Need to go Masters

[andrewc]

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Hi all,

So I have 6 Bio & Chem classes where I got a C- or below in. If I plan on going into a Master's Program (and then applying to Dental School), do I still have to retake those classes? Or should my Master's Program "blanket my past" considering I do really well there?

Thanks again for all your help! This is really a great board! 🙂

**Also** - Does it make a difference in the eyes of dental schools whether or not I go to a thesis-based/non-thesis-based Masters Program? Or how about a 1-year or 2-year program? I'm just trying to maximum my chances of getting in and doing so in as little time as possible.

 

[Albuterol]

I believe C- grades wont be accepted in prerequisites and required upper level courses (varies by schools) so you would have to retake these. I think a non-thesis based masters would probably be the best because you would be taking more science classes instead of in a laboratory doing research. Also I really believe you should try to improve that 2.6 science gpa of yours before pursuing a masters. Many schools have a 3.0 cutoff where you would be screened out. A masters program and scoring well on the DAT can definitely help you but it wont erase your poor undergrad.

 

[RDAtoDDS]

Hi all,

So I have 6 Bio & Chem classes where I got a C- or below in. If I plan on going into a Master's Program (and then applying to Dental School), do I still have to retake those classes? Or should my Master's Program "blanket my past" considering I do really well there?

Thanks again for all your help! This is really a great board! 🙂

**Also** - Does it make a difference in the eyes of dental schools whether or not I go to a thesis-based/non-thesis-based Masters Program? Or how about a 1-year or 2-year program? I'm just trying to maximum my chances of getting in and doing so in as little time as possible.

I, also, graduated with a below 3.0 gpa, (somewhere around 2.7). I took 3 classes after graduation, one at a JC and 2 at a university. the classes were human anatomy, human physiology, and cell mollec. immunology. Then I started a thesis based masters last January. I applyed again in May and this year I got into two school, and will be starting NYU in the Fall. If you have a chance to go into a non-thesis based masters, do that. If you take thesis masters there is no guarantee when you will graduate. You will finish youre classes long before you'll be ready to graduate. It takes a long time, often longer than two years, to finish your research project.
Another recomendation I can make to you is call the admission office of the schools you want to go to and askhtem this question, and they will tell what would be you best course of action for their school. Than is what I did wiht ASDOH, and they told me to go ahead and start a masters, and that I probably will not even have to finish it.
I hope this helps, if you need any more info, let me know.

 

[shindrome]

i have a different take on the notion that a thesis based program will take more than 2 years. i took that route and graduated in exactly 2 years and took 7 quarters worth of classes while being involved with a research project.

i feel that there are more opportunities within a research based program. if you reach a breakthrough or find something new you may have the chance to publish which would look good on a future application. it forces you to manage your time floating between the lab and class. research takes you out of the textbook and midterm environment and into the real world of science where it involves trial and error, collaboration, oral presentation of your findings, and some creativity. these are things that will round you out as a student, which will eventually lead to a "richer and more colorful" statement of intent.

i only say this because i was in your situation back in 2004. i applied with a 2.5 gpa, was told to get lost and get a masters. i took the thesis route, learned more than i EVER conceived, got a 4.0 GPA, and got accepted into michigan this year. i've interviewed at ucsf, nyu and have another one at pittsburgh soon.

i guess it doesn't really matter which route you go with. that's just my take on things. just work hard and get the highest grades you can get and you'll make it in!

 

[andrewc]

Thank you so much for all your replies! This has really been helping me pave a realistic road to dental school and it is also very encouraging.