU all early. (hoping to hear good news on the 1st). I also don't understand how you could attribute more merit to a postbac course than to a graduate, when it is the graduate level that will more likely represent the courses you will be taking in dental school. My intention is not to spur controversy but I do question where you got that information and your reasoning.
While undergrad IS important, most any school will show an applicant consideration if they have proven at least 3 semesters of 3.5 or better in the biomedical sciences. My initial recommendation to you would be to contact the schools you have most interest in and believe you would be applying to and consult their admissions director, likely they will recommend a masters (thesis/or not)
Basically yes, but I finished it in 18 months.
I normally call the admission office of the dental school I am interested in and set a phone appointment with one of the admission counselors, the appointment sometimes is in the long future (3-4 weeks away) because they are VERY busy people
I was looking at their programs and seems like you get a 6 crhr gross anatomy and 3 more crhr physiology in 1 yr program vs. 18 months...are they flexilbe in terms of letting you switch the classes or taking the gross anatomy if you get into the 18months program? Thanks
There is definitely more flexibility in the 18 month program but they tend to allow the students with better grades in their required courses those options, so make sure you do well. If you want to call, Dr. Lauden is pretty good about answering questions and will let you know what there policy is.