Attempting Dental School @ 24

[IllBADentist]

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Ok first off i'm new to this forum, i was actually looking for information about the DDS/PhD dual degree program, while i'm all for getting a dual degree at the acquired age of 24. I'm a bit skeptical in regards to this as my GPA (which was once AMAZINGLY a 3.8) has dropped to a 2.8 within the last 4 semesters because of work constraints (i refuse to take out student loans for school and have been denied several grants, have applied for scholarships but have not had any luck with them, so i had to work multiple jobs and go to school). I'm going to take the DAT in June 2011 and I'm applying to local colleges in Texas because i'm positive i won't get into any other colleges out of state, i suppose i'm on here right now writing this as i'm attempting to complete my application for the DDS program for 2012 (which i'll be 25 once i enter, but my GPA should be higher because i've gotten A's and B's these past 2 semesters and still have a few more classes to complete before 2012 rolls around) to see if i should even bother doing this (my plans were to join the military once i completed the DDS program and then later on apply for a maxiofacial type deal) or should i just flat out drop out and either take the 13 month Denttech program or join the military...?

Anyone out there go through a DDS program and join the military? if so what was your entrance GPA and your scores on the DAT?


😳

 

[Denta1986]

I'm 24 too! Just be dedicated and make that your goal. You work hard enough to want something you'll eventually get it.

 

[IllBADentist]

I'm 24 too! Just be dedicated and make that your goal. You work hard enough to want something you'll eventually get it.

I certainly hope that i get in this time around and don't have to apply again, i feel like i'm rapidly aging and not going anywhere, i suppose it doesn't help that since graduating high school i've been saving up for dental school even risking my GPA to hopefully eventually pay for it... if i get in 🙁

I'm praying that i get in because it's all i've EVER wanted oddly enough.

 

[rockclock]

...ummm, you're 24...so what?! even in the best-case scenario you'd be 22 going into dental school assuming 4 years of college and not having skipped any grades. two years of the "pace" is nothing. you're no where near the age where you should even be thinking about having age-related discussions. set goals and go get them.

 

[IllBADentist]

...ummm, you're 24...so what?! even in the best-case scenario you'd be 22 going into dental school assuming 4 years of college and not having skipped any grades. two years of the "pace" is nothing. you're no where near the age where you should even be thinking about having age-related discussions. set goals and go get them.

I suppose i'm having this mental war with myself because i've begun to run into a few individuals that are 20 or 21 and applying for dental school, but at the same time i'm hearing their financial woes because they've elected to take out all if not most of their student loans just to complete their basics... i on the other hand decided i would forfeit classes and years in order to pay my way through my basics and not so much have to worry about paying out the 80K + in dental school bills that i will eventually have (unless i stick to my plan of having the military pay for it).

 

[IllBADentist]

This DDS/PhD application is ripping me apart during my finals... i was not aware i needed a research essay.

 

[UCSD1984]

My friend, I'm about to turn 27 in July and I'm just now starting a Post-Bacc program for 2 years before even applying to Dental School. I'll be lucky if I get in Fall of 2013, assuming the best case scenario. By the time I obtain my DDS/DMD, I'll be 32.

I've fought with the idea of grad school simply because it used to sadden me to know that I'll be over 28 when I finish (I didn't start college until I was 22). But when I REALLY think about it, I know that by the age of 32 I'll be saying "Damn...I could've been graduating as a DENTIST right now. Why the hell didn't I do it?"

Don't worry about age, trust me. That's the number one thing that kept me away from going to Medical School and once that depression due to age kicked in, my grades dropped sharply...as if they weren't bad enough before. I was at a 3.3 once. Now I've graduated with a 2.76. Take my word for it...I would give ANYTHING to be your age again so I could think as clearly as I am now. I'm glad you found these forums because they're insanely inspirational and helpful.

Best of luck to you bro.

 

[spearmint]

Y'all are spring chickens! If you're getting letters/advertisements from AARP, then I would think twice about going back to school.

 

[UCSD1984]

Y'all are spring chickens! If you're getting letters/advertisements from AARP, then I would think twice about going back to school.

LMAO! I had to google "AARP" to see what the heck you even meant. That's good stuff.

 

[sacapuntas]

If you are serious about getting into dental school, take out loans for your undergrad and work less. You need to improve your GPA, and if that is not possible with your work schedule, you need to decide what is most important. I think your priorities are off right now.

Stop worrying about going into debt right now, view it as an investment that will pay off handsomely in the future. It is wise to not go into unnecessary debt, but there is nothing wrong with investing in your education.

 

[In2Infinity]

If you are serious about getting in man, GPA>>>making money. not hard to see

Also, whats so bad about being 24? wouldn't that be the average age, or maybe even less than average?

 

[IllBADentist]

If you are serious about getting in man, GPA>>>making money. not hard to see

Also, whats so bad about being 24? wouldn't that be the average age, or maybe even less than average?

@spearmint: 1 i love spearmint gum, 2 the internet is part ways "ratarded" and i get these RANDOM e-mails for AARP and 40+ dating lol. I keep unsubscribing and they keep uping the age.... 50+ dating, i'm waiting for them to bust out a 100+ dating e-mail.
@UCSD1984 & Sacapuntas & In2Infinity: I actually pulled off saving enough money to start off my first year at least, housing, car payment, insurance, and school. I'm going to follow my family trend and "join up" so i'll be going in as an officer after i've completed the DDS/PhD program, assuming i get in and i'm sooo hoping that i do! I've gotten A's and B's these past few semesters since i quit my full time job at a military hospital. But all in all everything that i did for work has paid off, i just haven't been able to do much as far as like "look good" charity work the only thing i usually have time for are cancer run/walks and honor rides on behalf of my mother (cancer) and the wounded warriors in the armed forces (honor rides), gives me time to do things i enjoy outside of school and work... ride motorcycles and run/walk in the outdoors.

