Mph chances with low gpa?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
hello , i would like to know as im international dental graduate with gpa 2.4 and very intersted to join mph program to overcome my low gpa before i apply to dental schools. do i have any chance at anywhere to do mph? any suggestions and advices will apperciate

Members don't see this ad.
 

Stories

Life Afficianado
Moderator Emeritus
10+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2009
Messages
1,700
Reaction score
114
A 2.4 is a pretty awful GPA. I'm sure someone has been accepted with a 2.4 GPA, but honestly, I have no idea what other parts of your application must look like. I imagine everything else has to be wonderful and flawless to compensate. I know this probably isn't a helpful post, but I'm unsure what you need to do. You'd probably best contacting a few programs and asking for a realistic assessment (2.8-2.9 is the lowest I've seen for accepted students).
 
Members don't see this ad :)

espre

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2010
Messages
127
Reaction score
1
A 2.4 is a pretty awful GPA. I'm sure someone has been accepted with a 2.4 GPA, but honestly, I have no idea what other parts of your application must look like. I imagine everything else has to be wonderful and flawless to compensate. I know this probably isn't a helpful post, but I'm unsure what you need to do. You'd probably best contacting a few programs and asking for a realistic assessment (2.8-2.9 is the lowest I've seen for accepted students).

A harsh reply. He is looking for help, and we don't know where he is or what his circumstances are. Your posts are usually helpful but, in this case, will only serve to make someone feel bad.

To the original poster - could you please give us more information about what might have affected your grades, what your background is, and what your goals are? I'm wondering why you'd like to apply to dental schools if you've already graduated from one. What area of public health are you interested in? What country are you in?
 

Stories

Life Afficianado
Moderator Emeritus
10+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2009
Messages
1,700
Reaction score
114
A harsh reply. He is looking for help, and we don't know where he is or what his circumstances are. Your posts are usually helpful but, in this case, will only serve to make someone feel bad.

OP was impatient the 2nd post (effectively bumping the original post), so I gave a quick response since the OP was looking for something. It's valuable to have an honest assessment of a situation, I think, without the sugar coating.

no replys yet :confused:
 

utph

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2009
Messages
120
Reaction score
0
A little advice: I know some schools that accept low gpas get a lot of international applicants, and their applications are screened very closely for command of the English language. Your verbal/writing GRE scores and statement are going to need to demonstrate this.
 

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
A harsh reply. He is looking for help, and we don't know where he is or what his circumstances are. Your posts are usually helpful but, in this case, will only serve to make someone feel bad.

To the original poster - could you please give us more information about what might have affected your grades, what your background is, and what your goals are? I'm wondering why you'd like to apply to dental schools if you've already graduated from one. What area of public health are you interested in? What country are you in?

first of all thx for who is trying help and all who replay here , hello espre , thx for ur reply too and im an international dental graduate (2009) from egypt and im in my intership year now and my university is tough in grading system that's why my gpa is low and im trying to join mph program to overcome my low gpa when i get to apply to dental schools in usa for license. hope this make things more clear and hope i get more suggestions and advices i value much that . thx in advance
 
Last edited:

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
A little advice: I know some schools that accept low gpas get a lot of international applicants, and their applications are screened very closely for command of the English language. Your verbal/writing GRE scores and statement are going to need to demonstrate this.

hello utph i would apperciate more if u can mention me those schools that can accept low gpa as international applicant . thx in advance
 

JMM051

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2009
Messages
572
Reaction score
0
I am going to say something others havent outright said. I would be weary of using an MPH as a way to get into dental school. Besides epi and biostats other programs are not math/science intensive. Epi is even not as beneficial as say Bio or something science based. I would strong recommend contact dental schools to see the course of action they can suggest to strengthen your app. They may suggest a post-bac they may suggest something else. You don't want to go through the trouble or money, time, etc to get into a PH school only to still not be able to get into the program you want. Definitely contact dental schools. Good luck!
 

mph2012

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I would just be careful about the financial risk assessment. If you're willing to shell out thousands and thousands of dollars for a degree just to get a higher GPA, then that's fine. But you also have to consider what happens if you don't get the GPA you hoped for after two years. Will you view the MPH as a waste if you don't get the GPA you want? Also, were there extenuating circumstances for your previous GPA, or are you at risk to experience similar obstacles? More than anything, an MPH is a lot of money, so you need to be sure it's exactly what you want to do. It could help, but it's important to evaluate why you want it and if it's something you truly want to pursue.
 

