Dropped out of SMP, now what?

[toothbreakfast]

Hey all,

I completed my undergrad in Biology with a 3.3 gpa and made the dreadful mistake of attending an SMP program. I was not doing too well in the program because of all sorts of personal issues and because of family health issues, so I decided to withdraw from it in the last semester.

I am now studying for my DAT and looking for other SMPs to apply. I looked into Barry University's online SMP program and am still waiting to hear back, but they have told me that students that have already attended SMP are usually not allowed to attend their program.

I am now completely lost. I do not have any guidance and so I created this SDN account in the hopes that somebody will give me a clear path. I am not willing to give up and look at other career options. Do you have any recommendations for online SMPs that will accept me? Maybe I should do a post-bacc or upper level science courses at some nearby college for a year and then apply to an SMP?

Please give me some suggestions.

Thanks

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[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

Do you have grades in your SMP, or did you drop out without a leave of absence or other permissible reason?

There is a reason why we tell people SMP is high-risk, high-reward, and you need to be absolutely certain you are ready. All I can say is to continue asking around. SMP's are plentiful, and someone is not going to mind taking you if you left in good standing.

 

[toothbreakfast]

Welcome to the forums.

Do you have grades in your SMP, or did you drop out without a leave of absence or other permissible reason?

There is a reason why we tell people SMP is high-risk, high-reward, and you need to be absolutely certain you are ready. All I can say is to continue asking around. SMP's are plentiful, and someone is not going to mind taking you if you left in good standing.

Hello Mr.Smile12,

I am very thankful for your response.

I have grades for the first semester of the program, which were not great. They were below 3.0. I do not have grades for the last semester as I withdrew. I dropped without a leave of absence and instead stated "family health issues".

Is there a list of online SMPs that I can find somewhere?

Do you recommend I attend another SMP, or maybe a post-bacc to prove that I can get high grades in upper-level science courses. Then I could apply to an SMP, and then to dental school? Is there a list of good online post-bacc programs?

Thank you,

 

[macsak]

Hello Mr.Smile12,

I am very thankful for your response.

I have grades for the first semester of the program, which were not great. They were below 3.0. I do not have grades for the last semester as I withdrew. I dropped without a leave of absence and instead stated "family health issues".

Is there a list of online SMPs that I can find somewhere?

Do you recommend I attend another SMP, or maybe a post-bacc to prove that I can get high grades in upper-level science courses. Then I could apply to an SMP, and then to dental school? Is there a list of good online post-bacc programs?

Thank you,
Moiz

first of all, are your personal and family issues resolved?

 

[toothbreakfast]

first of all, are your personal and family issues resolved?

Yes, I am ready to fully involve myself in my studies.

 

[macsak]

Yes, I am ready to fully involve myself in my studies.

that's great to hear

the issue is that programs are not going to be comfortable at this point that you can handle the rigors of high level academics
you are going to need a huge repair/reinvention of your academic record and probably take the DAT and score high before an SMP will even consider you

@mr.smiles12, is there an article about reinvention somewhere on this site?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

@mr.smiles12, is there an article about reinvention somewhere on this site?

While its audience is premeds, it is also on target for predental applicants.

Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention (updated for 2021)

In my situation, since my GPA is the main problem, would it be okay to apply while attending the SMP that way I don't have to take a gap year before med school? My main concern is that it wouldn't be until later in the cycle that my spring semester's grades are out. I've seen it work with...

forums.studentdoctor.net

There are at least eight? predental SMPs associated with dental schools. Usually their masters degrees are in "oral biology" or "oral health sciences". Schools include BU, Augusta/DCG, UCLA, Texas A&M, Rutgers, Penn... I'm sure there are others. Read the descriptions carefully.

 

[macsak]

While its audience is premeds, it is also on target for predental applicants.

Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention (updated for 2021)

In my situation, since my GPA is the main problem, would it be okay to apply while attending the SMP that way I don't have to take a gap year before med school? My main concern is that it wouldn't be until later in the cycle that my spring semester's grades are out. I've seen it work with...

forums.studentdoctor.net

There are at least eight? predental SMPs associated with dental schools. Usually their masters degrees are in "oral biology" or "oral health sciences". Schools include BU, Augusta/DCG, UCLA, Texas A&M, Rutgers, Penn... I'm sure there are others. Read the descriptions carefully.

thanks, msmiles

OP, you have a rough road ahead, SMPs are not going to assume you are going to complete their programs
you are going to need to prove to them that you are well and will not only pass, but you will excel

and it's not likely someone can give you a "clear path"
this is an uncommon situation that will require research and legwork on your part
search this forum for "SMP" "special masters" "postbacc" "post-bacc" and "post bacc"

good luck to you...

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

You’ve probably got a year or so of post-bac coursework to even get into an SMP. You’ll likely then need as close as possible to a 4.0 in the SMP to have a shot at dental school. It’s not going to be easy.

