Be honest with me.

[SonOfZeus]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey guys!

So I am currently on the path for a medical career. I have been back and forth. Right out of high school it was chiropractic, then optometry, now I am torn between dental and podiatry. I need some help deciding what will truly be a better fit for me and being in my situation which is the best path.

A little about me.
I have been on my own financially since I was 16. My parent's business went under, they divorced, family has been a mess since. Anyway I am actually happy with what happened. It has honestly made me a better person, made me much more mature and hard working. I had to grow up and do it fast at a young age.

Being in my financial situation I have had to take classes at a community college. Not because it is easier but simply because it is what I can afford. I have a 3.85 cGPA / 4.0 sGPA. First year I was working overnights 50 hours a week and got a couple B's. Everything since has been A's. I am an extremely hard worker. I set goals and then go after them with everything I have.

I am however worried that my CC credits will kill me when applying to dental school. I have contacted a few schools according the excel spreadsheet on here with schools that accept CC credits and a couple have said, "The admissions committee will not look down on CC credits." (WesternU and Mid). Some have said, "Those taking classes at a 4-year will have advantage over me, but there is still a chance." I do plan to take orgo1 and orgo2 at a 4 year college as well as finish my bachelors degree. Are these school saying they will not look down on me or that I even have a chance just telling me that? Or is there really a chance for someone in my situation to matriculate and succeed in dental school. Once I get there I will work as hard as I have to to make sure I succeed at the highest level.


Now my current situation as deciding between podiatry and dental is a whole different thing. I have shadowed both and can see myself enjoying both careers. On one side I have podiatry, 6-7 years of school, residency issue, but overall a great lifestyle and career. With dental, 4 years of school, more debt but better guarantee of a job. The 4 years vs 6-7 is the main influence for me right now. I want to get in and get out and start on a career and make decent money. Dental would seem to offer me that but I am worried if I will even be able to get in.

Say I bring a overall GPA of 3.8 and a science GPA of 3.8 (considering I still have orgo to do, I am sure I can get an A but just saying worst case scenario.) and a DAT of 20-21. With every prerequisite besides Orgo 1, Orgo 2 and Physics 2 taken at CC. Will I still have a chance?

Is there anybody here that has taken a similar path?



Thanks for any advice!

 

[Paperclipz]

Hey guys!

So I am currently on the path for a medical career. I have been back and forth. Right out of high school it was chiropractic, then optometry, now I am torn between dental and podiatry. I need some help deciding what will truly be a better fit for me and being in my situation which is the best path.

A little about me.
I have been on my own financially since I was 16. My parent's business went under, they divorced, family has been a mess since. Anyway I am actually happy with what happened. It has honestly made me a better person, made me much more mature and hard working. I had to grow up and do it fast at a young age.

Being in my financial situation I have had to take classes at a community college. Not because it is easier but simply because it is what I can afford. I have a 3.85 cGPA / 4.0 sGPA. First year I was working overnights 50 hours a week and got a couple B's. Everything since has been A's. I am an extremely hard worker. I set goals and then go after them with everything I have.

I am however worried that my CC credits will kill me when applying to dental school. I have contacted a few schools according the excel spreadsheet on here with schools that accept CC credits and a couple have said, "The admissions committee will not look down on CC credits." (WesternU and Mid). Some have said, "Those taking classes at a 4-year will have advantage over me, but there is still a chance." I do plan to take orgo1 and orgo2 at a 4 year college as well as finish my bachelors degree. Are these school saying they will not look down on me or that I even have a chance just telling me that? Or is there really a chance for someone in my situation to matriculate and succeed in dental school. Once I get there I will work as hard as I have to to make sure I succeed at the highest level.


Now my current situation as deciding between podiatry and dental is a whole different thing. I have shadowed both and can see myself enjoying both careers. On one side I have podiatry, 6-7 years of school, residency issue, but overall a great lifestyle and career. With dental, 4 years of school, more debt but better guarantee of a job. The 4 years vs 6-7 is the main influence for me right now. I want to get in and get out and start on a career and make decent money. Dental would seem to offer me that but I am worried if I will even be able to get in.

