POST-BAC Programs Discussion :) I HAVE MANY ISSUES :(

[a0thersummerday]

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First of let me preface this by saying how amazed I am with how helpful and genuine everyone on this site is. I am amazed with the detailed responses that everyone receives!.. Now on to my huge problem of a life.

I graduated undergrad with a 3.2 gpa and C's in bio, chem, orgo, and calc. I know it is really bad. But I have a lot of research experience and I shadow a dentist...I really want to go to dental school and I not sure what my best option is. I know a lot of people are in this position 🙁 ...

Should I 1) Retake bio, chem, orgo, calc 2) enroll in a masters program

I want to live at home, so this means either doing a masters program in NJ or NYC..

My choices so far are UMDNJ Masters in Biomedical Sciences, Columbia masters in human nutrition, William Paterson Masters in Biology, and Hunter Post Bac... What I really want from a program is small class sizes and a lot of advising.. Can any of you recommend a program over the other, or a different program? I think at this point the only thing that can save me is a masters program.. is retaking these course out of the question? I really want to spend as little time before dental school as possible (but then again doesnt everyone? haha)

Also something that really scares me is the fact that I am leaving a phd program, does this show that I am not really sure of myself... do these grades have to be submitted in the application to masters programs, can I leave this program out of my application? or is that fradulant? haha

once again, all of your advice is really appreciated, because at this point i am pulling my hair out of my head trying to figure out what to do!

THANKS!!

 

[ilovescience]

Hi there,

I'm not pre-dental so I don't know how dental schools view postbac grades, but here is my take on postbac grades in general. I wouldn't retake the classes you got the C's in. I would take more upper division undergrad science classes to improve your overall and science GPA. 1-2 years of good grades in these types of courses should significantly raise your gpa to a competitive level. Enrolling in a master's program won't improve your current GPA. It would contribute to a graduate GPA- if dental schools break down GPA the same way medical schools do. Sorry, I don't know anything about those programs you mentioned, but I would look at what type of classes you will be taking, and I would talk to pre-dental advisors at your undergrad college and dental advisors at dental schools. If you do well, what does that mean in terms of your goal of getting into dental school? I mean you don't want to just get a masters in some random science. That would just show that you can do well in ______ science as opposed to serving as a predictor of your success in dental school. Whether or not you submit your PhD grades at the time of your application, you'll have to send official transcripts to whatever program you get into before you start there. Either way, the admissions office will know your grades and that you didn't complete the PhD program. Whether that affects your chances at a particular school, I don't really know, but I think the personal statement is a good place to explain your reasons for not finishing the degree and your current goal to show your ability to master advanced science concepts in the respective master's program you are applying to. Also, if you have questions, don't be afraid to call the admissions office at the programs you are interested in too.

Hope this helped.

 

[a0thersummerday]

Thanks! That all makes a lot of sense... So would you recommend being an unmatriculated student and taking these upper level courses (would that put me in classes with undergrads since I would not be a masters student)? Could you recommend some schools (or a school haha) that has smaller class sizes?any nj/nyc schools

THANKS!!

 

[ilovescience]

Well I'm not from NJ/NY or pre-dental so I wouldn't know of any reputable programs around there. I have heard of Creighton's Pre-Dental Postbac (I think it's in nebraska?). If you choose to take more UPPER DIVISION undergraduate courses (yes, they would be with undergrads and no, you don't necessarily have to get another bachelor's degree- i think that's what you meant by 'unmatriculated'), any 4 year college will do. I don't think you should take any from a community college. My experience with advising especially at the postbac level is that if you want/need it, you have to be proactive in seeking it so keep that in mind too. You should seek advising with pre-dental/dental advisors to help you decide which is the best route for you. This pre-med student can only take you so far 🙂.

 

[dentistin2011]

hey I am a predent and will be a 3rd time applicant in May.
I am currently applying to Midwestern's MA program which is 1-year biomedical sciences in Arizona.
Although you are looking for a school in NY, MWU would be really good choice because it has medical/d-school and good curriculum for you to prepare for d-school coursework.
Let me know if you have questions concerning the program.