back-up plans?

[msu08]

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so for those people who haven't yet been accepted, do you have any back-up plans? I've had 3 interviews, but I'm getting alittle discouraged/restless with waiting. This is my 2nd time around and I'm not sure if I want to risk applying again and not getting in. I've considered hygiene and second-degree nursing programs and possibly PA school. As far as hygiene goes, I feel a little over-qualified, considering I have a 2 degrees and most applicants are admitted with 1 year of college pre-reqs. I really want to work in the dental field though, so I'm leaning more towards hygiene, simply because I think I will enjoy it the most. I guess I could always apply after I've completed my hygiene degree. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experiences/advice about considering other career options/reapplying!

 

[hl11]

so for those people who haven't yet been accepted, do you have any back-up plans? I've had 3 interviews, but I'm getting alittle discouraged/restless with waiting. This is my 2nd time around and I'm not sure if I want to risk applying again and not getting in. I've considered hygiene and second-degree nursing programs and possibly PA school. As far as hygiene goes, I feel a little over-qualified, considering I have a 2 degrees and most applicants are admitted with 1 year of college pre-reqs. I really want to work in the dental field though, so I'm leaning more towards hygiene, simply because I think I will enjoy it the most. I guess I could always apply after I've completed my hygiene degree. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experiences/advice about considering other career options/reapplying!

I am sorry to hear that and I know how you are feeling. I've had 2 interviews so far. Before I was thinking to get a 2nd bachelor in nursing if i won't get accepted. However, two days ago I saw my status changed to "offer made" from Tufts on AADSAS. As you can tell, I am so happy and blessed. I hope I didn't misunderstand the meaning of this "offer made"
good luck.

 

[eldirty]

After not getting accepted last year everyone was asking me this question followed by what they thought I should do ... pharmacy school, become a teacher, blah blah blah ... my only backup plan was to reapply!

 

[Svart Aske]

This is my first time applying. If I don't get accepted this round and the next I'll probably enroll in an MPH program, burn more money and disgrace my family until I know what I want to do.

 

[oreoson]

so for those people who haven't yet been accepted, do you have any back-up plans? I've had 3 interviews, but I'm getting alittle discouraged/restless with waiting. This is my 2nd time around and I'm not sure if I want to risk applying again and not getting in. I've considered hygiene and second-degree nursing programs and possibly PA school. As far as hygiene goes, I feel a little over-qualified, considering I have a 2 degrees and most applicants are admitted with 1 year of college pre-reqs. I really want to work in the dental field though, so I'm leaning more towards hygiene, simply because I think I will enjoy it the most. I guess I could always apply after I've completed my hygiene degree. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experiences/advice about considering other career options/reapplying!

I was thinking of doing master's in dental sciences/oral biology or pursue a second degree. Hey OP, do you think that your second degree didn't cut it at all?

 

[iLikeCheese]

me too, 3 interviews, one waitlist so far, no word from the other two, one more interview tomorrow....plenty of rejections...my plan is to try again next year and apply EARLY. i also might re-take DAT as i bombed the QR....but then i'm worried i'll my other scores might drop...hopefully i'll get in off the WL

 

[cybermech]

The more time/money you commit towards other degree programs, the harder it will be to return to the DMD/DDS program... both from a psychological and monetary point of view.

Think about it before you commit!

 

[Biogirl804]

I'm right now in the educaton program...becoming a high school bio teacher...i've decided to study dentistry last year..so most of my pre-reqs are done. i'm applying most likely in this upcoming cycle. I just thought, hey it wouldn't hurt to have my certification in teaching..just in case.

 

[velospresso]

re-apply, move back home *EEEK*save money, put in an application at the local coffee house (hopefully a BS from UC still caries some weight Im starting to question), ride my bike and have fun, no point in living in misery for a year!!!

Also with all your EC you sound like a solid applicant but it can't hurt to call your schools of interest and ask them what you can do to strengthen you app! Best of luck with the waitlists Im in the same boat!

 

[JamesOSU]

Get a job with one of your two degrees - you don't have to tell them your plans, and you could make a lot more money than at a coffee shop.

