Application Process

[DoctorSaab]

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OK, Would someone be so kind as to explain the entire application process?

I have NO knowledge about this at all. I would like to apply right after my spring semester, even though I would have just finished about 65 semester hours with hopefully a GPA a little above ~3.6. All of my dental prerequisites would be done, except for the year of physics. I plan to take that class Junior year.

I have not taken the DAT's, however some people have told me I can still apply before taking the DAT. I can take the DAT later, and then send my scores in.

How later can you send your scores? I plan on taking my DATs maybe late July, or early August 2004. Is this too late to apply?

With a GPA of 3.6, what do you guys think a good DAT score would be, that could get me in a specific school. Could you tell me what school you think I would have a shot at?

I am a resident of Illinois by the way.

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

Apply in May, take your DAT by early August. I would imagine you would have to do pretty well (20+) because you will be competing with those who are going to enter dental school with a college degree. Apply to your state schools and a few private ones that look good. Look around for a few state schools that accept lots out out-of-state applicants and apply there as well. I would apply to 8-9 schools.

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

One more thing - I would look at the schools entering classes and see how many they take without a degree. A quick call to the school to discuss this would be a good idea as well.

 

[grettlin2]

Getting the admission without a college degree is doable, but very very difficult. I interviewed with a private school and a person in my group said he interviewed everywhere he applied with only completing 3 years. If you are interested, pm me about the school.

If you plan to take DAT late (just like me), I would recommend the schedule:
In March or April -> complete your essay.
In May or early June -> turn in AADSAS application.
In late Auguest (depend on if you feel comfortable) -> take DAT

** Choose schools wisely! Case starts to interview in late July, and they interview students for alternative list after late Oct. **

 

[grettlin2]

oh...yea.. collect your recommendation as early as possible. Since the committee always meets late, you have to collect other letters. The committee can send out all your rols when the committee letter is ready.

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

I disagree with some of these post. You have plenty of time to study for the DAT, so take it as close as possible to the application time.

i.e if you apply in may/june (highly recommended) take it no LATER than JUNE!!!

There are many schools, such as NOVA, that will not even look at your file until it is complete, and that means having a DAT score in there. So if you took it in Aug, it would be like applying in aug...actually sept bec it takes 3 weeks for the schools to get the scores.

So while others that applied in may/june with you will be taking the DAT, you will be flying out to interviews

 

[dr_benj]

I agree, take the DAT early....you won't need the entire summer to study for it

**BTW case starts interviewing in late August not late July.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Originally posted by dr_benj


**BTW case starts interviewing in early August not early July.

He said "late July" which is essentially early August (for intents and purposes).

 

[grettlin2]

Originally posted by Brocnizer2007
I disagree with some of these post. You have plenty of time to study for the DAT, so take it as close as possible to the application time.

i.e if you apply in may/june (highly recommended) take it no LATER than JUNE!!!

I turned in AADSAS application in early June, and took DAT in late August. Sent out Rols in mid Sep. and received 6 interviews in early Oct., including NOVA.

It depends on your personal schedule, but I recommend that you might want to take DAT before the school begins.

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

Out of curosity, did you go to 6 interviews in Oct or did you get interview invites and setup later dates?

You can ask Yah-e, Nova will not touch your application until is all there, so you probably could have gotten sooner dates.

I'm going from my experience from the 2002 cycle. Things might have changed and do correct me if they have. Last thing I want to do is misinform people.