USC Post Bacc

[amy888]

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Hey, I'm new to this board. I thought maybe you people could give me some info. I'm a career changer interested in dentistry. It's something I always wanted to do, but I always assumed it would be too difficult. Now I want to give it a try.

I am thinking of applying to USC's post bacc program to make up my pre-reqs. Has anyone had experience with this program? I don't want to spend 30K making up science courses and then find out no dental school wants me.

advice?

thanks for any help

 

[nate28]

There are other schools that have bost bac programs if you don't mind moving. You just need to look for them. Here's a start:

http://www.fiu.edu/~preprofc/Dental_Post_Baccalaureate_Programs.htm

You could also get some pre-reqs out of the way by going to a Jr. college, but the downside of that is some dental schools don't accept Jr. college course work.

 

[LoF27]

I am a non-traditional applicant this year who had to take all of my science pre-requisites post-bacc. I looked into all the formal post-bacc programs, but the cost was just prohibitive. I opted to enroll in my local public university, which is VERY easy to do if you already have an undergraduate degree. If you're in LA, look into taking classes at UCLA. This option is much cheaper. Dental schools don't care if you've taken your pre-reqs as part of a program, just as long as you have the credit from an accredited 4-year university. The main advantage these formal programs has is that it is helpful to take classes with other people in similar situations and with faculty and administration who are in-tune with your background and goals and can tailor their services accordingly. The only other plus might be that being part of the post-bacc program at a school that has a dental school might give you an edge if you want to go to that dental school.

I say the $15-20,000 are not worth it. Do it only if money is no concern. There is no financial aid for non-degree programs, so this money has to come out-of-pocket or with higher-interest loans, and you are looking at $200K for dental school afterward.

Best of luck. I know how hard it is to take this first step. PM me if you have any questions!

 

[amy888]

thanks for the advice. i dont know how to pm, but would love to talk to you. please send me your email address if you dont mind

mine is: amyjskerkoski (at) hotmail (dot) com

thanks

 

[plasticsoul]

I would save your money and go to a UC or Cal State! You don't need a formal post-bacc program.