first timer, several questions

[jlim0930]

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Hello,

I got my BS about 8-10years ago from a 4 year univ and have been working since and now decided to goto dental school. I was a pre med and science student during my undergrad so i do have all of the prereqs for pre dent.

I have been studing for the DAT for the last 2 months and on the practice tests i have been getting about 19-20.

Do you think that my long work history will hender my chances of getting accepted? because i worked in a whole different field (IT)

Also i am thinking about attending kaplan or princeton review to better my scores a bit which do you recomend?

When should i start applying for dental schools ? i know that i need to start on the application process in may... i planned to take the DAT toward end of may but if i take classes from kaplan or princeton review i plan to take it again in july.

Also i read in here that a lot of people were using topscore and ace the dat for study material.. which is better and what other materials do you suggest ?


sorry for all the questions.. but i am looking for some good suggestions and this forum have helped alot

Thanks

 

[DrTacoElf]

Hello,

I got my BS about 8-10years ago from a 4 year univ and have been working since and now decided to goto dental school. I was a pre med and science student during my undergrad so i do have all of the prereqs for pre dent.

I have been studing for the DAT for the last 2 months and on the practice tests i have been getting about 19-20.

Do you think that my long work history will hender my chances of getting accepted? because i worked in a whole different field (IT)

Also i am thinking about attending kaplan or princeton review to better my scores a bit which do you recomend?

When should i start applying for dental schools ? i know that i need to start on the application process in may... i planned to take the DAT toward end of may but if i take classes from kaplan or princeton review i plan to take it again in july.

Also i read in here that a lot of people were using topscore and ace the dat for study material.. which is better and what other materials do you suggest ?


sorry for all the questions.. but i am looking for some good suggestions and this forum have helped alot

Thanks

Suggested time to apply is in May
Suggested time to take DAT by is Late june
I would study with kaplan, topscore, acethedat, and your bio book for phylogeny, ecology

I don't believe princeton review teaches the DAT, but I could be wrong.

Your career won't be a problem in fact it could be an asset if you can play from the standpoint of needing to make a difference, working with people, running a business. But the better ? is HOW do you know dentistry is for you (you'll need to shadow some for sure or have exposure somehow)

 

[stoshic]

agree with the above. Princeton doesn't have a review course for DAT. I recommend kaplan. Apply early as possible, May, and rack the DAT's. Recommend you doubling up on all LOR, transcripts ect. b/c AADSAS sucks! They lost 2 of my LOR and didn't apply to one of the school I listed. it all worked out but always keep up with where your application stands. Best of luck.

 

[TX Hopeful]

Hello,

I got my BS about 8-10years ago from a 4 year univ and have been working since and now decided to goto dental school. I was a pre med and science student during my undergrad so i do have all of the prereqs for pre dent.

I have been studing for the DAT for the last 2 months and on the practice tests i have been getting about 19-20.

Do you think that my long work history will hender my chances of getting accepted? because i worked in a whole different field (IT)

Also i am thinking about attending kaplan or princeton review to better my scores a bit which do you recomend?

When should i start applying for dental schools ? i know that i need to start on the application process in may... i planned to take the DAT toward end of may but if i take classes from kaplan or princeton review i plan to take it again in july.

Also i read in here that a lot of people were using topscore and ace the dat for study material.. which is better and what other materials do you suggest ?


sorry for all the questions.. but i am looking for some good suggestions and this forum have helped alot

Thanks

You're in the exact same boat as I am, and I had several of the same questions and fears that you just presented. I graduated 7 years ago and have been working in a field that requires no use of my Chemistry degree.

As for your practice exam scores, you're doing about how well I was doing also. I just took the DAT in January after 3 months of studying and did pretty well (AA-21, PAT-19, TS-22). So continue with what you're doing and don't let up. I didn't take any prep courses, but I made sure that I disciplined myself and studied consistently. I did use several products and sources that I bought from other people though (i.e. Kaplan subject tests, books, etc).

I think your work history can only help you. Experience in any work field is positive in that you've probably developed a work ethic. Also, there is a lot to be said about your dedication if you're considering leaving a career that you're well established in to pursue dentistry.

You sound like you have a pretty sound plan in applying...EARLY! I definitely recommend TopScore. I took those practice exams within two weeks of taking the real deal, and they really help with the actual format and level of difficulty that you'll see on test day. AcetheDAT can't hurt, but don't get too discouraged if you don't do well on the sciences since they're pretty inaccurate.

If you have any other questions or concerns, don't hesitate to PM me. Good luck!

 

[onetoothleft]

I too have been working for a few years before applying and I agree with everyone else here as well.

My question is . . . Why the change? IT is a pretty well paying gig (not that money is the only consideration) and dental school is a pretty big investment.