Post Bac or Masters ?

[PatBrown24]

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I am trying to decide between a postbac or masters.

oGPA: 3.342 (I got an F in one math class)
sGPA: 3.11 (Only took Bio 101 (C+), Bio 101 lab (B-), Chem 101 (C-), A's in both Orgo I&II lecture and lab)
DAT: Haven't taken yet

I need to take 5 more dental prerequisite class: Biochem, chem 102, Physic I&II, and Anatomy&Physiology.

I am deciding between whether to do a post bac and boost my science GPA or do a Masters program. Also what do you think about doing a 2nd bachelors degree in a science major.

I hear dental admission board prefer master program as the programs are more rigorous than post bac or 2nd degree programs.

What do you think should be the logical direction for me ? Any and all feedback much appreciated!

 

[artist2022]

Questions:
1) Schools require 1 year of bio, chem, and ochem (with their respective year-long lab courses), and I see that you're taking chem 2 later and you've already taken ochem 1&2, but what about bio 2? And also what about chem lab?
2) If you were to get A's in the remaining courses you listed, what would your GPAs be?
3) Make sure microbio isn't a required course for the schools you plan on applying to (because it seems like you might not be a science major).

I think a Master's program would be better, just to show that you can handle upper division course work. This will backfire though if you don't have a high GPA (like 3.7+). Also, it will count towards a separate graduate GPA.
---> On the other hand, I believe a post-bacc would count towards the GPAs you have now and raise them.

I wouldn't do a second degree because I think that would take too long (like another 3 years at least, to meet all of its requirements). I would only do this if it's been years since you took those 6 science courses you listed above (because they might've expired).

@thenextcarnegie

 

[thenextcarnegie]

Hey man!

I totally agree with Artist on that one. BUT first and foremost finish up those classes and take your DAT. It's a hard push to tell you where to go since your GPA's aren't finalized and we don't have your DAT score (this is a huge factor). Once you have finished those and you still feel as if your GPA isn't high enough only then consider taking a Masters degree. Post-bacc isn't necessarily worth doing since it's just a certificate and just tacks onto your undergrad GPA. Microbio definitely take the course, since some schools now require it and it would help once you enter dental school (just being familiar a little with the terms can even make a difference.)

Secondary Bachelor's would be useless in my opinion. Either do well on your DAT 20+ and assess yourself or do that in addition to a masters program. Hope that helps! I have also tacked on my ultimate thread of post-bacc/masters programs, if you need suggestions on programs.

RE: Ultimate Post-Bacc/Masters Dental Thread

 

[PatBrown24]

Questions:
1) Schools require 1 year of bio, chem, and ochem (with their respective year-long lab courses), and I see that you're taking chem 2 later and you've already taken ochem 1&2, but what about bio 2? And also what about chem lab?
2) If you were to get A's in the remaining courses you listed, what would your GPAs be?
3) Make sure microbio isn't a required course for the schools you plan on applying to (because it seems like you might not be a science major).

I think a Master's program would be better, just to show that you can handle upper division course work. This will backfire though if you don't have a high GPA (like 3.7+). Also, it will count towards a separate graduate GPA.
---> On the other hand, I believe a post-bacc would count towards the GPAs you have now and raise them.

I wouldn't do a second degree because I think that would take too long (like another 3 years at least, to meet all of its requirements). I would only do this if it's been years since you took those 6 science courses you listed above (because they might've expired).

@thenextcarnegie

Thank you so much Artist! Yeah, I never took chem 101 lab neither taken bio 2. I have to take chem 102 as well.

If I was to take this classes at the local 4 year state school get all As in: Chem 102 lecture/lab, Physics I&II, Anatomy&Physiology, and Microbiology. Then my science GPA would be 3.49.

I think I will take 3 science classes this fall and 2 science classes & study my ass off for DAT spring 2019. Apply to Dental Schools in June 2019 and see where things go. Then if I am rejected, I will do a masters program.