Reapply after reassesing your application to see if there are weak points, fill them in through the next several months before reapplying, then work for a year making some mulah, interview in Sept-Dec, have word by Dec 1st. Don't tell your work that you're even considering dentistry until July-August when you give them your 2-weeks notice.

^^ This is what I did (except I opened my big mouth and now everyone knows, but they're cool with it), and it worked out great.

 

[Erhatstil]

re-apply, move back home *EEEK*save money, put in an application at the local coffee house (hopefully a BS from UC still caries some weight Im starting to question), ride my bike and have fun, no point in living in misery for a year!!!

Also with all your EC you sound like a solid applicant but it can't hurt to call your schools of interest and ask them what you can do to strengthen you app! Best of luck with the waitlists Im in the same boat!

the coffee bean and tea leaf doesn't seem to be impressed with my bs in biology because i haven't been hired yet...hopefully you have better luck

 

[gabe85]

Ha dont worry...I got rejected from Nordstroms with a BS in Biology. Yeah I am starting to think BS stands for Bull Sh...!👎

 

[supraman]

Ha dont worry...I got rejected from Nordstroms with a BS in Biology. Yeah I am starting to think BS stands for Bull Sh...!👎

hahaha, PhD is the new BS (Bull ****)

 

[JamesOSU]

I meant get a job in a LAB or in INDUSTRY! Not Nordstroms... lol

Although, I've heard waitressing pays really well with tips

 

[Quattro DMD]

so for those people who haven't yet been accepted, do you have any back-up plans? I've had 3 interviews, but I'm getting alittle discouraged/restless with waiting. This is my 2nd time around and I'm not sure if I want to risk applying again and not getting in. I've considered hygiene and second-degree nursing programs and possibly PA school. As far as hygiene goes, I feel a little over-qualified, considering I have a 2 degrees and most applicants are admitted with 1 year of college pre-reqs. I really want to work in the dental field though, so I'm leaning more towards hygiene, simply because I think I will enjoy it the most. I guess I could always apply after I've completed my hygiene degree. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experiences/advice about considering other career options/reapplying!

Suck it up and try again. It took me 4 cycles before I got accepted. If you "settle" on another career then you'll be kicking yourself down the road when you're miserable.

 

[msu08]

so for those that have reapplied several times, what did you do inbetween cycles?!?! I have a degree in nutrition/biology... did you get jobs relating to dentistry? lab jobs through your university? starbucks??!?!??!!

I've never fully "assisted" and my dad is a dentist, so i could take a year seriously doing that, however, i don't think this is going to impress the admissions committee. over the summer i volunteered in a dental lab (mainly just observing and i don't think i'd be able to get a job here, but i could look into it).

i know there are so many factors that go into admission however, i'm really getting tired of finding ways to stand out. this year, i spent getting another degree. now i just feel lost on what to do. i had higher hopes for getting in, so i never thought i'd be in this position. i've been admitted into a hygiene program(umich) so i have also been thinking about reapplying this summer, however still starting the program in the fall. anyone have any opinons on this? also, thank you everyone that has replied to my post! you've given me LOTS to think about haha.

 

[bri0216]

so for those that have reapplied several times, what did you do inbetween cycles?!?! I have a degree in nutrition/biology... did you get jobs relating to dentistry? lab jobs through your university? starbucks??!?!??!!

I've never fully "assisted" and my dad is a dentist, so i could take a year seriously doing that, however, i don't think this is going to impress the admissions committee. over the summer i volunteered in a dental lab (mainly just observing and i don't think i'd be able to get a job here, but i could look into it).

i know there are so many factors that go into admission however, i'm really getting tired of finding ways to stand out. this year, i spent getting another degree. now i just feel lost on what to do. i had higher hopes for getting in, so i never thought i'd be in this position. i've been admitted into a hygiene program(umich) so i have also been thinking about reapplying this summer, however still starting the program in the fall. anyone have any opinons on this? also, thank you everyone that has replied to my post! you've given me LOTS to think about haha.

