Where to go for undergrad??

[jshlaferman]

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I'll be graduating high school next year and I would like to know what dental schools look for in the college you attend for your undergrad. I live in Massachusetts and I get decent grades with about a 3.9 GPA. Should money be a deciding factor? I am also aware that people will say to major is something that you enjoy or something that you could "fall back on". But I would like to be sure of what I want to major in and the top schools I want to apply to. Any suggestions of what kind of reputation your undergrad college might need to be acceptable for dental school? Thank you in advance for any help guys.

 

[Faux]

Just go to a very affordable school because you will be paying back every dime and try not to get too lost in the name.


College is a marathon, not a race. Start off with a light load and keep on running.

 

[MedDevil]

UG reputation is a feather on the scale in admissions. Go where you'll be happiest, just don't break the bank.

 

[jshlaferman]

Thanks guys, one more question. Will dental schools expect a higher Ogpa from a "lower school"? Perhaps UMass?

 

[darksurg]

Give your best in any school you go.

 

[Luna724]

4.0 is a 4.0 cut and dry.

 

[ToothbrushBuddy]

I don't think they give it much thought, as long as you go to a fully-accredited university (not an online school or a community college) you should not have any problems at all. I went to three different undergrad institutions of varying reputation and was not even asked about it.

 

[morning92]

GPA is GPA, no matter where you go. Don't worry about undergrad location too much. Pick a four year school that doesn't break the bank and a major that will allow you to both fill the prereqs and get a job if you later decide that dental school isn't for you.

 

[gentlerwave]

Where you go doesn't matter. The thing that matters is what you get out of it. Pick where you can get your bachelor degree for the least money. You still have to take a big loan out for ds, so whatever money you can save in undergrad will help you tremendously when you're out and working.

 

[RUlaxin]

Go to a community college and transfer to a state school after 2 years.. Unless you were set on going to BU or tufts for dental school ( the only schools I can think of that don't accept CC credits, and lucky you, both MA schools lol). Not sure if MA has something like this, but in NJ they have a program called NJ stars where H.S. Students in the top 10% of their class can go to community college and then onto a state school for free. Worth looking into.

Taking out loans for undergrad is not a wise move. Just my .02

 

[Glimmer1991]

I realize that I'm summarizing a lot of what has already been said, but I want to make sure this message hits home!! 🙂

So long as you don't go to a CC, it doesn't really matter where you go to school. (I don't recommend a CC purely because it will save you a big headache on down the line. Plenty of schools don't "like" CC classes, and some schools flat-out won't accept them.) Go to a four-year university. It doesn't matter which one it is. I went to a very small school that I'd say 99.99% of Americans haven't heard of, and it wasn't brought up once.

What was brought up? My high GPA.

Go somewhere that is inexpensive. Money should definitely be the prime factor. My parents graciously offered to pay for my school. Had they not, I would have gone to the school that offered me the largest scholarship. Even though I didn't base my decision exactly on this, my school was still only 10k a year.

Also, go to a school where it is possible for you to get a high GPA. When it comes to your education, you get out what you put in. I can 100% attest to that. Even if your classes aren't as "difficult" as those at Harvard, you can still put in the effort and learn. Not all of my science classes were particularly hard, but I think my TS score shows that I learned my stuff. I worked hard and went above and beyond. In my opinion, it is easier to learn and flourish when you aren't constantly having to worry about being "weeded out" or having your grades deflated. Having to fight tooth-and-nail for a "B" with your very best efforts takes a toll on your psyche. Go someplace where you will feel adequate.

Name doesn't matter when it comes to dental school admissions. Your actual education--and as an extension of it, your GPA and DAT score--matter most.

 

[jshlaferman]

Go to a community college and transfer to a state school after 2 years.. Unless you were set on going to BU or tufts for dental school ( the only schools I can think of that don't accept CC credits, and lucky you, both MA schools lol). Not sure if MA has something like this, but in NJ they have a program called NJ stars where H.S. Students in the top 10% of their class can go to community college and then onto a state school for free. Worth looking into.

Taking out loans for undergrad is not a wise move. Just my .02

I haven't actually heard of a program like that in MA. We do take a state-wide standardized test called MCAS and if you score well you receive a scholarship for free tuition to any state school. But Thank you so much I'll keep my options open.

 

[jshlaferman]

I realize that I'm summarizing a lot of what has already been said, but I want to make sure this message hits home!! 🙂

So long as you don't go to a CC, it doesn't really matter where you go to school. (I don't recommend a CC purely because it will save you a big headache on down the line. Plenty of schools don't "like" CC classes, and some schools flat-out won't accept them.) Go to a four-year university. It doesn't matter which one it is. I went to a very small school that I'd say 99.99% of Americans haven't heard of, and it wasn't brought up once.

What was brought up? My high GPA.

Go somewhere that is inexpensive. Money should definitely be the prime factor. My parents graciously offered to pay for my school. Had they not, I would have gone to the school that offered me the largest scholarship. Even though I didn't base my decision exactly on this, my school was still only 10k a year.

