Alternate plans if not accepted...

[CTDent]

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Still waiting for final verdict this cycle...but I'm starting to decide what to do if they all give me the big NO...I'm definately retaking the DAT's. Other than that, I'm trying to decide between three things. Tell me what you think...

1) Entering a one-year SMP (special master's program)...one which offers courses with current med-students, b/c by the time I reapply next year, one semester of grades wont really impact GPA too much, but it would be more important to use as proof of ability vs med students already enrolled.

2) Getting a one-year (maybe 18 month) M.Ph. degree. I know this won't show ability in graduate level science classes, but many schools look at public health interest as a HUGE positive. Some even require a certificate in PH as you take dental classes. Plus, it's the area of dentistry that I'm interested in so...

3) Volunteering a whole lot (in some clinics, etc.), working to save up some money, and taking just a couple specific classes (not enrolling in an actual program), to fix the one or two blemishes on my undergrad record (i.e. biochem, orgo - both C's in undergrad).

If the main idea is to GET ACCEPTED next year...I'm just not sure which one of these options would put me in the best position.

Stats:
3.1 gpa
3.1 sci gpa
3.7 grad gpa (education)
17/16/19 DAT

Watcha think?

 

[Mainer in Exile]

My GPA is about the same as yours. I haven't been accepted yet either, so I'm not expert but....I've heard from many on SDN that schools like the SMPs. Personally, I'm thinking about just taking a couple of graduate level bio courses and trying to improve my PAT section...the rest of my DAT was strong.

I honestly don't know if doing a lot of volunteering is enough or not....I've worked at a community health center for six years (a couple of those specifically in dental) and not even ASDOH which is the "top" public health school has accepted me (I interviewed there on 10/30). Not rejected, but still haven't heard anything, which at this point is probably the equivalent of a rejection. Sigh.

Where are you in Connecticut? I'm in MA. I work with a medical doctor who went to BU's SMP before medical school...she said it was worthwhile and that her med school actually waived several courses from her first year of med school because she took them during the SMP (histology and a couple others).

Good luck. We public health folks have got to stick together! PM me if you want to talk more.

 

[gamecock83]

Retake the DAT, wait tables, and shadow in your free time! it worked for me anyway

 

[drdoodle]

If you're able to raise your DAT above a 20 the next time you take it, then you probably won't need raise your GPA, as many schools seem to give more weight to the DAT score. In the subjects where you have C's, retake them and try to get A's - basically, show them that you are willing to address your weaknesses and work on them until you've improved significantly.

I applied to Dartmouth's 1 year MPH program as a backup but will not be attending since I was admitted to dental school this year... their program looked pretty good from what I can tell (plus it doesn't hurt to add an Ivy League degree to your resume), definitely check it out as an option.

 

[shamrock2006]

If you can't get into d-school this year and want to maybe get a Masters..I did look up Johns Hopkins program. It's non-thesis based and seems to be a solid program. I've also heard something about a Barry University in Florida somewhere that takes people and helps them build up their credentials for a health professional school...but dont quote me on that.

 

[29DATyep]

If you can't get into d-school this year and want to maybe get a Masters..I did look up Johns Hopkins program. It's non-thesis based and seems to be a solid program. I've also heard something about a Barry University in Florida somewhere that takes people and helps them build up their credentials for a health professional school...but dont quote me on that.

Barry's Program is awesome...i know plenty of people the program has helped...look into it. But i must warn you it is very expensive but totally worth it...and it is a bunch of fun

 

[Columbia07]

PM me if you would like to know about Columbia University's Institute of Human Nutrition M.S. program.

 

[Indie]

Still waiting for final verdict this cycle...but I'm starting to decide what to do if they all give me the big NO...I'm definately retaking the DAT's. Other than that, I'm trying to decide between three things. Tell me what you think...

1) Entering a one-year SMP (special master's program)...one which offers courses with current med-students, b/c by the time I reapply next year, one semester of grades wont really impact GPA too much, but it would be more important to use as proof of ability vs med students already enrolled.

2) Getting a one-year (maybe 18 month) M.Ph. degree. I know this won't show ability in graduate level science classes, but many schools look at public health interest as a HUGE positive. Some even require a certificate in PH as you take dental classes. Plus, it's the area of dentistry that I'm interested in so...

3) Volunteering a whole lot (in some clinics, etc.), working to save up some money, and taking just a couple specific classes (not enrolling in an actual program), to fix the one or two blemishes on my undergrad record (i.e. biochem, orgo - both C's in undergrad).

