I am doomed.. please help :(

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Hi, as I have posted earlier about my situation, I have taken MCAT (did okay) and submitted my medical school application. HOwever, I realized that my interest in dentistry is stronger than mh interest in medicine. I was devastated that I cannot cancel my medical school application. I am planning to not fill out secondaries. Would I still be considered as applyin to other schools? I plan to tell them during interview that I discontinued my process of application.
Would this affect my admission to dental schools???? cuz I know some kids apply to both. I hope this doesnt hinder my admission to dental schools 🙁

Please, if you can, share your thoughts or similiar experiences. Thanks.

Here is my stats:

4.0 GPA with Microbiology in Florida
ALOT of volunteering experiences (medical and I am getting some dental experience this summer)

I thought long and hard about my future and I decided dentistry is right for me, but now I am hopeless cuz I have sent in my primary applicaiton to medical school earllier this summer and took MCAT. Please, help 🙁 Thanks!
 
Gatorwell, Wow!!! 4.0 huh? I know I've already given you my opinion, but it sounds like you still need someone to tell you it'll be O.K. so, sit down, take a deep breath and repeat after me: it's going to be O.K, it's going to be O.K. 🙂 Doesn't that feel better? I know what a pain in the neck applying is. It's so easy to start freaking out about every little detail of this process. -Should I use a semi-colon at this point in my essay, or should I go the period and new sentence route? -Will it hurt me that my hair is naturally red but dye it dark brown?

I know your concerns are much more legitimate than this, but I truly don't think it's a big deal that you've applied to med school. You have shown on this board that you sincerely want dentistry as a career, and I'm sure you'll convey that same passion in your apps and interviews. And with a 4.0 it is obvious that you are not using dentistry as a back up; you can surely take your pick of any number of medical and dental schools. I think many, many dental schools will be begging you to come to their programs.

So go ahead and let go of that pre-allo tension, relax, and enjoy your life. Best of Luck. 🙂
 
Thank you so much. I was very nervous about my decision. I felt like I was disappointing alot of people because I didn't chose the career that some people want me to choose. However, I am now bit more relaxed, thinking that this is the right decision for me.

I will preparin for DAT and take it at the end of August. I am hopin to apply to schools at the end of August. I hope it is not too late. 🙁 Thanks for the support! Maybe I will see you at your dental school 🙂 Thanks for your advise~!
 
Gatorwell, I can totally sympathize with you on the "not meeting expectations" aspect of this. I also had pretty good grades; actually got an award for being the top science grad from my university. So many people (especially in undergrad) have a built-in prejudice that med school is for the top of the top, and the only people who do dentistry are those who couldn't hack the pre-med curriculum or have dentist fathers. I definitely had my second thoughts about choosing this career as I was genuinely interested in both dentistry and medicine. But what made it even harder was to have friends and counselors always second-guessing your decision. "So... why dentistry?" "Don't you think that's gonna be boring?" "Medical school has so many more options." etc... etc...

But in the end what it comes down to is where you're gonna be the happiest. And dentistry is definitely where it's at. :clap: :clap:

One other quick thing - I would definitely send in my apps now without the DAT scores. That 4.0 is REALLY gonna pique some interest. I think it will be to your advantage to have the adcomms waiting with bated breath for your scores so they can send you an interview invite. 😉 The only exception to this might be is if you have NO dental experience yet. Definitely want to have at least a little shadowing on there. But by no means would I wait until August. All this is only my opinion so take it with a grain of salt - just thought I'd share.

