How Bad of an Idea is this?

I wouldn't recommend it. Taking a week off is pretty big when you are only studying for ~2 months.

I've been in your situation several times! I had friends going on a vacation, I had to decline because of studying for various things such as the DAT. But it will be worth it in the end!

 

DO IT...i regret not having taken a FREE trip to the south of France last year...my dumb a$$ stayed here and i didnt even study much...exact same situation exam was middle of july trip was middle of june...still ended up doing well on DAT and i did not need that week at all...what a shame coulda beeen a sick experience

 

What about pushing the DAT to end of July- that way you have 2 more weeks than you were planning on... and one of them you could go on the trip Or maybe make a compromise and go to Mexico for 3 nights instead of 7. You'll still have fun, won't be pissed you missed out, and won't feel too guilty because you'd be shortening the trip!

 

I think you can easily take the trip without sacrificing a good score.

Study for the DAT once school ends up until your trip.

Take the trip, relax for the week, and maybe look over some things on your downtime...Kaplan flashcards would be perfect.

Come home refreshed and ready to go for that final push. Also, you can take the DAT a little later in the month. I took my DAT in the middle of August without any problems. Just be sure you have your application and LOR's sent as soon as you can get them completed.

Let's be serious here, I don't think you'll be studying all day/everyday for the entire 2 months or so leading up to your test. No sense in missing an awesome trip with your friends. Bust ass, rest and enjoy your vacation, and then continue to bust ass.

 

go on the trip...you'll regret not going. if worse comes to worse, push back your dat test a week back (but not any longer) to make up for the lost time.

 

I took a week long trip to Vegas right in the middle of studying for the DAT. Of course, it was a road trip and involved 30 total hours of driving in which I got some good studying done, and a buddy of mine who was going along had just taken the OAT, but you get the idea...

 

Think about all the time thats wasted anyways, add that all up and it will be more than a week. When you get back just get back into your routine and hit it hard

 

Oh go! I agree with the other posters...just push it back a week if you need to. If you take it in July it isn't like you are trying to apply at the earliest moment anyway. If your scores weren't that good and you wanted to take your DAT before applying and you wanted it in early (June) then I would say skip it...but you are waiting until July anyway so go. If you want to apply early and take the DAT a week or two after you were planning in July...may be fine too. Seems schools don't offer interviews much before mid-August anyway. Good luck and have fun in Mexico.

 

GO ON THE TRIP. It'll be worth it.

 

what is more important to you, getting into dental school or going on a trip? your performance on the DAT is critical for admission to dental school. you said that you graduate in mid june and want to take the test in mid july, that leaves about a month to prepare. given the timetable you set, it doesnt seem reasonable to waste a week of study time to go on a vacation. you will have plenty of time to take vacations after you complete your education. if you dont do well in july you have to wait until october (90 days) to retake which may ruin your chances for the 08 cycle. my advice is to take your future seriously and use all your available time to ensure that you do well on the DAT.

 

i'm a slacker so panic mode doesn't hit and i don't go hardcore till the last minute anyway. i'd say go on the trip because how efficiently are you going to study RIGHT after graduation anyway? take some time to relax and enjoy

 

Do it! Life is only going to get more complicated from here on out. Hopefully like others have said, it will help you relax a little before the DAT. I was going to go to Brazil recently, but I didn't because of a situation much like this. Now I've got a kid on the way and by the time I'm done with my education I may have three kids. Sounds dramatic I know... Do it!

 

Keep your priorities in order, however, at the same time, if you feel that you can afford the lost time then do your thing. Only you know what's best for you.

Marion

 

4 months is borderline overkill, dude. I studied for about 4 weeks and was sick of the material.

 

Totally. I pushed my DAT back like 3 times cause of things like this. Take it when you're ready, not when the calender says you have to. But don't push it back too far.

 

yea, you need about a month and a half... tops

 

I agree with dmd2011 completely. I'd rather have decades of fun and vacation after DS than one great trip (which could potentially ruin your chances). I'm not saying that it will for sure, but the possibility is there. Plus, I would probably worry about the DAT the entire time I was in Mexico. Either way, its your choice and only your's. If you decide to go, have a great time. Good luck on the DAT.

 

If you think that you can buckle down before and after your trip then go for it. But if while on vacation you are going to be stressed about the DATs then don't go.

 

i would do it. how many chances do you have to go to mexico with your friends after you graduate? viva mexico! and then just be ready to buckle down and study when you get back.

 

Work hard now and you'll get to play later. Play hard now and you'll have to work later.