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
I would just be careful about the financial risk assessment. If you're willing to shell out thousands and thousands of dollars for a degree just to get a higher GPA, then that's fine. But you also have to consider what happens if you don't get the GPA you hoped for after two years. Will you view the MPH as a waste if you don't get the GPA you want? Also, were there extenuating circumstances for your previous GPA, or are you at risk to experience similar obstacles? More than anything, an MPH is a lot of money, so you need to be sure it's exactly what you want to do. It could help, but it's important to evaluate why you want it and if it's something you truly want to pursue.

hello mph2012 , thx for ur replay and i actually all my target is to overcome/improve my low gpa that's why i thought of doing mph program before i apply to dental schools and i also dont know if i can get a chance to do such mph with my 2.4 gpa and would mph add to my gpa ? . if there is any better suggestions/pathways i can go ahead on to improve/overcome my gpa here in usa other than go through mph route before i apply to dental schools i would apperciate all advices here and help . thx in advance
 
Last edited:

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
If you want to go to dental school with a 2.4, you might want to consider a post-bacc program to improve your GPA.

please see: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=71

Someone once said in this topic that MPH is probably not going to be your saving grace to med/dent/vet school if you have a low GPA.

hello litebear2011, i get ur advice so well but can u suggest me any postbac that will take me with my gpa 2.4 bec even postbac programs i find need a gpa of 3 cutoff ...so any suggestions of how and what my chances to get into a postbac with my 2.4 gpa to improve it . thx in adavance
 
Members don't see this ad :)

LiteBear2011

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
89
Reaction score
1
I've heard of people who have taken some community college science classes to remedy some of their deficient grades and then transfer to post-bacc programs. It's a long route without a guarantee, but IMO it's better than dumping a lot of cash in the MPH if the goal is to simply improve your GPA.

I hope this helps. Good luck!
 

kauldron26

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
57
Reaction score
1
My gpa in undergrad was pretty low, same as u. I had no motivation to do well in undergrad, but now im studying something i love with a gpa of 3.83 and working fulltime in a field i like alot (hospital admin) I suggest you take 1 or 2 years off work full time and gain some experience and then apply. This shows that you're bringing something to the program. Also study ur ass off for the GREs get good recommendations from 1 professor and 2 folks from ur job. This worked for me. Chances are you wont get any scholarships, but u will get into school, take out loans or ask if ur job will reimburse u.
 

LiteBear2011

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
89
Reaction score
1
My gpa in undergrad was pretty low, same as u. I had no motivation to do well in undergrad, but now im studying something i love with a gpa of 3.83 and working fulltime in a field i like alot (hospital admin) I suggest you take 1 or 2 years off work full time and gain some experience and then apply. This shows that you're bringing something to the program. Also study ur ass off for the GREs get good recommendations from 1 professor and 2 folks from ur job. This worked for me. Chances are you wont get any scholarships, but u will get into school, take out loans or ask if ur job will reimburse u.

But the thing is that the OP wants to go to dental school and seems to want to use the MPH as a stepping stone. IF, and again that's a big if, that is true then I would just focus on the community college/post-bac work to boost the GPA, write a good DAT to try and offset a poor undergraduate record, observe/volunteer in dental situations to demonstrate that you know what you are getting yourself into and that you have a passion for it, and maybe do some research for strong LORs (in addition to the ones from your professors).
 

lonemavericks

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2009
Messages
76
Reaction score
0
first of all thx for who is trying help and all who replay here , hello espre , thx for ur reply too and im an international dental graduate (2009) from egypt and im in my intership year now and my university is tough in grading system that's why my gpa is low and im trying to join mph program to overcome my low gpa when i get to apply to dental schools in usa for license. hope this make things more clear and hope i get more suggestions and advices i value much that . thx in advance

if you are a intl' graduate you have a good chance but you have to have a very good GRE and TOEFL i mean like 1300 + and you MUST have a very good SOP and the best LOR you can get from your Professors it will help alot the LORs...also u TOEFL must be good too above 100 min..hope it helps...good luck
 

