MS program?

[ykw123456]

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hi,
I am applying this year(submitted), and trying to boost up my science GPA.
I am graduated as biology major, and
my plan was taking upper level science courses in undergraduate program(re-entry), and dropped my 1 year MS program admission, but I just talked to my advisor and kinda worried that I made a wrong decision.

I dropped the MS program b/c I have to move to other city, (so basically living expenses and all the hard work for the moving) and thought that it would not make difference as long as I take same level courses.

What do you guys think?

Is it really better to get into MS program?

 

[grx20718]

IMO. I would say yes. But it depends on your stats. If you have high GPA, MS won't be neccesary. If you have a low GPA, you might want to show them you can take hard graduate courses.

 

[Munchy]

dido that. No way a 5th year is gonna beat MS

 

[ykw123456]

I have 3.3 sGPA, major in Biology,
DAT 21/21 but 18 on bio and 17 on RC.

 

[grx20718]

I have 3.3 sGPA, major in Biology,
DAT 21/21 but 18 on bio and 17 on RC.

I believe your stats are solid(not the best but enough to get acceptance)and if you have many other ECs, you are on the right track. 17 RC may be the problem though. MS will defintely be the plus and you will have higher sGPA if you do really well on it. MS can also make you standout among other applicants with similar stats. Note that by the time they review your file your GPA from MS or fall courses from undergraduate will not be included.

Also, there are many discussions about MS program. IMO, MS is not an easy program. It may depend on which undergraduate you were in and which MS program you got into, but you really have to work very harder to earn your As. Upper level course are not same as graduate level courses. Some MS program offer courses that are actually taught by the same faculty that teach dental students.

MS can also hurt your chances. If you end up getting average Bs from the program, it will hurt you.

So, my final answer is yes it is better but not neccesary. If you believe you need more stuff in your apps and have the will to devote yourself 1 more year, I say go for it. If the money is the issue, you can actually drop the program once you get into the dental schools. Dental schools won't care as long as you finish the courses you listed in AADSAS. But a half year already in, you would want to finish and get your MS degree. Also, just in case you do not get in this year , you will have higher chance next year.

From my experience, I could tell you that I had lower stats than you. I would mostly get rejected even before the interview. I finished Master's program last June and I already got two interview invites. So, I may be biased.

Hope this helps.

 

[want2bedentist]

# 5
- I need grad lvel smp for sure. Thank you for ahring your succeful expereinces !
Which MS program did you go ? I am looking at BU(Oracle Health Track), Temple, VCU since I am in new York.
- you had a low GPA but got A in grad courses bu working hard ?
- Getting B's will hurt you ? If these are grad courses taken dental/med students, why B is not good to apply ?

- What is IMO program ?

 

[juanatas84]

I would also look into retaking the DAT, I see you got 21/21 and 18 in bio with 17 in RC. I think it would be more impressive to have improved DAT scores, lets just say you were only able to raise each score by two points so would would have 23/23 that would be sweet! I think you can take the DAT as many times. This is just another option if moving is an issue for the MS program. However I do believe that a MS degree does help your application. Or even try to find a MS program at a state school that might be cheaper.

 

[GiTsticker]

Disagree, don't retake please! 21/21 is great and 17s and 18s aren't going to put you below any cut-offs. Keep those scores.

 

[yeodent]

Disagree, don't retake please! 21/21 is great and 17s and 18s aren't going to put you below any cut-offs. Keep those scores.

I agree as long as your overall GPA isn't lower than a 3.3, those DAT scores look decent. Just be smart about what schools you send your applications out to.

 

[juanatas84]

higher DAT scores give you more options of schools, which increases your chances.

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602095
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=640363

higher DAT scores give you more options of schools, which increases your chances.

No doubt, but retaking the DAT is a risky business, especially when starting with reasonably high scores.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=400209

 

[4thMolar]

higher DAT scores give you more options of schools, which increases your chances.

Yes, but the OP already has above average DAT scores, and a 17 RC is not terribly bad. The problem is that the OP may even get a lower score, thus decreasing his chances. With those scores and a GPA of 3.3, the OP still has a decent chance at interviews, especially if taking a 5th year or doing an MS.