Changing from Pharmacy to Dentistry

[cherryblossom222]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hello,

I just decided to switch to dentistry a month ago, and I've been pursuing the pharmacy for a few years.
I was gonna go to pharmacy school this year, but I couldn't because I just had a baby this year.
For a gap year, I want to try to apply to dental schools although I don't have that many experiences yet, but would it still be okay to apply to ONE pharmacy school this fall?

I just don't want to be a risk situation because I've been doing the pharmacy school for so long.

Any idea or experience like this? Thank you.

 

[coolguy07]

Have you taken the DAT? Also there is a section that asks if you are applying to other professional schools so you will have to mention it on your application

 

[FanOfCostco]

wait so you were accepted to go this year, but decided not to because you just had a baby? I’m trying to figure it your rationale behind switching to dentistry because most likely you will need to explain why. Especially when you plan on applying to pharmacy at the same time as you are applying to dentistry

 

[cherryblossom222]

Have you taken the DAT? Also there is a section that asks if you are applying to other professional schools so you will have to mention it on your application

Not yet. Planning to take it in October. I know it's a little late to apply to dental schools this year, but I just want to give it a try rather than just not applying. I know there's a section asking about other professional schools that I apply, and is it gonna look bad if I apply to both pharmacy and dental schools at the same time? Thanks.

 

[cherryblossom222]

wait so you were accepted to go this year, but decided not to because you just had a baby? I’m trying to figure it your rationale behind switching to dentistry because most likely you will need to explain why. Especially when you plan on applying to pharmacy at the same time as you are applying to dentistry

Yes. I couldn't go because of several reasons such as that there's no one that can take care of a baby and it's hard to relocate as a family due to my husband's job, etc. It's a little late to apply for dental schools this year, but I just wanna give it a try and want to apply for pharmacy schools at the same time because I don't wanna get a risk. I'll have to decide what school I should go depends on how dental schools respond to my application.

 

[Star-Lord]

Not yet. Planning to take it in October. I know it's a little late to apply to dental schools this year, but I just want to give it a try rather than just not applying. I know there's a section asking about other professional schools that I apply, and is it gonna look bad if I apply to both pharmacy and dental schools at the same time? Thanks.

I definitely wouldn’t apply to dental school this year. Taking the DAT in Oct means your application most likely won’t be considered complete until Nov since it takes a few weeks for the DAT to be processed. By then most schools would have sent their interview invites already. Most schools also require an upwards of 100 shadowing hours. Even if you rush to meet this number within 1-2 months, the fact that it was all done quickly and within a month or two of applying might be a red flag.

Not saying it’s impossible, but it’s an expensive gamble where the odds are highly highly against you. Personally, I think your time and money are better spent on becoming a good applicant so that next year you can apply and get into a cheap school.