masters level classes before d-school

[missugarplum]

Hi everyone. I am currently taking masters level classes and performing well, in hopes of becoming a worthy applicant to d-school for the 2005 cycle. My undergrad GPA is below a 3.0, and am hoping the reputable grades earned in my masters program will offset my past undergrad performance. I was wondering if it's necessary to complete a masters program before entering dental school. I would have completed 4-5 science classes by the next application cycle while working FT and volunteering at a dental clinic. Do you think the amount of classes completed by that time would be enough, or will I still be considered a weak applicant due to my past undergraduate record? I plan on taking additional classes after applying to d-school. Thanks.

 

[HBomb]

There's a lot of grey area in your application and I'd say it's up for interpretation. Certainly, the masters level classes will help, and your recent grades help offset you older grades. It's good to see an upward trend too. But overall GPA does play a big role here, so if the overall GPA is still floating around 3.0 or less, I think you're going to have to do great on your DATs to increase your chances. So also make time to prepare for your DATs because that will be an important factor for admissions. Also, if you are not planning on finishing your masters degree, that will surely come up and you need to be prepared to answer that question.

 

[UBTom]

to Misssugarplum:

I've had a few classmates who did not finish their masters-- They simply took enough classes to demonstrate they can handle graduate-level material (which is what dental school is). If you already have about a year's worth of part-time Masters-level credits and did really well in them (while working full-time of course), you are good to go in that regard.

As HBomb says, doing well on the DAT is essential too.

Good luck!

 

[missugarplum]

Thanks for your replies! I appreciate the encouragement and positive outlooks of my situatio 🙂 n.