2 years gap & postbacc?

[dalae]

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Hello I am an undergrad student studying Biology with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. I was debating whether or not I should apply/do a postbacc program to "boost my GPA". I plan on taking 2 years off after graduation to study/take DATs and do a postbacc. But If I do postbacc, I will have to prepare my application during the program which might not be the best idea (I heard postbacc is like 1yr med). So I was thinking of taking upper level Biology classes as a non-degree seeking student and getting dental experience while I take time off. Which is better? Do I even have a chance of getting accepted into a postbacc?

 

[Kahr]

First off, I know nothing about postbacc programs, so I won't comment there. I'm sure there are plenty here knowledgable on that front. Though I think you're gonna be busy with something while preparing you application irrespective of what you decide to do.

I think your idea to take some serious time off to prep is great forward thinking, rather than trying to rush in to apply ASAP. If you were to nail the dat then a good handful of upper level bio courses with A's, might be just what you need. However just an average dat might warrant a masters or postbacc program as you mention, something that will contrast against that undergrad gpa of yours.

So I suppose the safest route would be to enroll in a masters or postbacc program. That way even if you don't destroy the dat you'll be covered better than a minor bump in your undergrad gpa from just taking some upper level courses.

 

[theleatherwalle]

I have a question. Why are you taking 2 years off ?

1 year for the post bac?
1 year to study the DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll give you some advice from personal experience and the experience of others.

Do not grab a masters unless you are interested in research. If you are not interested, you will hate your experience.

Check out each post-bac program and ask about their statistics. Post-bac programs are extremely expensive. So make sure they have nice stats.

You can take classes at your school and that is my suggestion.

My last suggestion. Bump your DAT to a 22. Trust me if you can show a year or semester of hard work with a 22 DAT...Your school will notice. Will a 22 guarantee admission of course not. Think of it this way though, people who have DAT of 21 or above were accepted 73% of the time. That is a pretty good stat to have at your side.

 

[molar3]

I have a question. Why are you taking 2 years off ?

1 year for the post bac?
1 year to study the DAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll give you some advice from personal experience and the experience of others.

Do not grab a masters unless you are interested in research. If you are not interested, you will hate your experience.

Check out each post-bac program and ask about their statistics. Post-bac programs are extremely expensive. So make sure they have nice stats.

You can take classes at your school and that is my suggestion.

My last suggestion. Bump your DAT to a 22. Trust me if you can show a year or semester of hard work with a 22 DAT...Your school will notice. Will a 22 guarantee admission of course not. Think of it this way though, people who have DAT of 21 or above were accepted 73% of the time. That is a pretty good stat to have at your side.

2 years off=1 year postbacc/DAT, + 1 year waiting to hear back from ds's as the app cycle is a year long process. im assuming this is why.

+1

 

[theleatherwalle]

I know people who have applied while in their post bac. They were only able to do this by having a very high DAT score. So I again re-iterate for you to score highly on you DAT. It will open many many doors.

Hey Dalae. I think you have a chance at many post bac programs. I think you should take your time and do whats right for you. Just perform to the best of your ability.