If the main idea is to GET ACCEPTED next year...I'm just not sure which one of these options would put me in the best position.

Stats:
3.1 gpa
3.1 sci gpa
3.7 grad gpa (education)
17/16/19 DAT

Watcha think?

If you don't have any volunteer experience already (which you didnt mention), I would go with option #3 and retake the DAT.. Your Grad GPA is solid, if you take a few courses to maintain it and repair the few belmishes you mentioned, bring up the DAT score and get some dental hours under your belt, in my opinion, thats your best bet.

 

[CTDent]

Thanks for the advice so far. I do have plenty of volunteer experience and plenty of gen. dentistry shadowing, etc. I was thinking more along the lines of increasing my exposure in a clinic in an underserved area, as a resume builder, and for my own interests. But I may look into some of those post-bacc programs too. 🙂

Btw...My sci avg is low (16) as you see above for ONE stinkin' reason! ORGO! I scored 19 Bio, 17 g.chem...and low enough to turn EMO on the ORGO...

 

[Ms.Dentista]

hey CTDent! I am pretty much in the same position as you...trying to figure out what my back up plan is going to be in case I do not get it. I was looking at getting a certificate in PH or an MBA program, but I don't know how dental schools think about certificates. The only thing I am worried about getting something in the Public Health field is that (god-forbid) dental school is not in my future what can you do with a MPH? Other than that I am going to re-take the DATs and volunteer...hopefully that will be good enough! 🙂

 

[CTDent]

I'm not too sure about an MBA, but from speaking with the dentist that I volunteer with, an MPH degree is considered a major plus for (some) schools. You really have to apply strategically to use the MPH to it's fullest. I'm not sure about a certificate, but you should try searching for some MPH programs that are one-year and offer the Masters degree. If there are none in your area, there are many that are available from good universities through distance learning programs. Let me know if you need a list, I've been gathering their info lately.

 

[Blitzdt]

My GPA is about the same as yours. I haven't been accepted yet either, so I'm not expert but....I've heard from many on SDN that schools like the SMPs. Personally, I'm thinking about just taking a couple of graduate level bio courses and trying to improve my PAT section...the rest of my DAT was strong.

I honestly don't know if doing a lot of volunteering is enough or not....I've worked at a community health center for six years (a couple of those specifically in dental) and not even ASDOH which is the "top" public health school has accepted me (I interviewed there on 10/30). Not rejected, but still haven't heard anything, which at this point is probably the equivalent of a rejection. Sigh.

Where are you in Connecticut? I'm in MA. I work with a medical doctor who went to BU's SMP before medical school...she said it was worthwhile and that her med school actually waived several courses from her first year of med school because she took them during the SMP (histology and a couple others).

Good luck. We public health folks have got to stick together! PM me if you want to talk more.

If I'm not mistaken... UNC-chapel hill and John Hopkins tied up for top public health school

 

[dentalman]

Since you can't change your undergrad GPA, you really need to increase your DAT scores. They are not nearly good enough (considering your GPA). That is, if you don't get in this year. But, it could happen.

 

[CTDent]

Hmm...I'm starting to send out the apps and such for some SMP's, and .... ugh, studying to re-take the DAT's. I'm pretty clear on how best to improve my file for next cycle, however I'm uncertain about one option...

G'town is offering a summer program, which offers several "med-school" courses throughout the summer, with the idea that grades would be received in time for the new applications. It's almost like a "mini" post-bacc program, and the courses that they seem to offer do have a good reputation. The only problem is that for $3500.00 (plus room + board), you can only register for ONE of the "med-school" classes, and then have to take two other crap classes to complete the program (actually I think the 2 filler classes are optional). So basically I'd be paying roughly $5000.00 to live in D.C. for 6 weeks, and have (hopefully) a competative grade from a reputable med school course added to my new applications. Hmm...is it worth it? I'm thinking it might be if they allowed you to register for 2 or 3 courses (like gross anat., biochem, and histology)...but $5000.00 with expenses for one course may be too steep. Sorry for rambling...watcha think?😱

 

[deleted100801]

i'm thinking about starting a M.Sc in dental sciences either at mcgill or toronto if i dont get in this year. the only downside is that the program is two years. how does a research-oriented masters program look compared to the non-thesis 1 year master's programs? Do any 1-year master's programs exist in canada that follow a life-sciences stream?

