UoP's accelerated/guaranteed interview program for highschoolers

[RAlec114]

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Has anyone gone through this program? How is it? Do you recommend it? Stats you had?

Also I heard that you do not get a baccalaureate degree when you do this? Is that only for the 2+3 program?

Any insight on this program is appreciated. Also has anyone heard about USC's 6 year program? Is that discontinued?

 

[chimm]

I'm in the program right now. Was a 3+3 but staying one more year for studying abroad purposes. If you got a 3.6 nonweighted gpa and 1250 on math/verbal SAT, ur looking fine. About the 2+3, its not great. No degree and you are only gunning for UOP dent school. Limits your choices but if worst comes to worst, you can push back to 3+3 and get ur degree. Its all about how you wanna pace yourself.

I must warn you though, UOP doesnt do grade inflation. In a class of 90, ur looking at 1/3 who get flat Bs or higher (not B- or higher). The bottom 1/3 fail or have to retake the class. And this distribution is for one of the more "easier" bio classes. The pre-req classes such as GenBio have worser distributions where a lot of ppl get Cs. Organic chemistry is known to cause massive headaches, thus a lot of pre-dents take the class somewhere else.

School is full of cliques too, where some people hoard test banks and whatnot. I just took Human Physiology, and the ones who had previous tests got As and the ones who didn't got Cs ( i got the tests from a very kind friend who normally wouldnt for others). If you feel okay with joining a frat for the purpose of academic progress or you are actually very good at learning ridiculous questions, it would probably work out for you. Otherwise, these little secrets that people hold to themselves are probably going to screw you over.

I'm stuck with a 3.13 science GPA right now, but got a 23 AA on the DAT. No hidden test banks to get an advantage from.

If you get a lot of financial aid to attend UOP, i would do it if it poses no less risk or money than a UC school. Otherwise, attend a state school like CSU. Probably easier to get a higher GPA and less school drama. DAT is a total study-able test so going to UOP doesnt really help that much.

 

[RAlec114]

I'm in the program right now. Was a 3+3 but staying one more year for studying abroad purposes. If you got a 3.6 nonweighted gpa and 1250 on math/verbal SAT, ur looking fine. About the 2+3, its not great. No degree and you are only gunning for UOP dent school. Limits your choices but if worst comes to worst, you can push back to 3+3 and get ur degree. Its all about how you wanna pace yourself.

I must warn you though, UOP doesnt do grade inflation. In a class of 90, ur looking at 1/3 who get flat Bs or higher (not B- or higher). The bottom 1/3 fail or have to retake the class. And this distribution is for one of the more "easier" bio classes. The pre-req classes such as GenBio have worser distributions where a lot of ppl get Cs. Organic chemistry is known to cause massive headaches, thus a lot of pre-dents take the class somewhere else.

School is full of cliques too, where some people hoard test banks and whatnot. I just took Human Physiology, and the ones who had previous tests got As and the ones who didn't got Cs ( i got the tests from a very kind friend who normally wouldnt for others). If you feel okay with joining a frat for the purpose of academic progress or you are actually very good at learning ridiculous questions, it would probably work out for you. Otherwise, these little secrets that people hold to themselves are probably going to screw you over.

I'm stuck with a 3.13 science GPA right now, but got a 23 AA on the DAT. No hidden test banks to get an advantage from.

If you get a lot of financial aid to attend UOP, i would do it if it poses no less risk or money than a UC school. Otherwise, attend a state school like CSU. Probably easier to get a higher GPA and less school drama. DAT is a total study-able test so going to UOP doesnt really help that much.

Thank you very much for the information. So basically, once you're in the program, it's hard to get into any other school besides UoP Dental bc of the lack of the grade inflation?

Because this is one of the programs that I have my eyes set on, I would really like to know pretty much everything about the school. How are the academics? campus? campus life? women 😀? etc. It would be great if you could help.

