DAT & When to Apply

[Ultrasole]

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Hello everyone.
For now, I am only focusing on preparing for DAT. I have been reading some of your threads regarding the application process.

Knowing that this might not be the right place to post this thread, yet this is the only page (DAT Discussion) that I visit, I will post it anyway.

So..my question is;

Is it better to apply early (meaning right now, even without taking your DAT) and is that common among applicants? Because based on what I have read, most of the schools have their deadlines until Jan or so. And I know the earlier you apply, the better change you have, but applying at this time....(maybe too soon???)

Oh, and I was thinking about applying to dental schools after receiving my DAT scores ( with all my recommendation letters set + essay done, so I can send everything in one package), sometime in September. Is that too late? Should I apply first and then send in my scores later perhaps?

I was going to pursue a Ph.D in bio (accepted but will not go), but recently have set my mind to applying to dental schools, so as you can see I am quite new to all these processes. So far, all I've been doing is studying for DAT...

And regarding the shadowing exp., how much does it count? Is it the requirement? I am a bit concerned cuz I don't have any of that (but did undergraduate research for 2 years, <- would this count?)

Hope I can get some details here...
Thanks for your time! =D

 

[marmar]

well first of all it is not too soon at all. you want to start getting ready and putting together your application at the same time. you do not need to have you score and everything to apply because you apply through an organization and they collect everything (even your letters go to their address) and then the testing center sends the score to them. so put together the application and once you are done, you pay for it evenif your letters are not there yet. they start processing your application and calculating your GPA based on the transcripts you have sent them. they will notify you when they get the letters. the application processing takes longer than what it takes them to process your score. this way you get your score to schools as soon as possible. also this gives you the chance that if mess up on the test first time, take it again in 90 days.
hope this helps.

 

[klutzy1987]

Get your app in as soon as possible and then send in your DAT scores aftrewards as soon as you take the DAT. However get your application in as soon as possible. If you apply any later than october you do not really have any reallistic chance of getting in unless you pull a 25 or something.

 

[TarheelKid24]

SOME schools REQUIRE a certain amount of shadowing hours...there's a thread on here somewhere with a list of all the schools and the amount of hours they want.