Post Bacc Question for Dental

Started by srkky
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srkky

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Hello everyone!

I was wondering if anyone that did post-bacc program (particularly the Special Masters Program) prior applying to dental school could share their experience, recommendations, tips etc. and also which schools they would recommend.

Personally, I decided last minute that I would apply for a post-bacc program but I realized through research that post-bacc programs are competitive as well (some says that 3.6 gpa is required to be competive and BU for example, wants 3.3 gpa). Now, I don't have a high GPA and haven't taken my dats yet but planning to take em this december/january SO.. I guess what I really want to know is - are post bacc programs competitive to get in as well? If so, what are other options for me if I can't raise my gpa through post-bacc programs. & since my gpa isn't high, do i need an AMAZING dat scores for the post bacc programs?

If anyone that didn't have have a high competitive gpa in undergrad but made it to dental school - I would really appreciate any tips&help! Thank you.
 
Im doing an unofficial post-bac right now and i have heard from a lot of people that it gives you a better chance of getting into dental school. I knew people with 3.0 gpa's who didnt get any interviews the first time they applied, did a post-bac and got interviews the next cycle(although they all did really well, at least above a 3.4 gpa in the post bac). So if your gpa low then your best chance of getting into a dental school is probably doing a post-bac and of course doing really well on the DAT
 
Go with a Do-It-Yourself post bac program meaning you just enroll as a non-degree student at any college and just take the pre-req science courses on your own. You'll have to pay by the credit but it will be A LOT cheaper than a formal program and you can use the money saved toward other science courses such as biochem, microbiology, physiology, histology, etc. Just make sure it's a full or 3/4 full course load unless you're working in which case schools will give you a break.
 
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^good point. Im doing 12 credits as a non-degree seeking student. I was told by the adviser to take anywhere between 9-15 credits so i think if you do anywhere between that you'll be fine.
 
srkky said:
Hello everyone!

I was wondering if anyone that did post-bacc program (particularly the Special Masters Program) prior applying to dental school could share their experience, recommendations, tips etc. and also which schools they would recommend.

Personally, I decided last minute that I would apply for a post-bacc program but I realized through research that post-bacc programs are competitive as well (some says that 3.6 gpa is required to be competive and BU for example, wants 3.3 gpa). Now, I don't have a high GPA and haven't taken my dats yet but planning to take em this december/january SO.. I guess what I really want to know is - are post bacc programs competitive to get in as well? If so, what are other options for me if I can't raise my gpa through post-bacc programs. & since my gpa isn't high, do i need an AMAZING dat scores for the post bacc programs?

If anyone that didn't have have a high competitive gpa in undergrad but made it to dental school - I would really appreciate any tips&help! Thank you.
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Hi,

I am part of the Pre-Dental Post-Bacc Program at SFSU and I would strongly recommend you to apply for this cycle. The application deadline is April 1st, 2012. The program has done so much for me. I had a low GPA as an undergrad and have been able to maintain a 4.0GPA at SFSU. I will be starting dental school in August 🙂. You do not need to take your DAT before entering the program or have a high GPA. The program seeks for applicants that come from disadvantage backgrounds and that have a desire to give back to the community.

Best of luck 🙂
 
Post-bacs are typically for non-trads that are changing careers to pursue dentistry while Masters program are for those that have lower GPAs and need a good boost.

That being said I pursued a post bacc and maintained a very high GPA, almost 4.0, afterwards I applied and got into several schools. So its definitely effective.
 
wired202808 said:
Post-bacs are typically for non-trads that are changing careers to pursue dentistry while Masters program are for those that have lower GPAs and need a good boost.

That being said I pursued a post bacc and maintained a very high GPA, almost 4.0, afterwards I applied and got into several schools. So its definitely effective.
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stop parading your opinion as fact.
 
UCLAzy said:
stop parading your opinion as fact.
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I said typically, I didn't state that its the only option out there. But if you happen to think you're right please explain how a post bacc helps someone who took all the necessary bio level courses and would simply be repeating them in a post bacc program. Thats why people pursue a masters program.
 
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