advice needed on post-bacc/smp

[sam2c]

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I need some guidance from you guys

I've been applying for the past two years and Ive only gotten two interviews during the past 2 cycles and obviously no acceptances.

During my last interview, i was told I should consider getting my masters.

Im a non-traditional applicant. I got my B.S in comp sci in 2005 but decided to change careers and give health profession a shot. I truly loved the undergard natural science courses that I took while getting my B.S, and becoming a doctor was a idea that always stuck with me ever since. My GPA is above 3.8 (4.0 for bio, chem and physics). My DAT is as follows ( from 2011, and will be pretty much void next cycle):

Bio: 25
OC: 26
Gchem: 20
PAT: 18
RC: 17
QR: 19

I have 500 hrs of shadowing/volunteering and great LORs.

I think whats keeping me back is that I took my pre-reqs at a CC many years after getting my B.S. I also took my courses at a slow pace due to family and work obligations so that probably hurt me.

My questions is, what can/should I do at this point?

I've been researching SMPs and post-baccs here in California and elsewhere. Do you guys think I have a good chance at SMPs suchs as WesternU/USC/MW Arizona/Case etc? Not getting any attention from the dental departments has gotten me worried that I wont be considered for SMP programs at these schools as well.

How about Post-Baccs? I know Calsate LA has a post-bacc certificate program and its close by, but will post-baccs help me at this point?

Considering my circumstances, what should I look for in post-baccs and SMP programs before I apply?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DrMidlife]

Considering my circumstances, what should I look for in post-baccs and SMP programs before I apply?

Look for programs that have successfully taken somebody similar to you into dental school. Most of the SMP thunder is about MD admissions, so you have to hunt for dents. Spend time in the dental forums looking for success stories. California makes it harder.

Best of luck to you.

 

[sam2c]

Thank you DrMidlife.

 

[LaughingGas]

I am surprised you didn't get in anywhere with those stats, even if it meant completing the prereqs at a slower pace. How many schools did you apply?
The issue is definitely not your GPA or DAT , 21 AA, that's above 90 percentile. Did you call the schools why you weren't interviewed or accepted?.
If the problem is courseload, CSULA postbac will suffice, cheap, easy to get into classes, but no linkage.
There are also SFSU - Dental path, Barry U, Creighton postbac (if you want to attend only Creighton), both Midwestern, LECOM postbac, BU - MAMS, and more.
Do you have any red flags such as criminal record or academic probation?

 

[sam2c]

I am surprised you didn't get in anywhere with those stats, even if it meant completing the prereqs at a slower pace. How many schools did you apply?
The issue is definitely not your GPA or DAT , 21 AA, that's above 90 percentile. Did you call the schools why you weren't interviewed or accepted?.
If the problem is courseload, CSULA postbac will suffice, cheap, easy to get into classes, but no linkage.
There are also SFSU - Dental path, Barry U, Creighton postbac (if you want to attend only Creighton), both Midwestern, LECOM postbac, BU - MAMS, and more.
Do you have any red flags such as criminal record or academic probation?

I applied to 16 school

I called one school, they said I lacked enough clinical shadowing. I shadowed like a maniac and loved it....next cycle. nothings from that school
Another school hinted that I took CC courses at slow pace (this was actually during my interview), which they didn't like.



Thank you for your suggestions. Yes, I've been eyeing CSULA program, and it seems like a good fit. WesternU also looks good. Haven't looked too much into the other programs , but I will definitely start reading up on those

 

[sam2c]

sorry double post