Help, Need Advice! DAT and UNC MED PROGRAM

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

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Hey everyone,

A few days ago, I found out that I was accepted into the UNC MED Program, a rigorous 2 month summer program that looks very good on a CV and can possibly help you get a seat into dental school especially UNC (I am also out-of-state, so this program could be my back door into UNC). However, I still haven't taken the DAT yet, MED runs from May 30-July 30 and there's no way I would be able to study for the DAT while in MED. When should I sign up to take the test? I don't feel ready to take it now either. Should I decline my MED offer? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Maygyver]

Hey everyone,

A few days ago, I found out that I was accepted into the UNC MED Program, a rigorous 2 month summer program that looks very good on a CV and can possibly help you get a seat into dental school especially UNC (I am also out-of-state, so this program could be my back door into UNC). However, I still haven't taken the DAT yet, MED runs from May 30-July 30 and there's no way I would be able to study for the DAT while in MED. When should I sign up to take the test? I don't feel ready to take it now either. Should I decline my MED offer? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

Why wouldn't you be able to study for your DAT during that time? How much time is involved in the course? I know a lot of people studied for the DAT during school, so I think it's definitely possible. If you are interested in UNC I would definitely recommend the course since it will look very good on your application.

 

[dentalWorks]

Hey everyone,

A few days ago, I found out that I was accepted into the UNC MED Program, a rigorous 2 month summer program that looks very good on a CV and can possibly help you get a seat into dental school especially UNC (I am also out-of-state, so this program could be my back door into UNC). However, I still haven't taken the DAT yet, MED runs from May 30-July 30 and there's no way I would be able to study for the DAT while in MED. When should I sign up to take the test? I don't feel ready to take it now either. Should I decline my MED offer? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

what is this "MED" program... I mean, what are you going to be doing during those 2 months?

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

what is this "MED" program... I mean, what are you going to be doing during those 2 months?

It's very intense. Here's its website– http://www.med.unc.edu/medprogram

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

Why wouldn't you be able to study for your DAT during that time? How much time is involved in the course? I know a lot of people studied for the DAT during school, so I think it's definitely possible. If you are interested in UNC I would definitely recommend the course since it will look very good on your application.

MED is like taking 4 science classes + EC activities all at once during one summer semester.. it mimics the first semester of dental school. I personally wouldn't be able to add DAT studying to that.

 

[dentalWorks]

It's very intense. Here's its website– http://www.med.unc.edu/medprogram

whoa... this is a "super post-bacc" system. Yeh you won't be able to do any DAT.

thats a really sweet system, 80% of people who have enrolled in it have matriculated into medical or dental school.

I am curious why do you think you need it? do you have low GPA or something? I am only asking because if you are someone with a good GPA as of now, you don't really need this, just take the DAT and apply this summer

Now back to your original question, if the program doesn't end till July 30th, Im assuming you won't start preparing for the DAT till August 1st, and you will spend 2 months studying (because I don't think their DAT/MCAT preparation is all that helpful), you'll be able to take the DAT October 1st.... If you want to apply this year, just know that you are already at a disadvantage because your application is late....

 

[4thMolar]

How is your science and overall GPA and the rest of your application looking so far? I definitely wouldn't pass up the opportunity to enroll in the MED program if you think you may need it. I know successful graduates do have a very good chance of getting into UNC, and if UNC is one of your top choices, I would enroll. You can start studying for the DAT now and even continue studying during the program (even if it is limited). Plus, doesn't the program even offer DAT preparation? Either way, study hard during your program and afterwards. If you can take the DAT by the end of August, your chances still won't be that bad.

 

[FutureDoctor12]

Hi,

I also found out last Friday that I was accepted to the MED program. I am in the same dilemna as you (except I am taking the MCAT) I have a few questions about taking the MCAT after MED. I hear good things and bad things about it. The bad thing is that if you are not ready and not scoring well on practice tests and rush to take it, you may not do well and it can hurt you. If you take it afterwards, you will not have time to study for it during MED and you will be so burned out from the program. But I think they are gearing towards the last 3 weeks of the program focusing on MCAT/DAT prep, I don't know yet, this is just hearsay. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

dentalWorks: My overall gpa is a 3.73 and my science is higher.. you are prob correct about the DAT prep because I did the UNC SEP Program and their DAT prep was useless.. however, the MED program looks excellent on the CV especially if u want UNC and are an OOS applicant. I am very worried about having a late app.. I was planning on sending my AADSAS in on or around June 1st.