i would actually suggest dental assisting full time. i hadn't known i would love dentistry so much until going into my senior year of college, so i was a year behind with the application process. i started volunteering at a free dental clinic at school, and during my year off this year, i have been working as a dental assistant. i also volunteer as a sunday school teacher, am involved in children's health month, and do other various things so that adcoms can see i am committed to my community. i am currently accepted at a school, and have another 2 interviews.

so my suggestion is to dental assist to get that 1000+ hours of experience, and just volunteer doing as many things as possible. and of course the DAT is worth considering retaking (my gpa wasn't even that hot). good luck and let us know what you decide to do next year! (it's kind of nice not having to study for anything but the DAT for a year haha)

 

[Quattro DMD]

Well you could get an entry level job at a medical lab, or a job as a diet assistant to dietician at a hospital. However I doubt either of those things are going to help you get in.

Your dad is a dentist! You should be in his office assisting and getting your hands as dirty as possible. You should also be volunteering at a free clinic somewhere, not shadowing, but volunteering. You should make contacts with people at the schools you're interested in. Go to open houses, talk to adcomms, get yourself out there.

so for those that have reapplied several times, what did you do inbetween cycles?!?! I have a degree in nutrition/biology... did you get jobs relating to dentistry? lab jobs through your university? starbucks??!?!??!!

I've never fully "assisted" and my dad is a dentist, so i could take a year seriously doing that, however, i don't think this is going to impress the admissions committee. over the summer i volunteered in a dental lab (mainly just observing and i don't think i'd be able to get a job here, but i could look into it).

i know there are so many factors that go into admission however, i'm really getting tired of finding ways to stand out. this year, i spent getting another degree. now i just feel lost on what to do. i had higher hopes for getting in, so i never thought i'd be in this position. i've been admitted into a hygiene program(umich) so i have also been thinking about reapplying this summer, however still starting the program in the fall. anyone have any opinons on this? also, thank you everyone that has replied to my post! you've given me LOTS to think about haha.

 

[CadetTpt06]

My plan is to apply for a one year master's program in my sate and hope for an assistantship to help the cost. Then I'll retake the DAT (if it is low after my 1st try this summer) and reapply the next cycle. All I want to do is be a dentist, so I feel like I will not really be happy in life if I do something else....

 

[peerless218]

so for those people who haven't yet been accepted, do you have any back-up plans? I've had 3 interviews, but I'm getting alittle discouraged/restless with waiting. This is my 2nd time around and I'm not sure if I want to risk applying again and not getting in. I've considered hygiene and second-degree nursing programs and possibly PA school. As far as hygiene goes, I feel a little over-qualified, considering I have a 2 degrees and most applicants are admitted with 1 year of college pre-reqs. I really want to work in the dental field though, so I'm leaning more towards hygiene, simply because I think I will enjoy it the most. I guess I could always apply after I've completed my hygiene degree. Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experiences/advice about considering other career options/reapplying!

Come on guys!!! I am in the same boat with a lot of you!!! Had 2 interviews so far and one more interview at UOP this coming up Thurs for a waitlist spot. I hate to say this but......if we're getting interiviews and we're not getting in. Then perhaps it's our interviewing skills that's not impressing our interviewers!!! We just gotta refine that aspect of this whole dental application cycle and get the hell into dental school!!! That's howI am looking at it. My back up plan, apply AGAIN but this time it will be EARLY. Then just work on some of my interview skills!!! You know they're gonna ask you WHY DENTISTRY or do you have questiosn for us. Be smart about it!!! Charm your way into dental school!!! Good luck to all of us!!

 

[Waitlisted2009]

I am planning on a masters program, I am drawing up applications now.

 

[yuppers]

hahaha, PhD is the new BS (Bull ****)

Let me explain...
BS= bull ****
MS= more ****
PhD= piled high and deep



But to make this post relevant the topic on hand... no I dont have any back up plans. I know what I want to do so accepting defeat is not an option.

 

[Doc Ock]

What all of that just to become a DDS=dumb diddly **** ?

or a DMD=definite major dumbsh*t?