Say I bring a overall GPA of 3.8 and a science GPA of 3.8 (considering I still have orgo to do, I am sure I can get an A but just saying worst case scenario.) and a DAT of 20-21. With every prerequisite besides Orgo 1, Orgo 2 and Physics 2 taken at CC. Will I still have a chance?

Is there anybody here that has taken a similar path?



Thanks for any advice!

Trying to decide what you want to do in life is a big deal so it's great that you are comparing different career options. As for the classes, everyone goes by what the ADEA guidebook says.

I bought the ebook that's from 2012 (it's 10 bucks) so you can see what classes are accepted where and you don't have to go through the hassle of calling each school to find out. I did not attend CC but I did have many science credits transferred over from high school and thus, didn't have to take it at my university and some dental schools don't accept that...so I had to look schools up as well.

I'll post the link below.

Best of luck and I wish you success in this process!!

Here is the link: https://access.adea.org/adeassa/ecs...ns_ty=&p_order_serno=&p_promo_cd=&p_price_cd=

 

[Baba Yaga]

Good luck deciding on the right career path for you. You're very young, so I strongly advise you NOT to choose your career path based on # of years in school.

Choose what you could see yourself doing day in, day out for the next 40 years. That's really the most important thing.

Say I bring a overall GPA of 3.8 and a science GPA of 3.8 (considering I still have orgo to do, I am sure I can get an A but just saying worst case scenario.) and a DAT of 20-21. With every prerequisite besides Orgo 1, Orgo 2 and Physics 2 taken at CC. Will I still have a chance?

Are you planning on taking upper level science classes at the 4-year school? I would strongly advise you to do this. It'll show that you can do well in difficult science classes at a 4 year university, which is what they seem to want to see anyway.

Is there anybody here that has taken a similar path?

Can't help you here, I went to a 4 year school. However, I'd do some searching on this forum to get a greater number of perspectives on this question.

 

[SonOfZeus]

Trying to decide what you want to do in life is a big deal so it's great that you are comparing different career options. As for the classes, everyone goes by what the ADEA guidebook says.

I bought the ebook that's from 2012 (it's 10 bucks) so you can see what classes are accepted where and you don't have to go through the hassle of calling each school to find out. I did not attend CC but I did have many science credits transferred over from high school and thus, didn't have to take it at my university and some dental schools don't accept that...so I had to look schools up as well.

I'll post the link below.

Best of luck and I wish you success in this process!!

Here is the link: https://access.adea.org/adeassa/ecs...ns_ty=&p_order_serno=&p_promo_cd=&p_price_cd=

Thank you very much!

Good luck deciding on the right career path for you. You're very young, so I strongly advise you NOT to choose your career path based on # of years in school.

Choose what you could see yourself doing day in, day out for the next 40 years. That's really the most important thing.



Are you planning on taking upper level science classes at the 4-year school? I would strongly advise you to do this. It'll show that you can do well in difficult science classes at a 4 year university, which is what they seem to want to see anyway.



Can't help you here, I went to a 4 year school. However, I'd do some searching on this forum to get a greater number of perspectives on this question.

Thanks for the reply! That is the thing, I could see myself doing both careers. So then narrowing it down dental does seem to fit my goals and the lifestyle I want to achieve much better.

I will take orgo 1 and 2 at the 4 year as well as maybe genetics and biochem.

 

[dans105]

Some schools will have a problem with CC credits, some will not. You just have to do your due diligence to narrow down your list of schools to apply for. Kudos for all the hard work, I know what it's like to work while going to school. Your family past may end up helping you by showing adcoms your maturity and ability to overcome trials. Use that to your advantage. Tell interviewers that you know school will be difficult, but that you've overcome difficult things in the past and you'll do it again.