4thMolar: my gpa is listed above and the rest of my application is good, but I am the type who attempts to go the extra mile or two.. I have also applied to UConn's program, which mainly focuses on DAT prep, but haven't heard back from them yet. I was accepted to there dental/med prep program last summer but had to decline due to my promised enrollment in UNC SEP.

FutureDoctor12: congrats on your acceptance.. looks like we are both in the same boat.. I have many friends who have done this program and have gotten accepted to UNC plus many other schools. They said when the interviewed at other schools across the nation, many of them knew the MED staff and program very well.

If anyone has any more suggestions, please feel free to share. Thanks.

 

[dentalWorks]

dentalWorks: My overall gpa is a 3.73 and my science is higher.. you are prob correct about the DAT prep because I did the UNC SEP Program and their DAT prep was useless.. however, the MED program looks excellent on the CV especially if u want UNC and are an OOS applicant. I am very worried about having a late app.. I was planning on sending my AADSAS in on or around June 1st.

4thMolar: my gpa is listed above and the rest of my application is good, but I am the type who attempts to go the extra mile or two.. I have also applied to UConn's program, which mainly focuses on DAT prep, but haven't heard back from them yet. I was accepted to there dental/med prep program last summer but had to decline due to my promised enrollment in UNC SEP.

FutureDoctor12: congrats on your acceptance.. looks like we are both in the same boat.. I have many friends who have done this program and have gotten accepted to UNC plus many other schools. They said when the interviewed at other schools across the nation, many of them knew the MED staff and program very well.

If anyone has any more suggestions, please feel free to share. Thanks.

Even if you submit your application on June 1st... when it arrives to dental schools (without a DAT score) it will be considered "incomplete".... meaning they won't even open your file until everything is complete. If we go back to my assumption and you take the DAT on October 1st, schools won't receive your score till about 2-4 weeks afterwards, the first time your application will get viewed will be between mid-to-late October.... IMO, thats late, but the good news is, you have amazing numbers.

 

[Maygyver]

I think with your numbers you should be able to get into UNC regardless of doing the MED program honestly. That's just my 2 cents, but I think a strong DAT would be more advantageous.

 

[glo1984]

I think with your numbers you should be able to get into UNC regardless of doing the MED program honestly. That's just my 2 cents, but I think a strong DAT would be more advantageous.

Strongly agree.

 

[MrWilson]

Hey everyone,

A few days ago, I found out that I was accepted into the UNC MED Program, a rigorous 2 month summer program that looks very good on a CV and can possibly help you get a seat into dental school especially UNC (I am also out-of-state, so this program could be my back door into UNC). However, I still haven't taken the DAT yet, MED runs from May 30-July 30 and there's no way I would be able to study for the DAT while in MED. When should I sign up to take the test? I don't feel ready to take it now either. Should I decline my MED offer? I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

If you want to go to UNC dental, don't decline the offer, b/c it's very difficult to get in OOS. It seems like most people had this same issue, however, they would all agree that you need to soley focus on the program. Still go to the DAT classes. After the program, you can probably extend the DAT prep (depending who it's with-kaplan, PR) another 3 months. Go ahead and submit your application in June, and let all of the schools know you plan to take the DAT. Most people that took the DAT after the program, took it in either late August or sometime in September. Right after they took it, they faxed the scores off to all of the schools.
This program is one of the reasons, if not the main reason for me getting into UNC. If you do well in MED, it can go a long way in helping you get in. However, realize it's a double-egded sword, and it can hurt you if you don't do well. I would do this program over and over and over again. Good luck!

 

[dentalWorks]

Another thing to consider is... even if you do this program, its not a strong guarantee that you'll still get accepted into UNC.... I mean UNC is very in-state friendly, and you are out-of-state.

Last time I checked, they only accept like 7 or 8 out-of-state students (not good odds).

So basically, your putting sooo much stock into UNC that you are potentially hurting your chances at other schools which I believe you are very competitive at....

