I'M SUPPOSED TO BE APPLYING THIS CYCLE?!!!

[finneganmurphy]

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Hello everyone. I am FREAKING out. Like bad. I will try and make this as succinct as possible.

About me: I'm a first-generation, African American who is from TX but goes to school in OK.Okay, so I am a rising senior honors student with a cum. gpa of 3.5 and 3.3 sGPA. I have finished all classes and only lack Biochem which I plan on taking in spring 2020. I am also currently working on an honor's thesis.

My problem: I have had a lot of personal problems coming up with family (parents getting divorced, me having to juggle 3 jobs to stay afloat). This, plus trying to be a 20 year old, has just made me put thinking about dental school on the back burner. I have all my DAT books, but it seems like I am just getting beat down every corner I turn. I am really struggling with feeling inadequate for applying for dental school this cycle. I truly cannot afford to apply to all these schools and not get in. I also haven't taken the DAT yet (but plan on taking it in July/early August ) because of my personal issues preventing me from studying. Should I take a step back and do a master's program to enhance my sGPA or should I bite the bullet and apply. I don't know where to start looking for schools or which schools I should apply to. Could someone please help me because I am freaking out since the application cycle starts soon?

 

[DokterMom]

Sounds like you could really use a gap year... If personal issues are keeping you from focusing on your DAT, forcing yourself to take it now anyway "because it's time" would be shooting yourself in the foot. Don't do that! You don't necessarily need a master's program so long as you don't blow it on your DAT or let your GPA take a nosedive. Take the extra year to breathe and self-stabilize so you'll be set up for success the following year.

 

[knewstance]

I also would not suggest a master's program for you. Also if you don't feel like you can take the DAT and perform well this cycle, I would also not suggest applying this cycle.

Maybe you don't apply this year, not a big deal. It's more important to get your life in a more sound place. That being said there will always be something holding you down, so don't let that become a recurrent theme year after year.

Just focus on getting good grades in your current classes. Take your time preparing for the DAT, work hard on that and score 21+, I don't see why you wouldn't have a great shot at getting in.

 

[Bigjt1420]

You're 20 years old, you're so so young. No need to rush into Dental School! Get your mind in the right place (by giving yourself an extra year to prepare), take the DAT when you feel more confident, take Biochem in the spring of next year, and apply in June 2020. No need to do a masters, just focus on yourself for a year and you'll do great!

Good luck!

 

[princeafrica]

If you feel rushed and out of place I would recommend you just take this summer to study and do very well on the DAT. Once the DAT is out of the way you will have all the time to save money for application and work on your personal statement and getting letters. You will also have time to bump up shadowing hours and volunteer hours and most importantly get your life in order.

 

[Faefly]

Take your time. Dental school will be there when you are ready.
Don't despair, you've got this.

 

[finneganmurphy]

Thank everyone so much!