in need of future guidance

[duvaldentist]

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Good afternoon fellow SDN'rs. Ok let’s get right down to business, I am in need of some advice in regards to planning out my future endeavors. I am a little unsure on how I should go about applying to dental school, here is my situation my GPA is relatively low (3.0 oGPA, 2.7 sGPA). I was hoping to do amazing on my DAT to make up for the GPA but unfortunately after rigorously studying for 3 months straight needless to say I scored a lot lower than I had hoped to I had an 18AA 19TS 21PAT. I let my nerves get the best of me, I was so nervous, so after doing some soul searching and recollecting myself I have come up with the following game plan. Since I took my DAT on 7/14/2011 I will retake 10/14/2011 so first question is will this date be too late to submit for this cycle or should I apply now with my current stats and just update. I’m just scared with my current stats I will un doubtedly be rejected despite having great shadowing, great volunteer, and a unique family experience to defend my current stats, so I don’t know if I should apply now and risk being rejected never to have my application reviewed again or does it not work that way and after every update they will review my application once again. Because next time around for my DAT I intend to do much better, I was just nervous and an extra 3 months of review will defiantly produce some improvements. Also I have decided to do an informal postbac, I am currently enrolled for 5 upper level bio course for the Fall term but waitlisted for two of them hopefully I can get in. Does anyone know that site that will help calculate my GPA increase if I get straight A’s in the course I am going to take, I think it was one of the colleges websites, I’ve seen it before but I cannot find it again. I am doing this not only to boost my GPA but to establish and upwards trend in my GPA. The only drawback is that since I just graduated I have lost all my scholarships and financial aid thus paying directly out of pocket not to mention I am jobless. So what I’m asking is by taking full course loads of upper level bio courses for the next 2 or 3 semesters (~42 credits worth) will that be enough to help impress adcoms along with a DAT score of about 21AA (figuratively speaking) or will it take a lot more work for example an SMP. Ok well I know this was a little scatter brained but I’m pretty stressed right now please let me know what you think, and if you have any other questions comments and or concerns please include them in your post. Ok thank you guys and have a wonderful day.

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

You should use paragraphs next time so it's easier on the eyes. I'll try to help out.

Since I took my DAT on 7/14/2011 I will retake 10/14/2011 so first question is will this date be too late to submit for this cycle or should I apply now with my current stats and just update. [/COLOR]

That's going to be really late in the cycle. Unless you feel confidant that you can score a 25 or higher, I wouldn't bother. Plus, it's almost about to be late for this cycle if you haven't put your app, LORs, transcripts together. Save your money for next cycle.

I'm just scared with my current stats I will un doubtedly be rejected despite having great shadowing, great volunteer, and a unique family experience to defend my current stats, so I don't know if I should apply now and risk being rejected never to have my application reviewed again or does it not work that way and after every update they will review my application once again.

You're most likely going to be rejected even with all your other great ECs. It's a numbers game mostly and your GPA/sGPA fall under the average. Unless you have a great DAT score right now, they're most likely going to reject you. Do post-bac and raise that GPA as much as you can for next year.

Also I have decided to do an informal postbac, I am currently enrolled for 5 upper level bio course for the Fall term but waitlisted for two of them hopefully I can get in. Does anyone know that site that will help calculate my GPA increase if I get straight A's in the course I am going to take, I think it was one of the colleges websites, I've seen it before but I cannot find it again.

Grand idea with the 5 upper level biology classes. I hope you do the same for the spring semester. You can use Excel with all your classes and grades to calculate it. Not that hard to set up.

The only drawback is that since I just graduated I have lost all my scholarships and financial aid thus paying directly out of pocket not to mention I am jobless.

Find any job you can get and save money. Find a cheap school with good upper level biology classes. Move back in with your parents if you have to. Do what you have to do.

So what I'm asking is by taking full course loads of upper level bio courses for the next 2 or 3 semesters (~42 credits worth) will that be enough to help impress adcoms along with a DAT score of about 21AA (figuratively speaking) or will it take a lot more work for example an SMP.