Im with Maygyver here, you should focus on DAT and apply early this summer. Your GPA is just too good for this MED program

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

awesome feed back everyone– I knew there was going to be some disagreement after posting this question lol

Mr. Wilson– I strongly agree with what you have to say. If you are an OOS applicant to UNC, the MED program can give you a pretty strong push towards a seat. I have also been in a 1:1 meeting with Dr. Wilder, where he looked through everything (my transcripts, EC's, research, etc..) through the SEP Program. He said I was very competitive IF an in-state applicant. He personally told me to try and switch to an in-state applicant ( I go to a respectable sister school in NC and have off campus apartment, pay taxes, etc. for over 3 years) However, they keep on declining me because I am under 25 (very very long story) Anyways, this program can be my ticket in if I do well. Great suggestion to fax it over.. even though it isn't official, they might put you in a certain pile.

dentalWorks– Yes, they do only accept around 10 OOS applicants. However, most of these applicants come out of the MED program. It's a way to weed out the other OOS applicants with similar numbers. If you couldn't decide between 2 applicants, and one did the MED program and made it through fairly well and the other didn't.. who would you choose?

I agree with you on the DAT– I am scoring really bad on practice tests (14 and 13). This situation is really bothering me.

 

[bing12]

awesome feed back everyone– I knew there was going to be some disagreement after posting this question lol

Mr. Wilson– I strongly agree with what you have to say. If you are an OOS applicant to UNC, the MED program can give you a pretty strong push towards a seat. I have also been in a 1:1 meeting with Dr. Wilder, where he looked through everything (my transcripts, EC's, research, etc..) through the SEP Program. He said I was very competitive IF an in-state applicant. He personally told me to try and switch to an in-state applicant ( I go to a respectable sister school in NC and have off campus apartment, pay taxes, etc. for over 3 years) However, they keep on declining me because I am under 25 (very very long story) Anyways, this program can be my ticket in if I do well. Great suggestion to fax it over.. even though it isn't official, they might put you in a certain pile.

dentalWorks– Yes, they do only accept around 10 OOS applicants. However, most of these applicants come out of the MED program. It's a way to weed out the other OOS applicants with similar numbers. If you couldn't decide between 2 applicants, and one did the MED program and made it through fairly well and the other didn't.. who would you choose?

I agree with you on the DAT– I am scoring really bad on practice tests (14 and 13). This situation is really bothering me.

So correct me if I am wrong, overall, the situation is, if you do this MED program, you are putting yourself in a BETTER position for UNC. But if you go through the MED program, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage to EVERY OTHER DENTAL SCHOOL because you wont be able to study for the DAT until much later correct?

I say if MED helps that much with UNC, and it seems, from the way you depicted it, that it would help. Finish the MED PROGRAM, then study for the DAT right away and take it at the end of aug of beg of september if you want. IT is relatively late, but I dont think you are going to decline this MED opportunity.

Overall, you are willing to risk other Dental schools for UNC, so you value UNC very highly.

Why not take the DAT before going in to this MED program? what are you doing right now?

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

So correct me if I am wrong, overall, the situation is, if you do this MED program, you are putting yourself in a BETTER position for UNC. But if you go through the MED program, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage to EVERY OTHER DENTAL SCHOOL because you wont be able to study for the DAT until much later correct?

I say if MED helps that much with UNC, and it seems, from the way you depicted it, that it would help. Finish the MED PROGRAM, then study for the DAT right away and take it at the end of aug of beg of september if you want. IT is relatively late, but I dont think you are going to decline this MED opportunity.

Overall, you are willing to risk other Dental schools for UNC, so you value UNC very highly.

Why not take the DAT before going in to this MED program? what are you doing right now?

It not only helps you get into UNC BUT it also is recognized across the nation. I know of at least two hands full of people that said in their interviews for OTHER schools they mentioned this program and spoke very highly of it. These OTHER schools even knew the names of the individuals running the MED program. I highly doubt doing this program will put me at a disadvantage for other schools.

Right now I have a full load of classes, some of which are 500 level. I am also trying to juggle studying for the DAT.

However, I will most likely decline this offer if I get into UConn's DAT prep program. I have not heard back from them yet.

 

[bing12]

It not only helps you get into UNC BUT it also is recognized across the nation. I know of at least two hands full of people that said in their interviews for OTHER schools they mentioned this program and spoke very highly of it. These OTHER schools even knew the names of the individuals running the MED program. I highly doubt doing this program will put me at a disadvantage for other schools.

Right now I have a full load of classes, some of which are 500 level. I am also trying to juggle studying for the DAT.

