RAlec114

Hi, I am interested in Upenn's Dental School (Which is very competitive and hard to get in), and I know there are many accerlerated programs that guarantee a spot in Upenn's dental school.

However, I am wondering, if I go to UPenn (I'm only a sophomore but I'm planning ahead) will that have any impact on me getting into UPenn Dental? WIll I get any increased chance?

Also, I am wondering in general, will you get a better chance, or any benefits, if you apply for a graduate school in a university where you already studied undergraduate at?

Thanks!

Venkat89

I believe that going to Penn *should* give you a slight boost. You still need to have all of the numbers and every predental student at Penn (no idea how many there are) will also probably apply to Penn Dental.

RAlec114

Ah so generally speaking, people *usually* get a slight boost?

I want to know all this because I have what it takes to get into an Ivy college, and I'd rather go to an Ivy college than to a lower level college because of the accelerated dental program.

nychica

There's a 7 year dental program that u can apply for.

But, regarding your other question, it depends on the school about advantages in getting into grad school. So, it depends. But the 7-year dental program is something u apply 4 as a freshman-applicant.

breaker746

"I want to know all this because I have what it takes to get into an Ivy college, and I'd rather go to an Ivy college than to a lower level college because of the accelerated dental program."

The want for "bragging rights" and prestige is too strong and seems a bit ignorant and arrogant. Accelerated dental programs are as difficult to get into as any ivy. College won't become high school all over again (for the admissions process.) Your chances of gettting in to the graduate school from the undergraduate school only slightly increases your chances (still extremely low.) You still basically have to have the high stats to get in. The cirriculum in the "lower college" is probably more challenging because it is accelerated. It would be the smart thing to do an accelerated program to a.) cut tuition, b.) become a dentist faster, c.) zero competition to get into dental school, d.) you are still going to UPenn for graduate( which is more important), e.) almost as prestigious, f.) nearly as competitive as an ivy ( if you really like that.), and g.) You are preparing for your future not certain mental pleasure gained from prestige. Sorry if it seemed like I was patronizing, it is just that one response seemed so arrogant.

RAlec114

I know, but I'm the kind of guy that cherishes education and prestige. I love prestige. I'm kind of stupid and stubborn in my own way, but that's just how I am.

It's one thing for me to become a dentist, and another to be in a school that I will love, with the best education, nice campus, etc.

But it's all a work in progress, I'm just trying to think ahead right now.
Plus the great universities have great orchestras that travel and preform around the world, and their musical players get paid! <--- another thing I am looking forward too.

but thanks for the harsh but true feedback, kartik/breaker/deepak

chrisw

Dude, you're a sophomore... you don't "have what it takes" by any means to get into a competitive school. You haven't had the opportunity to get the leadership experience and the extracurricular stuff yet. So before you go any further, remember that you need to focus on high school before focusing on college... freshman year is usually a joke... sophomore year can be pretty tough, and junior year is usually very tough.

That said, graduating from Penn undergrad doesn't actually give you a hook to get into any of the graduate schools, with the exception of most College Master's programs, which allow undergraduate majors to submatriculate pretty easily into the masters programs. The advantage comes in that Penn's professional schools know the academic level, so they may value a 3.5 from Penn the same way they would value a 3.7 or 3.8 at, say, Temple.

BTW prestige in undergrad is a pile of crap. Just wanted to put that out there.

diontechristmas

Temple also has a fantastic dental school (and the second oldest in the country).

nate24

yes. It does help you in applying for graduate school. Penn Med, Penn Law and most of the masters programs have very good relations with the major advisers, and typically help you with getting in. In no way are you guaranteed, it is simply a "legacy status" deal.

RAlec114

thanks nate24!