Texas A&M PBP admissions and essay

[rebecca_chatul_tov]

I applied to all of the TMDSAS schools with a 3.22 sGPA and 3.32 oGPA and 19 AA (Bio 21 OC 17 GC 10 RC 21 QR 18 PA 19 TS 19). I have not gotten any interviews and have gotten 5 rejection letters from AADSAS schools outside Texas.

I received a nice email encouraging me to apply to the PBP (deadline 11 February). I don't want to get my hopes up since I have pretty much gone through the 5 stages of grief with my dental school dreams. I know that they interview 30 and select 16. Should I read anything into getting a recruitment e-mail from the school, or are the majority of those not selected still notified about this opportunity?

I am not a UMR, but my family struggled financially as I was growing up and there were some other things that put me at a disadvantage compared to my peers. What should I focus on in an admissions essay since I only have 400 words to work with?

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[rebecca_chatul_tov]

Sorry that was a typo. I got an 18 not 10.

PBP is a post-baccalaureate program. TAMU has a very good one, but it's highly competitive. This is basically the same thing as a 1 year master's degree, but guarantees admission to dental school at the end.

 

[clark5013]

Im a current member of this years current PBP program. If you're a Texas resident, apply for the program. its free. Its NOT equivalent to a 1 year MS because all the classes you will be taking are undergrad courses at University of Texas at Dallas. Its a post baccalaureate certificate. You'll have to retake your DAT because the program requires higher than a 17 in Ochem. I think the minimum for ochem is 18 or 19, you met the bare minimum for the other sections but unfortunately if you're lacking in one section, you'll have to retake the entire thing and make each section again, meaning you can't just study for the ochem section and swap your scores. The program is great and its split into three parts. for you, the first part will be summer of 2019(may-June) 8-5 M-F for 6weeks.. if you've not met the DAT requirements you'll spend most of your day studying for the DAT. The afternoons will either be clinical stuff(Dental anatomy lecture which includes waxing and preps), a seminar or two, or more DAT studying. You'll be required to retake your DAT before the academic school year starts in August. If you dont meet the requirements then, you'll have till the first week of Jan2020 to retake it before you're officially kicked off the program. If you've met your DAT requirements before the summer, congratulations, you wont be studying for the DAT, but your presence is still mandatory, 8-5 M-F. you'll be doing other stuff, mainly teaching SAT to rising 12th graders.
The second part of the program is 1full year at UTD, taking 30credit hours over both semesters. Your classes are pretty much picked for you. maintain a 3.4 over both semesters as well as the DAT requirement and your admission is all but guaranteed.
The third part is the second summer session which will be 4.5weeks long. you'll be introduced to your first year of D-school by taking anatomy, biochem, and neuroclasses, as well as more dental anatomy. once you complete the summer, you'll get your acceptance (there's a big graduation ceremony). The big hurdles are the DAT and maintaining the 3.4 GPA. i've never heard of someone getting kicked out because they failed the summer requirements.
you mentioned that the program is highly competitive, yes and no. you're correct in interviewing approximately 30 and taking 16. My group is actually 17 strong and maybe 32-35 were interviewed, or maybe 30. anyways a 50% chance is good. secondly unlike dental school applications, a lot of people dont apply to the program. It was mentioned to us that they only had/felt that 100-120 were completed applications, or something along those lines. so you're not competing against hundreds or thousands. Anyways apply to the program and see what happens. The deadline is February, and in March, interviews and acceptances are given out.
For the essay, answer it honestly. Serving the undeserved is practically the mantra of the program.
It'd be wise if you didnt only apply to the PBP program. Apply to UNT BioMed MS program as well. However if you get into all the programs you apply to, I'd pick PBP because its guaranteed (as long as you meet the requirements). You dont have to be a URM to be accepted.

 

[clark5013]

Also,, you'll need to have completed a BS degree before you can start the program. and I realize my first response was long.... and questions feel free to ask.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

@clark5013 That was an excellent response, I'm sure many future predents will thank you as well.

