Sorry if this is a stupid question, but what is considered applying early (month of the year)? When should the DAT be taken in order to apply early? What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow (european)?
To get the most advantage over all other applicants, stay up May 14th until midnight. The
2008 cycle's application will become available at this time. Complete the application through the rest of the night.
You can take the DAT before or after your application is submitted. It doesn't matter because your scores are forwarded to schools directly by the ADA - AADSAS is not involved. You want to have the DAT done by the time dental schools begin reviewing your application. I would call the schools you are interested and ask them when they begin reviewing the first batch of applications to get an idea when this time is.
There is no use submitting early if your application is going to be held up from being reviewed by your missing DAT scores.
Make sure to do your personal statement in advance and save it as a word document. Also figure out who you want to write you letters of recommendation and ask them to begin writing them now, so they can submit the letters once your application is submitted. Also,
do not have them submit the letters of recommendation prior to May 15th, AADSAS will count them for last cycle and throw them away - I had it happen to me, it was not a good experience.
One last thing, get a copy of your transcript, including next semesters classes, you will need it to fill out your application.
If you want to get a feel for what the application looks like go to
http://aadsas.adea.org and register for the 2007 cycle. You can look at the application and all the parts to it. Just don't bother filling it out, and obviously don't submit it.
