for those who got in after one year of a SMP (special masters program)

[shyboy]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone got into a dental school after completing one (or two) year(s) of a special masters program. Or if anyone knows anybody who did it and got in.

The reason why I'm asking is to try to see which schools like students with a master's degree so that I can apply strategically for this upcoming cycle.

It will be my third time applying and this could be my last chance (due to various reasons) given to me, which means I really need to make this one count.

I had a very low gpa of 3.0 (2.8 sci) from my undergrad although I have managed to get a 4.0 in my masters program. I have realized, however, one year of 4.0 doesn't really increase my low GPA that much (3.2/3.0sci), and it got me worried... because I assume that many schools will NOT EVEN LOOK AT THOSE APPLICATIONS WITH SUB-PAR GPAs (preliminary screening).

My DAT scores (AA and TS) are just about the average of an average entering class: 21AA/20TS/26PAT and I'm thinking about re-taking it (not so sure how much I will do better this time though), risking what I have now.


So again, my question is....
Do certain schools prefer applicants with a master's degree?
I'm planning to spend more time and energy for those (talk to the dean, show my interests, etc.)

Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[GGONGCHI]

I'm pretty sure that your master GPA is not added to the undergrad GPA
Its counted separately..?

 

[shyboy]

I'm pretty sure that your master GPA is not added to the undergrad GPA
Its counted separately..?

Does it?

I'm not sure.
Anyone knows about this?

 

[BossOfFloss]

Yes, its two differnt GPAs

 

[cmcner]

They do get added together. There is an Undergrad, Graduate and Cumulative GPA, plus a GPA for each school you attended, and each semester at each school. I know as I am a graduate student who has his AADSAS application open right in front of him.

 

[shyboy]

Thanks for the responses!

So back to my question, any of the schools like to see students with good graduate GPAs?

 

[userah]

im sure they all like to see students with good grad GPAs haha. It shows that you buckled down, focused and improved. Which is exactly what they're looking for when they see that you applied again. That's my belief anyway

 

[shyboy]

im sure they all like to see students with good grad GPAs haha. It shows that you buckled down, focused and improved. Which is exactly what they're looking for when they see that you applied again. That's my belief anyway

I hope that's the case.
Having to apply for the 3rd time just sucks. Waiting for another year even sucks more.

At least I would be little more confident this time than I was last time.

 

[minotaur9]

I'm in the same boat as you, low GPA, looking at applying a 3rd time in a couple weeks. My GPA is 2.96. My advice is, you can only get a 3.5 or above GPA in your masters program, otherwise what's the point? We need to show them that we can consistently get good grades and are on an upward trend in our studies.

 

[jvss123]

hello 3rd timers,
i feel your pain and im also hoping that this will be my last time applying.. this application cycle will be tough so i do feel a little more confident like you said applying with a masters... lets just pray that our hard work doesnt go in vain!

 

[shyboy]

hello 3rd timers,
i feel your pain and im also hoping that this will be my last time applying.. this application cycle will be tough so i do feel a little more confident like you said applying with a masters... lets just pray that our hard work doesnt go in vain!

We better get in this time..
you know ppl say third time is the charm.
Hope my 4.0 masters GPA stands out lol

 

[coolfez]

where was ur 4.0 masters from?

 

[shyboy]

where was ur 4.0 masters from?

At Tulane. One-year masters program..

 

[CANgnome]

how many semesters is equal to a 1 year master's?

3? or 2?

I think at tulane, if you do 1 year master's you finish it in 2 semesters, each with 5 courses?

 

[userah]

i'm a 3rd time applier too! haha. Like all you others out there, hoping that 3rd time's the charm 🙂. As for how many semesters is equal to 1 year masters, i think it depends on the school. UMDNJ masters isn't based on semesters; instead on completing 30 credits. Whether that takes you a year, year and half or 2 years is up to your situation.

 

[shyboy]

how many semesters is equal to a 1 year master's?

3? or 2?

I think at tulane, if you do 1 year master's you finish it in 2 semesters, each with 5 courses?

at tulane it's two and yeah about 5 courses. Or total of 30 credits

I have 35 credits total tho.

 

[coolfez]

Doesn't Tulane have dental school and even a dental post bac linkage ? Where if you score a certain amount on the DAT and have good GPA, you are automatically accepted?

 

[coolfez]

actually never mind, i was thinking about temple. Did you do the Cell and Molecular Bio 1 year masters? Is that program helpful and well regarded in terms of getting into dental school?

 

[shyboy]

actually never mind, i was thinking about temple. Did you do the Cell and Molecular Bio 1 year masters? Is that program helpful and well regarded in terms of getting into dental school?

Apparently, it did not help me get in while I was enrolled in the masters program. Now that I have finished it and earned the master's degree, we shall see wheather it would help me or not for this upcoming cycle.

 

[bennijai]

A MA program will definitely give a boost to your application. Especially since your undergrad GPA sits below average. Make sure you get a 3.5+ on your MA program and 20+ on DAT. You need to demonstrate that you have the dedication and maturity to take on a dental curriculum.