 

[BLACKTEXASDOC]

Also,, you'll need to have completed a BS degree before you can start the program. and I realize my first response was long.... and questions feel free to ask.

Thanks for the info! I am a nontraditional AA male and I seem to qualify and easily meet the program criteria. I have a few questions.

1. What is the range of GPAs for success applicants? Mine is lower so I hope that this won't hurt my application.
2. Average range of DAT scores for program? Mine is at the national average.
3. Do they look at the entire application, not just stats to see potential of applicant?
4. Rigor of UTD classes?
5. How does this program help with DAT prep?
6. Do they provide a stipend to help with program expenses?
7. Does this program help you with being a strong student in your first year of dental school?
8. Do they send out the PBP email to all applicants or just those that meet certain criteria?
9. How do you like the program so far?
10. How was the interview process for this program?

Again thanks in advance for the info!

 

[clark5013]

Thanks for the info! I am a nontraditional AA male and I seem to qualify and easily meet the program criteria. I have a few questions.

1. What is the range of GPAs for success applicants? Mine is lower so I hope that this won't hurt my application.
2. Average range of DAT scores for program? Mine is at the national average.
3. Do they look at the entire application, not just stats to see potential of applicant?
4. Rigor of UTD classes?
5. How does this program help with DAT prep?
6. Do they provide a stipend to help with program expenses?
7. Does this program help you with being a strong student in your first year of dental school?
8. Do they send out the PBP email to all applicants or just those that meet certain criteria?
9. How do you like the program so far?
10. How was the interview process for this program?

Again thanks in advance for the info!

1) My gpa was 3.2 overall and 3.0 science. I didnt ask the others what their gpa were but I know someone else with the same GPA. The program is to reinforce science background, thats why they pick highlevel sciences at UTD to ensure that we can meet the rigor of dental school. So I doubt anyone had high GPA's going into the program.

2) Minimum DAT score needed needed is 19AA, 17PAT, RC19, QR17, each science 18 and a TS of 18. out of seventeen of us, only three met the requirements before hand. so fourteen of us had to partake in the DAT prep during the summer. In the year before us, only one student out of sixteen met the requirement. So I never specifically asked what each student got, that should give you an idea. Out of the three that didnt have to take the DAT, the highest AA was a 21.

3) yes, the entire application is looked at

4) The difficulty depends on different factors. A) how much work are you willing to put into the classes/studying B) what classes have you taken before hand. For example BIOCHEM2 is mandatory. If you took it beforehand, then you would not be forced to retake it. A majority of us hadnt, so we had/have to take it. Four of us took biochem2 this semester and I know at least three got A's (because they worked for it). Nine of us will be taking it next semester(so we generally tend to have classes with each other)

5) During the summer those that have to take the DAT will be studying for it. They have scheduled classes at A&M, with rising D2 students as the instructors. Each instructor will go over their subject material and have quiz/hw's. Chads videos, a kaplan book and DAT destroyer will be freely provided to each student. The cost of the DAT will also be covered. However, if you have to take it again, it wont be covered. DAT bootcamp is something you'll have to pay for yourself. There are also weekly assessments, you'll be taking a full DAT test each week to measure your progress and these tests are more difficult that regular.

6) Yes. A stipend is provided. $47/day that your presence is required. So no weekends/holidays. The stipend is also carried throughout the UTD school year, again, not paid for weekends/holidays/breaks. If you're not from DFW, living arrangements are provided during the summer, in the hotel across the street from A&M, your roommates will be your fellow PBP classmates. UTD living arrangements are handled yourself

7). The dental anatomy course you'll take both summers help. You literally learn... dental anatomy in all its glory. You'll also have waxing and amalgam preps and restorations to do. Along with quizzes and practicals. You'll have lots of fun... until you dont. The second part of summer will also include condensed biochem, gross anatomy, neuroscience courses, (I dont know the full extent of the courses because my second summer portion is coming up this summer) which is supposed to get you in shape before you start in August. Even the year at UTD should give you more room/time to improve your time management skills and you'll take useful classes like oral histology(mandatory) and A&P and immunology( which are both mandatory as well unless you've already taken them).

