post-bacc for pre-dent questions

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

skooler003

New Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
May 15, 2008
Messages
8
Reaction score
3
Hi everyone,

After reading up on many posts about post-bacc options, the majority of senior members say that doing a post-bac is better than doing a traditional masters. I'm pre-dental and graduated from a UC with an overall 2.98 (2.3 science GPA). I majored in a non-science major, and I've done all the science pre-reqs in undergrad. I'm now starting a master's in microbio in fall 2010. DAT scores were below 20s in all categories (closest was 19 in reading comp). I've done tons of volunteering, shadowing, and research. I don't want to repeat doing the same things over again. I took the advice from one dent school admissions advisor to get a master's program, but was he right? I feel like I was led off a cliff if everyone is saying doing the post-bacc is better. What are some suggestions that I can do (especially from senior SDN members)? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Hi everyone,

After reading up on many posts about post-bacc options, the majority of senior members say that doing a post-bac is better than doing a traditional masters. I'm pre-dental and graduated from a UC with an overall 2.98 (2.3 science GPA). I majored in a non-science major, and I've done all the science pre-reqs in undergrad. I'm now starting a master's in microbio in fall 2010. DAT scores were below 20s in all categories (closest was 19 in reading comp). I've done tons of volunteering, shadowing, and research. I don't want to repeat doing the same things over again. I took the advice from one dent school admissions advisor to get a master's program, but was he right? I feel like I was led off a cliff if everyone is saying doing the post-bacc is better. What are some suggestions that I can do (especially from senior SDN members)? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
People recommend an SMP over a postbac largely based on GPA and whether or not you have done the prereqs. Thats the biggest deciders in which is recommended.

So for you, with a cGPA of essentially 3.0 - i would repeat any pre-req classes that i have lower than a B- in; and then do an SMP at a place that has a focus on pre-dent or at least a dental school. BU has a dental subtract of their SMP program I believe, and I know UMDNJ does.

I've no idea what the scoring is for the DAT, but if its low, obviously you'll need to redo it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi everyone,

After reading up on many posts about post-bacc options, the majority of senior members say that doing a post-bac is better than doing a traditional masters. I'm pre-dental and graduated from a UC with an overall 2.98 (2.3 science GPA). I majored in a non-science major, and I've done all the science pre-reqs in undergrad. I'm now starting a master's in microbio in fall 2010. DAT scores were below 20s in all categories (closest was 19 in reading comp). I've done tons of volunteering, shadowing, and research. I don't want to repeat doing the same things over again. I took the advice from one dent school admissions advisor to get a master's program, but was he right? I feel like I was led off a cliff if everyone is saying doing the post-bacc is better. What are some suggestions that I can do (especially from senior SDN members)? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

VCU's CERT program also has gotten people into VCU School of Dentistry.
 
If you've done the science pre-reqs and that's what's gotten your sGPA into that troubled state then my advice to you is similar to what your dental school admissions advisor told you except you should be looking at a dental oriented SMP (Special Masters Program).

VCU CERT program is rather large and some SMPs cater towards both pre-med and pre-dental students.

Dental oriented SMPs include NSU's MBS, Barry MBS (get into their 1 year accel track), UMDNJ Newark MBS (You can opt to take dental school courses here), or BU MAMS (oral dental track). Tufts MBS has some predents going through it as well. Another to consider might be AZCOM's MBS or MA program as there are a fair number of pre-dents in there as well hoping to make it into MWU's dental school.

You want a dental school curriculum or equivalent to prove that you can handle those science courses that will be thrown at you should you be accepted as a D-1. Your current academic past is rather problematic and does not give a very positive prediction on you being successful in the future if you reach your goal. The purpose of an SMP is to give you the opportunity to take those classes and prove academic competence in that environment, taking classes with D-1s, taking the same exams etc.
 
Thank you to all those who replied!

Another question I have: Do you suggest to re-take science pre-reqs that are B's or C's? I've got a couple, but I don't know if re-taking them at a community college or university will do anything in the end.
 
I don't recommend you retaking any pre-req that is above a C-. Dental and allopathic schools don't do a grade substitution like AACOMAS does for osteopathic therefore you are better off taking harder science courses and doing well in them to show academic competence if you are going to do an informal post-bacc.
 
Top