need advice

[icetray01]

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okay i m really lost. i m not sure what to do next. i always wanted to become a dentist but the process is only getting harder and harder for me.

i have an undergrad in 2006 in chemistry/biochemistry..with an overall gpa of 2.6 Now I m not sure If I should apply to a graduate school (Masters of Public Health) and go in as a non-matriculated student to take a year worth of classes to improve my academic gpa???? or should i just concentrate on my DAT then apply to dental schools for next year???

its too late to apply for a graduate school by now for this spring semester..so what else can i do???

please give me some professional suggestions..i appreciate it!

 

[khakwanit1]

I think you should definitely go to graduate school to show improvement and dedication. While you are attending graduate school, you should study for DAT at the same time. This is the best way to study and understand the stuff. In my university, graduate school GPA starts fresh and you have a chance to maintain 4.0. This is your only hope. DAT alone will not promise you a seat in dental school.

 

[mnoriega]

Hey, how old are you guys? I just turned 19 & my status is the same, but i am confused by what you all are talking about. I'm from California and i am planning on applying to Arthur Dugoni & UCSF before getting a bs. I know that i am really pushing it, but I want to take my chances. If i don't get in then I will continue, finish my fourth year, and reapply. What do you guys think?

 

[khakwanit1]

sounds good. I am 21.

 

[lhtran07]

A 2.6 GPA is very low...you'll definitely want to do a post-bac/1yr masters to improve that. Even with a great DAT score, it wouldn't compensate for a 2.6 gpa.

So spend a year to do the masters, take the dat, and then apply. That way your application will be in tip-top shape.

The average age of entering dental students is 24-25, so I wouldn't worry about being a non-traditional student.

 

[icetray01]

I appreciate all the suggestions...thank you guys.

Today i talked to an admission officer from NYU dental school and she also said that I should do a masters in science. When I asked, she said not to do MPH (Masters of Public Health), because it really doesn't demonstrate your science backgroud. So now I am not sure what other masters program I should consider???? Should I go in as a non-matriculated student?? I am trying not to take a hardcore master program where I may have a difficult time maintaining a high GPA. I would like to take a year worth of masters and get high GPA then apply to Dental School.

What is a post bachelor...is that an actual degree??

Please let me know if you guys have any further suggestions or concerns. I really appreciate it..