I’m pretty set on doing dental, so is the accelerated program (and almost guaranteed acceptance to dental school provided I don’t screw up) worth a less reputable undergrad?
Also, can anyone in the program answer describe the profile of students admitted to the 5 year program is like?
Thanks
Well, I went to Dental school about 25 yrs ago, and tell you that it is much more competitive now. It is hard to get into UCSF and UCLA. Even UOP gets tons of applications.
Undergrad at Rice and Berkeley are competitive. There is a high washout rate at basic science classes, where there are 900 or 1000 students and about 10% get the coveted “A” s . I have a friend whose son is at UOP, and surprising enough, even at this private school, there is no grade inflation, and in a class of about 100, only 10 % get "A"s.
There are highly motivated students on UOP campuses also, who are dedicated and have a high GPA of 3.90 and above, who go the 5 yr program route, but that is predicated upon maintaining a 3.75 gpa. Once GPA drops below 3.75, then the student is placed into the less competitive 6 yr program.
For many careers, the undergrad is important, and its reputation will speak loudly to grad schools or interviews.
For dentistry, where personable attitudes and caring disposition is more important, the school does not matter that much.
In fact, I can tell you some horror stories about students who are in supposedly excellent schools, who do horrible things and or have terrible grades.
Hope this helps, and good luck