Non-Traditional Action Plan

[Predent32189]

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Hi everyone, was hoping to get a bit of advice on the best action plan for myself. I graduated in May 2010 with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Math and have been working since then for a large pharmaceutical company. My GPA is around 3.3-3.2 and my sGPA is 3.2-3.1, however my transcript is a bit ugly. I graduated in 6 years (due to a string of unfortunate events that required me work full time and take classes part time) and there are a few more Ws and repeated courses than there should be since at the time I wasn't planning on going to Dental School. My DATs are solid 23AA, 21 TS (23PAT, 25QR, 25RC, 22Bio, 22Chem, 21Orgo). I'm taking Orgo 2 this spring (I didn't need it for my major so never took it), and I'll probably take a few classes over the summer to improve my GPAs.

I'll be applying for next cycle, but in the mean time I'd like to do a Masters to further enhance my chances should I need to reapply. My main question is what classes look the best? There is a Pre-Dental specific MBS program through UMDNJ but it looks a lot tougher to get that 3.8-4.0 than if I went for an MS in Bio/etc. (and it's a bit more expensive too). So which is better, easier courses (still upper level science though) with a high GPA, or tougher courses with a potentially lower GPA?

Any other advice anyone feels like offering is also welcome.

 

[Canard]

Hi everyone, was hoping to get a bit of advice on the best action plan for myself. I graduated in May 2010 with a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Math and have been working since then for a large pharmaceutical company. My GPA is around 3.3-3.2 and my sGPA is 3.2-3.1, however my transcript is a bit ugly. I graduated in 6 years (due to a string of unfortunate events that required me work full time and take classes part time) and there are a few more Ws and repeated courses than there should be since at the time I wasn't planning on going to Dental School. My DATs are solid 23AA, 21 TS (23PAT, 25QR, 25RC, 22Bio, 22Chem, 21Orgo). I'm taking Orgo 2 this spring (I didn't need it for my major so never took it), and I'll probably take a few classes over the summer to improve my GPAs.

I'll be applying for next cycle, but in the mean time I'd like to do a Masters to further enhance my chances should I need to reapply. My main question is what classes look the best? There is a Pre-Dental specific MBS program through UMDNJ but it looks a lot tougher to get that 3.8-4.0 than if I went for an MS in Bio/etc. (and it's a bit more expensive too). So which is better, easier courses (still upper level science though) with a high GPA, or tougher courses with a potentially lower GPA?

Any other advice anyone feels like offering is also welcome.

I think your DAT is competitive and I really think you will have a good shot at having multiple interview as long as yo nail the personal statement and other extracurricular stuff on the application. I have been through similar process since I am also non-traditional with Engineering degree. Make sure to apply in the first week!!!

I think it is great that you are enhancing yourself by applying to master but in my opinion, it may not be necessary. If it was up to me, I would save the money and do informal post-bacc by taking many upper level science classes (histology, physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, etc) while applying to dental school unless you can have job as graduate assistance then you can go to master for free.

I am not sure how much of upper-level science you have completed but this is what i would do if i were in your shoes. Good luck

 

[youknowthedrill]

Is the GPA listed from your college/university? If so, you may want to calculate it yourself. Unfortunately AADSAS includes all grades in your GPA. Here are some links to help you determine your AADSAS GPA:
http://www.adea.org/dental_educatio...ocuments/2011 ADEA AADSAS Course Subjects.pdf
http://www.adea.org/dental_educatio...tructions/Documents/2011 GPA Calculations.pdf

Also, try to set up a meeting with your state dental school(s). Many are willing to talk to you and give you advice before you apply, but won't offer any advice once your application is submitted. Don't let anyone discourage you- If this is your dream- go for it. Good luck!

 

[Predent32189]

My School GPA is a 3.34 and with the addition of some of my repeated courses probably drops a point.

Looking at the way they assign grades I had a quick question though. My school does not use "minus" grades, just "plus" grades (ie: A, B+, B, C+ , C, etc.). So for example a B+ corresponds to a 3.5 according to my school. Should I list that as an "AB" when entering my grades as that is the correct numerical value?

 

[jackalo34]

My School GPA is a 3.34 and with the addition of some of my repeated courses probably drops a point.

Looking at the way they assign grades I had a quick question though. My school does not use "minus" grades, just "plus" grades (ie: A, B+, B, C+ , C, etc.). So for example a B+ corresponds to a 3.5 according to my school. Should I list that as an "AB" when entering my grades as that is the correct numerical value?

I would say no, because it is not an AB, it’s a B+. You are verrry lucky in that your school does not have minuses so that with the +/- conversion, you’re GPA is higher (haha), but that’s beside the point. You’re school gave you a B+ and that’s what AADSAS will give you; it will be a 3.333 instead.

Directly from thttp://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/GeneralInstructions/Documents/2011%20GPA%20Calculations.pdf:

• What is your college/university's quality point rating scale? Some schools use quality point scales that are different than those used by ADEA AADSAS. For example, at some schools, a B+ grade is assigned 3.5 quality points, but ADEA AADSAS assigns a B+ grade 3.333 quality points.