8) Its not sent out to all applicants. A&M receive approximately 1500 applicants overall and 900 in state. The email list was not 900 strong. maybe it was broken down into different email groups, but unlikely. Surprisingly it's not a program that is well known.

10) I'll answer question 9 last because it's my favourite. It's actually the same setup as for A&M dental school. My interview had four candidates and three different interviewers. Each interview is 1v1 and approximately fifteen minutes long. Dr. Spence, head of the program should be one, Dr. Miller head of admissions to DSchool should be another, my third was Dr. Crane, but it can be Dr. Adesanya, as she was recently promoted to co-director of the program. Standard questions, why do you want to be a dentist, nothing rigorous. You may be asked about your grades and why they are what they are. Optional tour is given. I showed up in kahiki pants, boots and a tucked in plaid shirt because the dress code was business casual, everyone else showed up in business professional. At the very least dont dress down.

9) It's all about perspective. One hand, it may seem like a waste of a year. On the other hand it's a funnel into A&M, especially if you dont have any other options. I may have initially seen it as a waste but that opinion quickly changed. We are a close group, all seventeen of us. we stick together. During summer1, everyone's in class doing DAT stuff, or in LAB doing dental anatomy stuff. we quickly formed friendships especially since 1)most of us were roommates, 2)there's no competition between us (there isnt 15 dentalschool spots for 17 people. its 17 for 17. We have no reason to hinder one another. I'll share a story, Its finals time and one of us had to take a neuroscience final at UTD, two of us had already secured our A for the course. instead of sleeping or going out partying the other two pulled an allnighter with the third and made sure the information was learned. The third got 94/96, securing their A as well. The only reason the other two did that was because of genuine friendship. During the summer we're all stuck together for sixweeks, going through the same thing. The semester at UTD, samething. A lot of us actually moved to the same apartment complex by UTD and some of us are even roommates now. This is all personal choices by us, noone forced us to be friends and no one forced us to like each other and always be there for one another but we figured that we're all going to be stuck together for the next five years,PBP and dentalschool, (some of us will be together longer than that), so we might as well get used to each other. We hangout outside of school too. Halloween party, friendsgiving etc. We're one big family. We've been personal with each other, we cried with each other over stress, or heartbreak(there isnt any dating within the group except for one) or family. Now your group doesnt have to be that close, or you guys can be closer, Its your call.
I'm especially happy because not only have I made amazing friends, I have done one better. I've met my future wife. I'm actually the one dating within the group. It wasnt planned but when you're in love, everything is just magical. So for that, I'm extremely grateful of the program.

 

[BLACKTEXASDOC]

1) My gpa was 3.2 overall and 3.0 science. I didnt ask the others what their gpa were but I know someone else with the same GPA. The program is to reinforce science background, thats why they pick highlevel sciences at UTD to ensure that we can meet the rigor of dental school. So I doubt anyone had high GPA's going into the program.

2) Minimum DAT score needed needed is 19AA, 17PAT, RC19, QR17, each science 18 and a TS of 18. out of seventeen of us, only three met the requirements before hand. so fourteen of us had to partake in the DAT prep during the summer. In the year before us, only one student out of sixteen met the requirement. So I never specifically asked what each student got, that should give you an idea. Out of the three that didnt have to take the DAT, the highest AA was a 21.

3) yes, the entire application is looked at

4) The difficulty depends on different factors. A) how much work are you willing to put into the classes/studying B) what classes have you taken before hand. For example BIOCHEM2 is mandatory. If you took it beforehand, then you would not be forced to retake it. A majority of us hadnt, so we had/have to take it. Four of us took biochem2 this semester and I know at least three got A's (because they worked for it). Nine of us will be taking it next semester(so we generally tend to have classes with each other)

5) During the summer those that have to take the DAT will be studying for it. They have scheduled classes at A&M, with rising D2 students as the instructors. Each instructor will go over their subject material and have quiz/hw's. Chads videos, a kaplan book and DAT destroyer will be freely provided to each student. The cost of the DAT will also be covered. However, if you have to take it again, it wont be covered. DAT bootcamp is something you'll have to pay for yourself. There are also weekly assessments, you'll be taking a full DAT test each week to measure your progress and these tests are more difficult that regular.

