Confused.. Need some advice

[hon12]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hey guys.. I just registered and am really worried after reading other threads on this dental forum... i will be graduating this spring and i couldnt apply to dental schools for the 2013 cycle as i was quite late and now i have an year off.. but i m hearing from other people that dental schools don't like people taking an year off and i should do masters just in case.. Should i really??. i have a very good gpa and im planning to take the DAT in the summer.. a few hours of shadowing and volunteer work but still not that great and im planning to increase them during the summer.. i understand that shadowing should be a necessary thing before applying but is volunteer work really that necessary? Some advice would be greatly appreciated thanks..

 

[two thirty]

How good is a very good GPA?

If its high don't waste your money getting a masters. Get some shadowing in for sure though

 

[autoclavemonkey]

Hey guys.. I just registered and am really worried after reading other threads on this dental forum... i will be graduating this spring and i couldnt apply to dental schools for the 2013 cycle as i was quite late and now i have an year off.. but i m hearing from other people that dental schools don't like people taking an year off and i should do masters just in case.. Should i really??. i have a very good gpa and im planning to take the DAT in the summer.. a few hours of shadowing and volunteer work but still not that great and im planning to increase them during the summer.. i understand that shadowing should be a necessary thing before applying but is volunteer work really that necessary? Some advice would be greatly appreciated thanks..

I think you're fine, especially if your GPA is good. Just do well on your DAT and focus on getting your dental experiences in if you haven't done so already. If you still feel uneasy about taking time off, just take some additional science courses at a community college. You can go to dental school websites and figure out what upper level science courses are recommended(human anatomy with lab, physiology, micro bio etc.) But do this only after you take your DAT and receive a score you're happy to apply with. I do think volunteer work is somewhat necessary, some schools like Western, ASDOH, Minnesota, and Umich really seem to value them. If you can find a local community dental clinic, try to volunteer at one. In most cases, shadowing a general dentist won't get you that much hands on experience unless your dentist is willing to have you work as a dental assistant.

 

[LaughingGas]

Hey guys.. I just registered and am really worried after reading other threads on this dental forum... i will be graduating this spring and i couldnt apply to dental schools for the 2013 cycle as i was quite late and now i have an year off.. but i m hearing from other people that dental schools don't like people taking an year off and i should do masters just in case.. Should i really??. i have a very good gpa and im planning to take the DAT in the summer..If you have good gpa, there is no need to do masters even if you had an year off. a few hours of shadowing and volunteer work but still not that great and im planning to increase them during the summer.. i understand that shadowing should be a necessary thing before applying but is volunteer work really that necessary? Volunteering is not "mandatory" requirement but having volunteer experience wouldn't hurt you. Some advice would be greatly appreciated thanks.

 

[15960]

I would suggest you do something that can diversify your experience. Do something you have always wanted to do. Maybe get a job or volunteer in something outside of dentistry. It would make you more well rounded. Plus enjoy the year off. From my experience people who take a year off are less likely to burnout in the school year.

Don't get a Masters if you have an above average GPA. They don't look at masters classes as much as the prerequisites in undergrad anyway.