Post-bacc vs. SMP Advice Needed for Low GPA

[pre-dental-28]

Hello everyone,

I just graduated from college, and honestly, my GPA isn’t where I want it to be. I know I need to either do a post-bacc, an SMP, or maybe even both to boost my chances before applying to dental school. I'm just not sure which path would be a better fit for me right now.

I’ve finished most of my pre-reqs except for the second part of general bio and both bio labs, so those are definitely on my list. Also, since a lot of dental schools have that 5-year rule for pre-reqs, I’m worried I might have to retake all my pre-reqs too, especially with my GPA being on the lower side.

A little background:
I completed gen-chem, ochem, and the first part of physics during my community college years before transferring to a 4-year college. I struggled to adjust to the quarter system, and my GPA dropped to 2.2. Right after that, COVID hit, and I ended up dropping out. I tried switching majors and transferring again, but it didn’t work out.

After that, I worked at a dental lab for 2 years and that’s where I realized dentistry is what I really want to do. Luckily, I was able to re-enroll at my old school, and I pulled my GPA up to a 3.0. I even made the Dean’s Honor List for my last three quarters. That said, my earlier grades from community college and when I first transferred are still dragging down my overall GPA. But my mindset is totally different now. I’m serious about this and willing to do whatever it takes.

I haven’t taken the DAT yet because I’m still figuring out the best route, and I didn’t want to waste time since the score is only valid for 2–3 years depending on the school.

Here’s where I’m at:

• Overall GPA: 2.94 (five schools combined: community colleges + university)
• Science GPA: 2.49
• DAT: Not yet taken

I’d really appreciate any advice on whether a post-bacc, SMP, or both would be the best move for me. Thanks so much for reading this and for any help you can give!

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[Mr.Smile12]

Contact program directors in charge of SMPs and ask how they support predental applicants.

 

[bennewill]

The problem is masters degrees do not contain the prereqs needed to get into dental school and won't raise your GPA. Dentistry specific masters are few and far between, and the schools that do offer them do not accept community college credits.

In your case, I would definitely recommend a post-bacc certificate program and get all A's. Score high on the DAT and you won't even need to get a M.S. to have a good chance at most dental schools in America. You also will save a ton of money and time.

A lot of dental schools will also not accept courses that were taken at a community college, so it's best to retake your prereqs in a post-bacc program at a traditional in-person 4 year university that offers a certificate. If you need help finding one you can dm me.

 

[pre-dental-28]

Hello Mr.Smile12,
It’s so nice to see you here. Thank you for your advice. I really appreciate it!

 

[pre-dental-28]

The problem is masters degrees do not contain the prereqs needed to get into dental school and won't raise your GPA. Dentistry specific masters are few and far between, and the schools that do offer them do not accept community college credits.

In your case, I would definitely recommend a post-bacc certificate program and get all A's. Score high on the DAT and you won't even need to get a M.S. to have a good chance at most dental schools in America. You also will save a ton of money and time.

A lot of dental schools will also not accept courses that were taken at a community college, so it's best to retake your prereqs in a post-bacc program at a traditional in-person 4 year university that offers a certificate. If you need help finding one you can dm me.

I just DMed you! Thank you!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

The problem is masters degrees do not contain the prereqs needed to get into dental school and won't raise your GPA. Dentistry specific masters are few and far between, and the schools that do offer them do not accept community college credits.

In your case, I would definitely recommend a post-bacc certificate program and get all A's. Score high on the DAT and you won't even need to get a M.S. to have a good chance at most dental schools in America. You also will save a ton of money and time.

A lot of dental schools will also not accept courses that were taken at a community college, so it's best to retake your prereqs in a post-bacc program at a traditional in-person 4 year university that offers a certificate. If you need help finding one you can dm me.

I know, but I don't have a transcript to verify the OP just bombed prereqs. We look at more than just the GPA number. (We also do have a prereq GPA and can see what courses fill those expectations.) If the OP needs to do a career-changer postbac for that reason, ok.

Look at the SDN admissions guide for choosing a postbac or SMP for general advice.