That sounds like a good plan. But without knowing how many credit's you've already taken, no one will know how much your GPA will improve. If you do pull it up to something around 3.4-3.5 overall and 3.2-3.3 science, then you have a chance. You should check out the "under 3.0 club" thread on the forum for some inspirational stories on what you can do.

 

[molar3]

you should retake your dat, yes.
if you are planning on applying this year regardless, even if u know theres very good shot u wont get in, then you should apply asap (did you already? i hope so).
i dont reccommend taking 5 upper level courses at once. bring it down to 4. 5 is just too many imo (how many credits is that?), and will be quite difficult to manage a 4.0 in. bc you will most likley need to 4.0 all these upper level sciences during ur informal postbacc for adcoms to care/be impressed. so i think 4 courses would be a workable course load.
if you'll be taking 4 courses this coming fall semester, which im assuming begins at the end of august, how will you have time to also study for your dat?....you wont.......trust me, been there done that. it'll be super hard.
from an outsiders perspective you would have a better shot at applying next cycle once you've done some postbacc work (im assuming if u do 4 classes a semester, you have about 30-32 credits) and then retake ur DAT after ur spring classes end next year. but if u want to test the waters and apply this year then hmmm i understand.
gluck!

 

[KittySquared]

if you'll be taking 4 courses this coming fall semester, which im assuming begins at the end of august, how will you have time to also study for your dat?....you wont.......trust me, been there done that. it'll be super hard.
from an outsiders perspective you would have a better shot at applying next cycle once you've done some postbacc work (im assuming if u do 4 classes a semester, you have about 30-32 credits) and then retake ur DAT after ur spring classes end next year. but if u want to test the waters and apply this year then hmmm i understand.
gluck!

I agree with this wholeheartedly. Take 4 sci classes this fall, take 4 sci classes in the Spring. Ace them all or die trying! Retake DAT and aim for 20+, if possible, then apply to 20 schools EARLY in the cycle i.e. early June.

 

[seunglim87]

since money situation looks like an issue, you should apply next cycle. After retaking DAT and post-bacc, and if apply early, you will have a pretty good chance. However, you are the one who knows what is best for yourself, dont let others determine what is best for you.

In the second year of my college, i talked to my health profession office advisor. She told me i will never become a dentist and i should give up and pursue something else. i never went back to her. After I graduated and got into Masters program, I went back to her, and she told me i should wait until i complete my masters, and I shouldnt apply this cycle, i will only waste my money and time. However, I am applying anyways. My cGPA is 2.9 and sGPA is 2.8. To be honest, I dont think i will get any interviews until the academic updates with my first semester grade in grad school, but i have a good feeling. So good luck to you, and do what your heart is telling you to do

 

[Dynamo]

I agree with everyone on here.

I think if you have already applied for this cycle, or have everything READY, transcripts, LORS, then go ahead and apply to get a feel of things.

the post bacc and/or masters sounds like a great idea! Just make sure you DONT think about your past undergrad performance or your gpa or your dat or anything while taking them, just think about those courses and how to do well in them. Recalculating your entire gpa after every test and wondering which schools will accept you doesnt help lol... trust me! Surround yourself with positive encouraging people who believe in you. Its a fresh start, your past performance does NOT dictate your future, and do your very very best. Your best is usually enough. 8-12 post bacc courses can do wonders, DONT underestimate the power of 8-12 As on your transcript. They WILL make a difference. Keep your goals high and aim for excellence, but if you fall slightly short, dont stress and keep it real. If you make one B, your not doomed. Just aim for more As than Bs and you should be good.

It will be hard to study for DAT along with the courses because the last thing u want to do is mess up your courses for DAT. Been there, done that, very true!

So, if you have already or almost applied, no problem. If you havent, then retaking DAT = very good + doing post bacc = very very good! IF you decide to apply next cycle, then it may be better to delay the DAT so you can focus on your courses in the fall and spring, and focus on the DAT during your breaks or winter, summer breaks, or whenever.

