Upenn Post-bacc or JHU MS in Biotech?

[happy_6523]

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I applied to dental schools this cycle and didn't get in. I have 3.4 gpa and 20 DAT. I'm retaking DAT in June. I got accepted to Upenn's Pre-Health Program (post-bacc) and JHU's MS in Biotechnology. I will be working full-time and studying part-time. I plan to work at the university and use the tuition reimbursement. Upenn doesn't have waiting period and JHU requires 120 days of full-time employment. Upenn's tuition is cheaper than JHU, but JHU grants a degree. Which one should I choose? I know that it's not necessary for me to take post-bacc or JUH, but I still want to improve my GPA.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

I'd go to Penn if it is cheaper. Who cares about a degree you're not going to use?

 

[happy_6523]

I'd go to Penn if it is cheaper. Who cares about a degree you're not going to use?

At least I have a master degree if I can’t get into dental school

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

First of all, if you have a 3.4 GPA and 20 DAT, you should do some reflecting to figure out why you haven't gotten accepted to any schools. I have seen and helped many with lower than average GPA to get accepted into dental schools. So, if you have a 3.4 overall, but a lower than 3.2 science GPA, then you should focus on taking more science courses. I don't think DAT is the issue here either. You are slightly above the national average. You should look into doing better if you take it again. If it was something other than DAT and GPA, you should find out what it is (terrible personal statement, bad interview day, etc).

That said, I'd say go with the MS in Biotech. It's not your typical medical physiology type Masters program. If you finish it, you will have many great job opportunities should you decide not to go to dental school (worst-case scenario).

If you do well in the program and have the necessary pre-req, you should be good to go with regards to dental apps.

Hope this helps