Masters vs Postbacc classes

[Tennisgirl92]

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Hi everyone

I am trying to debate enrolling in a masters program this Fall or continuing to take upper level science courses as a post bacc student.

I graduated in 2015 with a degree in health science with overall GPA of 3.1. My science GPA was 2.8. I did not know what I wanted to do until senior year, and combined with losing my father, my college career was not a good time in my life.


I wanted to go to PA school and worked for 2 years as a nursing assistant. Decided that didn't suit and fell in love with dentistry. I am now taking classes trying to raise my GPA for applications. I have taken 18 credits with a 3.8 GPA. I am taking the DAT in June.

I have over 5000 volunteer hours and 3000 work hours. I have about 100 shadowing hours. Good recommendations.

1) is it more advantageous to do a masters program over post bacc? If all schools need is high grades in undergrad science courses, why would it be necessary to do a masters?

2) would you recommend I wait until 2018 cycle to apply when I have accumulated more classes? Is it a waste of money to apply now?

Thank you for any help

 

[super frank]

What's your DAT?

4.0 a masters program then apply.

 

[Kouneko]

From the info I have gathered, there are two types of post-baccs and two types of masters.
One is informal, by taking upper div science classes at your local university, to try to raise both of your science and overall gpas.
The second one is formal, meaning you enroll in an official post-bacc program. The advantage is that some of them have linkages, some have DAT preps, etc.

The first type of masters is SMP. This is pretty much a coursework-heavy masters, with a comprehensive exam (usually) to receive a MBS. Some SMPs have linkages as well.
The second type of masters is a traditional master's. This would often have a research component, so if that's not your thing don't bother with it. This is less useful for dental admission sometimes because some masters programs have grade inflation, and the courseload isn't too heavy. The advantage is that the degree you get from it is much more useful compared to the other 3 options if you end up not going to dental schools.

In your case I would suggest either formal post-bacc or SMP if you can afford, and finding a program with good linkages is the key. If you can't afford, getting good grades in informal post-bacc can help your chances as well.

edit: I think OP is trying to decide between an informal post-bacc and SMP? The advantage of SMP is that if you find a program with good linkages and do well in the SMP, you have a very good chance to get into the dental school linked to the SMP program. Also, you have a greater chance to get into other dental schools compared to informal post-bacc. The downside is the cost and the possibility of doing bad in the program.
Good luck!

 

[MahiMahi]

This post is very useful ^^

If you have a science background, a lot of formal post-bacs are closed to you. Which programs have you researched? Can you continue with your informal post-bac for another year?

I would highly recommend you not apply now, and wait another year before applying if your overall GPA is a 3.2 or less. You'll get significantly more interviews with a 3.3+ than with 3.2 or below.