Master in microbiology? or SMP? Please help!

[plzdental]

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Hello,
I applied to dental schools last year, but didn't have any luck.
I had low gpas so i applied some smps and masters program in hoping to enhance my GPA.

I got an admission from

Rosalind Franklin University - one year biomedical science program, no thesis (SMP)

Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL - 2 years biomedical science program with thesis (SMP)

University of Wisconsin- Madison - Master in Bacteriology (same as Microbiology) - 2 years usually.

I liked RFU cuz it was one year program, but i realized this program is really hard because you are taking classes with actual med school students. it also has strong linkage with chicago medical school, so it is really good for pre-medical student.

Midwetern- it has overall a good program, but it is fairly new and doesn't have strong linkage to its own dental school. It is 2 years program but i heard some students drop out after one year for their admission to professional schools.

UW-Madison- well-known school. it's reputation is good. I heard it's bacteriology program is on national's top 10 list. Can work as TAs or research assitant while in the program. but i don't know whether it will help me to get in dental schools cuz it is not SMP

I have to decide it by today where i want to go... T_T

Please give me some advice!!
Thank you!!

 

[flyingforever]

Hello,
I applied to dental schools last year, but didn't have any luck.
I had low gpas so i applied some smps and masters program in hoping to enhance my GPA.

I got an admission from

Rosalind Franklin University - one year biomedical science program, no thesis (SMP)

Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL - 2 years biomedical science program with thesis (SMP)

University of Wisconsin- Madison - Master in Bacteriology (same as Microbiology) - 2 years usually.

I liked RFU cuz it was one year program, but i realized this program is really hard because you are taking classes with actual med school students. it also has strong linkage with chicago medical school, so it is really good for pre-medical student.

Midwetern- it has overall a good program, but it is fairly new and doesn't have strong linkage to its own dental school. It is 2 years program but i heard some students drop out after one year for their admission to professional schools.

UW-Madison- well-known school. it's reputation is good. I heard it's bacteriology program is on national's top 10 list. Can work as TAs or research assitant while in the program. but i don't know whether it will help me to get in dental schools cuz it is not SMP

I have to decide it by today where i want to go... T_T

Please give me some advice!!
Thank you!!

Do 1 year Master's program.

 

[UFRalo]

I was in a similar circumstance last year, though I didn't apply due to low GPA. I ended up choosing a Microbiology MS. UW-Madison has an AMAZING program there and I wish I could have applied (I had a lease so I was pretty much stuck).

It really depends on what you feel most comfortable doing. If you aren't worried about $ and working really hard, go for the SMP (not to say the Bacteriology MS won't be challenging). I chose the MS in Microbio because tuition waiver, good lab and potential for furthur graduate study if I didn't get in to DS this cycle.

 

[plzdental]

Thank you for your advice UFRalo.
So are you still in Masters??
Did you apply dental schools this year???
If you did , did you have any luck??

Thank you again!

 

[plzdental]

I was in a similar circumstance last year, though I didn't apply due to low GPA. I ended up choosing a Microbiology MS. UW-Madison has an AMAZING program there and I wish I could have applied (I had a lease so I was pretty much stuck).

It really depends on what you feel most comfortable doing. If you aren't worried about $ and working really hard, go for the SMP (not to say the Bacteriology MS won't be challenging). I chose the MS in Microbio because tuition waiver, good lab and potential for furthur graduate study if I didn't get in to DS this cycle.

Thank you for your advice UFRalo.
So are you still in Masters??
Did you apply dental schools this year???
If you did , did you have any luck??

Thank you again!

 

[sfrice80]

It's hard to give advice using just that. Can you give some more background info? What is your GPA? How long did you spend in undergrad? Was last cycle your only cycle applying? What was your DAT scores? That all plays a factor whether you need just one year or something more extensive. Its a total shot in the dark without that information.

 

[plzdental]

It's hard to give advice using just that. Can you give some more background info? What is your GPA? How long did you spend in undergrad? Was last cycle your only cycle applying? What was your DAT scores? That all plays a factor whether you need just one year or something more extensive. Its a total shot in the dark without that information.

It was my first time applying
however, i've already taken DAT twice..
my scores were
PAT 19 → 22
QR 15→ 16
RC 17 → 18
Bio 18 → 19
GChem 19 → 18🙁
OChem 19 →22
TS 19 → 20
AA 18→ 19

my GPA is
Total 3.35
BPS 3.03

and I spent 5 years in undergrad double majoring in Human biology and East Asian Languages and cultures..

 

[sfrice80]

With those stats, I think a one year program is more attractive. Just crush your GPA for that year and bump it up and you should be in good shape to apply after that.

 

[UFRalo]

I'm in my Master's and will finish next Spring. I am also applying this cycle and haven't gotten any interviews yet, though it is pretty early in the game.

Seeing your DAT scores I think that the one year program could be a good option for you. However, I based my decision to do a 1.5 year MS over a one year SMP because...

1) I graduated early and could easily finish my degree in 1.5 yrs as opposed to 2, keeping me on pace to apply this cycle.

2) $, $, $. I did not want to drop a ton of money to move and do an SMP that may or may not help. I think SMPs are fantastic opportunities, but there was too much risk involved in my opinion. What happens if you do bad in the SMP (and I know that everyone will try hard to make sure that doesn't happen)?

3) I can easily transition into a PhD program if necessary.

You can only do what you think is best and I know it is a hard decision to make. Just go with your gut and don't look back!