 

[journeybegins]

http://www.laurasmidiheaven.com/Tools/GPACalculator.shtml

Here's the GPA Calculator that I've found useful.

Honestly, in the end, only you know yourself best. For me, I could have applied the previous year, but I didn't feel competitive enough so I waited until this year to apply. When I apply, I want to feel somewhat confident about what I'm presenting in my application. That's what I feel now. As for DATs... ugh... I was worried that I'll perform low, and I've decided to push my DAT back to September even though I know it's a little late (I haven't figured out the date yet). I'm generally someone who wants to feel ready. Then, whatever I get, I know I've tried my best and given ample time.

Note that AADSAS may calculate your GPA a little differently. I took time to calculate my GPA before applying and somehow AADSAS calculated a little differently, a little higher up. So I was pleasantly surprised.

Also, do you already have your letter of recommendations all done or lined up? That was another stressful part that I never understood until I had to go through it on top of my studies.

Studying for the DAT on top of classes is very hard. I tried that, too =/ And while 2 of my other classes went well, my third science class, I didn't do so hot in. Neglecting classes is not a good thing. Don't half-ass either your classes or the DATs.

 

[bing12]

Good afternoon fellow SDN'rs. Ok let’s get right down to business, I am in need of some advice in regards to planning out my future endeavors. I am a little unsure on how I should go about applying to dental school, here is my situation my GPA is relatively low (3.0 oGPA, 2.7 sGPA). I was hoping to do amazing on my DAT to make up for the GPA but unfortunately after rigorously studying for 3 months straight needless to say I scored a lot lower than I had hoped to I had an 18AA 19TS 21PAT. I let my nerves get the best of me, I was so nervous, so after doing some soul searching and recollecting myself I have come up with the following game plan. Since I took my DAT on 7/14/2011 I will retake 10/14/2011 so first question is will this date be too late to submit for this cycle or should I apply now with my current stats and just update. I’m just scared with my current stats I will un doubtedly be rejected despite having great shadowing, great volunteer, and a unique family experience to defend my current stats, so I don’t know if I should apply now and risk being rejected never to have my application reviewed again or does it not work that way and after every update they will review my application once again. Because next time around for my DAT I intend to do much better, I was just nervous and an extra 3 months of review will defiantly produce some improvements. Also I have decided to do an informal postbac, I am currently enrolled for 5 upper level bio course for the Fall term but waitlisted for two of them hopefully I can get in. Does anyone know that site that will help calculate my GPA increase if I get straight A’s in the course I am going to take, I think it was one of the colleges websites, I’ve seen it before but I cannot find it again. I am doing this not only to boost my GPA but to establish and upwards trend in my GPA. The only drawback is that since I just graduated I have lost all my scholarships and financial aid thus paying directly out of pocket not to mention I am jobless. So what I’m asking is by taking full course loads of upper level bio courses for the next 2 or 3 semesters (~42 credits worth) will that be enough to help impress adcoms along with a DAT score of about 21AA (figuratively speaking) or will it take a lot more work for example an SMP. Ok well I know this was a little scatter brained but I’m pretty stressed right now please let me know what you think, and if you have any other questions comments and or concerns please include them in your post. Ok thank you guys and have a wonderful day.

volunteering and shadowing will not replace a poor gpa.

you should apply next cycle. you are already at a disadvantage having a lower than avg gpa. taking the DAT in October is late and puts another damper on your situation. dont rush anything, take your time get your gpa and DAT situated before prematurely applying.

 

[youknowthedrill]

Focus on your classes in the Fall and Spring. Can you study for the DAT over your Christmas break and take it before you restart classes? If not, delay until next summer- just plan to take it by mid July.

 

[duvaldentist]

AwesomeTeeth,

You should use paragraphs next time so it's easier on the eyes. I'll try to help out.

