3 years or 4 years in undergrad?

[skazyjae]

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I am sophomore right now, but by the credit im senior because of ap credits and dual credits. so the only courses that i need to get my bachelor's degree are my major courses (biochem 1,2 anatomy&physiology, genetics and molecular cell). my advisor told me that i can just graduate on May 2013, or I can work at research lab and get some research experiences + money then go to dental school...
Right now I do not have any research experience, but i got decent ECs (academic coordinator at KUSA, member of AED(pre health club), 30 hrs of shadowing doctors/dentists, 2 years of pharmacy tech and 1 year of hospice volunteer)
which path should I choose? Faster way or higher quality?

cgpa 3.85
sgpa 3.92
DAT(avg practice exam) 20 aa 23 pat

 

[John Durian]

I am sophomore right now, but by the credit im senior because of ap credits and dual credits. so the only courses that i need to get my bachelor's degree are my major courses (biochem 1,2 anatomy&physiology, genetics and molecular cell). my advisor told me that i can just graduate on May 2013, or I can work at research lab and get some research experiences + money then go to dental school...
Right now I do not have any research experience, but i got decent ECs (academic coordinator at KUSA, member of AED(pre health club), 30 hrs of shadowing doctors/dentists, 2 years of pharmacy tech and 1 year of hospice volunteer)
which path should I choose? Faster way or higher quality?

cgpa 3.85
sgpa 3.92
DAT(avg practice exam) 20 aa 23 pat

Take the DAT first. If I were you, I would volunteer more at a dental office, do some research, then graduate a year early. Gl.

 

[UCLAzy]

i dont know anybody who looks back at their college life and says 'damn dude, if i had only graduated a year early...!!'

instead, i often hear 'man, having responsibilities kinda sucks. i wish i'd stayed in college forever...!!'

 

[Mr. Thirsty]

I am sophomore right now, but by the credit im senior because of ap credits and dual credits. so the only courses that i need to get my bachelor's degree are my major courses (biochem 1,2 anatomy&physiology, genetics and molecular cell). my advisor told me that i can just graduate on May 2013, or I can work at research lab and get some research experiences + money then go to dental school...
Right now I do not have any research experience, but i got decent ECs (academic coordinator at KUSA, member of AED(pre health club), 30 hrs of shadowing doctors/dentists, 2 years of pharmacy tech and 1 year of hospice volunteer)
which path should I choose? Faster way or higher quality?

cgpa 3.85
sgpa 3.92
DAT(avg practice exam) 20 aa 23 pat

No need to rush everything. Take the DAT first. If you get a solid score, and want to finish up and apply to dental school go for it. Your GPA is good enough, as long as you keep it where it's at no school will overlook you. If you want to apply to a school that is in to research (Pitt pops in my mind) then stay in undergrad a little longer, take your time and do some research. But I think graduating in 3 years is a great idea if you can do it, and will give you one extra year as a dentist! GL

 

[2th Doc]

You have stats similar to mine. I'm of the opinion that if you fulfill all the other requirements like ECs, shadowing, and all your pre-reqs are either completed or scheduled, I say get it done, meaning move on to dental school, unless you don't mind waiting an extra unnecessary year. For me, I want to get into the work place as fast as possible. Then again, if I wasn't married with two kids, well, I'd still probably want to get done with school, but I could see reasons why it might be nice to take advantage of other opportunities in undergrad. It all depends on your personality and what you want. I haven't had any trouble getting interviews with good numbers and sufficient/average ECs, shadowing, etc. Having research, more shadowing, and more volunteer experience certainly would have boosted my application, but in retrospect now, having received sufficient interviews, I can say it wouldn't have been necessary. I only would have pursued research for purposes of boosting my application. Now knowing that I didn't really need it OR want it, I'm glad I didn't do it.

 

[reely989]

I honestly wouldn't rush. I'd love to be in your position to have a year where I could relax a bit. There is really no reason to rush into it. I never understood the rush of getting into a program like dental school where it is more or less an 8-5 job, that requires additional commitment. Not that that is a bad thing, but enjoy college. You will have more free time now than you will for a long while, take advantage of it.

 

[tayloreve]

dannnnng...a sophomore and already classified as a senior. that is insane. especially with your GPA....good job dude!


I'm with the rest...I wouldn't rush college! But that's just me. If you really are dying to get into dental school ASAP then go for it. Good luck! Keep us posted!

 

[bing12]

take your time. you only go through college once ( hopefully). finish all your legit classes within the 3 years, then go study abroad or just enjoy the year.

 

[2th Doc]

Looks like the 8-Ball says to take your time 😛

 

[quackwhacker]

Pick 4 years without a doubt. I would give anything to go through college again. Friends, females, and a whole lotta fun.

 

[skazyjae]

so almost everyone saying that i should take my time..gahh its so hard to make decision, but thanks everyone for helping me out. I still havent decided..

 

[shinjury]

I am sophomore right now, but by the credit im senior because of ap credits and dual credits. so the only courses that i need to get my bachelor's degree are my major courses (biochem 1,2 anatomy&physiology, genetics and molecular cell). my advisor told me that i can just graduate on May 2013, or I can work at research lab and get some research experiences + money then go to dental school...
Right now I do not have any research experience, but i got decent ECs (academic coordinator at KUSA, member of AED(pre health club), 30 hrs of shadowing doctors/dentists, 2 years of pharmacy tech and 1 year of hospice volunteer)
which path should I choose? Faster way or higher quality?

cgpa 3.85
sgpa 3.92
DAT(avg practice exam) 20 aa 23 pat

I was in the same situation. I thought I wanted to graduate early. Instead, I'm here for 4 years. In my third year, I was able to take extra science courses to boost my transcript and better prepare me for first year of dental school. This has given me the option to be a part-time student this year (6 credits in fall, plan to take 4 in spring).

I'm glad I've chosen this because - among other freedoms - when I miss school for out of state interviews, I don't end up missing 6 classes or anything crazy like that.

You'll have to choose what's right for you obviously. Research really helps too. I'd suggest anything you want to really show off (advanced bio courses, research, etc.) complete before you apply.