How important to apply early?

[Slimfast]

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I'm wondering whether I should take a kaplan course over the summer and take the DAT in early August as soon as the course ends

or...

not take the course, study on my own during this current semester and apply earlier (Early June for example).

What do you guys think? Does the importance of applying early outweigh how well-prepared one is to take the exam?

 

[jigabodo]

People will have different opinions on this, but in my case, I chose the latter and I am very happy with the result.

 

[SuperDuper]

People will have different opinions on this, but in my case, I chose the latter and I am very happy with the result.

I would do the same 😉🙂😀

 

[bodiddely]

Or you could have your cake and (mostly) eat it too by submitting your aadsas in May and taking the DAT in early August.

 

[UNR.Grad]

I had my AADSAS in mid June and my DAD mid August because of the summer Kaplan course. If I could do it again, I would have done the online Kaplan in March/April, taken the DAT in May, and had my AADSAS in June 1st. I think I would have gotten more interviews and/or earlier interviews.

 

[REH]

Can I chime in here? I'm a little confused on this whole May 15th/June 1st thing...AADSAS opens on the 15th, but you can't submit before June 1st. Is that correct?

 

[bbakersc]

I'm wondering whether I should take a kaplan course over the summer and take the DAT in early August as soon as the course ends

or...

not take the course, study on my own during this current semester and apply earlier (Early June for example).

What do you guys think? Does the importance of applying early outweigh how well-prepared one is to take the exam?

First off, applying and taking the DAT are two VERY different beasts. NO QUESTION APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The DAT can wait a bit, but must be done by august. The advantage to taking it earlier is that you can take it again if needed and not be totally out of the mix. Most schools like to fill their classes early so get your stuff in as early as possible. I know of SEVERAL people who got in with average stats but got both their app and DAT in on JUNE 1. I know guys who have great stats (ie 3.8 GPA and 21+ on DAT) and still haven't heard from most schools... so I lean towards getting it in early.

 

[bbakersc]

I had my AADSAS in mid June and my DAD mid August because of the summer Kaplan course. If I could do it again, I would have done the online Kaplan in March/April, taken the DAT in May, and had my AADSAS in June 1st. I think I would have gotten more interviews and/or earlier interviews.

gotta agree here, besides kaplan's class room blows!! The online material is where it is at.

 

[Booboohuevos]

They have a summer Kaplan course that you can take. I chose this route, taking the course From may to the end of June, and I took my DAT in late June. Honestly, the Kaplan COURSE itself wasn't that useful. The resources were nice, but I'd say you are better off saving your money and buying the best resource for each subject rather than relying on one average source (I.E. Kaplan). I'd say applying early puts you in a better situation, but it definitely won't be the final say in your getting in.

 

[scottyhoop]

Can I chime in here? I'm a little confused on this whole May 15th/June 1st thing...AADSAS opens on the 15th, but you can't submit before June 1st. Is that correct?

I believe that is true...you have a couple of weeks after aadsas opens before you can actually submit anything to them.
Scott

 

[Slimfast]

you guys are awesome- thanks for such quick replies

 

[blankguy]

Remember the biggest hold up is the application, transcripts and recommendations. Get those in early so that you only have the DAT to worry about.

 

[SBdent33]

I would,

1)get all the recommendations in may (it could be painful.. ask ur prof in advance),
2)submit aadsas in early June,
3)take DAT in early July

DAT in early august is still fine, but taking it earlier gives you earlier interviews. 🙂

 

[REH]

Thanks, Scott. Appreciated.

I believe that is true...you have a couple of weeks after aadsas opens before you can actually submit anything to them.
Scott

 

[1992Corolla]

I think that the fact that almost everyone on SDN and most schools say 'apply early' is a good indication to apply early. i wouldn't wait past June.

 

[ummjoey]

take the DAT when you are ready. you dont HAVE to apply this cycle.

i liked kaplan cuz it forced me to wake up and physically go to class. i am not the type that can wake up early and study all day. i like to get dress and go to class. after class i would study since i am already up. kaplan was very expensive but i had a 30% discount. im vice president of future dentist club and kaplan is one of our sponsors. kaplan gives our members 10% discount and the officers 30% discounts.

thats my 2 cents.

just use good time management, plan smart, and work hard!

 

[dmille73]

I used Kaplan much like ummjoey did. I used it to force me to study. If you can study on your own then get a prep book and start working through it. If you still don't feel ready then you could take the Kaplan course over the summer. You should definitely get your application in as soon as possible. I had my application in the first or second week of August. I was told flat out that i didn't get into a couple schools because they did their out of state interviews in June and July so i completely missed the opportunity by applying late. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[CMistry]

If you can't get everything out by August, I think you should wait a cycle. You will be happier with the results. Early = critical.