Adviser tells me to take a gap year...should I?

[barneystinson02]

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Hello! I was all set to apply in June for the upcoming cycle, but my adviser basically told me that I would not get into dental schools this year unless I took a gap year. The reason she told me this was because I do not have any research experience, although I will be starting a research position this summer after I apply (if I do). I was wondering what people's thoughts were about this and if I should listen to her or not. I really don't want to take a gap year, but I don't want to waste time and money applying if I'm not going to get in anywhere this cycle.

My overall GPA is 3.7, science GPA is 3.5, AA 21 and TS 21. I have a couple of leadership positions for clubs, and decent number of shadowing and volunteer hours.

What are your thoughts?

 

[dr.d00m]

Hello! I was all set to apply in June for the upcoming cycle, but my adviser basically told me that I would not get into dental schools this year unless I took a gap year. The reason she told me this was because I do not have any research experience, although I will be starting a research position this summer after I apply (if I do). I was wondering what people's thoughts were about this and if I should listen to her or not. I really don't want to take a gap year, but I don't want to waste time and money applying if I'm not going to get in anywhere this cycle.

My overall GPA is 3.7, science GPA is 3.5, AA 21 and TS 21. I have a couple of leadership positions for clubs, and decent number of shadowing and volunteer hours.

What are your thoughts?

I would say get a different advisor. With those stats, I'd recommend applying right away. Research isn't something that is heavily focused on admission to most dental schools, as long as you have good volunteering and shadowing experiences. A gap year for you would only be useful if you felt you needed to give yourself a breather before starting school, and since that's not the case, there's no point wasting a whole year.

 

[Stanelz]

Me and you are twins stat wise except for research. I would apply, most people dont have research experience.

Your advisor does not seem very good.

 

[MickeyMouse45]

my advisor told me to have a gap year when i applied last year coz of not having enough dental related experience. I didn't listen to her. I applied and got 7 interviews. In 1/7 interviews, i was asked about my research.

 

[Likkriue]

Go ahead and apply. You don't need research.

 

[luisfigo]

Don't listen to him, you're already starting a research position which you can put on your application. Apply!

 

[711769]

Don't listen to him, you're already starting a research position which you can put on your application. Apply!

I dont think you can write anything you haven't done yet. OP said he will get a potential position AFTER he submitted so I dont think that will fly with ADCOM.

What are your thoughts on this? can we write what we are planning on doing on the app or no?

 

[kingtp]

This adviser needs a wake up call. I find it troubling that he/she may be giving the same advice to other qualified applicants and they end up wasting a year of their life.

Good thing you came here to get advice.

Apply

 

[Faefly]

This person is setting you for failure!
Many people don't have research and get in! You gpa and DAT are very good!
Just make sure you have shadowing and volunteer experience and good Personal statements.

 

[gangazi]

I received multiple acceptances without any research experience. You can def apply and get in


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[tyjacobs]

Hello! I was all set to apply in June for the upcoming cycle, but my adviser basically told me that I would not get into dental schools this year unless I took a gap year. The reason she told me this was because I do not have any research experience, although I will be starting a research position this summer after I apply (if I do). I was wondering what people's thoughts were about this and if I should listen to her or not. I really don't want to take a gap year, but I don't want to waste time and money applying if I'm not going to get in anywhere this cycle.

My overall GPA is 3.7, science GPA is 3.5, AA 21 and TS 21. I have a couple of leadership positions for clubs, and decent number of shadowing and volunteer hours.

What are your thoughts?

def dont take a gap year. apply!

 

[helloboys]

You seem to have everything in check. Your GPA and DAT scores are above average for most dental schools. You could easily get accepted to a lot of dental schools with your stats and no research. Don't waste time taking a gap year, because research will not be the determining point.

 

[ncide]

This adviser needs a wake up call. I find it troubling that he/she may be giving the same advice to other qualified applicants and they end up wasting a year of their life.

Good thing you came here to get advice.

Apply

OP apply, you have a good chance. Your advisor doesn't know what s/he's talking about and needs a wake up call like kingtp said.

 

[WheatLom]

Get a new advisor. Or just don't use them. I was better off with out mine. He was just CLUELESS about being an advisor. Didn't even know what AADSAS was haha.

 

[Universitygeek]

Dump that advisor asap!

 

[shwayne]

Take it from someone who's applying DDS/PhD and is taking 2 years off to pursue research.. you don't need it! apply this cycle..

 

[dentstudent 2015]

You don't have the greatest advisor. Definitely apply this cycle.

 

[blablabla1]

I constantly wonder how these school advisors have jobs. Most people on SDN can do a better job

 

[Craig_Sherwood234]

Your "advisor" is an idiot.

If he or she was any good, then he or she wouldn't be an "advisor" for undergraduates in the first place that are seeking admission into professional programs. If you want something, do it yourself. Do your own research, et cetera.