Also, go to a school where it is possible for you to get a high GPA. When it comes to your education, you get out what you put in. I can 100% attest to that. Even if your classes aren't as "difficult" as those at Harvard, you can still put in the effort and learn. Not all of my science classes were particularly hard, but I think my TS score shows that I learned my stuff. I worked hard and went above and beyond. In my opinion, it is easier to learn and flourish when you aren't constantly having to worry about being "weeded out" or having your grades deflated. Having to fight tooth-and-nail for a "B" with your very best efforts takes a toll on your psyche. Go someplace where you will feel adequate.

Name doesn't matter when it comes to dental school admissions. Your actual education--and as an extension of it, your GPA and DAT score--matter most.

Thank you so much for the help. Cost is definitely something I have to keep in mind and something my parents continue to remind me of 😛

 

[Glimmer1991]

Thank you so much for the help. Cost is definitely something I have to keep in mind and something my parents continue to remind me of 😛

You have good parents!! 😀

Is that 3.9 weighted or unweighted? Apply broadly and you'll get scholarships. Also, make sure you apply to smaller private schools. Their sticker price might be crazy, but in my experience, those schools have oodles of money to give out to applicants with deserving merit. Both my brother and I go/went to very expensive private schools for only about 10k a year. They were cheaper than even our "state" schools--and we both have had GREAT educational experiences at the schools we chose!

 

[jshlaferman]

You have good parents!! 😀

Is that 3.9 weighted or unweighted? Apply broadly and you'll get scholarships. Also, make sure you apply to smaller private schools. Their sticker price might be crazy, but in my experience, those schools have oodles of money to give out to applicants with deserving merit. Both my brother and I go/went to very expensive private schools for only about 10k a year. They were cheaper than even our "state" schools--and we both have had GREAT educational experiences at the schools we chose!

I'm sorry what is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA? 😛

 

[Glimmer1991]

I'm sorry what is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA? 😛

In NC, "standard" classes were on a 4.0-scale, "honors" classes were "weighted" on a 5.0-scale, and "AP" classes were weighted on a 6.0-scale.

So, my unweighted GPA was a 4.0. This didn't "weight" my AP and honors classes into my GPA. On this scale, any grade of A--regardless of the class taken--was just a 4.0. I made all As.

My weighted GPA (taking into account my grades in my honors and AP classes) was a lot higher.

Your state may not do this, though!

 

[jshlaferman]

In NC, "standard" classes were on a 4.0-scale, "honors" classes were "weighted" on a 5.0-scale, and "AP" classes were weighted on a 6.0-scale.

So, my unweighted GPA was a 4.0. This didn't "weight" my AP and honors classes into my GPA. On this scale, any grade of A--regardless of the class taken--was just a 4.0. I made all As.

My weighted GPA (taking into account my grades in my honors and AP classes) was a lot higher.

Oh okay I'm not sure what my unweighted GPA would be. I have 2 AP classes and my other 4 classes are honors this year. My school does not have a different GPA scale as far as I know though. The reason why my GPA isn't that high is because freshman and sophomore year I did not take seriously and in return received A's and B's. I'm in my junior year and I've been taking school way more serious which shows in my high grades this year. Will my first 2 years of lower grades affect my acceptance that much? Will they see my upward trend and take that into account?

 

[Glimmer1991]

Oh okay I'm not sure what my unweighted GPA would be. I have 2 AP classes and my other 4 classes are honors this year. My school does not have a different GPA scale as far as I know though. The reason why my GPA isn't that high is because freshman and sophomore year I did not take seriously and in return received A's and B's. I'm in my junior year and I've been taking school way more serious which shows in my high grades this year. Will my first 2 years of lower grades affect my acceptance that much? Will they see my upward trend and take that into account?

Gotcha!

They will definitely take your upward trend into account as far as acceptances are concerned. However, in all honesty, the largest scholarships I've witnessed generally tend to go to students who had strong grades (and ECs!) throughout all 4 years. Your SAT/ACT score will also really count, so do as best as you possibly can. Buy one of those SAT study books. They aren't that bad, and especially in the math section, having that review can help!

This definitely isn't to say you won't get money--especially if you apply to smaller, private schools. You still have good grades, and get an awesome score on the SAT. You probably won't get money to any "prestigious" schools, but most people won't, either. (I got nothing to Duke, for example, even with a 5.12 GPA and a 2240 on the SAT. I took 10 AP classes. Schools like this just really don't need to give out money since they have an applicant base that is not only very smart, but also willing to pay the full sticker price.) Who cares, though?! After all, the goal is to go to the school that is the best fit for you. 🙂 It doesn't have to be Duke or Harvard. Just apply broadly and keep those smaller schools in mind.

 

[jshlaferman]

Gotcha!

They will definitely take your upward trend into account as far as acceptances are concerned. However, in all honesty, the largest scholarships I've witnessed generally tend to go to students who had strong grades (and ECs!) throughout all 4 years. Your SAT/ACT score will also really count, so do as best as you possibly can. Buy one of those SAT study books. They aren't that bad, and especially in the math section, having that review can help!