BTW, are you in Gainesville, FL or GA? If GA, be sure to include MCG in your application list. 🙂
 
Gator Well,

No you are not doomed. I took the MCAT also and applied in the past to Med school (turned it down). The adsass application asks this question. As Supernumerary said make this a positive in your personal statement, I did and it obviously worked. Expound on how you knew health care was for you and how medicine souded good, but you really got excited when you thought about dentistry. From your posts this seems the case and will be reflected to the adcoms. Dont make it your entire PS however. BTW the way congrats on your recent coming to your senses.:laugh: Good luck
 
Thanks for your support 🙂 I am glad I am not the only crazy one here.. 🙂 I have no regrets about my decision. I hope my past testing and application status don't hinder my pursuit of becomin a dentist. My friends are still doubtin my decision but I am confident that I will be doing this 🙂 Thanks! I will be workin on DAT and application (will try to turn them in by July). THanks~ I might bother you guys again later 🙂 Thanks again~
 
It's going to hurt you but some schools will accept you because a 4.0 GPA is just too high to ignore. Some school will want you simply for your GPA because it raises their entrance stats. Let's be honest, 4.0 GPA's may be common in med school apps but they aren't common in dental school apps. But yeah, you will get rejected from some schools because you applied to medical school. They aren't going to like that. I was originally thinking of applying the DO school affiliated with my post-bac program until I learned of the question on the AASDAS. Then I realized that I can't apply to DO school because it will jeopardize my chances. Anyway, I realize I wouldn't go to DO school even if I got in because dental school is my passion. I know what you mean about the hierarchy with medicine. Even my advisors were trying to steer me toward medicine because they know nothing of dentistry. But dentistry is where it's at. And it's funny that some people don't believe that someone can actually prefer dentistry over medicine.
 
Thanks for your thoughts on my application status. 🙂 I had a quick question for you. You said that my application to medical schools will hurt my chances and can even reject me.... is it like that in most cases????????

🙁 I am becoming very nervous about my application now........ but I have no regrets about choosin dental school tho...... but i will appreciate your further advise or your thoughts 😉 Thanks!
 
Yeah, you have to understand. What if medical schools found out you were applying to law schools at the same time. Most of them would reject you on the spot because they would question your sincerity regarding medicine. It's sort of the same analogy. Would you take someone who wasn't that sincere about your field? The last thing dental schools want is someone who thinks of dentistry as second place. Because there are a lot of students who have true passion for dentistry and see it as being #1. Those are they type of students dental schools want. A lot of schools will immediately axe you based on the fact that you applied to both. That's just how it is.

Think of it on the flip side. You are a smart guy. If you were an admissions director, would you take a guy who is applying to medical school too? You probably wouldn't because you would fear that he is only applying to your school as a backup.

There is a guy in my program who applied to both DO school and dental school. He had a 4.0 GPA. He was accepted to two schools. And he had nearly 10 interviews, but none of those schools included the likes of Harvard, Columbia, Penn, UCSF, UCLA, Baylor etc. So you can pretty much cross out the top schools from your list. They aren't going to bother with a guy who is applying to medical school too. In conclusion:

Worry if you desire to attend a top dental school. Chances are they won't take you.

Don't worry if you want to get into any dental school at all. A few schools will accept you. 🙂

If you are insistent upon attending Harvard or the best dental school possible then wait a year and reapply. I wouldn't do that though.

Personally, I empathize with you and I hope you get in somewhere.
 
i am sorry to ask you this again 🙁 But I couldn't cancel my score so I noted on my application that I have withdrew my application by not filling out secondaries.. would this help????? I am so confused........🙁
 
I don't think it would help too much because the dental schools wouldn't have any proof of you canceling your secondaries. Anyone could say that they cancelled their secondaries when they really didn't. And chances are most dental schools won't call your medical school to verify. But I think you are panicking for no reason. You will be okay bro! 🙂 Trust me! I wouldn't be suprised if you got into 4 or 5 dental schools. But I don't know if you will get into the top dental schools because their demand is so great.
 
I have to agree with everyone on not to worry about it. Like what mcataz was saying "I wouldn't be surprised if you got into 4 of 5 dental schools." Yeah, even if you apply to only 4 or 5. I'm trying to make a point so don't worry too much and get some sleep. Don't get me wrong, they will have concerns, but with a 4.0 GPA they'll at least grant you an interview. From your posts, I'm sure you will give them no doubts that you will be a perfect student at any dental school! Good luck!!
 
