Anyone can help me out...

[JCox1303]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I just recently found this website and it is great! Here is my story:

After HS I joined the Marine Corps and recently got out in July of 10'. I am going to a CC for 1 year and then transferring to Arizona State U. I chose to go to CC for my first year because in HS I was a C student and the only reason I passed classes was to be eligible to play sports. I know I am a much better student than that, but at the time I did not care. Now, after the Marines, I understand the value of school and can not wait to start school this Aug. I do want to be a dentist, more than anything.

Here are all of my Q's:

What pre-reqs should I avoid taking at CC and wait to take at ASU?

What can I do right now, 3 years prior to applying to DS, to help me for success?

Is it a bad idea to do prac-DAT tests now without really knowing much of the knowledge needed to score high?

I am thinking about spending about 100$ on some DAT study guides soon. Good or bad idea being that I won't actually take it for a couple years and I should just focus on what I am learning in class for the time being?

Any other advice you guys out there who are about to graduate college or who have recently been accepted to DS or current dental students or even big shot dentists...please feel free to help me out. I know I have a long road to go, but I am excited to get a great education and be a phenomenal dentist. Anything you got, I am all ears...

Thanks. And I know some of these Qs have been answered on previous posts, but I think other ppls answers could be useful.

 

[dentaldawg32]

I just recently found this website and it is great! Here is my story:

After HS I joined the Marine Corps and recently got out in July of 10'. I am going to a CC for 1 year and then transferring to Arizona State U. I chose to go to CC for my first year because in HS I was a C student and the only reason I passed classes was to be eligible to play sports. I know I am a much better student than that, but at the time I did not care. Now, after the Marines, I understand the value of school and can not wait to start school this Aug. I do want to be a dentist, more than anything.

Here are all of my Q's:

What pre-reqs should I avoid taking at CC and wait to take at ASU?

Ideally, no pre-reqs should be taken at CC. Dental schools unanimously prefer pre-reqs to be taken at a 4 year university. However, if you MUST, take only one or two and then take some upper-levels at ASU and do well on the DAT. I would just take your gen-eds at CC and then all your pre-reqs at ASU. That really is the best route.

What can I do right now, 3 years prior to applying to DS, to help me for success?

You can study, get good grades, and do some extracurricular activity (clubs, research, volunteering, etc.). You should also start shadowing a dentist to see if this is a career you would actually enjoy.

Is it a bad idea to do prac-DAT tests now without really knowing much of the knowledge needed to score high?

Think about this. Would it make sense to study for a test on subjects you've not yet learned?

I am thinking about spending about 100$ on some DAT study guides soon. Good or bad idea being that I won't actually take it for a couple years and I should just focus on what I am learning in class for the time being?

You need to relax. The DAT should not be of importance to you right now. You need to take the pre-reqs and do well in them. Only after you have completed all pre-reqs (those on the DAT, atleast) should you begin studying for the DAT.

Any other advice you guys out there who are about to graduate college or who have recently been accepted to DS or current dental students or even big shot dentists...please feel free to help me out. I know I have a long road to go, but I am excited to get a great education and be a phenomenal dentist. Anything you got, I am all ears...

Thanks. And I know some of these Qs have been answered on previous posts, but I think other ppls answers could be useful.

You're right. This has all been answered several times and a simple search would have given you your answer much quicker.

Read above in bold.

 

[DonutEater]

I am thinking about spending about 100$ on some DAT study guides soon.

bad idea. The necessary books you need to ace the DAT combined would cost you at least $500. With a $100 limit, you won't get above 19AA unless your a genius.

 

[UFRalo]

Well first off thank you for serving our country. I can't really say enough how much I (and most people I know) appreciate what our service men and women have done and we are extremely proud!

I went to a CC and then transferred to a state school much like you seem to be on pace for. I would make sure you know what courses you need to finish before transferring. I'm not sure about AZ, but in FL we had to take Bio I and II, and CHEM I and II to transfer into biology related majors at my school. I was not told this and had to scramble and commute to another school to finish the CHEM requirements the summer before I could actually transfer. So be sure to see what the minimum you need to transfer is and take those.

As far as DAT studying goes, I wouldn't worry about that until you are getting closer to applying. Instead, you can look for a dentist's office or clinic to shadow and volunteer at in your free time. When I was at my CC I was able to do tons of shadowing, volunteering and working in dental offices because my scheduling made it easy. So just do as well as you can in school and start shadowing, etc.

Good luck!