Post-bacc or Masters??

[theflossopher03]

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I'm currently a 3rd time reapplicant of dental school and my overall gpa is a 3.44 and my sgpa is a 3.1. I got 4 C's in my ungrad science prereqs (biochem, microbiology, ochem 1, and ochem 2) and I'm not sure whether I should retake these classes or if I should take graduate level science courses in the form of a specialized masters program (SMP). I know that some dental schools recommend you take graduate level science courses to show that you can handle the dental school curriculum, but I'm not sure if it applies in my case since my sgpa is a bit low.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Welcome to the forums.

Have you talked with your prehealth advisors, admissions officers, or SMP directors? Being a 3x applicant means you still are lacking something, and the low sGPA is likely the problem. It's possible the only road to dental school has to go through as strong SMP. What advice have you received to that end?

 

[theflossopher03]

Welcome to the forums.

Have you talked with your prehealth advisors, admissions officers, or SMP directors? Being a 3x applicant means you still are lacking something, and the low sGPA is likely the problem. It's possible the only road to dental school has to go through as strong SMP. What advice have you received to that end?

I didn't include this in the earlier post but, I also had to take the DAT three times so, most of the advice I had received was to get a solid DAT score, and on my last attempt I got a 420 AA. I took my last DAT attempt in January, but I think because I took the exam during the time when schools have already filtered out low stat applicants, I got rejected. The advisors I have asked all have different opinions which is why I made the post. Some say that retaking the classes I got C's in will show schools that I've nailed the foundational sciences and I'll be prepared for dental school courses. Others say that doing an SMP or taking upper science level courses will show dental schools that I'll do well with their curriculum.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I didn't include this in the earlier post but, I also had to take the DAT three times so, most of the advice I had received was to get a solid DAT score, and on my last attempt I got a 420 AA. I took my last DAT attempt in January, but I think because I took the exam during the time when schools have already filtered out low stat applicants, I got rejected. The advisors I have asked all have different opinions which is why I made the post. Some say that retaking the classes I got C's in will show schools that I've nailed the foundational sciences and I'll be prepared for dental school courses. Others say that doing an SMP or taking upper science level courses will show dental schools that I'll do well with their curriculum.

How long ago was it when you took those classes? I don't think you need to retake a C if you already have shown a decent/strong DAT result. What classes are these?

I think regardless, with a science GPA of 3.1, you probably need to go through an SMP, whether you retake those undergrad courses or not. Of course, we don't have your transcript to make a call for you.

 

[theflossopher03]

How long ago was it when you took those classes? I don't think you need to retake a C if you already have shown a decent/strong DAT result. What classes are these?

I think regardless, with a science GPA of 3.1, you probably need to go through an SMP, whether you retake those undergrad courses or not. Of course, we don't have your transcript to make a call for you.

I took microbiology and biochemistry last year and both organic chemistry 1 and 2 two years ago. Thank you for responding and for your feedback!