6) Yes. A stipend is provided. $47/day that your presence is required. So no weekends/holidays. The stipend is also carried throughout the UTD school year, again, not paid for weekends/holidays/breaks. If you're not from DFW, living arrangements are provided during the summer, in the hotel across the street from A&M, your roommates will be your fellow PBP classmates. UTD living arrangements are handled yourself

7). The dental anatomy course you'll take both summers help. You literally learn... dental anatomy in all its glory. You'll also have waxing and amalgam preps and restorations to do. Along with quizzes and practicals. You'll have lots of fun... until you dont. The second part of summer will also include condensed biochem, gross anatomy, neuroscience courses, (I dont know the full extent of the courses because my second summer portion is coming up this summer) which is supposed to get you in shape before you start in August. Even the year at UTD should give you more room/time to improve your time management skills and you'll take useful classes like oral histology(mandatory) and A&P and immunology( which are both mandatory as well unless you've already taken them).

8) Its not sent out to all applicants. A&M receive approximately 1500 applicants overall and 900 in state. The email list was not 900 strong. maybe it was broken down into different email groups, but unlikely. Surprisingly it's not a program that is well known.

10) I answer question 9 last because it's my favourite. It's actually the same setup as for A&M dental school. My interview had four candidates and three different interviewers. Each interview is 1v1 and approximately minutes long. Dr. Spence, head of the program should be one, Dr. Miller head of admissions to DSchool should be another, my third was Dr. Crane, but it can be Dr. Adesanya, as she was recently promoted to co-director of the program. Standard questions, why do you want to be a dentist, nothing rigorous. You may be asked about your grades and why they are what they are. Optional tour is given. I showed up in kahiki pants, boots and a tucked in plaid shirt because the dress code was business casual, everyone else showed up in business professional. At the very least dont dress down.

9) It's all about perspective. One hand, it may seem like a waste of a year. On the other hand it's a funnel into A&M, especially if you dont have any other options. I may have initially seen it as a waste but that opinion quickly changed. We are a close group, all seventeen of us. we stick together. During summer1, everyone's in class doing DAT stuff, or in LAB doing dental anatomy stuff. we quickly formed friendships especially since 1)most of us were roommates, 2)there's no competition between us (there isnt 15 dentalschool spots for 17 people. its 17 for 17. We have no reason to hinder one another. I'll share a story, Its finals time and one of us had to take a neuroscience final at UTD, two of us had already secured our A for the course. instead of sleeping or going out partying the other two pulled an allnighter with the third and made sure the information was learned. The third got 94/96, securing their A as well. The only reason the other two did that was because of genuine friendship. During the summer we're all stuck together for sixweeks, going through the same thing. The semester at UTD, samething. A lot of us actually moved to the same apartment complex by UTD and some of us are even roommates now. This is all personal choices by us, noone forced us to be friends and no one forced us to like each other and always be there for one another but we figured that we're all going to be stuck together for the next five years,PBP and dentalschool, (some of us will be together longer than that), so we might as well get used to each other. We hangout outside of school too. Halloween party, friendsgiving etc. We're one big family. We've been personal with each other, we cried with each other over stress, or heartbreak(there isnt any dating within the group except for one) or family. Now your group doesnt have to be that close, or you guys can be closer, Its your call.
I'm especially happy because not only have I made amazing friends, I have done one better. I've met my future wife. I'm actually the one dating within the group. It wasnt planned but when you're in love, everything is just magical. So for that, I'm extremely grateful of the program.

God bless you and thank you for such a quick response!