Great sugestion, after i finished writting it all i realized that but my family was rushing me to go somewere so I decided to leave it that way. Apologizies good Sir.


That's going to be really late in the cycle. Unless you feel confidant that you can score a 25 or higher, I wouldn't bother. Plus, it's almost about to be late for this cycle if you haven't put your app, LORs, transcripts together. Save your money for next cycle.

See I'm not sure about a 25 but I really do know my material I just didnt get to do any practice tests due to time constraints. I have topscore, acheivers, and 2009 ADA test but only got to do one topscore test. So needless to say I had the information down I just didnt put it to use yet. With a little practice I'm sure I can greatly improve my scores.

And I do already have everything else accept my personal statement which im working on now. So I might apply to a couple schools and hopefully just update my application.



You're most likely going to be rejected even with all your other great ECs. It's a numbers game mostly and your GPA/sGPA fall under the average. Unless you have a great DAT score right now, they're most likely going to reject you. Do post-bac and raise that GPA as much as you can for next year.

Ya totaly agree with you here, but I do have a unique life situation that may help adcoms see past my numbers but I dont know if that stuff is true.



Grand idea with the 5 upper level biology classes. I hope you do the same for the spring semester. You can use Excel with all your classes and grades to calculate it. Not that hard to set up.

Yes I plan to do the same in the spring, and possibly even the summer while I apply next cycle if I still have classes to take.




Find any job you can get and save money. Find a cheap school with good upper level biology classes. Move back in with your parents if you have to. Do what you have to do.

The only other school around me is a comunity college and I've herd bad things about going from a university to a comunity college.




That sounds like a good plan. But without knowing how many credit's you've already taken, no one will know how much your GPA will improve. If you do pull it up to something around 3.4-3.5 overall and 3.2-3.3 science, then you have a chance. You should check out the "under 3.0 club" thread on the forum for some inspirational stories on what you can do.

I calculated my GPA increase it will go up to like a 3.35 overall, and a 3.1 sGPA... Not the most competative GPA but hopefully an extreme upward trend counts for something?

 

[duvaldentist]

you should retake your dat, yes.
if you are planning on applying this year regardless, even if u know theres very good shot u wont get in, then you should apply asap (did you already? i hope so).
i dont reccommend taking 5 upper level courses at once. bring it down to 4. 5 is just too many imo (how many credits is that?), and will be quite difficult to manage a 4.0 in. bc you will most likley need to 4.0 all these upper level sciences during ur informal postbacc for adcoms to care/be impressed. so i think 4 courses would be a workable course load.
if you'll be taking 4 courses this coming fall semester, which im assuming begins at the end of august, how will you have time to also study for your dat?....you wont.......trust me, been there done that. it'll be super hard.
from an outsiders perspective you would have a better shot at applying next cycle once you've done some postbacc work (im assuming if u do 4 classes a semester, you have about 30-32 credits) and then retake ur DAT after ur spring classes end next year. but if u want to test the waters and apply this year then hmmm i understand.
gluck!

Molar3 Thanks for the advice, and yes deff gonna retake and I still plan to apply I am going to send my app tomarow hopefully after I do some last tweaks on my personal essay.

As for my classes i guess its 4 classes plus one 1 credit hour seminar class where i just listen to presentations for a couple hours on friday and take a few quizes on them. so all together 16 credit hours.

 

[duvaldentist]

I agree with this wholeheartedly. Take 4 sci classes this fall, take 4 sci classes in the Spring. Ace them all or die trying! Retake DAT and aim for 20+, if possible, then apply to 20 schools EARLY in the cycle i.e. early June.

Love that quote, Ace the classes or die trying lol... and yup shooting for 22 plus. This time around i had two categories in 21 just had some low scores in QR and RC which i didnt adequately prepare for. But ill be sure to be ready this time around.

 

[duvaldentist]

since money situation looks like an issue, you should apply next cycle. After retaking DAT and post-bacc, and if apply early, you will have a pretty good chance. However, you are the one who knows what is best for yourself, dont let others determine what is best for you.

