Chances of a non traditional vs traditional student

[Mysteree]

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I have come to dentistry in a round about way. I was pre med as an undergrad, and then was a post bacc student for a while, also in science, and then got a MS in a business field. I worked for 2 yrs, and realized I wanted to change my career. I was wondering if they put people like me in the same group as those coming directly from undergrad? Am I at an advantage, or disadvantage? btw I've applied for dental schools and am waiting to hear back from them

 

[rkl_OD2be]

I have come to dentistry in a round about way. I was pre med as an undergrad, and then was a post bacc student for a while, also in science, and then got a MS in a business field. I worked for 2 yrs, and realized I wanted to change my career. I was wondering if they put people like me in the same group as those coming directly from undergrad? Am I at an advantage, or disadvantage? btw I've applied for dental schools and am waiting to hear back from them

I decided to go to Optometry school in a round about way. I got my BSci in Mathematics in 1992, and pursued a career as a "Software Engineer" (computer programmer). When my "coding" job was sent to India ~3 years ago, I decided a change in careers was in order, and remembered my childhood dreams of being "an eye doctor when I grow up."

I went back to school (at our local community college) and completed the pre-reqs, studied & took the OAT, and applied to 2 Optometry schools: SCO and UMSL. BOTH schools accepted me, and I don't feel I was treated any differently than the "trads" I interviewed with at each place...

It can be done. Whether dental schools are the same as Optometry may be another issue...

 

[Mysteree]

I remember that optometry students were taking the DAT class along w/me. If you don't mind my asking did you get a highly competitive score? I'm sorry I don't recognize UMSL, where about is that? Did you start school this year, is it diffiuclt being a student again? I don't mind admitting that I'm a little worried about it. Congratulations, on making the change...it's an even bigger change for you than it is for me.

 

[medworm]

I've heard that in dentistry, life experience (esp. in business) is relevant b/c most offices are small group practices and involving quite a bit of small business administration skills. So in your app, you might want to sell them on your relevant work experience. Good luck!

 

[Mysteree]

Well, medworm the app has long been sent, it's now a matter of trying to sell it during interviews. Thanks, I'll take all the luck I can get. Are you currently in dental or medical school?

 

[medworm]

Well, medworm the app has long been sent, it's now a matter of trying to sell it during interviews. Thanks, I'll take all the luck I can get. Are you currently in dental or medical school?

Sorry, I missed that part about you being in the middle of the app. process right now. However, you can continue to stress that point in your interview. I'm in the middle of the med school app. process... applied, interviewed, accepted, rejected, and awaiting decisions.

Good luck!

 

[happydays]

I think your chances haven't decreased. However, you should talk to a pre-dent advisor or an admissions person about what else you need to do to be come a successful applicant. I wish you the best of luck!

 

[rkl_OD2be]

I remember that optometry students were taking the DAT class along w/me. If you don't mind my asking did you get a highly competitive score? I'm sorry I don't recognize UMSL, where about is that? Did you start school this year, is it diffiuclt being a student again? I don't mind admitting that I'm a little worried about it. Congratulations, on making the change...it's an even bigger change for you than it is for me.

UMSL == University of Missouri--St. Louis.

I was accepted into the class of 2010 (i.e. I won't start until August, 2006). I'll be working my current job (software test engineer @ a large telecommunications company in the Kansas City area) until the end of July. I'm currently taking 2 classes: developmental psychology & Physics 2. I'm sure the transition from juggling family (wife & 2 kids) + school + full time "career" + being active at our Church to full time student + family will be "culture shock" for us. Particularly the pay cut we'll endure for the 4 years I'll be in school. I don't mind admitting I'm more than a little scared about how we'll handle the financial part...I have no doubts that I can handle the academic part. 🙂

As far as my stats:
(OAT is scored from 200 - 400, with 300 being the "national average")

• Academic Average: 340 ("Total" score)
• Total Science: 330
• Qualitative Reasoning: 380 ("Math" section)
• Reading Comprehension: 350
• Physics: 320
• Biology: 330
• Chem: 340
• OChem: 300

GPA: 3.48 (3.72 for Optometry pre-reqs)

A few people on the Optometry forums say that my stats are "well above average" and that I could have gone to any school I wanted to. I only applied at the schools that my state has contracts with. At SCO, I was #4 on the list of 3 contract seats 🙁, while UMSL gives a "regional" scholarship such that my tuition will be $2,000-$3,000 per year more than for in-state.

 

[Mysteree]

Wow, you're stats are very impressive. I'm sure you'll do great in optometry school. I'm single at the moment so I guess it'll be an easier transition for me, than it might be for you. I take my hats off to people who manage to balance family life, and a change in career simultaneously. I guess it's great when you have a support system, like your family and/or church around you to support you.

UMSL == University of Missouri--St. Louis.

I was accepted into the class of 2010 (i.e. I won't start until August, 2006). I'll be working my current job (software test engineer @ a large telecommunications company in the Kansas City area) until the end of July. I'm currently taking 2 classes: developmental psychology & Physics 2. I'm sure the transition from juggling family (wife & 2 kids) + school + full time "career" + being active at our Church to full time student + family will be "culture shock" for us. Particularly the pay cut we'll endure for the 4 years I'll be in school. I don't mind admitting I'm more than a little scared about how we'll handle the financial part...I have no doubts that I can handle the academic part. 🙂

As far as my stats:
(OAT is scored from 200 - 400, with 300 being the "national average")

• Academic Average: 340 ("Total" score)
• Total Science: 330
• Qualitative Reasoning: 380 ("Math" section)
• Reading Comprehension: 350
• Physics: 320
• Biology: 330
• Chem: 340
• OChem: 300

GPA: 3.48 (3.72 for Optometry pre-reqs)

A few people on the Optometry forums say that my stats are "well above average" and that I could have gone to any school I wanted to. I only applied at the schools that my state has contracts with. At SCO, I was #4 on the list of 3 contract seats 🙁, while UMSL gives a "regional" scholarship such that my tuition will be $2,000-$3,000 per year more than for in-state.