 

[hopefullyadent]

no ive heard that someone who went to UOP in that 3&3 year program got into UCSF..its possible...I would only do the 3&3 program..the 2 year program is toooo fast

 

[hopefullyadent]

oh and UOP will at least be better than UCLA and Berkeley..those schools grade DEflate ur grades lol...if i were u dude I would do this:

1) UOP 3&3 year program (ONLY IF URE 100% SURE U WANT DENTISTRY AS UR CAREER)

2) go to UC-San Diego (can always go to USD OR SDSU to meet the beautiful women and party); slightly easier than UCLA and Berk; higher chance of getting higher gpa; more time to do ECs

3)Go to UC-Irvine (safe bet; high GPA; beautiful women; ppl from Irvine have gotten into top dental Schools such as UCLA, UPenn, and Columbia)

 

[RAlec114]

oh and UOP will at least be better than UCLA and Berkeley..those schools grade DEflate ur grades lol...if i were u dude I would do this:

1) UOP 3&3 year program (ONLY IF URE 100% SURE U WANT DENTISTRY AS UR CAREER)

2) go to UC-San Diego (can always go to USD OR SDSU to meet the beautiful women and party); slightly easier than UCLA and Berk; higher chance of getting higher gpa; more time to do ECs

3)Go to UC-Irvine (safe bet; high GPA; beautiful women; ppl from Irvine have gotten into top dental Schools such as UCLA, UPenn, and Columbia)

thanks dude... I'm from east coast btw.

All great options; I think I'm going to do #1 or some other program. We think alike; women are always the most important thing when you decide where to go..... lol (half-kidding).

Btw I have heard that UoP is only guaranteed an interview, not a spot in the dental school. Is this.. bad? Does interview = acceptance 100% of the time?

 

[chimm]

once you are in the school, its not incredibly hard to do well. This one girl in my class graduated after 2 years and then went to UCSF dental school LAWL. Absolutely an incredible outlier. But in any case, if you can maintain 3.2+ science GPA, you should be fine. The school professors care about you a lot if you ask questions and stay slightly involved with communication.

Also, UOP is full of rich kids. A lot of rich asian kids too. Many are devoutly Christian, which may or may not deter you. But like I said, the student body is quite divided. The pre-pharmacy and pre-dental students tend to be conservative while the liberal art majors tend to be liberal, for lack of a better word haha.

I can't say much about the girls because they can get very backstabbing and catty. If you like mob mentality, you might feel more comfortable. Otherwise, being unique in some strange sort of way will get you odd looks =/.

As for dental school admissions, yes you only get an interview. But its pretty much guaranteed entry into UOP dental school hah. But honestly, i'm telling you that if you can go somewhere else and get a high GPA like 3.5+, GO FOR IT. The DAT is something you can spend a summer studying for. I did that and got a high score. Where you go for undergrad doesn't really matter, and dealing with highly competitive parent-pushed semi-intolerant asian kids in the 2nd worst city in America is probably not the best idea.

 

[hopefullyadent]

oh okay if ure from east coast, then only apply to UOP of cali schools..i would recommend also schools such as UVA, Lehigh (accelerated gets u into UPenn), UMich, or a school that offers grade INflation (such as Duke)...u do wanna go to a school that can give u some financial aid, cause u dont want to waste money on worthless undergrad and not be able to pay for important d-school...

 

[RAlec114]

once you are in the school, its not incredibly hard to do well. This one girl in my class graduated after 2 years and then went to UCSF dental school LAWL. Absolutely an incredible outlier. But in any case, if you can maintain 3.2+ science GPA, you should be fine. The school professors care about you a lot if you ask questions and stay slightly involved with communication.

Also, UOP is full of rich kids. A lot of rich asian kids too. Many are devoutly Christian, which may or may not deter you. But like I said, the student body is quite divided. The pre-pharmacy and pre-dental students tend to be conservative while the liberal art majors tend to be liberal, for lack of a better word haha.

I can't say much about the girls because they can get very backstabbing and catty. If you like mob mentality, you might feel more comfortable. Otherwise, being unique in some strange sort of way will get you odd looks =/.

As for dental school admissions, yes you only get an interview. But its pretty much guaranteed entry into UOP dental school hah. But honestly, i'm telling you that if you can go somewhere else and get a high GPA like 3.5+, GO FOR IT . The DAT is something you can spend a summer studying for. I did that and got a high score. Where you go for undergrad doesn't really matter, and dealing with highly competitive parent-pushed semi-intolerant asian kids in the 2nd worst city in America is probably not the best idea.

