Is it possible to apply this cycle? Need suggestions on 08/09 plans

[Irrizistuble]

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I'm 26 yr old consultant, recently quit IBM to bulldoze through pre-dent reqs at a local university. My undergrad was a 3.4 and my current Masters gpa is 3.8. Here is my current 2008 schedule:

Spring --- Bio 1, Chem 1, Chem 2, Physics 1

Summer --- Orgo 1, Orgo 2

Fall --- Bio 2, Physics 2, Anatomy/Physio, Dental Assistant/Shadowing

1) I had scheduled Bio 2 for the summer also. But now I find it ridiculous to to attempt to complete 3 sciences classes, assemble my application AND prep and take DATS all before August -- is that even possible? I've seen on this forum how important it is to apply early but I also don't want to wait a whole year. My other option is to take the DATS in the fall and apply next year on May 1st. What do you think?

2) I'd like to go back to work in Jan 09 - August 2010 before I start school. Should I keep taking classes or do assistant research or will it be ok to go back to work?

 

[ummjoey]

i didnt even know it was possible to take chem 1 and chem 2 at the same time.............

i would recommend finishing your ochem/bio/chem before you take the dat.

with that said, i am pretty sure there are really smart people out there that did well on the dat without finishing those 3 subjects.

i think your schedule should be pretty full with taking ochem over the summer. i wouldnt recommend applying this year, but i dont know your study habits and i dont know you. only you know what you are capable of. if you think you can apply this year, then apply this year.

i say finish your pre-reqs and get As. then focus all your energy on taking the dat and apply may 15th of the 2010 cycle. make sure you have time to do ECs as well.

i would recommend getting some research experience, but i known a few people that got into good schools without doing any research. i personally wanted to do research because i wanted to see what it was like. i didnt know what research was like so i wanted the experience.

 

[jay47]

Not sure where you plan on taking these classes, but if you don't have any background in the sciences (e.g. Ochem, Bio, and physics) then I don't know how anyone could ever take those classes at the same time. There is no way that I could do that here at Texas A&M. They build upon each other way too much. Also, the DAT is simply going to be the regurgitation of information and conceptual application of information you are learning from this material. You can't just "take the class, get an A and get out", you have to be able to apply this information for the DAT