This definitely isn't to say you won't get money--especially if you apply to smaller, private schools. You still have good grades, and get an awesome score on the SAT. You probably won't get money to any "prestigious" schools, but most people won't, either. (I got nothing to Duke, for example, even with a 5.12 GPA and a 2240 on the SAT. I took 10 AP classes. Schools like this just really don't need to give out money since they have an applicant base that is not only very smart, but also willing to pay the full sticker price.) Who cares, though?! After all, the goal is to go to the school that is the best fit for you. 🙂 It doesn't have to be Duke or Harvard. Just apply broadly and keep those smaller schools in mind.

Thanks a lot! 🙂One more thing, just out of curiosity, what ECs did you have that helped and which ECs should I be looking to get involved with? I play 2 sports and am captain of one of them. I also volunteer for the local animal shelter and I am involved in running fundraisers for an event. Thanks!

 

[gentlerwave]

For ECs, most schools look for quality rather than quantity. For example, it is better if you are involved in some kind of leadership role for 3 of your clubs and have something to talk about instead of being a generic member of 10 clubs.

Variety is also a good thing too, which you seem to have covered.

 

[ToothbrushBuddy]

You are such a well-prepared high school senior! Good luck to you, I am impressed you are looking so far into the future right now.

 

[ZaneKaiser]

So long as you don't go to a CC, it doesn't really matter where you go to school. (I don't recommend a CC purely because it will save you a big headache on down the line. Plenty of schools don't "like" CC classes, and some schools flat-out won't accept them.)

Yikes. What advice would you give to someone who's taken almost all his pre-reqs at a CC? (Saving O-chem for after transfer to 4 year) My CC is no walk in the park, and I've actually had classes with science instructors who are adjunct professors at UCs. If I score high on the DAT will that save me? What if I get a high GPA during application time? (3.6-3.7)?

 

[Futbolero]

Yikes. What advice would you give to someone who's taken almost all his pre-reqs at a CC? (Saving O-chem for after transfer to 4 year) My CC is no walk in the park, and I've actually had classes with science instructors who are adjunct professors at UCs. If I score high on the DAT will that save me? What if I get a high GPA during application time? (3.6-3.7)?

There is absolutely no problem with CC at MOST schools. I did 2 years at a CC and have had 9 interview invites so far with 2 acceptances to only 3 interviews actually attended. Not once did any of the 3 schools mention my CC.

 

[Glimmer1991]

Yikes. What advice would you give to someone who's taken almost all his pre-reqs at a CC? (Saving O-chem for after transfer to 4 year) My CC is no walk in the park, and I've actually had classes with science instructors who are adjunct professors at UCs. If I score high on the DAT will that save me? What if I get a high GPA during application time? (3.6-3.7)?

It isn't impossible... like I said, though, it can just potentially cause some headaches. If you go to a CC and do well in your classes, then just make sure that trend carries over to your grades at a 4-year university.

CC classes aren't a nail in the coffin at most schools. If you do well at a 4-year university and have a good DAT score, I guess you have essentially "proven" yourself. I still tell people to avoid them just in case. When it comes to dental school admission--which is getting harder every single year--I'm all about avoiding unnecessary risks. 🙂

I've found that many individuals who have dreams of working in healthcare, if they apply broadly and keep their options open, can get into a 4-year school with a sizable scholarship. These are the sorts of folks who (hopefully!!) had the wherewithal to maintain good grades and challenge themselves in high school. The money is there if you aren't dead set on a particular university and are willing to look into smaller private schools.

 

[lmr9y]

This is going to be slightly different than what many individuals have said about it doesn't matter where you go as long as it isn't CC. I would advise against a CC just because some schools will not accept those credits (Tufts, BU, UF, just to name a few). No idea to cut schools from your list intentionally specially if you're from MA and want to go to dental school there.

Back to where the question at hand about where to go from undergrad- now this is my own experience so I can only say whats been beneficial to me. I went to a top 25 university and it was definitely harder than my state school (I took a summer class at my state school so I can def gage the difference). A 4.0 may be a 4.0 but I guarantee you that the admissions committee will look at your app differently depending on the school you go to. I had 9 interviews and in at least half of them, when I mentioned where I went to for undergrad (during the whole "tell me about yourself" question)- they were impressed to the point where we would talk about the town/undergrad and not about dentistry for a good 5-10minutes.

Now with that being said, if you don't think you'll be able to handle a "tougher" school and end up with a sub-par GPA, I would advise you not to go. But if you honestly believe you can handle a more rigorous course load (and financially permitting, of course), then not only do you look impressive to admissions committees but you get your B.S. (or B.A- whatever you decide to do) from an excellent school!

 

[BabyShades]

In my opinion, I would apply to the A&M University or the University of Texas and try to get in. That way, you can be a resident in Texas. Then after your undergrad, you can pay for dental school as an in state applicant.

 

[LFA20]

I went to CC, did my prereqs there, and transferred to University. Still got 8 interviews, went to 6, accepted to 3.