A few honest questions...

[karmakola]

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Fellow adventurers...
I have a few questions and would love some collective wisdom. But before I start, a HUGE THANK YOU 2 all those souls that keep this forum going...after having read 400-500 messages I stand much more informed. You efforts make a big difference! 😛
In any case, I am a 26 year old strategy consultant in Boston, MA, having graduated in 1999 from a small liberal arts college with major in sociology and economics. I knew I wanted to do something in healthcare while in college and so I completed all the pre-med requirements EXCEPT one couse in physics and one in biology. I have decided after much introspection and having spent some time at a dentist's ofice that I am going to be applying to dental schools next year for fall of 2003. I was wondering about the following and would love some feedback:
1. Should I attempt to complete the bare minimum requirements (2 more courses) next year in spring and take the DAT at the end of the summer? Or should I complement my undergrad coursework with advanced courses in physiology and anatomy alongwith completing the requirements? (just for reference my undergrad gpa was 3.72 and science gpa was 3.5 -- with A's in 2 semesters of calculus, physics and inorganic, 1 B and 1 C in orgo and 1 B in bio)?
2. How do dental schools deal with "non-traditional" students? I am prepared to quit the job for taking more classes this fall but since I have family financial issues, I would prefer working for the next 3-4 months.
Also is it better to repeat some couses like intro bio and orgo to get pumped up for DAT given that I haven't seen a sci textbook in 3 years?! (I hated orgo labs)
3. Are there merit scholarships at dental schools? and if so, would taking upper level courses help me?

Thanks for your time and patience. And yes, chill out 'cause we all gonna be just OK!!!

 

[GoatBoy]

Definitely take the DAT as soon as possible (the end of this summer is good). As for fullfilling the course requirements along with physio and anatomy, there is no question that having already taken both physiology and anatomy will be extremely helpful once in dental school, however, if you need to maintain your job due to a financial situation I would recommend just taking the pre-reqs. You will have to work harder in dental school with out the courses but it can be done (I plan on doing it).
I am sure that you are already aware, but get your application in as soon as possible.
As for repeating courses, I wouldn't bother. If you really feel that you need some serious review in a class room setting I would consider a Kaplan Prep course. However, I feel that just studying from books and getting some practice tests will be sufficient.
There are merit scholarships, but they vary from school to school. From the ones that I know about they are pretty much dependant on your GPA and scores (at least the ones that I know about - I'm sure there are probably others).
I am really not to familiar with how non traditional students are dealt with, sorry.

I hope that helps.

 

[groundhog]

If I were you, I would first enroll in a Kaplan Dat prep course. Their practice tests will do two things for you. One, you will get a good feel for when you are prepared to take the real DAT. Two, you will get a better feel as to whether or not you need to repeat some of those bio and chem courses. You have plenty of time to put your package together if you plan to apply for 2003. Get some input from dental admission folks too. Give yourself the best chance possible to succeed.