As for choosing a profession, only you can do that. I agree about not considering too highly the number of years in school (unless you're already in your 30s or 40s). Remember that if you want to specialize as a dentist the schooling will end up being about the same. You still have lots of life left to live, so choose the career you'll enjoy the most long term.

 

[BTR1208]

...

 

[Bottle]

doesn't it tell you Something by posting your question in dental forum? 🙂


Good luck!!!

 

[Hawkteeth]

Feet are gross, teeth are cool.

 

[SonOfZeus]

doesn't it tell you Something by posting your question in dental forum? 🙂


Good luck!!!

haha yes. I am not so worried about what I choose as I will be happy in both more of if I stand a chance in my situation.

Feet are gross, teeth are cool.

Feet can be gross. Teeth can be gross. 😉

Some schools will have a problem with CC credits, some will not. You just have to do your due diligence to narrow down your list of schools to apply for. Kudos for all the hard work, I know what it's like to work while going to school. Your family past may end up helping you by showing adcoms your maturity and ability to overcome trials. Use that to your advantage. Tell interviewers that you know school will be difficult, but that you've overcome difficult things in the past and you'll do it again.

As for choosing a profession, only you can do that. I agree about not considering too highly the number of years in school (unless you're already in your 30s or 40s). Remember that if you want to specialize as a dentist the schooling will end up being about the same. You still have lots of life left to live, so choose the career you'll enjoy the most long term.

Great advice. Thank you!

 

[SonOfZeus]

I was looking at the interview/acceptance/rejection thread and it has me worried.

I am seeing people on there getting rejected with great stats to the schools that I have spoken with that said they accept CC credits.

I am hoping to have a 3.8-3.9 cGPA and 3.8 sGPA then obviously aiming high on the DAT, 20+.

Now my worry is being able to get in at all. I feel that my CC credits will kill me even if schools do say it is alright.

I know I will be able to get into pod school but dental is where I want to be. I simply can not afford more years in undergrad.

 

[free99]

Figure out what you love, then pursue it and don't look back. Your grades are great, and it sounds like you're a hard worker who perseveres. Just keep getting A's then study hard for the admission test. You'll be good, don't waste any more time worrying.

 

[dans105]

I was looking at the interview/acceptance/rejection thread and it has me worried.

I am seeing people on there getting rejected with great stats to the schools that I have spoken with that said they accept CC credits.

I am hoping to have a 3.8-3.9 cGPA and 3.8 sGPA then obviously aiming high on the DAT, 20+.

Now my worry is being able to get in at all. I feel that my CC credits will kill me even if schools do say it is alright.

I know I will be able to get into pod school but dental is where I want to be. I simply can not afford more years in undergrad.

Honestly if you achieve that GPA and a 20+ I would say your chances are pretty good, just based on the reported numbers from D schools. Of course nobody can tell you for sure, so you'll have to weight the risk of possibly not getting in against "settling" for Podiatry (although you did say you thought you would enjoy it). Or you could just apply to both 😀

 

[SonOfZeus]

Figure out what you love, then pursue it and don't look back. Your grades are great, and it sounds like you're a hard worker who perseveres. Just keep getting A's then study hard for the admission test. You'll be good, don't waste any more time worrying.

Thanks so much for the kind words! I am setting this as my goal and going after it. Failure will not be an option. Just how I operate.

Honestly if you achieve that GPA and a 20+ I would say your chances are pretty good, just based on the reported numbers from D schools. Of course nobody can tell you for sure, so you'll have to weight the risk of possibly not getting in against "settling" for Podiatry (although you did say you thought you would enjoy it). Or you could just apply to both 😀

I feel I would be equally as happy in either career but school wise I see myself much happier during dental school. I would not be worrying about landing a residency, which Podiatry is having a terrible shortage right now. Plus I have heard dental school is a little more laid back.

I would apply to both but that would require both the DAT and the MCAT. I think one will be plenty for me!!

 

[ushaseos]

I can't comment on the career part. I've decided upon dentistry and never considered podiatry so my input is worthless on that matter.