I got no sleep last nite.. and debated if I made the wrong choice... but even if I had to take a year off, I would still want to be a dentist..... I was hopign that the choice I made earlier due to pressure from my parents affect my entrance to dental schools 🙁

Would it be wise for me to explain that I withdrew my application in the essay? maybe a paragraph?/? Thanks alot you guys. Maybe I will see you at dental schools (if i can get in now.. )

Oh.. its not "he".. this is she.. 🙂
 
I think you made the wrong choice if it is imperative that you attend a top dental school. I agree that everyone should try to attend the best dental school possible but any dental school is good. In the long run, your school name means little to nothing. Dentistry ins't like law or business where your school name gives you a significant advantage over students from second and third tier schools. If that's the impression you are getting then you have been misinformed. If you couldn't sleep because you were concerned about not attending the very best dental school then I think you are in dentistry for the wrong reasons anyway. I would attend medical school if I were you because then you will receive the prestige and respect you seem to value. To each his own. I'm not judging you. But if that is important to you, then do what makes you happy. Attend medical school because most people aren't going to care if you attended Harvard or Penn dental in the long run.
 
I think you are very mistaken. I never said I want to attend ONLY the top schools. My sister, who is dental school student, chose her state school over the ivy league school.
What I was getting from your previous messages was that I basically have less than 10 percent of getting into ANY dental schools. (you noted "few dental schools.") I am truly sorry if you have gotten wrong ideas about me wanting to attend ONLY the ivy league schools. I am actually more concerned about how my state school would view my application. 🙂 well, thanks for the comments. I appreciate your response. no hard feelings? well, good luck with your dental career then 🙂
 
Less than 10% is still good. Most people would be happy with getting into one school. I didn't take any offense to your post. I'm glad you clarified your position. On that note, I think you are ready for dentistry. 🙂 But yeah, I can see your concern now. If you are adamant about your state school because of the tuition, it makes sense. I would call your state school and try to set up a meeting with the admissions officer. Better yet, do a drop by and see if you can meet with him or her. Tell him or her about your situation in person. It should help you. Ask for advice on how you can present yourself properly to the school. That will improve your chances a great deal. They will put a name with a face. It will help in regards to your 4.0 GPA. They will know that you can go anywhere but you are choosing to attend dental school.
 
GatorWell,

After reading what you've wrote here, I think your passion for dentistry is genuine. I feel bad that you are worrying so much b/c it's obvious you made a good decision, but a few minutes too late. Isn't there someway you could let the schools know that? As in, is there a section on the application where you "explain circumstances not covered in other parts of this application?" I'm not familiar with the AADSAS process, but could you write the schools you apply to an extra letter conveying your absolute decision to not go through with the medical admissions process? Then they could put it in your file or something? The fact that your sister is a dental student should have some push b/c you play the "I've seen what she is going through and realized that is also my calling in life" card. Nepotism is alive and well in dentistry, so if it works, use your sister to your advantage when talking about your change of heart from med to dent.

It's too bad you already started the AMCAS process, but I think you will be a very strong candidate for dental school. It's still early in the admissions game, get your AADSAS in pronto and get yourself into a dental office to start shadowing now! Your GPA is excellent and this will definitely get dental schools to look at you. Make sure your recommenders put in their letters how genuine your passion is for dentistry. Don't rely on them to infer it from your resume, tell them in person and make a little list of stuff you want them to discuss in your letter and give it to them. You'd be surprised what kinds of letters some people write when you ask them.

I wish I could offer you some first hand advice. But don't give up hope. Call/e-mail your first choice school and find out from them first hand what they think of your situation (having a current, yet dead AMCAS application). Dental schools let in people every year who are borderline candidates yet "show potential." You are obviously most capable of succeeding in dental school, you should definitely have a fair shot too.
 
Yes. I am in process of writing my personal statement and I am going to discuss how my family wanted me to be a physician but it wasn't for me. (about a paragraph). And I also mentioned how I withdrew my applications by not following up with the secondaries in ther personal statement. (is this a good idea?)