 

[clark5013]

God bless you and thank you for such a quick response!

anytime and thank you

 

[rebecca_chatul_tov]

anytime and thank you

You have been really helpful in providing all this insight into the program. I am definitely planning to finish my application and I hope I can throw one more really weird question at you: what do you do if you are 'ethnic' but not a traditional URM?

I usually just mark non-hispanic white on my applications, but I am a second-generation romnichal Gypsy from "split" bloodlines, i.e. my grandfather married a non-Gypsy and cut most of his ties to his family.

I wasn't planning to put it on my application at all but my best friend really urged me to consider mentioning it. It could be considered relevant because I can tell you I definitely make different decisions than most Americans regarding my family and community and that would absolutely carry over to my patients (in a good way). However, there are so many misconceptions about Roma culture that I hate even trying to have a conversation about my background with someone who is an outsider. It takes literally hours to get someone up to speed on fact versus fiction. I never even bring it up unless I know someone really, really well.

I'm thinking I'm going to probably leave it off. Thoughts?

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

I'm as white as wonder bread but why in the world would you leave that off? If it will effect your treatment philosophy and plays a part in who you are and identify as then it is important to list. This program aims to recruit the under represented and you should definitely ham it up how Roma you are.

 

[clark5013]

You have been really helpful in providing all this insight into the program. I am definitely planning to finish my application and I hope I can throw one more really weird question at you: what do you do if you are 'ethnic' but not a traditional URM?

I usually just mark non-hispanic white on my applications, but I am a second-generation romnichal Gypsy from "split" bloodlines, i.e. my grandfather married a non-Gypsy and cut most of his ties to his family.

I wasn't planning to put it on my application at all but my best friend really urged me to consider mentioning it. It could be considered relevant because I can tell you I definitely make different decisions than most Americans regarding my family and community and that would absolutely carry over to my patients (in a good way). However, there are so many misconceptions about Roma culture that I hate even trying to have a conversation about my background with someone who is an outsider. It takes literally hours to get someone up to speed on fact versus fiction. I never even bring it up unless I know someone really, really well.

I'm thinking I'm going to probably leave it off. Thoughts?

I have a friend that applied to DSchool and in her application essays she talked about religion. Her advisers told her to change it, however her mentality was that, without God, she wouldn't be who and where she is today. She deemed religion as an important tool that shaped her very future and its the most beautiful gift she has and wants to share it with everyone. She kept it, and she'll be starting dental school in August.
If your heritage is a part of you that you deem important, then by all means include it, there's an "other" section that you can explain in. If you shy away from that part of yourself, then you have your answer. Personally, If I were in charge of reviewing applications, it wouldnt hurt your chances

 

[Dallas Dentist]

You dont have to be a URM to be accepted.

Is there anyone that you know of in the current class that did not satisfy all of the academically or economically disadvantaged criteria?

 

[Alicia Herrera]

anytime and thank you

How did the Interview go? I have my interview comming up and im nervous.
would you mind sharong the type of questions they asked?

 

[clark5013]

How did the Interview go? I have my interview comming up and im nervous.
would you mind sharong the type of questions they asked?

Interview was chill. I should add that I'm a naturally calm person and generally do relatively decent in situations like that.
Questions were: why do you want to be a dentist?
why do you think you will be a good fit for the program?
what stands out about you?
does your family support your decision?
what will you do if you dont get in?
do you think you'll succeed in the program/ d-school?
how will you pay for the program
something relating to community service/ outreach
where do you see yourself in X amount of time?
any fears/worries?
grades, some sort of explanation
"You have an astounding (fill in bad grade),how did that happen?"
"What do you believe is a dentist's role in a community?"
"What will you do (or do differently if you failed before) to ensure the DAT score/grades required to fulfill the program?"

Generally its a 1v1 conversation with 3 different people. They'll want to get know you and see what you're about. Questions are generally tailored to the specific person based on information they already have or based on your response to previous questions. For example, I interviewed with Dr. Miller for A&M d school and told her I was taking two classes. When she interviewed me for PBP, she asked how those classes went.

My advice is to be real, and let them know why you want to be in the program and why they should pick you. Dont leave the room without adequately letting them know who you are.