I can comment upon the CC and high stats rejection thing: apply broadly and you'll get accepted somewhere or the other. Don't be too picky. Write a damn good personal statement after getting a good DAT score and you'll get in. The correlation between stats and admissions is made too much of. If you apply early and your application is acceptably good, you'll get in. If you apply late, screw up the app or are just plain unlucky, you might have to re-apply...and that costs a lot of green my friend!

As for CC, apply only to schools that accept CCs. There isn't anything inherently wrong with CC classes; often times you might actually have better teachers (if a little less accomplished in the academic sense). You might be at a disadvantage at a couple of places but you'll have a fighting chance if your GPA and exam scores are good. Besides, this is why I'll once again advise you to apply broadly. Good luck!

 

[laundry]

Look kid...if you are really torn between teeth and feet, then I'd focus on finding out what the hell it is that you want to tie your life with...seems like you don't have a clue...so you need to 1)shadow those two 2)expand your horizon to other professions - who knows, maybe you will like those....

Your grades and scores are good...Plus, in all my years here, I'm yet to come across someone who did not get in, eventually, somewhere...so chill, and find yourself...

 

[SonOfZeus]

Question about extras on app:

Is shadowing a dentist enough? I have been working the same job for coming up on 4 years now, working with disabled clients. Will that help me at all on my app?

Should I be doing any volunteer work? I want to do anything that I can to make my application stronger.

I really want to get in my first shot!

 

[Hawkteeth]

Question about extras on app:

Is shadowing a dentist enough? I have been working the same job for coming up on 4 years now, working with disabled clients. Will that help me at all on my app?

Should I be doing any volunteer work? I want to do anything that I can to make my application stronger.

I really want to get in my first shot!

Yes you should volunteer, but I think you job will make up somewhat for your lack of hours. Look into crisis centers, food banks, community clinics, Ronald McDonald House etc. I found it easier to go somewhere where I could go the same day each week for a set amount of hours. Also volunteer for any other random events that come up that fit with your schedule.

 

[SonOfZeus]

Yes you should volunteer, but I think you job will make up somewhat for your lack of hours. Look into crisis centers, food banks, community clinics, Ronald McDonald House etc. I found it easier to go somewhere where I could go the same day each week for a set amount of hours. Also volunteer for any other random events that come up that fit with your schedule.

Got a couple more years so can definitely get my volunteer hours up!

Would volunteering at a hospital be good? My local hospital has a program. Also, how many hours is recommended?

 

[Hawkteeth]

Got a couple more years so can definitely get my volunteer hours up!

Would volunteering at a hospital be good? My local hospital has a program. Also, how many hours is recommended?

I think it would be ok, but I always liked volunteering by helping underserved individuals and I think schools like to see that as well. Do a couple different things and find what you enjoy. I think a couple hundred hours is good, more is always better.

 

[SonOfZeus]

I think it would be ok, but I always liked volunteering by helping underserved individuals and I think schools like to see that as well. Do a couple different things and find what you enjoy. I think a couple hundred hours is good, more is always better.

Awesome, I will look for opportunities.. Thank you!

 

[SonOfZeus]

Alright guys I am set on dentistry! It is what I want to do and I am going to give everything I got to make it!

A couple concerns I have...

- I have not taken a heavy course load. Usually only 12 credit hours and just really focused on getting solid grades. Should I up that to 15 from here on out?
- Once I finish bio next Fall would it be okay to start studying for the DAT? I will still have to finish gen chem 2 and organic but will be done with them by next summer.
- Plus I need to get in more shadowing hours and volunteer work.

I guess you could say I need some help coming up with a plan of attack. If anyone could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. The way it is looking I will be done with my prerequisites and ready to take the DAT in August 2014 and will need to finish my degree requirements. I know I will probably not be able to matriculate in Fall 2015 but I would like to be able to apply as early as possible for 2016 as a very strong applicant. I am ready to give this everything I have and need a little guidance.

