5th year Senior?

[bballa775]

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Hey guys,

I figured this topic would be on here somewhere but I got tired of looking, so I'll ask again. I kind of messed up my first year in college, partly because I was unsure of dentistry. I am majoring in Biology, and now it might take me an extra year to complete my undergrad program. Is this a bad thing? or is being a 5th year senior normal, considering that my GPA will be very competitive and assuming my DAT scores will also be adequate.

 

[Dan3223]

I dont think it really matters. As long as your grades are good and you have good scores, you will be fine.
I did the exact same thing. My first year was pretty much a waste of time because I didnt know what I wanted to do yet.... so it took me 5 years too. I was never asked about it at any interview... and I dont think it's an issue.

 

[r3dr0s3s]

I was thinking of taking "2" years off after my 4 year undergrad. I was wondering how this would effect me as well. 2 years meaning if i graduated 2008, I plan to attend Fall 2010. What do you guys think?

 

[bballa775]

To be honest I don't think taking two years off would be the smartest idea if you are planning to attend dental school. For one, you need to get a LOR from a professor. Going back to your university two years later to get one might be difficult. In addition, you have to take the DAT. The test is hard enough, but taking it two years after your undergrad classes might make it hard for you to study the material. Just some things to think about. I'm sure you can take two years off if you really wanted, but why not just get it all over with.

 

[polarmolar]

Actually taking time off is normal--the average age of a D1 is ~25.

Things to do however: make sure you take the DAT's with your science classes (relatively) fresh in your mind--coming back to the material years later is not fun! Furthermore, spending those 2 years strengthening your application could make you a shoe in for when you decide to apply.

 

[BeBe01]

Well it took me 6 years to graduate. I just didnt really care about school my first 2 years. How will that look on my application?