What to do when not accepted?

[bakes]

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So...I'm waitlisted at NYU and feel my chances of being pulled off this list being sucked right down the toilet. I'm curious to know what you guys and gals think about pursuing a masters vs. getting another bachelors degree.

I personally have no desire to teach or conduct research for the rest of my life. Outside of a mediocre DAT score I feel what held me back was my sub-par GPA aprrox. 2.97. I had tried to remain a full time student while taking care of my terminally ill mother, working full time, and raising a child. At the time of my mothers death my GPA was aroiund 1.6. The last 2 years I maintained an upward trend by finishing my semesters with a 3.2 avg. at least. This still wasn't enough to overcome my 1.6.

To the point,
If I get a masters and don't get into dental school, I'm most likely stuck with a degree which opens up research(don't wanna do) or to move on to a PhD(don't wanna do). But, a masters will overcome my GPA which could really help me get into DS.

I could go back and get another bachelors in something which will yield more than research such as bioinformatics, biostatistics, biomedical engineering (yes I know they still research but it appeals to me more so than researching or teaching at/for a university-dont flame me on this...) My concern is that this will affect undrgrad GPA little which could still keep me out of DS.

Thanks for your time,
Sorry about the length, I'm typing on my blackberry and feel like this is 20k words🙂

 

[BaylorDDS]

Wouldn't you take more hours getting another undergrad degree than a masters? I would do what you want and get the second degree. That way your gpa goes hopefully up more than the masters, and you have a backup to dental school.

 

[bakes]

Wouldn't you take more hours getting another undergrad degree than a masters? I would do what you want and get the second degree. That way your gpa goes hopefully up more than the masters, and you have a backup to dental school.

Thanks for the prompt response, yes the bachelor would take more credits definetly but the back up plan would be great, I don't know about anyone else but the GRE gives me night chills and makes me bleed from the nose!! Ultimatelt I'm not ready to give up on DS yet, so whatever will help me the most to get there. Thanks again for your input it helps me more than you know.

 

[RalphLauden]

Why not take an accelerated one year master's program at Barry University? There is no thesis and you only take upper level science classes similar to first year dental & medical school. Your chances will greatly increase and a high percentage get into professional school within the first year.

 

[notin]

i think a one year master's is more helpful than undergrad classes. it is more rigorous. also, you don't need to bring your entire gpa up, because they will weight the master's gpa, or whatever classes you take now, more heavily. be sure to mention that your undergraduate gpa was affected by your mother's illness. from my experience, that type of thing won't erase bad stats, but it would certainly help them forget about your old gpa faster.

 

[RalphLauden]

Over the past 25 years, 78% of all Option I Program graduates have gained admission to allopathic, osteopathic, dental, and podiatric schools. In 2008, 14 Option I students gained admittance to Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.

In 2008, 72 out of 78 of our graduates (92%) were accepted to medical or dental school for the fall 2009 semester. We have a long history of preparing students for medical / dental schools.

 

[NyCzPeter]

Over the past 25 years, 78% of all Option I Program graduates have gained admission to allopathic, osteopathic, dental, and podiatric schools. In 2008, 14 Option I students gained admittance to Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.

In 2008, 72 out of 78 of our graduates (92%) were accepted to medical or dental school for the fall 2009 semester. We have a long history of preparing students for medical / dental schools.

Isn't advertising a breach of SDN terms of service?

 

[Emmie]

RalphLauden: Have a few questions for you, hope it won't take too much of your time

How many of those 72 students are pre-dent? And off of those students, how many of them got accepted into a DS besides Nova and Tufts? And what are their avg GPA? Thanks.

 

[doc toothache]

Isn't advertising a breach of SDN terms of service?

So now, helping applicants that were unsuccessful in gaining admission to ds is a "breach of SDN terms of service"?

 

[Dental Mom]

Bakes, definitely do a masters beginning in the fall and keep in mind that if you start one some dental schools may want you to finish it. And also some programs will require you to do a contract as well wanting you to finish it. What ever you choose, make sure is something that you really like and will be happy doing for 2 yrs. Try to find a 1 yr program and do your best. I hope things are going well with your family. Take care and don't give up. You are half way already. Just keep going.

 

[karrotcake]

i think he was referring to the way the help was presented, almost like a salesman.
help from others is always appreciated.

 

[printer21]

f back up plans.. imo, just go do that one yr degree and aim for dental school.

 

[nze82]

If dentistry is really what you wanna do, then don't even consider alternate plans, because whatever alternate career you'll choose will eventually make you miserable (that is if you're truly passionate about dentistry).
From what your post I understand that the two factors that are hindering you chances of getting accepted are: 1)Your low GPA and 2)Your low DAT.
If you're considering to reapply this year, then make sure you improve these two areas. I can assure you that submitting the same exact application as last year won't improve your chances of admission. So, how about you apply for a masters program in order to improve that GPA and retake your DAT in order to boost those scores. By doing this, not only you'll improve your stats, you will also show the admission officers that dentistry is really what you wanna do and you've gone the extra mile to make it work. Surly, this is what most schools are looking for, an applicant who is passionate and hard working.

 

[DDSLegacy]

I would get a Masters in Public Health it only takes one year and when you become a dentist you might want to work in public health

 

[4thMolar]

I would get a Masters in Public Health it only takes one year and when you become a dentist you might want to work in public health

It depends on what his science GPA is. Since his overall is a 2.97, I'm guessing his science GPA isn't too far from it. If that's the case, it's better to enroll in a program such as Masters in Biomedical Science, not an MPH. An MPH will not count towards science GPA. While his overall GPA may increase, his science GPA will not.

 

[CanadianDental]

f back up plans.. imo, just go do that one yr degree and aim for dental school.

I agree with this guy, man why should anyone have a backup plan to their dream, it just doesn't make sense. I know that if I get rejected the first time, I'm going to either start a new undergrad or a masters and keep trying again and again until I get in. You only have one life, do the thing you love 👍