Questions:
1) Schools require 1 year of bio, chem, and ochem (with their respective year-long lab courses), and I see that you're taking chem 2 later and you've already taken ochem 1&2, but what about bio 2? And also what about chem lab?
2) If you were to get A's in the remaining courses you listed, what would your GPAs be?
3) Make sure microbio isn't a required course for the schools you plan on applying to (because it seems like you might not be a science major).

I think a Master's program would be better, just to show that you can handle upper division course work. This will backfire though if you don't have a high GPA (like 3.7+). Also, it will count towards a separate graduate GPA.
---> On the other hand, I believe a post-bacc would count towards the GPAs you have now and raise them.

I wouldn't do a second degree because I think that would take too long (like another 3 years at least, to meet all of its requirements). I would only do this if it's been years since you took those 6 science courses you listed above (because they might've expired).

@thenextcarnegie

 

[PatBrown24]

Hey man!

I totally agree with Artist on that one. BUT first and foremost finish up those classes and take your DAT. It's a hard push to tell you where to go since your GPA's aren't finalized and we don't have your DAT score (this is a huge factor). Once you have finished those and you still feel as if your GPA isn't high enough only then consider taking a Masters degree. Post-bacc isn't necessarily worth doing since it's just a certificate and just tacks onto your undergrad GPA. Microbio definitely take the course, since some schools now require it and it would help once you enter dental school (just being familiar a little with the terms can even make a difference.)

Secondary Bachelor's would be useless in my opinion. Either do well on your DAT 20+ and assess yourself or do that in addition to a masters program. Hope that helps! I have also tacked on my ultimate thread of post-bacc/masters programs, if you need suggestions on programs.

RE: Ultimate Post-Bacc/Masters Dental Thread

Thank you so much for the detailed and logical feedback!!

This is my plan. Let me what you think:

If I was to take this classes at the local 4 year state school get all As in: Chem 102 lecture/lab, Physics I&II, Anatomy&Physiology, and Microbiology. Then my science GPA would be 3.49.

I think I will take 3 science classes this fall and 2 science classes & study my ass off for DAT spring 2019. Apply to Dental Schools in June 2019 and see where things go. Then if I am rejected, I will do a masters program.

 

[thenextcarnegie]

Thank you so much for the detailed and logical feedback!!

This is my plan. Let me what you think:

If I was to take this classes at the local 4 year state school get all As in: Chem 102 lecture/lab, Physics I&II, Anatomy&Physiology, and Microbiology. Then my science GPA would be 3.49.

I think I will take 3 science classes this fall and 2 science classes & study my ass off for DAT spring 2019. Apply to Dental Schools in June 2019 and see where things go. Then if I am rejected, I will do a masters program.

I think that is a wonderful and well thought out plan! Good luck! Let us know if we can help you with anything further!

 

[artist2022]

Thank you so much Artist! Yeah, I never took chem 101 lab neither taken bio 2. I have to take chem 102 as well.

If I was to take this classes at the local 4 year state school get all As in: Chem 102 lecture/lab, Physics I&II, Anatomy&Physiology, and Microbiology. Then my science GPA would be 3.49.

I think I will take 3 science classes this fall and 2 science classes & study my ass off for DAT spring 2019. Apply to Dental Schools in June 2019 and see where things go. Then if I am rejected, I will do a masters program.

Okay! So are you ever planning to take Bio 2 though? I think you'll need to because schools will require it....
A 3.5 science is really good. I'm sure your overall would increase significantly as well. If you do get all A's, I don't see any reason *at all* to look into a post-bacc or a masters or anything.

I think your plan is great. Make sure your grades don't drop, and that you take all required courses (some universities require 1 semester of Biochem, as well as one year of English), so create a list of schools (even if you don't stick to it next June) and make sure you meet their pre-reqs with ease. Focus on doing well in those courses, and acing the DAT 🙂 Good luck!!