 

[clark5013]

Is there anyone that you know of in the current class that did not satisfy all of the academically or economically disadvantaged criteria?

Cant speak for others. I'd say I fall into that category. I'm black and that's pretty much it. I do have a story and I think stories are important, especially the interesting ones. Your story tells who you are, what you've been though, how you've prevailed, your personality, your goals, your mentality, your passion, your commitment, what you ultimately bring to the table.

 

[henicouture]

1) My gpa was 3.2 overall and 3.0 science. I didnt ask the others what their gpa were but I know someone else with the same GPA. The program is to reinforce science background, thats why they pick highlevel sciences at UTD to ensure that we can meet the rigor of dental school. So I doubt anyone had high GPA's going into the program.

2) Minimum DAT score needed needed is 19AA, 17PAT, RC19, QR17, each science 18 and a TS of 18. out of seventeen of us, only three met the requirements before hand. so fourteen of us had to partake in the DAT prep during the summer. In the year before us, only one student out of sixteen met the requirement. So I never specifically asked what each student got, that should give you an idea. Out of the three that didnt have to take the DAT, the highest AA was a 21.

3) yes, the entire application is looked at

4) The difficulty depends on different factors. A) how much work are you willing to put into the classes/studying B) what classes have you taken before hand. For example BIOCHEM2 is mandatory. If you took it beforehand, then you would not be forced to retake it. A majority of us hadnt, so we had/have to take it. Four of us took biochem2 this semester and I know at least three got A's (because they worked for it). Nine of us will be taking it next semester(so we generally tend to have classes with each other)

5) During the summer those that have to take the DAT will be studying for it. They have scheduled classes at A&M, with rising D2 students as the instructors. Each instructor will go over their subject material and have quiz/hw's. Chads videos, a kaplan book and DAT destroyer will be freely provided to each student. The cost of the DAT will also be covered. However, if you have to take it again, it wont be covered. DAT bootcamp is something you'll have to pay for yourself. There are also weekly assessments, you'll be taking a full DAT test each week to measure your progress and these tests are more difficult that regular.

6) Yes. A stipend is provided. $47/day that your presence is required. So no weekends/holidays. The stipend is also carried throughout the UTD school year, again, not paid for weekends/holidays/breaks. If you're not from DFW, living arrangements are provided during the summer, in the hotel across the street from A&M, your roommates will be your fellow PBP classmates. UTD living arrangements are handled yourself

7). The dental anatomy course you'll take both summers help. You literally learn... dental anatomy in all its glory. You'll also have waxing and amalgam preps and restorations to do. Along with quizzes and practicals. You'll have lots of fun... until you dont. The second part of summer will also include condensed biochem, gross anatomy, neuroscience courses, (I dont know the full extent of the courses because my second summer portion is coming up this summer) which is supposed to get you in shape before you start in August. Even the year at UTD should give you more room/time to improve your time management skills and you'll take useful classes like oral histology(mandatory) and A&P and immunology( which are both mandatory as well unless you've already taken them).

8) Its not sent out to all applicants. A&M receive approximately 1500 applicants overall and 900 in state. The email list was not 900 strong. maybe it was broken down into different email groups, but unlikely. Surprisingly it's not a program that is well known.

10) I'll answer question 9 last because it's my favourite. It's actually the same setup as for A&M dental school. My interview had four candidates and three different interviewers. Each interview is 1v1 and approximately fifteen minutes long. Dr. Spence, head of the program should be one, Dr. Miller head of admissions to DSchool should be another, my third was Dr. Crane, but it can be Dr. Adesanya, as she was recently promoted to co-director of the program. Standard questions, why do you want to be a dentist, nothing rigorous. You may be asked about your grades and why they are what they are. Optional tour is given. I showed up in kahiki pants, boots and a tucked in plaid shirt because the dress code was business casual, everyone else showed up in business professional. At the very least dont dress down.

