Finishing BS Fall '14, when should I apply and take DAT?

[TH1RT3EN]

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I will complete my biology degree the end of 2014. I am planning to take my DAT summer 2014 and apply after I receive my score in hopes of gaining admission for class of 2019.

Is it recommended to submit an application before completion of my BS? I will have taken all the required courses the end of summer. The fall of 2014 I will take elective sciences.

 

[RaeRae0903]

Sounds to me like you've got a good plan. I'd take your DAT as early in the summer as possible though (the earlier your application is complete the better your chances). But of course make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare. As far as applying before your BS is complete...most traditional applicants are accepted as a "conditional acceptance" from what I understand (and how my acceptance was termed). This means that you could gain acceptance but you'd be required to complete your degree before dental school actually begins. With that said, applying in the summer of 2014 is likely the soonest you'd be able to apply. Occasionally/rarely, people are accepted early and do not have to complete their degree but this is the exception to the rule for the truly exceptional applicant. I don't know your stats but unless you were taking your DAT earlier AND have and extraordinary application, you'd most likely just be wasting your money applying any sooner than the 2014 cycle. Good luck! 🙂

 

[RU1992]

Would you be able to apply this coming cycle? If you have a solid GPA, good extra curriculars and shadowing experience, etc. I would personally recommend trying to take your DAT after this Spring semester finishes. You would have a few months to study for your DAT, assuming you take it late June/early July, and your application would be completed. I'm not trying to rush you, but rather than having to wait to be a part of the class of 2019, why not do your best to apply this cycle and try to complete the dental degree a year earlier? Just my advice personally, but if you feel that you wouldn't be prepared for the DAT or your application wouldn't be good enough by this cycle (essentially in a few months), then I would hold off. Personally though, I would do everything I could to complete my application this cycle.