[gulll]

I wanted to do apply for dentistry after finishing my degree in physiology and pharmacology, however I ended up with a 2.2. I read on the King's College London website that they accept a lower second class (2.2) for their dental programmes, however I would need to do a masters. So I decided to enroll on a pharmacology masters course where I am predicted to obtain a merit mark. As I'm filling in my UCAS form, I've used 2 choices with the KCL programmes, I've emailed and rang the remaining dental schools and they are all saying I can't apply because I got a 2.2 in my first degree and that's all they will look at, not taking into account any masters an applicant may have done. Why is this? Birmingham and Dundee want a 1st in the degree, so I didn't bother emailing them.

Response from Barts and The London/QMUL:

Regrettably you are not eligible to apply to ANY of our courses. Unfortunately we do not accept applicants with 2:2s (or lower) in their first undergraduate degree for any of our courses, and you cannot offer any qualifications in lieu of this. We do not use any subsequent degrees for assessment purposes. I regret to inform you that if you apply to us you will be rejected immediately without interview.

Response from Liverpool:

We would advise that we would expect all graduate applicants who are applying for either the A201 4 year graduate entry BDS course or the A200 5 year BDS course to have achieved a minimum of a 2:1 in their first degree. Unfortunately, as we would only consider the first full degree that the applicant is awarded, further study (such as an MSc degree) would not compensate for a lower degree classification.

Response from Sheffield:

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the Dental Course at Sheffield. Unfortunately for us to consider an application form you we would require you to have a 2.1 in your degree.

Response from Bristol:

Unfortunately, you do not meet our entry requirements to apply to Dentistry as a graduate.

We ask for a minimum of a 2:1 at degree level (we do not consider Masters degrees or other post graduate study when conisdering applications) and a minimum of 3 Bs at A Level.

Response from Peninsula:

Unfortunately our entry requirements state 2:1 or above and we do not recognise Masters programmes therefore we would be unable to consider an application from you.

We are sorry this is a disappointing response but hope that you find a suitable institution in the future.

Response from UCLan:

Unfortunately, you do not meet the minimum academic entry criteria listed above in terms of degree classification (2.ii Hons in Biomedical Science). We are unable to consider any applicant who does not hold a minimum of a 2.i classification. I understand that you have subsequently gained a Masters; unfortunately, this does not outweigh the need to hold a minimum of an upper second classification in your first degree.

Response from Glasgow:

We unfortunately can only consider applications from graduates who have gained the minimum of a 2:1 classification at their first degree.

Response from Aberdeen:

Thank you for your email regarding admission to study Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen.

Unfortunately an MSc cannot be used to “upgrade” a 2:2 Honours degree.

I am sorry to send you such a disappointing reply.

[kog]

I imagine the competition in medicine/dentistry is so high for post grad (well it's not stricly `post-grad` it's still an undergrad course i believe, at least for medicine it is), they need to have a somewhat harsh way of cutting down the applicants quickly, not allowing anyone with a 2:2 seems an easy thing for them to do. Just be happy you can apply to KCL. The universities are merely `cherry picking` the best of the best for their post grad places on competitive courses.

Good Luck

[dentonza]

I think they look for any reason to start rejecting people because the course is very competitive.

[EcclesReece]

I've heard that Leeds accept MSc


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[DentalVet]

Sorry to be brutal but a 2.2 is rubbish. Med/Vet/Dent are hard core degrees to do. They expect you to be bright enough/motivated enough to have got through your first degree and have done well, not scrapped through. My view is that you should have a first to get in.

[ufo2012]

Only one word for it. Well, 2 actually:

******* disgusting

[mirror+probe]

(Original post by DentalVet)
Sorry to be brutal but a 2.2 is rubbish. Med/Vet/Dent are hard core degrees to do. They expect you to be bright enough/motivated enough to have got through your first degree and have done well, not scrapped through. My view is that you should have a first to get in.

A first class degree might mean you have the capability of passing the exams during the degree, but it doesn't mean you're going to make a good dentist. Some people could say if you can't get the AA in chemistry and biology at A-level, then you shouldn't apply as a graduate. Have fun at Aberdeen with your 1st class degree ...

[DentalVet]

(Original post by mirror+probe)
A first class degree might mean you have the capability of passing the exams during the degree, but it doesn't mean you're going to make a good dentist. Some people could say if you can't get the AA in chemistry and biology at A-level, then you shouldn't apply as a graduate. Have fun at Aberdeen with your 1st class degree ...

Maybe so, but the reverse is true as well. My point is that in a course where the universities are inundated with applicants, they can choose to be selective and make the cut off a 2.1. Given 30% of students get a 2.1 degree it is hardly unfair that they don't take 2.2. degrees as well.

By the way, I will have fun in Aberdeen and look forward to being a dentist (and a good one at that!) in four years.

[mirror+probe]

(Original post by gulll)
I wanted to do apply for dentistry after finishing my degree in physiology and pharmacology, however I ended up with a 2.2. I read on the King's College London website that they accept a lower second class (2.2) for their dental programmes, however I would need to do a masters. So I decided to enroll on a pharmacology masters course where I am predicted to obtain a merit mark. As I'm filling in my UCAS form, I've used 2 choices with the KCL programmes, I've emailed and rang the remaining dental schools and they are all saying I can't apply because I got a 2.2 in my first degree and that's all they will look at, not taking into account any masters an applicant may have done. Why is this? Birmingham and Dundee want a 1st in the degree, so I didn't bother emailing them.

All the best with applying to KCL, I'm sure you'll get in and make a great dentist. We might even end up in the same year! I've heard KCL like applicants who have done PG study, email Leeds and Manchester too and see what they say. Good luck.

Edit: At the open day the admissions assistant said getting a high UKCAT will make you stand out, so try and aim for 700+, these were her words.

