Grad School Advice

[Lindseyd25]

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Hi all -

As the 2018-2019 cycle has opened, I’ve decided not to apply to dental school for the third time this summer. Instead, I’m pursuing a masters degree in order to be a more competitive applicant for next years cycle.

Here is where I need the help. I have been accepted into two masters programs: MSc in Cell and Molecular Biology at Tulane University in New Orleans and MSc in Anatomical Sciences at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. I’m not sure which would be the better program to get into dental school.

Tulane University offers courses in virology, developmental biology, head and neck anatomy, molecular biology, regnerative biology, and microbiology to name a few. Whereas, Lincoln Memorial University offers courses in graduate life science research design & analysis, introduction to radiographic anatomy & clinical imaging, medical gross anatomy, human embryology, and nueroanatomy.

If anyone has any suggestions, opinions, or advice, please let me know!!!

 

[2jz]

You should take the course work you find the most interesting/can do the best in so that you stay engaged with your education and do well to get the best gpa. You'll have plenty of time to learn anatomy in school - I did well without ever taking an anatomy class before.

I used the time in my masters to broaden my resume to make sure I had a fall back plan in case I didn't get accepted. For me that involved basic bench research, and an internship at a biotech start up. Whatever you do, just consider how you can make yourself more competitive not only for dental school, but for an alternative career should it come to that.

 

[Lindseyd25]

You should take the course work you find the most interesting/can do the best in so that you stay engaged with your education and do well to get the best gpa. You'll have plenty of time to learn anatomy in school - I did well without ever taking an anatomy class before.

I used the time in my masters to broaden my resume to make sure I had a fall back plan in case I didn't get accepted. For me that involved basic bench research, and an internship at a biotech start up. Whatever you do, just consider how you can make yourself more competitive not only for dental school, but for an alternative career should it come to that.

Thank you for this response! The MS in Anatomical Sciences will allow me to take a course so that I could teach anatomy if not accepted. This route is also the cheaper and more safe route. While New Orleans would be an adventure, I would be stressing about making ends meet financially. Looks like Tennessee it is!

 

[thor12]

Like everyone else is saying, the program topic won't make an enormous difference. What's important is maintaining a high GPA since the coursework is a higher caliber, which will demonstrate your ability to handle the coursework in dental school. What you're doing is pretty much what I did (MS in mol bio) and I definitely feel more confident this cycle.