Great stuff thanks. I'm not really attracted to UoP, if it weren't for dentistry I would not even consider it. But when weighing different things (cost, # years, direct entry, prestige, location), this 3+3 UoP program is pretty up there. I'm Asian, so other asians don't really bother me, and I'm christian so it's cool. What do you mean 2nd worst city in America? 😱

Why go for it (bold statement)? Is UoP's dental school not that great?

Thanks for all your information and insight to this program. Overall, is there any other program/college decision that you would have taken over this 3+3 program? Personally, I would really want to go to Penn CAS --> Penn Dental (7 year) but it's so expensive that UoP is probably a better option.

 

[RAlec114]

oh okay if ure from east coast, then only apply to UOP of cali schools..i would recommend also schools such as UVA, Lehigh (accelerated gets u into UPenn), UMich, or a school that offers grade INflation (such as Duke)...u do wanna go to a school that can give u some financial aid, cause u dont want to waste money on worthless undergrad and not be able to pay for important d-school...

Hm thanks for all of this. Still thinking of all my options. UoP 3+3 is a top priority, Penn accelerated is another option (if I can land a scholarship..), and I like Duke very much. I'm gradually learning how to select schools lol... thanks for all the advice, especially the last bit... darn I wish I could afford every school.

 

[Munks]

Heya! I'm a 3+3 right now... I'm entering my third year and am about to take my DAT & app out.

Like chimm said, the 2+3 program is there if you are absolutely sure you want to do dentistry and go to the UoP dent school... you will not get a major and other schools will probably not accept you (besides that crazy girl that got into UCSF, degree in two years.. I know who you're talking about haha). You are not locked into this however and you can drop back to a 3 year and get your degree to expand your options, which is what I am doing (bio degree with chem minor).

You could probably get a degree in 3 years at most colleges if you wanted to do that, but I have to say I have been thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and quality of our bio department. The weeder general bio/general chem classes only help you more to prepare you for the rigorousness of upper division bio courses... They definitely whooped my *** into shape, and after utterly failing the first test, I've been doing spectacular in all of my courses. Grade inflation is a pretty lousy fallback for getting into dent school imo.. if you're having problems passing in undergrad, you'd better get ready for dent school. And also, it's not like pacific is out to fail you; the professors are extremely helpful and want you to pass! There is only one teacher in the department that I would not feel comfortable walking in their office any time of the week.

Also, our ochem here is known for being tough if you take it during the summer (which I did, and didn't do terribly well in... well, first semester was horrible with Franz but second half with Xue was awesome... but I digress). The professors writing my letters of rec do mention that in their recommendations as well, as it is known that summer ochem is hard. Though, like chimm said, you can choose to take it at santa clara or something easier (though when I've been reviewing ochem stuff for the DAT, I still remember things from a year ago)...

For some reason a lot of people like to hate on UoP, but after comparing classes with friends from other universities, it seems that this school is awesome for teaching you the things you need to know to get into whichever dent school you want.

Also, if you are fairly intelligent (which you probably are if you're applying to uop for pre-dentistry) and get accepted into honors, you will probably end up getting a good-sized scholarship.

 

[chimm]

franz is ridiculous
you should see his tests for second semester
arghhhhhh

also who's the bio professor thats personally iffy? Maxwell? Lawl

 

[RAlec114]

Heya! I'm a 3+3 right now... I'm entering my third year and am about to take my DAT & app out.

Like chimm said, the 2+3 program is there if you are absolutely sure you want to do dentistry and go to the UoP dent school... you will not get a major and other schools will probably not accept you (besides that crazy girl that got into UCSF, degree in two years.. I know who you're talking about haha). You are not locked into this however and you can drop back to a 3 year and get your degree to expand your options, which is what I am doing (bio degree with chem minor).

You could probably get a degree in 3 years at most colleges if you wanted to do that, but I have to say I have been thoroughly impressed by the professionalism and quality of our bio department. The weeder general bio/general chem classes only help you more to prepare you for the rigorousness of upper division bio courses... They definitely whooped my *** into shape, and after utterly failing the first test, I've been doing spectacular in all of my courses. Grade inflation is a pretty lousy fallback for getting into dent school imo.. if you're having problems passing in undergrad, you'd better get ready for dent school. And also, it's not like pacific is out to fail you; the professors are extremely helpful and want you to pass! There is only one teacher in the department that I would not feel comfortable walking in their office any time of the week.