[UR4]

If you consider degree classification as grades a 2.ii is equivalent to C grade. A school leaver could not get into Med/Dent/Vet school with three Cs at A levels.

Also the rationale for graduate entry was that a student didn't reach their full potential at a levels thus their degree should show that they have increased their academic ability, and unfortunately a 2i or higher is the generally hallmark for a "good" university student. Whilst 2ii is deemed average.

KCL (& st georgres) is unique in that they allow you a further chance to show academic ability, which I think is due to their commitment to widening partication and a desire to move away from appearing as an elistist university

I appreciate how fustrating it must be for you. But just study hard for the UKCAT to get a high mark to secure an interview.

[EcclesReece]

(Original post by DentalVet)
Sorry to be brutal but a 2.2 is rubbish. Med/Vet/Dent are hard core degrees to do. They expect you to be bright enough/motivated enough to have got through your first degree and have done well, not scrapped through. My view is that you should have a first to get in.

Generally, at least the ones at my uni, people who get 1sts are the ones who intend to remain within their field as an academic. Everyone I know who got a 1st in BMS at my uni are going on to do PhDs. Let's face it, the thought of someone with a 1st who got BBB at A level is a a bit odd.

So if it was as ridiculously elitist as you wish, they wouldn't fill up the places, simple really.

Also, deeming grades as 'rubbish' is ridiculous and makes you look a tool. A girl on my course has a family of her own, and could only do her uni work after she'd fulfilled her duties as a mother, but she still worked her arse off to get her 2:2. Is that still rubbish? But don't let me stop you from sitting on your pedestal. At the end of the day, you did just as 'rubbish' as the rest of us in the first place as you had to go down the graduate route.

[cptKernow]

(Original post by EcclesReece)
Let's face it, the thought of someone with a 1st who got BBB at A level is a a bit odd.

I got ACD at A level. I now have two 1st class degrees. I got a D at GCSE chemistry and a distinction (85%) at core degree level.
Point is, past performance isn't always the best indicator of ability.

But yes,I take your point about being odd

[DentalVet]

(Original post by EcclesReece)
Generally, at least the ones at my uni, people who get 1sts are the ones who intend to remain within their field as an academic. Everyone I know who got a 1st in BMS at my uni are going on to do PhDs. Let's face it, the thought of someone with a 1st who got BBB at A level is a a bit odd.

So if it was as ridiculously elitist as you wish, they wouldn't fill up the places, simple really.

Also, deeming grades as 'rubbish' is ridiculous and makes you look a tool. A girl on my course has a family of her own, and could only do her uni work after she'd fulfilled her duties as a mother, but she still worked her arse off to get her 2:2. Is that still rubbish? But don't let me stop you from sitting on your pedestal. At the end of the day, you did just as 'rubbish' as the rest of us in the first place as you had to go down the graduate route.

Actually, my undergrad degree was veterinary medicine. I am looking at a career change. So not so rubbish after all!

[sukee]

(Original post by DentalVet)
Actually, my undergrad degree was veterinary medicine. I am looking at a career change. So not so rubbish after all!

Nice of you to deprive someone else of a VetMed place. You'll probably want another career change after doing 4 years at dental school ... What's it going to be next, Optometry? Pharmacy? Medicine?

[DentalVet]

(Original post by sukee)
Nice of you to deprive someone else of a VetMed place. You'll probably want another career change after doing 4 years at dental school ... What's it going to be next, Optometry? Pharmacy? Medicine?

Medicine most likely :-)

[sukee]

(Original post by DentalVet)
Medicine most likely :-)

The good thing about this forum is, your prospective peers will get an idea of who to avoid when they start dental school. I'm sure it won't be a difficult task to identify who the vet in the year is out of a group of 20 ...

[Norton1]

(Original post by DentalVet)
Medicine most likely :-)

From cats' arses to peoples' mouths.

Not sure that's the most hygienic way to do things.

[DentalVet]

(Original post by sukee)
The good thing about this forum is, your prospective peers will get an idea of who to avoid when they start dental school. I'm sure it won't be a difficult task to identify who the vet in the year is out of a group of 20 ...

I think my peer group will appreciate the fact that none of us got a 2.2 to get in and that I am standing up for maintaining an acceptable level of academic ability in the selection process. It serves no purpose to admit students who on average are more likely to struggle. If it is as intense as vet (and it is) than it is going to be tough. Why should the Uni take the punt?
Furthermore, all of us are technically undergoing a career change as we have all opted to do grad dentistry. The fact that I did vet and it wasn't for me is no different to someone having done neuroscience or any other undergraduate degree and then deciding they want to be a dentist.
Finally, your comment about avoiding people on a small course smacks of the juvenile. Grow up.

[DentalVet]

(Original post by Norton1)
From cats' arses to peoples' mouths.

Not sure that's the most hygienic way to do things.

well indeed

[sukee]

(Original post by DentalVet)
I think my peer group will appreciate the fact that none of us got a 2.2 to get in and that I am standing up for maintaining an acceptable level of academic ability in the selection process. It serves no purpose to admit students who on average are more likely to struggle. If it is as intense as vet (and it is) than it is going to be tough. Why should the Uni take the punt?
Furthermore, all of us are technically undergoing a career change as we have all opted to do grad dentistry. The fact that I did vet and it wasn't for me is no different to someone having done neuroscience or any other undergraduate degree and then deciding they want to be a dentist.
Finally, your comment about avoiding people on a small course smacks of the juvenile. Grow up.

So you're saying only people with a 1st should be allowed to do graduate entry dentistry?

KCL said if you get onto the course, you're deemed capable and they have a thorough selection process.

To be fair, I don't see anyone else as bothered about it as you. Anyways I shan't argue, good luck with your life and goodbye.