And I am going to start shadowing a dentist and volunteer at dental clinics more. I will get stated on studyin for DAT also 🙁

Thanks for your advise... I hope I get into my state school 🙂

Good luck you guys.. maybe i will see you guys at interviews at your dental schools 🙂
 
GatorWell-is it UF that you want to go to?

Nova is there too, I recommend that school highly 😉

Either way, if you apply smartly, you'll get in. It sounds like your personal essay will be introspective, but make it positive, fo shizzle, dog(ette). Mention that it wasn't a mistake, but rather an epiphany that you've decided to become a dental student. State how much you've learned by going through the medical application process, and that it's because of this that you've actualized your career goals. Finally, indicate that this was no fly-by-night decision, but rather, a carefully rationalized path that became obvious for whatever reason. I believe you'll get in!

With your grades, and a solid DAT, there's no question you'll be seriously considered for the next class. Good luck!
 
i skimmed through this thread, my question is, let's say Gator applies for dental school, but does not indicate that he applied and withdrew from the medical school application process, how can dental schools know wheather he applied to med school or not?

Do dental schools have access to info regarding who had or had not apply to any other health programs?

the only way I think that dental schools can know is if they use a dental applicant's personal info to do a search with AMCAS or with other med schools around the country, asking AMCAS and med schools to verify or confirm. In this case, isn't it somewhat illegal for AMCAS or other med schools release personal info regarding a med school applicant?

I don't think dental schools actually go through this process, do they? for it would cost too much money and resources, and there are legal issues involved.

If dental schools do look into tracking that background info down, then shouldn't they at least inform dental applicants that there is a potential search and that the applicant must authorize such info to be released in order for the dental application to be completed, reviewed, and processed?


Just my thoughts, can someone answer this or shed some light on this?

My point is that if Gator is applying to dental school now, what if he doesn't put on his AADSAS application that he also applied to med schools, how would dental schools find out?
 
Westside, for many people, honesty and ethics are not options to be exercised at one's personal convenience. That said, there are other reasons not to withhold the information.
  1. Being honest on applications of any kind is always a good idea. Lies have a way of coming to back to bite you in the hinder.
  2. Gatorwell comes across as a sincere and honest person. There is no reason for schools to doubt her veracity if she simply tells the truth. Her grades alone provide proof that dental school is not a back up for her.
    [/list=1]

    In this case, it would be pointless to take the risk of lying. 🙂
 
Hi there,

I must agree with the previous post in regards to always coming forward with the truth. I must also agree with the fact that there is not reason why dental schools should know about a prior medical school intent unless you come forward in the application. There is no cross checking between AADSAS and AMSAS. No conspiracy theory on this.

Gator be honest in the application and most importantly, let them know in your personal statement about your relatives' preference for medicine. Now, should the question come during interviews, be honest, let them know what happened and have a very strong explanation (other than life style, etc) supporting choosing dentistry over medicine.

By the way, are you applying to UF?

Best wishes...
 
Yeah.. ob course 🙂 I donno where else to apply because I haven't taken my DAT yet. I am planning to take it in the end of the August. 🙂 I am in process of writing my personal statement and trying to get in my application by end of June. If you have suggestions on which dental schools are good for Floridian, let me know 🙂

THanks~~
 
Originally posted by Supernumerary
Westside, for many people, honesty and ethics are not options to be exercised at one's personal convenience. That said, there are other reasons not to withhold the information.
  1. Being honest on applications of any kind is always a good idea. Lies have a way of coming to back to bite you in the hinder.
  2. Gatorwell comes across as a sincere and honest person. There is no reason for schools to doubt her veracity if she simply tells the truth. Her grades alone provide proof that dental school is not a back up for her.
    [/list=1]

    In this case, it would be pointless to take the risk of lying. 🙂
Click to expand...


  1. My point was to ask whether dental schools actually run background checks regarding students applying to other programs. Which i guess is a no.

