Should I Do a Masters?

[JohnDoeJR]

I am having trouble deciding whether or not I should try and do a 2 year masters for this upcoming school year after not receiving any offers this cycle. I have one in particular in mind at my current university that has been recommended to me. This past year was my first application cycle. I started off in mechanical engineering and didn't find dental until the end of my sophomore year. I decided to switch to finance to help maintain a solid GPA for dental school. Over the past month I have been discussing what to do to improve my situation with the schools that rejected me. I have only been able to speak with 2 so far and have 4 more meetings lined up for next month. Neither of the schools so far have explicitly told me whether a masters, in my case, would make a substantial difference, but both said they would want me to finish it if I chose to do one. What do you guys think? I'm just trying to get some more opinions before I make my decision. I am planning on retaking the DAT in July. The last time I took it I had bronchitis for two months before it and was working full time. I SHOULD be able to get above a 20. So with than in mind, would an increase in DAT be enough? It was the only complaint the two schools had of my application. I'm pretty solid in all other aspects (shadowing, volunteering, research). Thanks in advance for everyone's time!

sGPA: 3.33
oGPA: 3.55
DAT: 18AA (not great)
Applied: 13
Interviews: 2 (no acceptances)

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[887194]

No need for a masters, your GPA is on par with the average matriculating applicant. Yes, re-take the DAT and score above a 20 and you should greatly increase your chances. Also, be sure to continue adding new experiences. GL.

 

[JohnDoeJR]

No need for a masters, your GPA is on par with the average matriculating applicant. Yes, re-take the DAT and score above a 20 and you should greatly increase your chances. Also, be sure to continue adding new experiences. GL.

Thank you for your reply. That is my current attitude with the situation. I'm planning on retaking the DAT, taking a few upper-level science courses over then next year, and I have a job lined up assisting an oral surgeon almost full time to keep me active in the industry. I also made an effort to continue shadowing and volunteering over the past year. I'll definitely be doing plenty of traveling in my free time, I might as well enjoy the gap year. Much appreciated Dr.AlxTak.

 

[887194]

Thank you for your reply. That is my current attitude with the situation. I'm planning on retaking the DAT, taking a few upper-level science courses over then next year, and I have a job lined up assisting an oral surgeon almost full time to keep me active in the industry. I also made an effort to continue shadowing and volunteering over the past year. I'll definitely be doing plenty of traveling in my free time, I might as well enjoy the gap year. Much appreciated Dr.AlxTak.

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[JohnDoeJR]

I just wanted to bump this thread to see if anyone else has any input before I set my plan in stone.

 

[Dhudez]

I agree, no need for a masters. That GPA is fine and many people get in with that or even a little bit lower. A DAT retake would be the move in your case. And as mentioned before, make sure you continue to do other things outside of academics so you can new experiences to your application. Good luck!

 

[ThirdMolarz]

Yup kill the DAT. You can take additional classes online or at your local university too if you want

 

[JohnDoeJR]

It's annoying feeling so indecisive about whether or not to do a masters, but I'm going to fully commit to not doing one and just continue to take higher level science courses at my current university as a non-degree student. I've taken, on average, 20 credit hours every semester so hopefully an improved DAT score and my decent GPA will put me in the running. Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

 

[smoke4joy]

I think that masters degree in dental is a must have thing. You will get extra knowledge and experience so you'll be more valuable in the field.

 

[knewstance]

No need for a masters, your GPA is on par with the average matriculating applicant. Yes, re-take the DAT and score above a 20 and you should greatly increase your chances. Also, be sure to continue adding new experiences. GL.

This is all the advice you need.

 

[UMDDS]

I wouldn't take a master's w/ that GPA. Given you'd pay tuition for it and dental school (I don't know your situation, just assuming you're footing the bill). Your GPA is good enough that a solid DAT score will get the job done at far less cost to you.