Thanks so much! You guys have already helped tremendously.

 

[SonOfZeus]

bump

 

[Hawkteeth]

Alright guys I am set on dentistry! It is what I want to do and I am going to give everything I got to make it!

A couple concerns I have...

- I have not taken a heavy course load. Usually only 12 credit hours and just really focused on getting solid grades. Should I up that to 15 from here on out?
- Once I finish bio next Fall would it be okay to start studying for the DAT? I will still have to finish gen chem 2 and organic but will be done with them by next summer.
- Plus I need to get in more shadowing hours and volunteer work.

I guess you could say I need some help coming up with a plan of attack. If anyone could help me out I would greatly appreciate it. The way it is looking I will be done with my prerequisites and ready to take the DAT in August 2014 and will need to finish my degree requirements. I know I will probably not be able to matriculate in Fall 2015 but I would like to be able to apply as early as possible for 2016 as a very strong applicant. I am ready to give this everything I have and need a little guidance.

Thanks so much! You guys have already helped tremendously.

I think as long as you keep your GPA up hours isn't that important, as long as your doing other things such as a job or volunteering. I would recommend dedicating next summer to the DAT. Take two months and concentrate on studying 4-8 hours a day and kill it. This is something I wish I would have done sooner, but I finally figured it out for my fourth go around.

 

[SonOfZeus]

I think as long as you keep your GPA up hours isn't that important, as long as your doing other things such as a job or volunteering. I would recommend dedicating next summer to the DAT. Take two months and concentrate on studying 4-8 hours a day and kill it. This is something I wish I would have done sooner, but I finally figured it out for my fourth go around.

At least you figured it out!!

Well next summer I am taking Organic 1 and 2. Going to be rough but I know I can do it. Then during the fall and spring I will just have to finish some basic classes to get my degree. So should I start studying after I take Organic 1 & 2, so in August and take classes at the same time. That way I could take the DAT by December assuming I study 3 months and then apply in January or February.

 

[Hawkteeth]

At least you figured it out!!

Well next summer I am taking Organic 1 and 2. Going to be rough but I know I can do it. Then during the fall and spring I will just have to finish some basic classes to get my degree. So should I start studying after I take Organic 1 & 2, so in August and take classes at the same time. That way I could take the DAT by December assuming I study 3 months and then apply in January or February.

That would work too. I would take it at the end of your winter break. That should give you about a month to only study for the DAT. I think studying for the DAT and classes at the same time hurts both GPA and your DAT scores. I would still start studying before that month though, get your materials, make your notes/outlines that you will use and go through some practice tests. That way your ready to hit the ground running when winter break comes. Also don't apply in January, it's not worth the money.

Edit: Will you be done at the end of that semester? Then just wait to take the DAT and give yourself more time to study and allow yourself to get A's in all your courses.

 

[SonOfZeus]

That would work too. I would take it at the end of your winter break. That should give you about a month to only study for the DAT. I think studying for the DAT and classes at the same time hurts both GPA and your DAT scores. I would still start studying before that month though, get your materials, make your notes/outlines that you will use and go through some practice tests. That way your ready to hit the ground running when winter break comes. Also don't apply in January, it's not worth the money.

Edit: Will you be done at the end of that semester? Then just wait to take the DAT and give yourself more time to study and allow yourself to get A's in all your courses.

I will be done that spring semester. So i will need a gap year unfortunately.

When is the best time to apply?

 

[SonOfZeus]

OR

I could get through my organic (summer), at that point I will have 100 credit hours or so, don't take classes that Fall semester, instead study my butt off for the DAT, kill it, then take classes again in the Spring and apply for D-school. That way I could have everything I need to apply. Then during the fall semester of my gap year I could finish my degree. From what I see most schools just require a degree by the time of matriculation and some don't even require it.

Would that be an alright path to take?