 

[Drill2Fill]

Hmm...I'm starting to send out the apps and such for some SMP's, and .... ugh, studying to re-take the DAT's. I'm pretty clear on how best to improve my file for next cycle, however I'm uncertain about one option...

G'town is offering a summer program, which offers several "med-school" courses throughout the summer, with the idea that grades would be received in time for the new applications. It's almost like a "mini" post-bacc program, and the courses that they seem to offer do have a good reputation. The only problem is that for $3500.00 (plus room + board), you can only register for ONE of the "med-school" classes, and then have to take two other crap classes to complete the program (actually I think the 2 filler classes are optional). So basically I'd be paying roughly $5000.00 to live in D.C. for 6 weeks, and have (hopefully) a competative grade from a reputable med school course added to my new applications. Hmm...is it worth it? I'm thinking it might be if they allowed you to register for 2 or 3 courses (like gross anat., biochem, and histology)...but $5000.00 with expenses for one course may be too steep. Sorry for rambling...watcha think?😱

Got a link? I Would like to get some more information on it.

 

[CTDent]

http://gsmi.georgetown.edu
I even called and they said that there are no exceptions! They only allow registration in ONE med school class at a time...you'd figure they would take the money, lol.

 

[diane07]

If you go the route of going back to school (ie - whether it be for a Masters or just additional classes) I would recommend taking the DAT after you finish those courses. That way you can utilize the knowledge you learned.

 

[KahunaDentist]

Still waiting for final verdict this cycle...but I'm starting to decide what to do if they all give me the big NO...I'm definately retaking the DAT's. Other than that, I'm trying to decide between three things. Tell me what you think...

1) Entering a one-year SMP (special master's program)...one which offers courses with current med-students, b/c by the time I reapply next year, one semester of grades wont really impact GPA too much, but it would be more important to use as proof of ability vs med students already enrolled.

2) Getting a one-year (maybe 18 month) M.Ph. degree. I know this won't show ability in graduate level science classes, but many schools look at public health interest as a HUGE positive. Some even require a certificate in PH as you take dental classes. Plus, it's the area of dentistry that I'm interested in so...

3) Volunteering a whole lot (in some clinics, etc.), working to save up some money, and taking just a couple specific classes (not enrolling in an actual program), to fix the one or two blemishes on my undergrad record (i.e. biochem, orgo - both C's in undergrad).

If the main idea is to GET ACCEPTED next year...I'm just not sure which one of these options would put me in the best position.

Stats:
3.1 gpa
3.1 sci gpa
3.7 grad gpa (education)
17/16/19 DAT

Watcha think?

^^ I would DEFINITELY re-take the DAT. Good luck.

 

[prttypceoflesh]

absolutely understand where you're coming from. my dat's ended up similar to yours although my GPA is around a 3.5. because i was going to pursue a MPH along with a DMD in the first place, i'm relying on that for the following year in case of bad news. at the same time, my ba wasn't science related and i've taken no upperlevel courses so i'm also thinking about a couple of science courses if nothing else. best bet that i'm going for at this point is to retake the DAT and hopefully do a bit better. good luck.

 

[CTDent]

I'm not quite sure how the adcoms evaluate a candidate that was not a science undergrad. I've read posts from people who have been accepted from other fields, and you do have a pretty good gpa so it's possible. Perhaps a current student can elaborate more if they've got the scoop on adcoms.

I do know that most of the SMP's that I have looked into describe the purpose of their programs as a) enhancing credentials (as in my case), or b) for people who did not major in science in undergrad. It just makes me think that if they describe it like that, then some adcoms may take notice of non-science related degrees. I think your best bet is to call these programs and ask their opinion, and hope you can speak with someone who cares about where you really belong, and not just enrolling students in their program. In any case, check out the smp's like drexel, etc. You can read each description to see what fits you...some of the schools call it "plan A and plan B", some have different degree names (like drexel), but most do offer a full program (rather than just taking a few random science classes) for people in both of our (two) different situations.

Good luck

 

[yo21]

Hello CTdent:

How old are you? just wondering...

Thanks.
I'm 24 btw. laaaaaaaaater

 

[997GT3]

Who receives your AADSAS application? How many schools can you apply to without costing extra?

...edit:wrong button. but please, answer anyway.

 

[Bocci Balls]

I will take a few more Bio courses and maybe some volunteer work. I think my DAT is ok, but because I applied a bit late (file complete late Sept) and my overall is lower than I would like handicapped my app. Being a post bacc, it isn't that easy to raise the GPA.

