Here Are My Options.............

[sunmoon6689]

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I have been debating my options for the next two years, and I was wondering what others would do in my position. I am starting a graduate program in the Spring that will coincide with several upper-division science courses that I am planning to take. I hope to take 15 credits of upper-division science while completing 9 credits of graduate work. I will spend the summer working and volunteering in various places. Next Fall, I plan to continue with undergraduate and graduate work. However, I will take only graduate courses in the Spring as I have already completed two undergraduate degrees anyway. I am only taking upper-division science courses to raise my science GPA and better prepare me for dental school.

Here is where I run into options: I can apply to dental school this coming summer and interview throughout the next year (while still attending undergraduate and graduate school), or I can put off applying until the following summer. Obviously, the first option would give me only a summer break prior to matriculation. If I chose the second option, I would work during nine months of the year and travel throughout the summer. I would also focus more on extracurricular activities. I am currently 23 years old, which is a factor I am considering. I would like to eventually have a career! Any opinions? I would greatly appreciate all. Thanks!

 

[StudentDentist]

so where's the dilemma? are you going to finish grad school?

 

[sunmoon6689]

Yes, I am going to finish graduate school. My debate is whether to apply this summer or the following summer? Would you happen to know if admissions committees prefer students complete graduate programs prior to application? I have emailed several universities I am interested in, but I have yet to get a good feel for preference on this topic. Thanks.

 

[StudentDentist]

Yes, I am going to finish graduate school. My debate is whether to apply this summer or the following summer? Would you happen to know if admissions committees prefer students complete graduate programs prior to application? I have emailed several universities I am interested in, but I have yet to get a good feel for preference on this topic. Thanks.

screw their preference. delaying the app one extra year means a year of your life gone. They can manage taking you one year earlier.

 

[reapply2007]

Agreed. You should apply as early as you can, especially with your background. The only reason I wouldn't apply next year would be that I wanted to take a year off. That being said, you might not get in next year's cycle and be forced to take a year off. Remember that it is only getting harder to get into dental school.