MWU Post-Bac

[SaeWat]

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Hey guys, I just got accepted to MWU-Illinois Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences. I am still currently waiting for dental acceptances as I am on 3 waitlists and 2 schools that I have not heard back from yet. My deposit is due 3/10 and I was wondering whether to do this program or save money by just shadowing/volunteering/working at home.

Has anyone done this program?

 

[sumin5924]

Stats?.....

 

[SaeWat]

3.2 sGPA and 3.3 oGPA 21/21/21 DAT, the thing is that I did get 5 interviews with the low GPA's, I'm sure I could've gotten more interviews, but schools did see my GPA as "okay" enough to interview me. So I don't know if the post-bac will benefit me 100% for next cycle. It is $38K which is a huge downset.

 

[fogorvostan]

I'm not following the BU or NYU threads, but have they begun to accept people that interviewed around the same time as you?

 

[SaeWat]

I'm not following the BU or NYU threads, but have they begun to accept people that interviewed around the same time as you?

They have and I am praying that I am one of them!

 

[PremedNoob]

3.2 sGPA and 3.3 oGPA 21/21/21 DAT, the thing is that I did get 5 interviews with the low GPA's, I'm sure I could've gotten more interviews, but schools did see my GPA as "okay" enough to interview me. So I don't know if the post-bac will benefit me 100% for next cycle. It is $38K which is a huge downset.

38k is silly.

Why not just take graduate courses near where you live and improve Ecs?

 

[SaeWat]

38k is silly.

Why not just take graduate courses near where you live and improve Ecs?

Yeah I am applying to those as well.

 

[tgtremix]

Ur DAT is very strong, your GPA is below average, but not terrible. Did your GPA cost you invites, probably, but I still think you should be ok without the MA, as long as you have strong EC/LOI/Personal Statement. I would not give up, and remain confident. Keep in contact with the adcoms of the schools you interviewed at. With 5 interviews it is very likely you will eventually get accepted. I am hopeful for you!

 

[SaeWat]

Ur DAT is very strong, your GPA is below average, but not terrible. Did your GPA cost you invites, probably, but I still think you should be ok without the MA, as long as you have strong EC/LOI/Personal Statement. I would not give up, and remain confident. Keep in contact with the adcoms of the schools you interviewed at. With 5 interviews it is very likely you will eventually get accepted. I am hopeful for you!

Thanks! Yeah, I was surprised that my below average GPA did at least get me into 5 interview invites. The only thing I can pick at it probably my interview skills, but I didn't think that any of my interviews were terribly bad (had good conversation, good eye contact, no awkward pauses, etc.). But I am hoping one of these schools pull through 🙂

If I don't get in this cycle I will probably re-apply and hopefully expect around the same number of interviews next cycle since it seemed to have worked this cycle.

 

[customx]

3.2 sGPA and 3.3 oGPA 21/21/21 DAT, the thing is that I did get 5 interviews with the low GPA's, I'm sure I could've gotten more interviews, but schools did see my GPA as "okay" enough to interview me. So I don't know if the post-bac will benefit me 100% for next cycle. It is $38K which is a huge downset.

Your app was obviously good enough to get your foot in the door, but you need more practice interviewing. If I were you, I would work on improving your app by taking a course or two over the summer, volunteer, etc. and try again next cycle. I do know that Midwestern accepts a lot of students from their masters program, but adding on another $38k to an already huge bill is just financial suicide IMO.

 

[SaeWat]

Your app was obviously good enough to get your foot in the door, but you need more practice interviewing. If I were you, I would work on improving your app by taking a course or two over the summer, volunteer, etc. and try again next cycle. I do know that Midwestern accepts a lot of students from their masters program, but adding on another $38k to an already huge bill is just financial suicide IMO.

Yeah and I wouldn't mind doing it if it was an AUTO acceptance, but there is no guarantee in this... unfortunately...

 

[darknightzzz]

Yeah and I wouldn't mind doing it if it was an AUTO acceptance, but there is no guarantee in this... unfortunately...

it is basically an almost AUTO acceptance already if you manage to maintain 3.7+ in their master program. They save like 50 interview slots for like what 70 masters students from MA and MS SMP combined (some of them apply to DO school).

but the above poster said is true. hefty price.

 

[SaeWat]

it is basically an almost AUTO acceptance already if you manage to maintain 3.7+ in their master program. They save like 50 interview slots for like what 70 masters students from MA and MS SMP combined (some of them apply to DO school).

but the above poster said is true. hefty price.

Ahh I see... I am still up in the air for this with so many pros and cons... very difficult decision to make within a couple of weeks. 🙁

 

[kstoothfairy]

Ahh I see... I am still up in the air for this with so many pros and cons... very difficult decision to make within a couple of weeks. 🙁

I did the 2 year program in IL and got into dental school here. I joke with my friends and say "I bought my way in," but it is kind of true. You're not going to get anything out of a Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Science except acceptance into professional school. Its a difficult program, but if you can succeed you will be completely prepared for dental school. I did the 2yr program because I wanted to do research and is an MS degree, the 1yr program doesn't offer that component. My undergrad cum GPA was like 3.2, sci GPA 2.9. Masters GPA 4.0. Dental school- 3.9 with little stress.

 

[tarheel616]

Paying $38K is unreal for that type of program...you'd be better off taking post-bacc classes at a local state university and applying to every dental school in the US next year

 

[darknightzzz]

I did the 2 year program in IL and got into dental school here. I joke with my friends and say "I bought my way in," but it is kind of true. You're not going to get anything out of a Master of Arts degree in Biomedical Science except acceptance into professional school. Its a difficult program, but if you can succeed you will be completely prepared for dental school. I did the 2yr program because I wanted to do research and is an MS degree, the 1yr program doesn't offer that component. My undergrad cum GPA was like 3.2, sci GPA 2.9. Masters GPA 4.0. Dental school- 3.9 with little stress.

so you will be in 420k (mwu-il) + 80k (2 year master + living expense) = 500k$ before interest?

 

[kstoothfairy]

so you will be in 420k (mwu-il) + 80k (2 year master + living expense) = 500k$ before interest?

Nope, because I'm an NHSC Scholar. Got lucky!

 

[Cello]

5 interviews is solid. If you don't get in this year, with a bit of improvement to your app you'd likely get in next year. I would save the 38k and just volunteer, maybe get involved in some research, and do some more dental shadowing. You still have a decent shot at getting in this year, there will be significant movement on April 1st when people holding multiple seats are forced to choose just one school.

PS - while it's never a bad idea to practice your interview skills, don't assume that's why you didn't get in. Your interview is only a small part of the criteria they use to decide on an acceptance. Your GPA, DAT, etc. got you the interview, and they are still on the table when deciding whom to accept to the program.

 

[SaeWat]

5 interviews is solid. If you don't get in this year, with a bit of improvement to your app you'd likely get in next year. I would save the 38k and just volunteer, maybe get involved in some research, and do some more dental shadowing. You still have a decent shot at getting in this year, there will be significant movement on April 1st when people holding multiple seats are forced to choose just one school.

PS - while it's never a bad idea to practice your interview skills, don't assume that's why you didn't get in. Your interview is only a small part of the criteria they use to decide on an acceptance. Your GPA, DAT, etc. got you the interview, and they are still on the table when deciding whom to accept to the program.

Thanks for the information and encouragement! 🙂