Thinking about doing a post bac, thoughts?

[predent1122]

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Hi everyone,

I graduated from undergrad last May, and this is my second time applying (as in I will have to apply a 3rd time this coming cycle). I got 5 interviews, 1 rejections, 4 waitlists. According to AADSAS, my oGPA is a 3.0, science gpa is a 3.2 and BCP is a 3.5. My dat is a 20AA. I did poorly on my gen eds (B's and C's, long story short i didn't try hard because i was immature and didnt really care) but I have A's and B's in my lower and upper level science courses so I guess a positive is that I have a good upward trend.

Is a post bacc a good idea? I was recently "invited" to apply to Temple's post bac program since I applied there and it seems like a good gig but I wanted some of your advice before pulling the trigger on the application.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Dr5paceman]

imo that $40k might be better spent on a masters if youre interested in taking courses through a formal program, not sure if you really need it though given your upward trend and that your numbers did not keep you from getting interviews. I think its still worth applying to so that you have options.

Did you come across any info on how many of the postbacc students get accepted to temple afterwards?

 

[predent1122]

imo that $40k might be better spent on a masters if youre interested in taking courses through a formal program, not sure if you really need it though given your upward trend and that your numbers did not keep you from getting interviews. I think its still worth applying to so that you have options.

Did you come across any info on how many of the postbacc students get accepted to temple afterwards?

Yeah the 40k is definitely expensive. I love that it incorporates dentistry so much though. I read on a thread here (can't remember where exactly, I was digging deep) that every person that had a 3.5 or higher GPA in the program, a 20+ on their DAT and was a professional throughout the program got in (maybe only a few people had those stats that year, idk). They supposedly save seats in their dental class for these students, but not every student gets a 3.5 and a 20+ DAT score. Hopefully someone can chime in that knows more, but that is what I read. I already have my DAT done so that is crossed off the list. I think @SaeWat knows a lot about the program because he is in it, so hopefully he responds.

I did actually apply to the program a few minutes ago, but I am still deciding if I want to pursue it, that is assuming if I get in which is obviously another battle.

 

[SaeWat]

Yeah the 40k is definitely expensive. I love that it incorporates dentistry so much though. I read on a thread here (can't remember where exactly, I was digging deep) that every person that had a 3.5 or higher GPA in the program, a 20+ on their DAT and was a professional throughout the program got in (maybe only a few people had those stats that year, idk). They supposedly save seats in their dental class for these students, but not every student gets a 3.5 and a 20+ DAT score. Hopefully someone can chime in that knows more, but that is what I read. I already have my DAT done so that is crossed off the list. I think @SaeWat knows a lot about the program because he is in it, so hopefully he responds.

I did actually apply to the program a few minutes ago, but I am still deciding if I want to pursue it, that is assuming if I get in which is obviously another battle.

Actually a lot of people had that stat last year. About 85% of the students got into some dental school (mostly Temple of course). They save a spot for EVERY post-bacc student, so there is absolute no competition within the class and each student just has to meet those requirements which is very doable. Yes so if you have the 20AA already and is not more than 2 years old, you are good on that requirement and only have to focus on the 3.5 scienceGPA which makes it 5 times less stressful.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Go for the postbacc Temple program. If you don't think you'll like Temple, then don't do the program. If you want dentistry, don't mind the $40k, and like to attend Temple, then stick to that program and don't look back.

You also may be taken off the waitlist in the upcoming months. It's only March. You have this month, April, and May.

 

[SaeWat]

Go for the postbacc Temple program. If you don't think you'll like Temple, then don't do the program. If you want dentistry, don't mind the $40k, and like to attend Temple, then stick to that program and don't look back.

You also may be taken off the waitlist in the upcoming months. It's only March. You have this month, April, and May.

I totally agree, this program is only for those that are 100% committed to dentistry, because you will learn nothing but dentistry. If you attend this program, you DO NOT have to attend Temple dental if you get accepted to another dental school and they are totally fine with that. I believe that this program is the best chance for you to get into dental school. By attending this program, you will appreciate the field of dentistry prior to D1 and become even more enthusiastic about your future career. Those that were in the post-bacc last year are acing most of their classes in D1.

 

[predent1122]

because you will learn nothing but dentistry.

That's what appeals so much to me. Although I enjoy science classes, I really want to move on to the dentistry portion.

 

[SaeWat]

That's what appeals so much to me. Although I enjoy science classes, I really want to move on to the dentistry portion.

You do learn some science, but they emphasize the oral cavity. So like we have Microbiome as one of our courses, but like 3/4 of it is dedicated to oral cavity so like microbiome of oral diseases (perio, endo, caries). So even if it is science courses, it is really interesting because it will be stuff that you will need to know for your future career.