BTW i'm a chick not a bro yo! No offense taken though grew up with guys, i'm technically like a guy but... i'm missing some crucial parts with that business.

Heavens i'm in the typing mood today!

 

[UCSD1984]

@spearmint: 1 i love spearmint gum, 2 the internet is part ways "ratarded" and i get these RANDOM e-mails for AARP and 40+ dating lol. I keep unsubscribing and they keep uping the age.... 50+ dating, i'm waiting for them to bust out a 100+ dating e-mail.
@UCSD1984 & Sacapuntas & In2Infinity: I actually pulled off saving enough money to start off my first year at least, housing, car payment, insurance, and school. I'm going to follow my family trend and "join up" so i'll be going in as an officer after i've completed the DDS/PhD program, assuming i get in and i'm sooo hoping that i do! I've gotten A's and B's these past few semesters since i quit my full time job at a military hospital. But all in all everything that i did for work has paid off, i just haven't been able to do much as far as like "look good" charity work the only thing i usually have time for are cancer run/walks and honor rides on behalf of my mother (cancer) and the wounded warriors in the armed forces (honor rides), gives me time to do things i enjoy outside of school and work... ride motorcycles and run/walk in the outdoors.

BTW i'm a chick not a bro yo! No offense taken though grew up with guys, i'm technically like a guy but... i'm missing some crucial parts with that business.

Heavens i'm in the typing mood today!

Whoops, my bad. Well, best of luck to you bro-ette.

 

[104]

Stay up man!! you are fine, im 23 and just barley applying this coming cycle
If all goes right I will turn 25 right at the begining of dental school

 

[IllBADentist]

Whoops, my bad. Well, best of luck to you bro-ette.

Thanks UCSD1984 and 104. I'm writing up the last portion of my dent. App and adding any things that I forgot. Thank you guys for the boost of confidence!

 

[IllBADentist]

Ok so i'm attempting to write my essays for my 2012 admittance application for dental school. I'm drawing a blank with it, i just feel like my essays are cliche...

"What is your motivation for seeking a career in dentistry?"
"My motivation for seeking a career in dentistry is to become a great dentist and treat people that are fond of and not so fond of the dentist..."

"Explain your motivation to seek a dual degree"
... BIG BLANK there I guess i could tell the truth and say that i'm seeking a dual degree because i want to eventually get my PhD anyway so why not kill 2 birds with one stone?

"DDS/PhD research essay"
... once again NO IDEA!!!! UGH! other than shadowing dentists, maxillofacial surgeons, working for doctors in a military hospital, working with psych. specific physicians etc. i'm not really sure what to write. I'm sure there's a section on this site i can look for i just don't know what to write right now.

Anyone have a link to a section that could give me a general idea or something in regards to not sound like i'm off in "lala land". I guess i just wish i knew kind of what they were looking for other than my honest opinion...???

😕

 

[johnnyboyy87]

yeah I'm 24 as well (today actually!) and I'm going to be REapplying this cycle. you just can't give up. people who get in right out of school are pretty lucky.

 

[IllBADentist]

yeah I'm 24 as well (today actually!) and I'm going to be REapplying this cycle. you just can't give up. people who get in right out of school are pretty lucky.

Happy 24th birthday!!! I'll be 25 in Oct. so i'm feeling like i'm falling behind, not to mention i've decided to retake my SAT or take the ACT but i'm not sure if i should bother (i don't like my craptastic scores from 2003... yeah it was a few years ago), i guess i should focus on studying for my DAT and finishing the rest of my classes (which i've yet to do because of having to work full time). I signed up for classes this for summer 2011 and yeah they screwed up everything, they over charged my bank account so i got charged by my bank and then by the college 3 times and they won't refund the fees because they say they "can't" 😡 so i'm out 220 bucks because of that business.

But hey good luck and lemme know if you get in, i'm eager see who gets in for the 2012 year. I've literally only met 3 people the ENTIRE time i've been going to my current school that had plans to go to dental school.

 

[txaggie03]

Im thirty. Starting at Baylor this August. Dont sweat the age thing.

However, this:

(i refuse to take out student loans for school and have been denied several grants, have applied for scholarships but have not had any luck with them, so i had to work multiple jobs and go to school)

Remember, this was your choice. Dont be too surprised when dental schools dont feel the same way about it as you. They will take into account you having to work while you were in school, but they may also look at it as you being more concerned with money than your classes (because ultimately, that is what you did).

I really dont mean to bring this up to pick on you, but have a good explanation/answer/response for the interview, because they are sure to ask about it.

 

[NAVY DDS 2010]

@IllBADentist, 24 yo, are you kiding me? If you figure most people graduate from highschool at 18. Finish college at 22-23 yo. That means that you. Are 1 to 2 years older than most people who graduate from undergrad. You are by no means even close to being considered a non-traditional student let alone old. I will be 39 when I graduate and I am 10 years younger than the oldest in my class. I have been driving a car leagally as long as you have been alive. As someone stated already, 24 is about the average age. If you look at the 3 texas schools, in 2008.2009 and 2010, they accepted on average of 21 people each year average between the 3 schools who were 30 years old or older. The graduating class here in Houston has 4 or 5 people 40 or older.

My point - you are still young with many, many, many years of dentistry ahead of you!!!