Need Help deciding a Post-Bac/Master's Program

[GoHoosDDS]

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So, I need some advice. Here's the rundown: I want to go to dental school, but I don't have the grades for it (as told to me by VCU dental). The rest of my app is good-great, but basically I need to go to a grad program to better my GPA.

In the past week or so, I've gotten into 4 schools (waiting on 3 more), and have till May 12th to decide.

VCU Grad CERT program

Pros:

• close by
• in state tuition
• has a dental school, which is good for connections

Cons:

• certificate program, so not as impressive as a master's
• a number of their "success" stories are people who ended up having to get to a master's anyway

Tulane, master's in Cell Bio

Pros:

• most respected school of the 4
• MS program
• costs about same as VCU despite being private

Cons:

• no dental school (although LSU's is about 20 minutes away)
• far away and I know no one within 4 hours driving

Rutgers, master's in biomedical sciences

Pros:

• master's, with concentration in oral biology
• has a dental school
• can take classes with dental students

Cons:

• out of state tuition
• in Newark, a very urban and dangerous area

Midwestern, master's in biomedical sciences

Pros:

• has a dental school
• master's (but only MA, not MS or MBS)

Cons:

• least respected program (from what I've read)
• expensive

George Squared (GMU/Georgetown), Biomedical Sciences Cert/Masters in Physiology

Pros:

• in state tuition (not including final 10 credits at G'town to finish masters)
• close to 3 cousins and my brother, so I'd have little trouble finding housing
• allows for the opportunity to finish a master's if I want

Cons:

• no dental school within 2 hours, I think
• 10 credits at G'town would be mad expensive, plus living in DC
• relatively new program with a lot more web-based classes

All are 1 year programs. I'm sure I'm not the only person here who's wanted to go to med school or dental school and needed to better their GPA. Any advice would be helpful (sorry bout the length of the post). Thanks y'all!

 

[byahnoob]

Isn't vcu's program a linkage one? Also is that the program where it's invite only

 

[DOC YANKEM]

I would only consider going to Rutgers for your masters. Overall they will provide the most resources and improve your dental application. Most masters programs in or near New York City are the expensive. It's a small price to pay to pursue your dentistry career.


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[GoHoosDDS]

Isn't vcu's program a linkage one? Also is that the program where it's invite only

On the med school side, a 3.5 GPA in the program guarantees an interview, but not on the dental side. And no, no invite needed.

 

[DOC YANKEM]

Just met and spoke with the Rutgers' Director of Admissions and the Assistant Director tonight at my undergraduate. She mentioned about the masters program at Rutgers for a good 5 minutes.

Here are the main points:
1. You should try to maintain a 3.5+ GPA at the end of the year.
2. You will only be taking a few higher level science courses with dental students.
3. There is no guarantee that you will be accepted to Rutgers Dental School. But you will be considered not only for their dental school, but also other dental schools that recognize Rutgers' masters program.