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
My gpa in undergrad was pretty low, same as u. I had no motivation to do well in undergrad, but now im studying something i love with a gpa of 3.83 and working fulltime in a field i like alot (hospital admin) I suggest you take 1 or 2 years off work full time and gain some experience and then apply. This shows that you're bringing something to the program. Also study ur ass off for the GREs get good recommendations from 1 professor and 2 folks from ur job. This worked for me. Chances are you wont get any scholarships, but u will get into school, take out loans or ask if ur job will reimburse u.

hello kauldron 26 u gave me real hope ...so u joined to hospital daminstartion ? do u think i can get a chance with my 2.4 gpa to do a master of hospital of adminstration? and if so can u mention me the program u joined plz ....i value ur help so well
 
Last edited:

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
I've heard of people who have taken some community college science classes to remedy some of their deficient grades and then transfer to post-bacc programs. It's a long route without a guarantee, but IMO it's better than dumping a lot of cash in the MPH if the goal is to simply improve your GPA.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

hello litebear2011 i thx u for ur help and words but do u think takeing community college science classess and if i got high gpa in them will that add to my undergraduate gpa and help me get into postbac or mph?....i value ur help much bec i feel like doomed bec of my low gpa . thx in advance
 

kauldron26

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
Messages
57
Reaction score
1
@shater, One of the biggest things I have learned is that GPAs arent everything. As a matter of fact in the real world, they have very little clout unless you're in research. Bar-none the most important thing is experience a.k.a what have you done? I suggest you take a year or two off and work in a field you want to get into gather experience and when you decide to go back to school let them know how your experience would benefit the program and how the program will improve your career. Focus on finding a job after undergrad for now. And if you're that concerned about not getting into grad school, take about 12 credits as a non-matric student and make sure u kill those courses. That will show that you can do well in grad school combined with your work experience you should be able to get in. Most importantly, do not study something you dont care about in graduate school. If you do, you wont do well.
 

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
@shater, One of the biggest things I have learned is that GPAs arent everything. As a matter of fact in the real world, they have very little clout unless you're in research. Bar-none the most important thing is experience a.k.a what have you done? I suggest you take a year or two off and work in a field you want to get into gather experience and when you decide to go back to school let them know how your experience would benefit the program and how the program will improve your career. Focus on finding a job after undergrad for now. And if you're that concerned about not getting into grad school, take about 12 credits as a non-matric student and make sure u kill those courses. That will show that you can do well in grad school combined with your work experience you should be able to get in. Most importantly, do not study something you dont care about in graduate school. If you do, you wont do well.
hello kauldron26, i thank u so well for ur advice and i got to ask which is the best place i can go take 12 credit hours courses u suggest? beside i would value ur help much too if u tell me which school u joined to do a master of hospital admisntration as im thinking of it too . thanx for ur real support
 

LiteBear2011

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
89
Reaction score
1
I'm confused what your endgame is? What field do you want to ultimately end up in? Dentistry or public health?
 

shater

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Jan 26, 2010
Messages
121
Reaction score
0
I'm confused what your endgame is? What field do you want to ultimately end up in? Dentistry or public health?
hello LiteBear2011, my end game is to raise that 2.4 gpa before i apply to dental school and the reason why im asking to get into mha or mph is that i hear it may help me get into dental school as i got low gpa but my all aim and my end game of it all is to raise my 2.4 gpa and that i add to my undergraduate 2.4 gpa to it so it boost up..
 
Last edited:

LiteBear2011

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
89
Reaction score
1
hello LiteBear2011, my end game is to raise that 2.4 gpa before i apply to dental school and the reason why im asking to get into mha or mph is that i hear it may help me get into dental school as i got low gpa but my all aim and my end game of it all is to raise my 2.4 gpa and that i add to my undergraduate 2.4 gpa to it so it boost up..

Alright; then I would definitely do the community college/post-bacc route. When you apply to dental school using AADSAS (the online application accepted by most, if not all, American schools), they differentiate between undergraduate and graduate school grades. CC/Post-Bacc falls under undergraduate, whereas MPH is a graduate school degree; and although it will improve your overall GPA; I understand that they (they being dental school admissions committees) place a lot more focus on the undergraduate GPA, especially the BCPM-GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math). Somewhere on this board, they talk about how an MPH only enhances your application if you are on the fence (I speculate that means ~2.9-3.1 for dental school); in my opinion, 2.4 needs some work to be close to the fence.

P.S. I applied to dental school before realizing that public health better suits my interests and strengths.
 
Top