Also, I hate to bring it up, but if you do get into dental school it will very likely be a less competitive program that will leave you $700,000+ in debt. I wouldn’t go into this profession with that kind of debt. But, you do you…

Big Hoss

 

[toothbreakfast]

You’ve probably got a year or so of post-bac coursework to even get into an SMP. You’ll likely then need as close as possible to a 4.0 in the SMP to have a shot at dental school. It’s not going to be easy.

Also, I hate to bring it up, but if you do get into dental school it will very likely be a less competitive program that will leave you $700,000+ in debt. I wouldn’t go into this profession with that kind of debt. But, you do you…

Big Hoss

I appreciate your comments. After reading them though, I am completely lost and I am losing hope. I also found out that I have to pay out-of-pocket for post-bacc classes.

However, I refuse to let these setbacks define my future. If there is anyone who can point me in the right direction for solid online post-bacc programs or in-person post-baccs in the state of Connecticut, then it would be of great help. I am willing to do the classes, get in and excel in the SMP, and then get into dental school.

 

[toothbreakfast]

I appreciate your comments. After reading them though, I am completely lost and I am losing hope. I also found out that I have to pay out-of-pocket for post-bacc classes.

However, I refuse to let these setbacks define my future. If there is anyone who can point me in the right direction for solid online post-bacc programs or in-person post-baccs in the state of Connecticut, then it would be of great help. I am willing to do the classes, get in and excel in the SMP, and then get into dental school.

So after doing a lot of research and calling up many schools and meetings with various admissions counselors, I have decided to do post-bacc classes for a year and then getting into an SMP program with linkage to a dental school. Right now I am looking at one of the SUNY online schools for post-bacc classes as it has many upper level sciences courses. I will get as close to a 4.0 as possible to prove to the SMPs that I am capable of doing well.

I am also taking the DAT in early August and plan to do well. Whatever the case, I am not giving up.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Read the reinvention guide, and understand many people who use the guide come into it with a sub 3.0 GPA. If you can buckle down and excel in your postbac and SMP classes, you will get closer.

 

[macsak]

So after doing a lot of research and calling up many schools and meetings with various admissions counselors, I have decided to do post-bacc classes for a year and then getting into an SMP program with linkage to a dental school. Right now I am looking at one of the SUNY online schools for post-bacc classes as it has many upper level sciences courses. I will get as close to a 4.0 as possible to prove to the SMPs that I am capable of doing well.

I am also taking the DAT in early August and plan to do well. Whatever the case, I am not giving up.

good luck to you
please keep us updated on your progess...

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I am also taking the DAT in early August and plan to do well.

How long is a DAT score even valid? 2 years? If you take the test this August, it’s very likely not going to be valid when you’re ready to apply. You’re probably going to have to have completely finished your SMP before applying to convince schools you’re ready. Having just a quarter or semester of your SMP completed by the time you apply probably isn’t going to cut it with your history. So you’re at least 2 years away from even submitting an application.

Big Hoss

 

[Ryxndek]

How long is a DAT score even valid? 2 years? If you take the test this August, it’s very likely not going to be valid when you’re ready to apply. You’re probably going to have to have completely finished your SMP before applying to convince schools you’re ready. Having just a quarter or semester of your SMP completed by the time you apply probably isn’t going to cut it with your history. So you’re at least 2 years away from even submitting an application.

Big Hoss

3 years but you generally get 2 cycles out of the score, maybe 3 if you took it at the right time.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Yeah, most schools consider a score that is 3 years old, so 3 cycles.

 

[toothbreakfast]

Hello all,

I have decided to do a DIY postbacc at SUNY Empire State University. I am planning on taking 30 credits of upper level science courses in the Fall and Spring. I am also planning on retaking the DAT and scoring well. Then, I would like to apply to SMPs next year.

However, I am feeling extremely discouraged. I just got an email from the one SMP that I did apply to about a month ago. It reads:
"The decision not to admit you into (blank) BMS program is based on your performance in the (blank) BMS program. Had you performed in our program as you did in (blank) BMS, you would have not even been granted the opportunity to withdraw from the program—you would have been permanently suspended. A student with your record in our BMS program would never be allowed readmittance to the program.

For these reasons, we cannot admit you according to our admissions criteria.

I am sorry."

I got this email after I was rejected from their BMS program and after I told them about my plan to do a DIY postbacc and retake the DAT.

Is my dental career over? I know I was not doing well in my previous SMP and I was forced to withdraw, but that does not make me a bad student. I am an excellent student, and I can prove it through this DIY postbacc and the DAT.

What do you think?

 

[Dental_Dude120]

Hello all,

I have decided to do a DIY postbacc at SUNY Empire State University. I am planning on taking 30 credits of upper level science courses in the Fall and Spring. I am also planning on retaking the DAT and scoring well. Then, I would like to apply to SMPs next year.

However, I am feeling extremely discouraged. I just got an email from the one SMP that I did apply to about a month ago. It reads:
"The decision not to admit you into (blank) BMS program is based on your performance in the (blank) BMS program. Had you performed in our program as you did in (blank) BMS, you would have not even been granted the opportunity to withdraw from the program—you would have been permanently suspended. A student with your record in our BMS program would never be allowed readmittance to the program.

