Awkward time to change paths

[Dentalguy8621]

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1,

 

[Slumber]

This is not that complicated.

1. Schedule the DAT and start studying.
2. ask for LORs now so that you'd get them when the cycle begins.
3. Continue shadowing, but don't kill yourself over this.
4. Start writing your PS.
5. When the next cycle begins, fill out your AADSAS (transcript, LORs, and etc.) and submit as soon as they receive your DAT score.

6. Sit tight and PROFIT! I mean kill those interviews.

If you're taking the DAT in July/Aug, you still have a good 3-4 months to get more shadowing hours. Just do well on your DAT and you're golden.

 

[techyguy]

Yeah, get some shadowing in and apply. The application process begins in early June, but that GPA may be impressive enough to wait until mid- to late-July. Even that is, "early," and there's no reason not to apply later if it takes you that long to fit everything in.

Did you get in all the pre-reqs, including Biochem, and the physics, which your degree path might not have included?

 

[Dentalguy8621]

My degree required all of the prereqs and more. We had to take other courses like genetics, immunology, statistics and calculus as well. Also a bunch of upper division nutrition courses. I appreciate the feedback but I'm on the fence as I feel I might wait to accrue more experience. I really want to gain as much exposure as possible in order to round my application off for my state school. I don't want adcoms thinking I can waltz on into a field without having the necessary exposure to the field..

 

[y3nd0]

I see where the dilemma is... I say to take the DAT when you can, do what you can in the time frame before the application cycle starts (do whatever shadowing you can/gaining dental related volunteer hours) and then just apply to your state school, and only your state school. That'll run about $250+ subsequent supplemental fees, but I think it's better to try now and see if you'll get in rather than doubt yourself and wait an entire year. All your other stats seem impeccable, so I personally believe that you should be good to go, especially if your state school favors in-staters.

If you don't get in, you know where the problem lies. Then next year, you can apply with more experience and more broadly.

 

[Dentalguy8621]

1.

 

[y3nd0]

I went to UF and did all my coursework there. It's the only public dental in my state and has preference towards in staters. I live close to Lecom Bradenton but that school sketches me out and is a lot more expensive. Nova is good but again it's so expensive (especially living costs). It's dirt cheap to live in Gainesville and it would be great to go back to my alma mater. I'm aiming for this. Another question. Does being from a certain ethnicity really impact an applicant? I looked up ADA and I'm considered underrepresented in Dentistry because of my ethnicity. I don't ever use this as an advantage to categorize myself as I feel every applicant should be equal. But I've read somethings on here which would suggest otherwise. On a similar note, my plan is to join NHSC (loan repayment program) in leu of the peace corps (I was in the process of doing this but stopped when I changed to Dentistry) as I want to work with disadvantaged populations. Has anyone done this? Or know any inside details about the program?

Regardless, I think my best bet is to go ahead and follow what you stated. My father said to wait and strengthen but my siblings say to do something like what you stated. I will figure it out.

Being an underrepresented minor is very helpful during the application process. There is a section in AADSAS that asks for your ethnicity (not sure if it's required, but the application does say that many schools might want to know what your ethnicity is ) and another section that allows you to declare yourself as a disadvantaged applicant (social, educational, economical, it's a yes or no question followed by a space that allows for explanation). That's the extent of any extra "advantages" an applicant may have in their application.

Just my personal opinion on this: be proud of who you are and where you came from, and don't consider being an URM (underrepresented minor) as an "advantage". With your credentials, you can rest assured that your ethnicity will have nothing to do with your acceptance to dental school.

I think you have a great shot at getting in on your first try! Just murder the DAT and ace your interview(s) and you will be set.

I don't plan on applying to the NHSC programs. All I know is that it is very competitive.

 

[manifesto]

This is not that complicated.

1. Schedule the DAT and start studying.
2. ask for LORs now so that you'd get them when the cycle begins.
3. Continue shadowing, but don't kill yourself over this.
4. Start writing your PS.
5. When the next cycle begins, fill out your AADSAS (transcript, LORs, and etc.) and submit as soon as they receive your DAT score.

6. Sit tight and PROFIT! I mean kill those interviews.

If you're taking the DAT in July/Aug, you still have a good 3-4 months to get more shadowing hours. Just do well on your DAT and you're golden.

Very good advice.