Career Changer - Post Bacc Questions

[DDSzag]

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Hi all,
This is my first time posting to a message board, but this seems like a pretty great resource so i thought i would give it a shot. I recently quit my job in accounting to pursue dentistry. I have an undergraduate degree in Finance from Gonzaga University, but after 2 years of working in the corporate world I decided that it is not for me. I have always been interested in dentistry as a career, but decided to pursue something different while in college. My father and brother are both dentists in my home town and I have a great oppurtunity to join the family business if i become a dentist. The thing is, i do not have any of prerequisites for Dental school. I am currently looking in to applying to return to school in winter 2013, and was wondering about schools that have a "career changer" post-bacc program. The only school that i have found so far that has this program is Tufts. Does anyone know if there are any other programs that would suit someone like me? Or should I just apply to a 4-year university to get my pre-reqs completed? My undergraduate was pretty low, a 2.9, but I have matured a lot since my early college days and I'm ready to buckle down, i feel like I'm very capable and motivated to get good grades this time around. Ideally i would like to stay on the west coast, but i'm really open if there are programs that fit my description. I would like to be as prepared as possible for applying to dental schools and appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

 

[scsc7211]

Welcome! Though I can't offer any good advice, I wanted to say enjoy the ride ahead! Also, props to you for having the guts to jump ship on a career and start fresh.

Good luck with the next few years!

 

[cwoodds]

I don't know about any specific programs, I just registered at my local university and started signing up for classes. I am registered as a 'non-degree graduate.' Your school may call it something different. Wishing you the best, you won't regret it. And good for you for coming to your senses after only 2 years, it took me about 12!

 

[NonTradHopeful]

Hi all,
This is my first time posting to a message board, but this seems like a pretty great resource so i thought i would give it a shot. I recently quit my job in accounting to pursue dentistry. I have an undergraduate degree in Finance from Gonzaga University, but after 2 years of working in the corporate world I decided that it is not for me. I have always been interested in dentistry as a career, but decided to pursue something different while in college. My father and brother are both dentists in my home town and I have a great oppurtunity to join the family business if i become a dentist. The thing is, i do not have any of prerequisites for Dental school. I am currently looking in to applying to return to school in winter 2013, and was wondering about schools that have a "career changer" post-bacc program. The only school that i have found so far that has this program is Tufts. Does anyone know if there are any other programs that would suit someone like me? Or should I just apply to a 4-year university to get my pre-reqs completed? My undergraduate was pretty low, a 2.9, but I have matured a lot since my early college days and I'm ready to buckle down, i feel like I'm very capable and motivated to get good grades this time around. Ideally i would like to stay on the west coast, but i'm really open if there are programs that fit my description. I would like to be as prepared as possible for applying to dental schools and appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

I have a very similar story to you...was in the corporate world and decided to leave and pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. That was two years ago, and here I am, applying to dental school this cycle. So, in some ways, I've kind of already gone through what you're about to go through.

PM me and I'll tell you my entire story and give you some advice. I'm always willing to help a fellow nontraditional student.

 

[wo5678]

Hi all,
This is my first time posting to a message board, but this seems like a pretty great resource so i thought i would give it a shot. I recently quit my job in accounting to pursue dentistry. I have an undergraduate degree in Finance from Gonzaga University, but after 2 years of working in the corporate world I decided that it is not for me. I have always been interested in dentistry as a career, but decided to pursue something different while in college. My father and brother are both dentists in my home town and I have a great oppurtunity to join the family business if i become a dentist. The thing is, i do not have any of prerequisites for Dental school. I am currently looking in to applying to return to school in winter 2013, and was wondering about schools that have a "career changer" post-bacc program. The only school that i have found so far that has this program is Tufts. Does anyone know if there are any other programs that would suit someone like me? Or should I just apply to a 4-year university to get my pre-reqs completed? My undergraduate was pretty low, a 2.9, but I have matured a lot since my early college days and I'm ready to buckle down, i feel like I'm very capable and motivated to get good grades this time around. Ideally i would like to stay on the west coast, but i'm really open if there are programs that fit my description. I would like to be as prepared as possible for applying to dental schools and appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

You could just sign up for classes in your local 4 year university. And with your GPA, i suggest you take some upper division science class in addition to the pre-reqs to show that you can handle the course work and to bring up your GPA. I was in the same shoes as you. I did my undergrad in business too. It took me about 3 years to get the classes and the DAT ready. I am applying this cycle.