 

[Hawkteeth]

OR

I could get through my organic (summer), at that point I will have 100 credit hours or so, don't take classes that Fall semester, instead study my butt off for the DAT, kill it, then take classes again in the Spring and apply for D-school. That way I could have everything I need to apply. Then during the fall semester of my gap year I could finish my degree. From what I see most schools just require a degree by the time of matriculation and some don't even require it.

Would that be an alright path to take?

The application cycle opens in May/June and I would apply the first month. I'm not sure what it would look like if you took a semester off to take the DAT, I don't know if I would do that. I think if you study throughout this fall semester lightly for the DAT and hit the books during winter break you will do great.

I suggest CHADs, Cliffs AP Bio, DAT destroyer, Math destroyer, the Kaplan book and a simulation program (I used DAT achiever, but I don't think its the best one).

 

[SonOfZeus]

The application cycle opens in May/June and I would apply the first month. I'm not sure what it would look like if you took a semester off to take the DAT, I don't know if I would do that. I think if you study throughout this fall semester lightly for the DAT and hit the books during winter break you will do great.

I suggest CHADs, Cliffs AP Bio, DAT destroyer, Math destroyer, the Kaplan book and a simulation program (I used DAT achiever, but I don't think its the best one).

Awesome, that I could do.

When you say "light" would that be like 2 hours a day? I know when I hit it hard I need to do 8 hours at least!

 

[SonOfZeus]

Just so I am sure I understand the timeline of the application process:

Just as an example, say I apply this June. When would I matriculate? August 2014 correct?

 

[dentalWorks]

Hey guys!

So I am currently on the path for a medical career. I have been back and forth. Right out of high school it was chiropractic, then optometry, now I am torn between dental and podiatry. I need some help deciding what will truly be a better fit for me and being in my situation which is the best path.

A little about me.
I have been on my own financially since I was 16. My parent's business went under, they divorced, family has been a mess since. Anyway I am actually happy with what happened. It has honestly made me a better person, made me much more mature and hard working. I had to grow up and do it fast at a young age.

Being in my financial situation I have had to take classes at a community college. Not because it is easier but simply because it is what I can afford. I have a 3.85 cGPA / 4.0 sGPA. First year I was working overnights 50 hours a week and got a couple B's. Everything since has been A's. I am an extremely hard worker. I set goals and then go after them with everything I have.

I am however worried that my CC credits will kill me when applying to dental school. I have contacted a few schools according the excel spreadsheet on here with schools that accept CC credits and a couple have said, "The admissions committee will not look down on CC credits." (WesternU and Mid). Some have said, "Those taking classes at a 4-year will have advantage over me, but there is still a chance." I do plan to take orgo1 and orgo2 at a 4 year college as well as finish my bachelors degree. Are these school saying they will not look down on me or that I even have a chance just telling me that? Or is there really a chance for someone in my situation to matriculate and succeed in dental school. Once I get there I will work as hard as I have to to make sure I succeed at the highest level.


Now my current situation as deciding between podiatry and dental is a whole different thing. I have shadowed both and can see myself enjoying both careers. On one side I have podiatry, 6-7 years of school, residency issue, but overall a great lifestyle and career. With dental, 4 years of school, more debt but better guarantee of a job. The 4 years vs 6-7 is the main influence for me right now. I want to get in and get out and start on a career and make decent money. Dental would seem to offer me that but I am worried if I will even be able to get in.

Say I bring a overall GPA of 3.8 and a science GPA of 3.8 (considering I still have orgo to do, I am sure I can get an A but just saying worst case scenario.) and a DAT of 20-21. With every prerequisite besides Orgo 1, Orgo 2 and Physics 2 taken at CC. Will I still have a chance?

Is there anybody here that has taken a similar path?



Thanks for any advice!

a great majority of dental schools will not have a problem with ur CC credits (okay some are stubborn and won't accept any but whocares, just don't apply to those)

take the DAT... if its in the 20+ range, I think you'll get in (if the DAT is low, it will discredit ur CC GPA)

 

[SonOfZeus]

Thanks a lot! I will kill the DAT! Going to study my butt off!