Best SMP?

[Wahoo513]

Hey everyone!

Pre dental student here. I know there are a lot of post on here about SMPs but I am wondering which program would benefit a student in my situation the most. I graduated from undergrad in May 2015 with a very low GPA (2.5 for both total and science). I took a year off from school and during that time really evaluated my life and what it would take to accomplish my lifelong dream of being a dentist. This past year I have taken 6 science classes and by the end of this semester will have received an A- or better in all of them. I recently took my DAT and got very competitive scores (25 AA, 26 TS, 21 PAT). I was wondering if anyone had advice on programs that would be more open to my low GPA, high DAT and also are taken very seriously by the majority of dental schools. Ive looked into Barry U, Tufts, Rutgers and Rosalind Franklin and am hoping if some alumni could tell me about how those programs or other programs helped them to get in so I can decide where I should apply! Please private message me or comment if you can help! THANKS!

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[Master Yoda]

There is no such thing as best SMP. You have to look at each program separately and see which one will benefit you the most. In your case, i recommend you take a year or two of postbacc classes to bring your GPA up.

 

[WaveRace]

Look over the program websites and try to decide where you personally would thrive. Not everyone in any SMP is going to be successful. It ultimately comes down to how much effort YOU put into the program. Conversely, there are applicants that get into dental school from each SMP. It's like undergrad: people who treat it like it's a joke and constantly party aren't going to do well. If you put your head down and do some serious work for a year, you will come out on top.

Some things to consider: what else is your app missing? Do you need good volunteering opportunities? Interested in research?

Lastly, as Master Yoda above me said, you should try to get to a 3.0 before doing an SMP. A 2.5 is a huge stretch for an acceptance.


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[dudeethatsrad]

Congratulations on the great score! I completed the Tufts SMP and really enjoyed it. It was never formally stated, but my advisor hinted that if you complete the program/don't totally fail it, you're basically guaranteed into Tufts Dental. It's a solid option to look into! It helped get me into my first choice 🙂

While I agree that schools will generally want to see an applicant's GPA above a 3.0, I'm guessing SMPs may take you anyway because of your high DAT score. They just want some indication that you can handle the coursework. I would say apply to your top 2-3 SMPs, and in the mean time, start taking classes at a local 4-year college as an informal postbac.

 

[Wahoo513]

I have taken 6 science classes at a 4-year college throughout this year and Ive been working 40+ hours and shadowing/volunteering when I can. If I don't get into a SMP I will probably just try and take a full course load at the 4-year college next year.