HELP! Quick question about DAT.

[FareedTareen]

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I'm in a little bit of a dilemma right now. I attend a school called Richland Collegiate High School on the Richland College campus in Dallas. Pretty much, I'm 16 and it'll let me complete my last two years of high school and first two years of college at the same time.

My plan was to receive my high school diploma, associates degree, and get a high SAT score to transfer over to a 4 year university to finish my undergrad.

A friend told me that you have to take the DAT jr year of your undergrad. That being said, I don't think this program is preparing me enough for the DAT. I'm taking a Physics 1405 and 1407 course.. and will probably take Biology next year. BUT... Most of my credit hours are designed to meet my HIGH SCHOOL requirements.


I'm not sure if I should stay in this program, or transfer back to regular high school next semester. I have straight A's and about a 3.9 GPA so far with all the college courses I completed. I just hope it doesn't affect my chances of getting into Dental school.. Getting an bachelors degree won't be a problem.


HELP!
Last day to transfer is Friday the 14th.

 

[Avery07]

First off -- congrats on everything. What you're doing is pretty impressive.

You don't HAVE to take the DAT at any certain time. If you wanted to enter dental school right after undergrad, you would apply the summer between your Junior and Senior years. If applying at this time, to be considered by most schools, you would need to complete your DAT by the start of your Senior year. You can schedule the DAT almost any day of the year. That would give you your entire JR year to get some college courses under your belt and then that summer to rigorously study for the DAT.

The courses you really need to have covered for the DAT are chem 1 & 2, organic chem 1 & 2, and several biology classes (intro, genetics, any other). I think you can continue on with your current plan just fine. Given your situation, you are obviously smart and might be able to teach yourself a lot of this material. Pick up some self-help books (Organic Chemistry as a Second Language is incredible) and figure it out without the teacher. Also pick up a copy of Cliff's AP Biology and get to know that book inside and out. If you do that you will be in a fine position to take the DAT.

 

[Glimmer1991]

So long as you've had gen chem, organic chem, and some biology classes, you should be fine. Especially for the bio, a lot of the stuff for the DAT can be self-taught. I took it wouldn't having much of an upper-level bio background and did perfectly fine. It took a lot of studying, but it's totally worth it! Check out my breakdown and let me know if you have any questions. Seriously, though, you can prepare for this thing on your own without your classes doing so directly. Though it would be a struggle to do the chemistries without having any classes, Chad could still probably teach you what you need to get a 20 or so. Best of luck, and I agree that what you're doing is very impressive! Good luck!

 

[Avery07]

One more thing -- make sure you can show that you have a personality and a life. I remember coming across a couple people in the past who have done something similar to what you did but that is all they did. Their stats were great on paper and their accomplishment impressive however on paper they seemed nothing more than computers.

I don't want to come off the wrong way. Like I said, I love what you're doing and wish I had my head on my shoulders at your age. Just be sure you don't look over your extracurricular activities. Also be sure that you pick some activities that will help demonstrate you are mature for your age. I don't know what that might be but I'm sure you can find something. I think some adcoms may think negatively about your young age. On the same token, I'm sure there are some others that will feel the exact opposite.

Just some things to think about. Best of luck to you.

 

[FareedTareen]

Thanks! Appreciate the answers a lot.

And Avery, I definitely know what you mean. That has always been a big goal of mine. I never wanted to be the type to live in a book all day, you know? I've been really trying to widen my range of work and connections with people.. from graphic design, to fashion shows, to playing ball, producing music, etc. I agree though, being well rounded is definitely important. I just feel like you have to be a peoples person if they're who you'll be working with your whole career. Wouldn't ever wanna be that socially awkward Dentist.