Also, our ochem here is known for being tough if you take it during the summer (which I did, and didn't do terribly well in... well, first semester was horrible with Franz but second half with Xue was awesome... but I digress). The professors writing my letters of rec do mention that in their recommendations as well, as it is known that summer ochem is hard. Though, like chimm said, you can choose to take it at santa clara or something easier (though when I've been reviewing ochem stuff for the DAT, I still remember things from a year ago)...

For some reason a lot of people like to hate on UoP, but after comparing classes with friends from other universities, it seems that this school is awesome for teaching you the things you need to know to get into whichever dent school you want.

Also, if you are fairly intelligent (which you probably are if you're applying to uop for pre-dentistry) and get accepted into honors, you will probably end up getting a good-sized scholarship.

Great post! Can you elaborate on the honors/scholarship program?

 

[JeweLie]

I think everyone's experience at UOP is different. I feel what Chimm is saying is slightly exaggerated IMO...
I recommend coming here if you're absolutely sure you want to be a dentist. Classes can be difficult but if you put in the work and time you should be fine. Of course it also helps alot to get old tests, which in that case it'd be good to either join a frat or have good friends in frats.
A factor in deciding: if you really want a good college life/social experience then go to a UC school and try to do well there. UOP isn't really hopping with things to do and the city of Stockton isn't so great.
Alot of people will end up doing only well enough to get into the UOP dent school b/c of grades (myself included). However there are a bunch of people who have done really well and have gotten into other really good schools. A good friend of mine graduated this year after being in the 3+3 program with a BS and got accepted into UPenn. Another friend in a similar situation is going to UCLA.

In my situation, my grades haven't been so great...I don't really think I'd be able to get into any other school..but I'm happy with just being accepted to UoP dent school.

And regarding the honors/scholarship, basically if you're coming in with a good SAT score and/or GPA, you'll be invited to the honors program and get a scholarship of 10K. However most people drop the honors program because most don't feel like it's necessary to do the extra work on top of the work you have for classes.

 

[chimm]

I know who both those 3+3 guys who got into UPenn and UCLA are, and many people in their OWN frats hate them. Why? Because they hoard old tests that are key to good scores. This is not a joke. I'm sure other schools may experience the same thing, or maybe these two guys are just d-bags. Who knows. But frankly, if you can handle cliques/gossip/rumors to a degree, you could make it out alive.

 

[Munks]

I do agree with chimm's last statement. The professional frats on this campus aren't that great.. but on a good note, after who knows how long they are finally opening their first dental frat fall semester (which does look promising)... Also, there is a great amount of super competitive people who do not want to help you; but there are also many smart, helpful people as well (though it may take some searching hah). Besides first year general bio, some professors give you past semester tests to look at anyways.. I just finished second year and have felt pretty well-prepared for every test given (with the exception of one or two tests in Evo, though that was my fault for not being interested in the course xP).

As for campus life, there are a few awesome dances & parties.. Many people have small kickbacks on weekends too, but I don't really find those fun. Also, the school hosts 'Tiger Nights' once a month or so that are pretty fun.. like the week before finals they brought carnival games, inflatables, and massages (boy did I take advantage of those xP). Stockton really isn't the terrible place that everyone makes it out to be, but like JeweLie said, coming from Socal, it isn't really hopping with things to do.

Also for being in the honors program, you have to take a 1 unit class that meets once a week for 50 minutes; this even allows you to take 19 units instead of 18 if you're short (which I was to get my BS in 3 years).. IMO, it is a very manageable course and I really don't know why people drop it. Though I think even if you do drop it you get to keep the scholarship anyways!

~Like JeweLie said again, the school really is focused on academics... Our bio program (can't speak for the other majors), the classes and professors, all do an awesome job at helping you succeed in doing what you want to do. I will expand and say that you can go there if you want to be in the health profession, not just dentistry, as there are a few people each year that decide to go into pharmacy or medicine instead (the pharm school is conveniently in the same location if you so desired 😛).