I am not saying having the MED program puts you at a disadvantage to other schools, but going through that program and PUTTING OFF your DAT until September will put you at a disadvantage it seems.

You should speak to the students that have been in the program, ask them when they had taken the DAT.

I would say, call up a few schools, ask them if completing your DAT in september while doing this MED program would be more beneficial in comparison to completing your DAT in june and not doing the MED program.

Say you complete your DAT early september, giving you 4 weeks to study, it takes about 2-4 weeks for your DAT scores to show up on AADSAS, so your application would be complete by late sept, early october. This is ofcourse doing 4 weeks of hard core studying after a summer of hardcore work.

At the end of the day, its what you believe will benefit you the most. This is no easy decision, and goodluck with it.

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

I am not saying having the MED program puts you at a disadvantage to other schools, but going through that program and PUTTING OFF your DAT until September will put you at a disadvantage it seems.

You should speak to the students that have been in the program, ask them when they had taken the DAT.

I would say, call up a few schools, ask them if completing your DAT in september while doing this MED program would be more beneficial in comparison to completing your DAT in june and not doing the MED program.

Say you complete your DAT early september, giving you 4 weeks to study, it takes about 2-4 weeks for your DAT scores to show up on AADSAS, so your application would be complete by late sept, early october. This is ofcourse doing 4 weeks of hard core studying after a summer of hardcore work.

At the end of the day, its what you believe will benefit you the most. This is no easy decision, and goodluck with it.

Thanks a lot bing, like I said.. I agree with everyone who says take the DAT early, so we will see what happens.

 

[Maygyver]

I know 2 OOS students who did not do the MED program. With your numbers, you will get an interview and if you nail that, I think you are in a good position to get acceptance.

 

[MrWilson]

No, the program is not a guarantee you'll be admitted. However, if you do really well, and rank very high, you stand a good shot. Not only do they evaluate your scholastic abilities, but also, how well you get along with other students, faculty, etc. It's basically a 2-month interview. You'll be able to network with faculty and others that might play a role in admissions.
It may be difficult, but I would do as Dr. Wilder said, and try everything in your power to become an in-state student. It will increase your chances by several-fold.
Yes, the program is very well renowned throughout the US. From my MED class, we had students accepted or matriculated at the following: UNC, Columbia, Arizona, Michigan, UT-Memphis, SIU, Alabama-B, BU, and few others I can't remember off the top my head. (Although not necessarily relevant, I thought it would be worth mentioning)In the past the pre-med students have been accepted to Harvard, UNC, VCU, Wake Forest, and many, many more.

 

[sarah_bellum]

If you're applying to UNC, success at MED (measured academically, socially, etc.) is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your application. MED is functionally the first half of the first semester of medical school at UNC, taught by the same faculty to the same level of difficulty. Pre-dental students at MED take an additional course in dental theory.

There is a DAT prep aspect of MED, run last year by either Kaplan or Princeton Review.

I participated in MED as a pre-dent, and I was a TA last year. Feel free to post specific questions to me on this thread, where I'll answer them for everyone's benefit.

Long story short, I'd do MED and take the DAT when it's over, preferably before the end of August.

 

[FLOSS UR TEETH]

What if you haven't taken any of the classes in MED. Are you at a big disadvantage? I know many of the students will have taken at least one or two of them. Also, what is a good rank?

 

[sarah_bellum]

What if you haven't taken any of the classes in MED. Are you at a big disadvantage? I know many of the students will have taken at least one or two of them. Also, what is a good rank?

No - that's the point. I hadn't taken any of the classes. It's a chance to see what the demands of professional school are really like. For folks who have already been working at a sufficient level to handle that, it's not a big adjustment. For folks who have been in less rigorous undergraduate programs, it can be a huge reality check.

Good rank is subjective, and it depends on the quality of the other participants.

 

[Winter Wind]

What if you haven't taken any of the classes in MED. Are you at a big disadvantage? I know many of the students will have taken at least one or two of them. Also, what is a good rank?

I wouldn't say you're at a huge disadvantage but it will certainly go smoother if you have already taken the courses. There were some courses that I had not taken when I did the program and I actually did really well in those courses when I did take them when I went back to my institute. I would think the same is the same in reverse, if you already took the courses then it will help you to do well when you do MED. So, to answer your question, if you haven't taken the courses I would say you are at a slight disadvantage, but if you study hard you can overcome it.