How to remediate terrible GPA?

[Sumbody1245]

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^Title. I have a 2.7 GPA after graduating. Should I do a post-bacc or find a Masters somewhere? I hear Masters programs are looked upon better in the world of dentistry than in the world of medicine in terms of academic competence.

And if I do a post-bacc, I'm assuming you can't go to a CC, and I shouldn't be retaking classes, but doing upper level bio classes for a year? Because if its 2 years, I might as well get another undergrad degree lol...

Thanks beforehand!

 

[sjv]

SMP would likely be more beneficial if you do well in it. It may give you a second chance and lead to some interviews.

 

[Sumbody1245]

SMP would likely be more beneficial if you do well in it. It may give you a second chance and lead to some interviews.

I don't think any SMP will let me in with a 2.7. I'm doing nothing this semester but study for the MCAT and volunteer, should I study for the DAT separately or is the MCAT so comprehensive, I can just walk into the DAT after some practice tests? Thanks beforehand!

 

[Ionz]

I don't think any SMP will let me in with a 2.7. I'm doing nothing this semester but study for the MCAT and volunteer, should I study for the DAT separately or is the MCAT so comprehensive, I can just walk into the DAT after some practice tests? Thanks beforehand!

What is this "MCAT" you speak of?

 

[Sumbody1245]

medical cat aptitude test

 

[Glimmer1991]

medical cat aptitude test

The question was a sarcastic one... generally, it isn't well received to be applying to both med and dental school. Not just to SDN, but to admissions committees. They want to see dedication to a field.

Dental school isn't really a viable backup to med school. Admission to either extremely difficult.

 

[Phuhseeshus]

medical cat aptitude test

...?

 

[Ionz]

medical cat aptitude test

You should try Caribbean med schools.

 

[Sumbody1245]

I'm serious, what do with a 2.7 GPA? Is the only reasonable option getting another undergrad degree?

 

[Myce]

I'm serious, what do with a 2.7 GPA? Is the only reasonable option getting another undergrad degree?

I don't think you need to get another undergrad degree since that would cost a lot of money and you'll have to take classes that you won't need. I recommend retaking the classes that you didn't do so great in (ie, retaking organic chemistry if you got a C, etc.) and going for that A the second time around. Dental schools like seeing that you went the extra step to retake your pre-reqs and that you did much better. Also, dental schools have a lot of "recommended/preferred" classes that pre-dents should take, and I recommend that you take some of those if you haven't done so already.

 

[Sumbody1245]

I don't think you need to get another undergrad degree since that would cost a lot of money and you'll have to take classes that you won't need. I recommend retaking the classes that you didn't do so great in (ie, retaking organic chemistry if you got a C, etc.) and going for that A the second time around. Dental schools like seeing that you went the extra step to retake your pre-reqs and that you did much better. Also, dental schools have a lot of "recommended/preferred" classes that pre-dents should take, and I recommend that you take some of those if you haven't done so already.

So they would rather me take classes that I already took than upper level bio classes? Also should I do a masters instead because I would have to take like 1.5 years of classes just to get my GPA to 3.0, which isn't even competitive...

I also want to take the DAT this semester, but it would be kind of dumb if I have to go back to school for 2 years for a post-bacc, at which point my DAT expires.

 

[Sumbody1245]

Lol this might sound lame but I am physically sad, I don't even know if its possible for me to get into dent school with such a huge hole I'm in. Would acing an MPH be enough to be competitive? How about an MS in bio? Is there anything that would make me competitive, barring a completely new and pricey undergrad degree...

 

[LaughingGas]

Take DAT, then if you get 21+ apply SMPs. Complete SMP then apply dental school.

 

[Sumbody1245]

Take DAT, then if you get 21+ apply SMPs. Complete SMP then apply dental school.

Thx for the response. All the SMP's I see are VERY competitive, I barely, or don't, meet the minimum requirements to apply to several of them, so I don't think I have a reasonable chance getting into one. D:

 

[LaughingGas]

SMP are for low stat people, so I don’t understand how competitive those are. Or you can extend your plan by 1 year take of upper div bio classmates to raise to 3.0 and next year to complete a SMP.

 

[ModifiedBass]

SMP or find another path that you'll have to research your own, you can do it l.

 

[Sumbody1245]

SMP or find another path that you'll have to research your own, you can do it l.

I just find it horrifying there isn't a set path alternative path into Dent like there is for Med, and you could be spending years pouring your heart into classes with literally nothing to show for it but a pile of debt...

 

[Luna724]

I just find it horrifying there isn't a set path alternative path into Dent like there is for Med, and you could be spending years pouring your heart into classes with literally nothing to show for it but a pile of debt...

There is your motivation

 

[Myce]

I just find it horrifying there isn't a set path alternative path into Dent like there is for Med, and you could be spending years pouring your heart into classes with literally nothing to show for it but a pile of debt...

If you really want it, you have to do what you have to do, no matter how long it takes. I am a non-traditional student, and I decided two years ago that I am going to be a dentist and work with underserved populations. Science is not exactly my strongest subject, but since I know that I want to be a dentist, I have been taking two prereq classes every semester while working full time, shadowing, and volunteering. I love what I'm learning in my classes because I have learned how to connect the materials to the real world, which makes it more interesting and slightly easier to learn. In addition, I know that if I don't push myself, nobody will and I won't get to where I want to be.

The path to dental school is challenging and you just have to do it. You'll hit some obstacles, but just get right up and keep going.

 

[allsmiling]

I just find it horrifying there isn't a set path alternative path into Dent like there is for Med, and you could be spending years pouring your heart into classes with literally nothing to show for it but a pile of debt...

find a master program near you. Western U in CA, MidWestern U in Phoenix and Chicago, Nova in Fl ...

You can consider those schools that has their own DO or Dental School , this way you have an easier time get in.