Advice on applying this cycle or next?

[DentalDreams1313]

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Hi everyone! First time poster here looking for some advice 🙂
I am currently debating whether I should apply this cycle or next and I would greatly appreciate some feedback! Here are my stats/a little bit of background to give you all an idea of what my application would look like:

Graduated in Dec. 2017; Biology Major in Honors College; oGPA:3.68; sGPA: 3.54
DAT: 21 AA, 18 TS, 16 OC (ugh), 21 GC, 19 BIO, 20 PA, 28 RC, 22 QR
Extracurricular Activities: E-Board for pre-health club, Honors college, Sorority
500 hours of tutoring, 200+ hours of volunteering, 50 hours of shadowing (!)

Here's what I'm worried about:
I switched from pre-med to pre-dental during junior year of college (due to involvement with a dentist through the pre-health club) but was unable to shadow due to a heavy work schedule, classes, and involvement in extracurriculars. I began shadowing in January 2018 (which, I am aware, is late in the game) and studying for my DAT. I just took my DAT last week and am now looking for a second dentist to shadow to gain more exposure in the field. I also am in the process of completing the requirements for my school's pre-health committee. I am worried that I will receive an interview with the committee a bit later than I would like, which would most likely result in me applying sometime in August. Overall, I'm struggling with whether to apply this cycle with low shadowing hours and a late application OR to wait until next cycle when I will have more shadowing hours, an early application, but might be questioned as to why I waited an additional year to apply.

I apologize for a lengthy posting, I just wanted to make sure I included all necessary information for you all. I really appreciate any advice! Thanks so much 🙂

 

[bwc]

Apply only when you are ready (only you can decide this). If you need an extra year to build a more competitive profile, then there is nothing wrong with taking your time.

 

[Lane138]

Usually I recommend people to go for it!! but in your case, if your application is already on the weaker side, it might be unwise to rush through as a late applicant. Many schools give out interviews on a rolling basis, and the best chances are finishing application before August. I can also see several spots where you can strengthen your application, so it might be worth taking an additional year to improve DAT scores, more dental-specific activities, etc.

That being said, you can also try to apply for 1-2 schools and see what happens! At worst you'll be out $1000 but you'll have gained experience.