9) It's all about perspective. One hand, it may seem like a waste of a year. On the other hand it's a funnel into A&M, especially if you dont have any other options. I may have initially seen it as a waste but that opinion quickly changed. We are a close group, all seventeen of us. we stick together. During summer1, everyone's in class doing DAT stuff, or in LAB doing dental anatomy stuff. we quickly formed friendships especially since 1)most of us were roommates, 2)there's no competition between us (there isnt 15 dentalschool spots for 17 people. its 17 for 17. We have no reason to hinder one another. I'll share a story, Its finals time and one of us had to take a neuroscience final at UTD, two of us had already secured our A for the course. instead of sleeping or going out partying the other two pulled an allnighter with the third and made sure the information was learned. The third got 94/96, securing their A as well. The only reason the other two did that was because of genuine friendship. During the summer we're all stuck together for sixweeks, going through the same thing. The semester at UTD, samething. A lot of us actually moved to the same apartment complex by UTD and some of us are even roommates now. This is all personal choices by us, noone forced us to be friends and no one forced us to like each other and always be there for one another but we figured that we're all going to be stuck together for the next five years,PBP and dentalschool, (some of us will be together longer than that), so we might as well get used to each other. We hangout outside of school too. Halloween party, friendsgiving etc. We're one big family. We've been personal with each other, we cried with each other over stress, or heartbreak(there isnt any dating within the group except for one) or family. Now your group doesnt have to be that close, or you guys can be closer, Its your call.
I'm especially happy because not only have I made amazing friends, I have done one better. I've met my future wife. I'm actually the one dating within the group. It wasnt planned but when you're in love, everything is just magical. So for that, I'm extremely grateful of the program.

you made me cry fam. You really came thru ! hahah forever grateful for helping me pull my 2nd all nighter that week... I MADE THE A BECAUSE OF YALL.

 

[mantoumantou5142]

Im a current member of this years current PBP program. If you're a Texas resident, apply for the program. its free. Its NOT equivalent to a 1 year MS because all the classes you will be taking are undergrad courses at University of Texas at Dallas. Its a post baccalaureate certificate. You'll have to retake your DAT because the program requires higher than a 17 in Ochem. I think the minimum for ochem is 18 or 19, you met the bare minimum for the other sections but unfortunately if you're lacking in one section, you'll have to retake the entire thing and make each section again, meaning you can just study for the ochem section and swap your scores. The program is great and its split into three parts. for you, the first part will be summer of 2019(may-June) 8-5 M-F for 6weeks.. if you've not met the DAT requirements you'll spend most of your day studying for the DAT. The afternoons will either be clinical stuff(Dental anatomy lecture which includes waxing and preps), a seminar or two, or more DAT studying. You'll be required to retake your DAT before the academic school year starts in August. If you dont meet the requirements then, you'll have till the first week of Jan2020 to retake it before you're officially kicked off the program. If you've met your DAT requirements before the summer, congratulations, you wont be studying for the DAT, but your presence is still mandatory, 8-5 M-F. you'll be doing other stuff, mainly teaching SAT to rising 12th graders.
The second part of the program is 1full year at UTD, taking 30credit hours over both semesters. Your classes are pretty much picked for you. maintain a 3.4 over both semesters as well as the DAT requirement and your admission is all but guaranteed.
The third part is the second summer session which will be 4.5weeks long. you'll be introduced to your first year of D-school by taking anatomy, biochem, and neuroclasses, as well as more dental anatomy. once you complete the summer, you'll get your acceptance (there's a big graduation ceremony). The big hurdles are the DAT and maintaining the 3.4 GPA. i've never heard of someone getting kicked out because they failed the summer requirements.
you mentioned that the program is highly competitive, yes and no. you're correct in interviewing approximately 30 and taking 16. My group is actually 17 strong and maybe 32-35 were interviewed, or maybe 30. anyways a 50% chance is good. secondly unlike dental school applications, a lot of people dont apply to the program. It was mentioned to us that they only had/felt that 100-120 were completed applications, or something along those lines. so you're not competing against hundreds or thousands. Anyways apply to the program and see what happens. The deadline is February, and in March, interviews and acceptances are given out.
For the essay, answer it honestly. Serving the undeserved is practically the mantra of the program.
It'd be wise if you didnt only apply to the PBP program. Apply to UNT BioMed MS program as well. However if you get into all the programs you apply to, I'd pick PBP because its guaranteed (as long as you meet the requirements). You dont have to be a URM to be accepted.