Ya I plan to take up a tutoring gig a couple hours a week for some extra cash. And I sure hope ill have a pretty good shot after doing all this extra work. I just feel like im in a huge hole just digging my way out, but I know it will be totaly worth it in the end 😉

In the second year of my college, i talked to my health profession office advisor. She told me i will never become a dentist and i should give up and pursue something else. i never went back to her. After I graduated and got into Masters program, I went back to her, and she told me i should wait until i complete my masters, and I shouldnt apply this cycle, i will only waste my money and time. However, I am applying anyways. My cGPA is 2.9 and sGPA is 2.8. To be honest, I dont think i will get any interviews until the academic updates with my first semester grade in grad school, but i have a good feeling. So good luck to you, and do what your heart is telling you to do.

And inperational story, GL to you to 😉 Im sure youll get picked up .

 

[duvaldentist]

"Dynamo" I agree with everyone on here.

I think if you have already applied for this cycle, or have everything READY, transcripts, LORS, then go ahead and apply to get a feel of things.

Ya I have everything but my personal statement that Im about done with now so I might apply to 8 schools just to get the feel for it.

the post bacc and/or masters sounds like a great idea! Just make sure you DONT think about your past undergrad performance or your gpa or your dat or anything while taking them, just think about those courses and how to do well in them. Recalculating your entire gpa after every test and wondering which schools will accept you doesnt help lol... trust me! Surround yourself with positive encouraging people who believe in you. Its a fresh start, your past performance does NOT dictate your future, and do your very very best. Your best is usually enough. 8-12 post bacc courses can do wonders, DONT underestimate the power of 8-12 As on your transcript. They WILL make a difference. Keep your goals high and aim for excellence, but if you fall slightly short, dont stress and keep it real. If you make one B, your not doomed. Just aim for more As than Bs and you should be good.

Thanks for the hope, thats exactly what i needed to hear. And your right I hope my past dosent haunt me to much :/

It will be hard to study for DAT along with the courses because the last thing u want to do is mess up your courses for DAT. Been there, done that, very true!

Ya im pretty much studied for the DAT just need to do review probs but I'm assuming your speaking from experiance. If you dont mind me asking what happened in your situation?

So, if you have already or almost applied, no problem. If you havent, then retaking DAT = very good + doing post bacc = very very good! IF you decide to apply next cycle, then it may be better to delay the DAT so you can focus on your courses in the fall and spring, and focus on the DAT during your breaks or winter, summer breaks, or whenever

 

[duvaldentist]

"journeybegins"

http://www.laurasmidiheaven.com/Tools/GPACalculator.shtml

Here's the GPA Calculator that I've found useful.

Thanks for the site, your a life saver.

Honestly, in the end, only you know yourself best. For me, I could have applied the previous year, but I didn't feel competitive enough so I waited until this year to apply. When I apply, I want to feel somewhat confident about what I'm presenting in my application. That's what I feel now. As for DATs... ugh... I was worried that I'll perform low, and I've decided to push my DAT back to September even though I know it's a little late (I haven't figured out the date yet). I'm generally someone who wants to feel ready. Then, whatever I get, I know I've tried my best and given ample time.

Ya I'm the same way I dont like feeling ill prepared and thats exactly what happened to me on my DAT but the pressure of getting in the early application cycle caused me to prematurly pull the trigger needless to say I ended up exactly were i thought I might have ended up 🙁 ... But GL to you buddy, Im sure youll kill it.

Note that AADSAS may calculate your GPA a little differently. I took time to calculate my GPA before applying and somehow AADSAS calculated a little differently, a little higher up. So I was pleasantly surprised.

Do you know what they did diffrently?

Also, do you already have your letter of recommendations all done or lined up? That was another stressful part that I never understood until I had to go through it on top of my studies.

Yes I do actually thank God lol.