 

[UJ007]

I gotta question for you guys that are planning on reapplying. Does AADSAS keep anything from your app for the following year? I'm mainly intrested about the LORs? Probably not, right? I was just wondering if anyone knows so I won't have to call the ADEA. Thanks

 

[busupshot83]

I gotta question for you guys that are planning on reapplying. Does AADSAS keep anything from your app for the following year? I'm mainly intrested about the LORs? Probably not, right? I was just wondering if anyone knows so I won't have to call the ADEA. Thanks

The LORs you have to get all over again.

 

[soswank]

In order to be competitive, you will need to retake the DAT and get above 19. Unfortunately the applicant pool has increased and the schools have become picky in their selection. You want to stand out, and you do that first by your DAT score and then your GPA. Don't worry too much about your GPA, its not stellar, but its not mediocre either.

And of the choices you listed, I would pick either 1 or 3. Both show your commitment to education. Personally, I'd retake Biochemistry and O chem, only because AASAS is notorious for reducing the GPA. Retake them, try to get A's in both, and is possible you can even take them over the summer and be done with your pre-reqs. Good luck.

 

[qtlilkitty]

Hey, I'm also considering what my options are if I don't get accepted this year. You mentioned that you have a list of 1 year MPH programs, do you mind sharing that list? Thanks in advance!

 

[STIG]

In order to be competitive, you will need to retake the DAT and get above 19. Unfortunately the applicant pool has increased and the schools have become picky in their selection. You want to stand out, and you do that first by your DAT score and then your GPA. Don't worry too much about your GPA, its not stellar, but its not mediocre either.

And of the choices you listed, I would pick either 1 or 3. Both show your commitment to education. Personally, I'd retake Biochemistry and O chem, only because AASAS is notorious for reducing the GPA. Retake them, try to get A's in both, and is possible you can even take them over the summer and be done with your pre-reqs. Good luck.

Howard is "suggesting" me to retake my DAT to be more competitive. 😱 😱

 

[CTDent]

Did you really apply this late in the dental school cycle?

 

[gameguard]

hey, i am pretty much in same position.

I would like to ask some advice. I looked at some grad schools and most of them seem to have very early deadlines which are passed already. If possible, can you share some links for SMP or MA programs that can be finished in one year? Also, what is the best way to get a job as a dental assistnat? thank you

 

[drzaidds]

i really feel your pain...I graduated with a 2.81 GPA/ 3.7 in MS/ my DAT were:
19 AA
19 TS - 19OC 20GC 20Bio
21RC/17QR/15PA

I have my MS in Clinical Research from NYU College of Dentistry and have LOR from Dental School Professors at NYUCD...i Went to Tx A&M Univ and majored in Biomedical Sciences (IT WAS SO HARD BTW!!!) and i got waitlisted at NYU cz i only applied there cz i was so late in the cycle...what you guys think i should do if i dont get iN??????? iwas thinkn bout the post-bacc programs but i've already invested so much in livin in NYC to go to NYU for my masters... ;( im so stuck in a dilemma !! somebody pllzzz gimme gooood advice lol

 

[rebar]

get an mba from a well known school

 

[BodybldgDoc]

i really feel your pain...I graduated with a 2.81 GPA/ 3.7 in MS/ my DAT were:
19 AA
19 TS - 19OC 20GC 20Bio
21RC/17QR/15PA

I have my MS in Clinical Research from NYU College of Dentistry and have LOR from Dental School Professors at NYUCD...i Went to Tx A&M Univ and majored in Biomedical Sciences (IT WAS SO HARD BTW!!!) and i got waitlisted at NYU cz i only applied there cz i was so late in the cycle...what you guys think i should do if i dont get iN??????? iwas thinkn bout the post-bacc programs but i've already invested so much in livin in NYC to go to NYU for my masters... ;( im so stuck in a dilemma !! somebody pllzzz gimme gooood advice lol

get a job and start working.

 

[IcemanDDS]

If you go the route of going back to school (ie - whether it be for a Masters or just additional classes) I would recommend taking the DAT after you finish those courses. That way you can utilize the knowledge you learned.

I 2nd.

 

[DentistRob]

Hey all,

I'm resurrecting an old thread to find out what everyone's plans are for the fall for those who don't have a sure-fire acceptance to dental school yet.

I've retaken the DAT, will graduate with my undergrad in two weeks, and plan on finding work in a dental office taking a few undergrad science courses part-time.

What about everyone else?