Hi just want to ask is that possible to maintain a full time job during the program? I am able to work from home.

 

[batman12345]

Hi just want to ask is that possible to maintain a full time job during the program? I am able to work from home.

You are taking 15 credit hours per semester of difficult upper level science classes, and you have to maintain a 3.4 GPA to gain the acceptance...a full time job may not be the best choice

 

[qdn1996]

Is there a drug test if admitted?

 

[morganasm1]

I have been considering this program for a while now. Does anyone know anything about the whole " Have applied to Texas A&M College of Dentistry for admission into the dental program. A Texas A&M College of Dentistry application must be on file. " requirement. Anyone who could please explain this a little further in detail?

 

[may.butterfly]

I have been considering this program for a while now. Does anyone know anything about the whole " Have applied to Texas A&M College of Dentistry for admission into the dental program. A Texas A&M College of Dentistry application must be on file. " requirement. Anyone who could please explain this a little further in detail?

You need to have applied to the dental school , TAMCOD, the same cycle that you apply for PBP. This way your dental school application will already be on file.

 

[clark5013]

I have been considering this program for a while now. Does anyone know anything about the whole " Have applied to Texas A&M College of Dentistry for admission into the dental program. A Texas A&M College of Dentistry application must be on file. " requirement. Anyone who could please explain this a little further in detail?

pretty much what the other guy said. you need to have applied to the dental school first, without getting in. I'm not sure it matters if its in the same cycle or not, as in you could have applied to A&M lastcycle, dont apply again this cycle, but apply to postbacc instead (dont quote me on that), But usually, most applicants apply to postbacc the same cycle they applied to the dental school

 

[henicouture]

@morganasm1 Yep, they only let you apply to the post-bacc if you have been denied acceptance at TAMCOD ! So to be denied you would've have to apply through TMDSA that cycle. Post bacc applications open late winter-early spring! You'll most likely know by Mid march.

 

[clark5013]

@morganasm1 Yep, they only let you apply to the post-bacc if you have been denied acceptance at TAMCOD ! So to be denied you would've have to apply through TMDSA that cycle. Post bacc applications open late winter-early spring! You'll most likely know by Mid march.

HENI!!!!!!!!

 

[Hopeful Pre-dent2022]

Has anyone here that has been accepted to the program also attended UTD and was a bio major? I was told that bio undergrads from UTD are discouraged from applying to this specific PBP because the would have already taken most upper level bio classes and that they would be left to take only extremely difficult courses, while maintaining a min 3.4 GPA. Has this been the case for anyone here? I would appreciate it if someone could share their experience or their insight as to how true this is. Thank you!!

 

[FancyApple2025]

Has anyone here that has been accepted to the program also attended UTD and was a bio major? I was told that bio undergrads from UTD are discouraged from applying to this specific PBP because the would have already taken most upper level bio classes and that they would be left to take only extremely difficult courses, while maintaining a min 3.4 GPA. Has this been the case for anyone here? I would appreciate it if someone could share their experience or their insight as to how true this is. Thank you!!

Consider strongly when applying to PBP. It’s an excellent program with a rigorous curriculum.

First and foremost, you must have already applied and received a rejection letter from Texas schools. Second, this program is targeted to students that have more than 2-3 disadvantages, whether it’s low socioeconomic status, a non-traditional student or are from a region with a need for healthcare (just to name a few). Third, UTD has a pretty good reputation when it comes to academia and their healthcare advising.. They’re more than likely discouraging you because they strongly believe in their students. Yes, you probably would take even more difficult courses (15-16 hr min, each semester), but at the end of the day it all depends if you’re really up for that.