Studying for the DAT on top of classes is very hard. I tried that, too =/ And while 2 of my other classes went well, my third science class, I didn't do so hot in. Neglecting classes is not a good thing. Don't half-ass either your classes or the DATs.
Man hearing it from multiple people I'm scared now because I never figured it would be as hard as it now sounds :/

 

[duvaldentist]

volunteering and shadowing will not replace a poor gpa.

you should apply next cycle. you are already at a disadvantage having a lower than avg gpa. taking the DAT in October is late and puts another damper on your situation. dont rush anything, take your time get your gpa and DAT situated before prematurely applying.

Ya i totaly agree with you buddy I was just trying to be extremly optomistic lol

 

[duvaldentist]

Focus on your classes in the Fall and Spring. Can you study for the DAT over your Christmas break and take it before you restart classes? If not, delay until next summer- just plan to take it by mid July.

See the only thing is right now everything is still really fresh to me, I dont want it all to slowly drop out of my brain lol.

 

[duvaldentist]

Ok i know thats a lot of consecutive posts by me but I have one more question, do you think it is worth it to do research for a semester? Also should i become an officer in my predental club at my school because I think i might have a chance (or does it only really matter is your pres or VP of the club).

 

[KittySquared]

Ok i know thats a lot of consecutive posts by me but I have one more question, do you think it is worth it to do research for a semester? Also should i become an officer in my predental club at my school because I think i might have a chance (or does it only really matter is your pres or VP of the club).

Extracurriculars are always good, given that you aren't going to compromise your A grades.

 

[duvaldentist]

Extracurriculars are always good, given that you aren't going to compromise your A grades.

True true, one more question if im doing shadowing/volunteering at a homeless dental clinic is that considerd shadowing and volunteering or just one or the other. For example is that just shadowing, thus I should volunteer at other places undental related or will it suffice as both?

 

[iwannabeadds]

Although it is late in the cycle and it may be a gamble to apply, what you can do is: fill out the entire application in preparation for next year, it won't be saved for you but you can work out all of the formatting then print a copy (even better save an electronic copy to copy and paste) so you can fill out the app much faster next year. Good luck!

 

[KittySquared]

True true, one more question if im doing shadowing/volunteering at a homeless dental clinic is that considerd shadowing and volunteering or just one or the other. For example is that just shadowing, thus I should volunteer at other places undental related or will it suffice as both?

I think it counts as both. The more hours you have volunteering the better. Adcoms probably like seeing you getting your hands wet by helping the dentist rather just follow him around.

 

[duvaldentist]

I think it counts as both. The more hours you have volunteering the better. Adcoms probably like seeing you getting your hands wet by helping the dentist rather just follow him around.

Ya I deffinantly get to "get my hands wet" at the homeless clinic, but not so much at another clinic I go to 🙁 but its cool. Should I do some other non dental related volunteering? Like volunteering at a nursing home? I mean I do various little volunteer jobs every once in a while when they come up but do i need to do anything consistantly, for example I have been tutoring.

Also do you think research is extremly beneficial? because I have been seeing mixed reviews on it. I mean i know it wont hurt, but at the same time I think I can spend my time more wisely in other areas of my life if research is just slightly beneficial.

 

[KittySquared]

Ya I deffinantly get to "get my hands wet" at the homeless clinic, but not so much at another clinic I go to 🙁 but its cool. Should I do some other non dental related volunteering? Like volunteering at a nursing home? I mean I do various little volunteer jobs every once in a while when they come up but do i need to do anything consistantly, for example I have been tutoring.

Also do you think research is extremly beneficial? because I have been seeing mixed reviews on it. I mean i know it wont hurt, but at the same time I think I can spend my time more wisely in other areas of my life if research is just slightly beneficial.

You need to have a decent amount of hours in volunteering. They'd want to know how long you've been assisting at the clinics. 10 hours isn't really all that great compared to something like 150+ hours. You need consistency. It's really impressive that you'd be able to say you've been a tutor for 500 hours as opposed to volunteering at nursing home for 8 hours. You don't need an insane amount of variety. Just a few with a lot of hours invested into it.