For these reasons, we cannot admit you according to our admissions criteria.

I am sorry."

I got this email after I was rejected from their BMS program and after I told them about my plan to do a DIY postbacc and retake the DAT.

Is my dental career over? I know I was not doing well in my previous SMP and I was forced to withdraw, but that does not make me a bad student. I am an excellent student, and I can prove it through this DIY postbacc and the DAT.

What do you think?

It’s gonna be difficult moving forward, but try to get as close to a 4.0 in this postbacc as possible and aim for a 22+ on the DAT.

 

[Ryxndek]

Hello all,

I have decided to do a DIY postbacc at SUNY Empire State University. I am planning on taking 30 credits of upper level science courses in the Fall and Spring. I am also planning on retaking the DAT and scoring well. Then, I would like to apply to SMPs next year.

However, I am feeling extremely discouraged. I just got an email from the one SMP that I did apply to about a month ago. It reads:
"The decision not to admit you into (blank) BMS program is based on your performance in the (blank) BMS program. Had you performed in our program as you did in (blank) BMS, you would have not even been granted the opportunity to withdraw from the program—you would have been permanently suspended. A student with your record in our BMS program would never be allowed readmittance to the program.

For these reasons, we cannot admit you according to our admissions criteria.

I am sorry."

I got this email after I was rejected from their BMS program and after I told them about my plan to do a DIY postbacc and retake the DAT.

Is my dental career over? I know I was not doing well in my previous SMP and I was forced to withdraw, but that does not make me a bad student. I am an excellent student, and I can prove it through this DIY postbacc and the DAT.

What do you think?

SMPs are high risk / high reward. You’re really going to have to prove that you can handle it. Struggling in one SMP may make other programs worried about admitting you as this SMP has directly told you so. So you’ve really gotta stick it in gear and hammer this post bacc and dat retake if dentistry is a must for you.

It’s possible another SMP would take you after showing improvement but you also just need to assess if spending more money is fully worth it to you as you’ve dug yourself a pretty deep hole.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

Is my dental career over? I know I was not doing well in my previous SMP and I was forced to withdraw, but that does not make me a bad student. I am an excellent student, and I can prove it through this DIY postbacc and the DAT.

What do you think?

My honest opinion is that you should look for an alternative career. You have years and 10s of thousands of dollars in educational expenses to even get to where you could “reasonably” apply to dental school. At that point, your chances are still very poor. Based on your academic history, it’s also fair to speculate there’s a significant chance you wouldn’t make it through dental school. All you’d have to show for it is lost opportunity and student loans.

As I already pointed out, on the remote chance you do get into dental school, it almost certainly will be a school that will cost you $700,000 or more. There’s no way I’d recommend dentistry to anyone taking on that educational debt burden.

This probably isn’t what you wanted to hear. But, it’s an honest assessment of your situation.

Big Hoss

 

[toothbreakfast]

My honest opinion is that you should look for an alternative career. You have years and 10s of thousands of dollars in educational expenses to even get to where you could “reasonably” apply to dental school. At that point, your chances are still very poor. Based on your academic history, it’s also fair to speculate there’s a significant chance you wouldn’t make it through dental school. All you’d have to show for it is lost opportunity and student loans.

As I already pointed out, on the remote chance you do get into dental school, it almost certainly will be a school that will cost you $700,000 or more. There’s no way I’d recommend dentistry to anyone taking on that educational debt burden.

This probably isn’t what you wanted to hear. But, it’s an honest assessment of your situation.

Big Hoss

If it is still a possibility, then I do not mind completing my post-bacc and taking the DAT, and doing another SMP in order to get into a school. I also do not mind the cost of the school that much.

I have not even thought of a Plan B up until now. My whole life I have been telling myself that I want to be a dentist. What are some career alternatives that would be best suited for somebody like me? Even if I wanted to pursue something like pharmacy, I still have the withdrawn SMP under my belt. Does that mean I would not ever get into pharmacy school too?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

If it is still a possibility, then I do not mind completing my post-bacc and taking the DAT, and doing another SMP in order to get into a school. I also do not mind the cost of the school that much.

I have not even thought of a Plan B up until now. My whole life I have been telling myself that I want to be a dentist. What are some career alternatives that would be best suited for somebody like me? Even if I wanted to pursue something like pharmacy, I still have the withdrawn SMP under my belt. Does that mean I would not ever get into pharmacy school too?

What other careers have you shadowed or done significant work/volunteer experience for outside medicine or dentistry?

For your reasons of privacy, you have redacted the names of the program you withdrew from and the program that just rejected you. You have reached the point that the names matter for me to give you more advice on whether to continue or to bail. Dentistry's a small circle, and your first impressions of failure may last longer than you want.

 

[toothbreakfast]

What other careers have you shadowed or done significant work/volunteer experience for outside medicine or dentistry?

I have only ever shadowed or worked for fields in medicine and dentistry, mostly dentistry.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I also do not mind the cost of the school that much.

For now. You absolutely will when you start repaying your loans…

Big Hoss