How common is it to take 2 gap years before dental school?

[acvdental937]

I just graduated and am trying to decide whether to apply this cycle or next cycle. Is 2 years too long?

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[Milkteeth12]

Plenty of people take multiple gap years. It is quite late in the cycle to apply now, you would likely need pretty stellar stats to get in somewhere. If I were you I would just take this year to make sure your application is as strong as can be and then apply early June of next year.

 

[SoftGel]

I think it is looked upon favorably. I took a gap 15 years.

 

[Allsmiles!]

I think It will ultimately be determined by your GPA, DAT score, why are you taking a two year gap, and what exactly/specifically you spent doing during those two years.

 

[acvdental937]

I have a 3.86 GPA, was president/VP of a few orgs, led international clinic trips, and have an RDA license. I'm taking the DAT next week so I'm not sure what I'll score. I think I can get into a school this cycle, but since I'm applying so late, should I just wait until the next cycle?

I'm afraid I'll regret taking so much time off and I'm afraid of being older when I graduate. However, it'll be nice to have a longer break because college was stressful and I'm sure dental school won't be a walk in the park either.

 

[scaramouche88]

I think it’s a little late in the cycle at this point. I’d focus on getting a great DAT score, shadowing different specialties/volunteering, and having everything organized (personal statement, letters of rec, etc) to apply next cycle. If you apply early, you’ll have more schools to choose from than if you applied today.

When I interviewed a few weeks ago, I thought I’d be the “old” person since I’m 5 years out of college. To my surprise, no one even cared or could tell I was older, and there were so many others who were 2+ years out of college. Everyone’s on their own unique path to become a dentist—focus on yours and you’ll be fine! Plus, a 2 year gap really is nothing when you look at the grand scheme of things.

 

[HelicaseInitiator]

take the break- you are gonna need it. Gap years are totally fine just keep up your shadowing, volunteering, and making yourself "pop" off the page for admissions.

 

[ncide]

The average age of my class was around 26 which comes to about 2-3 gap years (or additional schooling) for each classmate. Pretty common I say.

 

[acvdental937]

Thank you everyone for your input! I was really overthinking it and ultimately decided to take another gap year. I think it'll benefit me more in the long run and is a great opportunity for growth before I enter dental school. I'll still be working/shadowing but it'll be a nice mental break. Good luck to everyone that's applying!

 

[Stanelz]

i was out three years before starting

The real world is scary..after spending your whole life as a praised promising student, being on the outside humbles you real quick and makes you value your education when you finally get in.