    My other point, perhaps i wasn't clear, was that perhaps dental schools or grad schools in general should not ask if a student is applying to other programs like law school or med school, but simply ask why a student is applying for dental school or for that particular program. I think there are better ways to figure out if the applicant is truely motivated and ambitious enough to do well in that particular program, such as asking about background experience in that particular field, the influences and challenges that the student want and would be willing to face in that particular field, etc, or "what would you do if...and then...etc"

    If the student seems to have a good enough motivation and reasons, then admission should be based on those answers, without really having to take into consideration, oh this student might apply only as a back up, or unsure, etc. Since the application process is expensive, i doubt that there are many students that would go through with it if they didn't have the drive to really do it. And the few that apply to several different programs, well, maybe they are the types to decide at the very end what is best for them and just want to have both options open. In any case, to each his own.

    I am not supporting lying on the applications. But there is a spectrum of info that i feel are some what unnecessary to report, such as this, asking if the student is applying to other health programs. Once a student has been admitted, if "rumors" fly around school that the student once applied to med school but withdrew from the process, would the admission committee go back and dump the student? I doubt it, since it really doesn't serve anyone anything. If anyone knows of such extreme case, please let me know. Failed undergrad grades don't applied here.

    Asking whether a student has committed or been convicted of a felony is a different thing, and is more important to report such thing, etc.

    I am just trying to avoid issues that I feel perhaps are unnecessary to deal with, in this case, the applicant is obviously motivated to go through the dental school route.

    Moral and ethics are subjective.
 
Yeah. I didn't even think of lying on the application or trying to avoid the "hard" questions. Because, lying always gets us in trouble 🙂. I sincerely hope that they understand my situation correctly and make decision based on that..... 🙂 I appreciate your advises. Good luck to you all. You guys been a great help through my application process. Thank you so much!~
 
Originally posted by Westside22
Moral and ethics are subjective.
Click to expand...

Um, no.

Morals, obviously, are highly subjective. Ethics, on the other hand, are published yearly by various dental professional organizations, and you can dismiss them as "subjective" only at great professional peril (censure or, if you screw it up sufficiently, loss of licensure).

You don't have to <em>agree</em> with the published ethics, but if you feel the need to cop out of them...well, you probably ought to take a second look at your choice of a health care career.
 
I must agree with the previous post in regards to always coming forward with the truth. I must also agree with the fact that there is not reason why dental schools should know about a prior medical school intent unless you come forward in the application. There is no cross checking between AADSAS and AMSAS. No conspiracy theory on this.
Click to expand...

Don't be so sure. I think they cross check everything. It's not difficult to do. All you need is to plug in someone's social security number and it will ring up. I do know they cross check transcripts. My sister attended Harvard summer school cprior to starting college elsewhere. She didn't know that she had to report that because she was still in high school at the time. AMCAS sent her a letter stating how she failed to report her Harvard summer school class. Of course, this cross check could be limited to certain schools. I know one guy who failed to report a sign language class he took at a CC and nothing ever came of it. Still, I wouldn't risk lying about it.
 
Originally posted by aphistis
Um, no.

Morals, obviously, are highly subjective. Ethics, on the other hand, are published yearly by various dental professional organizations, and you can dismiss them as "subjective" only at great professional peril (censure or, if you screw it up sufficiently, loss of licensure).

You don't have to <em>agree</em> with the published ethics, but if you feel the need to cop out of them...well, you probably ought to take a second look at your choice of a health care career.
Click to expand...

I see your point, and I agree, and admit that I am wrong and perhaps wasn't clear in what I was trying to say. I did not distinguish between personal versus professional ethics.

I was referring to personal ethics in general, but of course in every profession, there are published codes of ethics, and one must comply or risk losing a license, business, etc and go to jail.
 
westside brings up a good point... do dental schools do a regular background check of their applicants or incoming students... if thats so... what kind of information can they get.... is it too risky to lie on the apps.... just a question... and if so ... how can they find out.
 
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