Waitlisted - Taking suggestions

[cacazor]

I am still a senior in college working towards my B.S, but other than that I don't really have anything going for me right now. I will likely continue to volunteer here and there, but nothing too significantly (Getting pretty burnt out with all the EC TBH with nothing to show for). What would be a good plan B in case I don't get into dental school this cycle? Even if I reapply, I'd have a gap year. I'd like to get my hands wet at a research lab, but if I get into dental school I will need to leave the lab. If dental school doesn't ever work out, I think my only other viable career with my degree is something biotech related; I want to be prepared for that.

I am at a complete lost right now.

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[cacajuate]

Do the research lab during the gap year. Will also give you some time away from school which will probably be nice.

 

[predental75]

Do you have any shadowing hours? Not sure if that's what you meant by volunteer.

 

[cacazor]

Do the research lab during the gap year. Will also give you some time away from school which will probably be nice.

that's certainly my intention if I do a gap year, but do you think it would be wise to start looking for a position now or wait until I know I wont get in?

@predental75 : I have about 100 hours of shadowing. Do you think I need more?

 

[Weakfart]

that's certainly my intention if I do a gap year, but do you think it would be wise to start looking for a position now or wait until I know I wont get in?

@predental75 : I have about 100 hours of shadowing. Do you think I need more?

100 is good. Maybe apply to the NIH? The application is due soon though.

 

[cacazor]

100 is good. Maybe apply to the NIH? The application is due soon though.

thanks. I will look into it. Is summer internship the only thing that NIH offers?

 

[Weakfart]

thanks. I will look into it. Is summer internship the only thing that NIH offers?

Not sure but I think they offer a variety of positions. I have a friend taking a gap year with plans of getting into a position.

 

[predental75]

You could also look into universities near you that have graduate research labs and are offering technician/research specialist positions. Every now and then they'll only require a bachelors degree. I've work as one for almost 3 years and just found the position online. My stats are super similar to yours too, and I'm pretty sure my research experience helped me get into my top choice school. I had just over 100 shadowing hrs so I think that should be enough - might not look bad to keep shadowing through the year when you can though

 

[cacazor]

thanks pre-dental. I will look into that

what about any master or post-bacc programs? even though my GPA is a 3.4, I have a strong upward trend (3.85 for the last 4 semesters).

Also, I notice that oos friendly school like lecom and NYU deadline to submit application havent passed yet. should I add the schools?