Research is always beneficial. Having 0 research, however, I think can hurt you. I think 1 semester of research with something that you can talk about i.e. you contributed to a publication or something would be nice. At this point, it's not really easy for a predoctorate student to be publishing in the ADA or something. I'd say just to be safe, do it for 1 semester and be able to talk about what you did. Most places will take student volunteer researchers. I mean you work for free so who doesn't want free labor? Make sure you tell them you can only do like 5 hours a week or something and not invest a grave amt of time like I did. 😴

 

[duvaldentist]

You need to have a decent amount of hours in volunteering. They'd want to know how long you've been assisting at the clinics. 10 hours isn't really all that great compared to something like 150+ hours. You need consistency. It's really impressive that you'd be able to say you've been a tutor for 500 hours as opposed to volunteering at nursing home for 8 hours. You don't need an insane amount of variety. Just a few with a lot of hours invested into it.

Research is always beneficial. Having 0 research, however, I think can hurt you. I think 1 semester of research with something that you can talk about i.e. you contributed to a publication or something would be nice. At this point, it's not really easy for a predoctorate student to be publishing in the ADA or something. I'd say just to be safe, do it for 1 semester and be able to talk about what you did. Most places will take student volunteer researchers. I mean you work for free so who doesn't want free labor? Make sure you tell them you can only do like 5 hours a week or something and not invest a grave amt of time like I did. 😴

Great advice ya i have well over a 120 hours of shadowing/volunteering. And currently about 30 hours tutoring, I do it every week but it only lasts for a couple hours a session because its diffrent than volunteering in a clinic or something because kids can only handle so much... How much research did you do, and do you have any tips on how to land a spot on a research team especialy if I dont really know the professors who do good research.

 

[KittySquared]

Great advice ya i have well over a 120 hours of shadowing/volunteering. And currently about 30 hours tutoring, I do it every week but it only lasts for a couple hours a session because its diffrent than volunteering in a clinic or something because kids can only handle so much... How much research did you do, and do you have any tips on how to land a spot on a research team especialy if I dont really know the professors who do good research.

I went on the biology website and looked at faculty and the research topics they were doing and sent out emails to the professors stating that I am interested in his/her research topic and whether they would be interested in having me as a student researcher. You may even get paid, if they have grants!

I did 3 years total with 3 different departments and in one of the programs I presented a poster at a conference. That's a publication as well. Get your name on a poster. It's the best way to go!

So lonely in this thread 🙁

 

[duvaldentist]

I went on the biology website and looked at faculty and the research topics they were doing and sent out emails to the professors stating that I am interested in his/her research topic and whether they would be interested in having me as a student researcher. You may even get paid, if they have grants!

I did 3 years total with 3 different departments and in one of the programs I presented a poster at a conference. That's a publication as well. Get your name on a poster. It's the best way to go!

So lonely in this thread 🙁

Lol ya it is lonely on this thread, sorry im not the most popular person here on SDN lol... And sorry to keep drilling you but it helps me out a lot...
my next question is lets say I do e-mail my professors do i mention
anything about dental school, and is there a deadline to get on a research team or can I still ask now to get on for this upcoming semester.

 

[KittySquared]

Lol ya it is lonely on this thread, sorry im not the most popular person here on SDN lol... And sorry to keep drilling you but it helps me out a lot...
my next question is lets say I do e-mail my professors do i mention
anything about dental school, and is there a deadline to get on a research team or can I still ask now to get on for this upcoming semester.

Up to you. No need to if you ask me. Just genuinely act interested about his/her research topic and say you're willing to work as a student volunteer resesarch aka volunteer = free labor and can jump in basically any time. Beginning of semester is best time to ask. If your university allows research credit then go for it for 2 credits or something. But you're still free labor. Just don't end up washing beakers like a maid.