Is it reasonable to complete all these classes and apply for fall? (Help, srs)

[yzz]

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Hello SDN,

I have been a long time lurker, but I really need some help/advice. I know I have no posts, but I have frequented this site for years, I am just too shy to post.

Anyways, if I start preparing TODAY, would I have a shot for getting in this fall? I already have my degree in a liberal arts field and have taken these classes, and I have about 30 hours of general dentist shadowing experience.

I have yet to take:
O-Chem I/II, Biochem, Bio I, and Microbio, but I can take Bio I, and O-chem this summer leaving Biochem and Microbio outstanding at time of application/DAT...

I have taken: Chem I-A
Hons. Chem II- A
Gen Phys I and II- A-
Bio II - A-
Anatomy - A-
Human Physiology- A
Business Calc - A
Eng. Composition/ numerous social sciences- A

Cliffs:
0) Money issues kept me from finishing pre-health classes last year, now I have secured funding to take the rest.
1) Thus, I want to apply for this next application cycle and be competitive, I'm a genuine, studious, caring person who would be great in the field.
2) I can get every outstanding class/DAT this summer except: Biochem and Microbio
3) Be honest, is it worth my time to apply this cycle
4)**All sciences taken at 4-year, Cum. GPA 3.91, Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude,

THANK YOU SDN, I love you guys<3

 

[Glimmer1991]

My blunt, honest opinion: It will be nigh impossible to tackle the DAT, orgo, and a bio class all at once and achieve the kind of grades you are wanting. You'll want to kill yourself. The DAT is a 4-5 hours/day commitment, an orgo summer class is about a 4 hours/day commitment, and the bio class is at least another 2 hours/day including class time. So, yeah, seriously, you would HATE YOUR LIFE. And you probably wouldn't be successful in the endeavors.

Space this stuff out more. There's no rush. A solid application is worth the wait.

 

[nondescriptive]

How have you taken Bio 2 and not Bio 1? hmmm...

 

[Azrael]

I have yet to take:
O-Chem I/II, Biochem, Bio I, and Microbio, but I can take Bio I, and O-chem this summer leaving Biochem and Microbio outstanding at time of application/DAT...

When I wrote mine I did even more during that summer (Orgo I and II plus physio) and found it helped a great deal for the DAT. One thing though was I ended up writing it early August which meant my application was considered "late" by SDN standards (though with your GPA it would probably be fine).

3) Be honest, is it worth my time to apply this cycle

Not sure what you mean here or how you plan on getting in this fall since the application cycle's already over.


Basically yea you've got a great shot but for the upcoming cycle (granted your DAT doesn't deviate too much from that 3.91).

 

[UCSFx2017]

So you want to take two full-time accelerated summer courses (OChem and General Biology), while studying for the DATs and writing a bunch of secondaries/personal statement. I don't know because taking two summer courses and studying for the DAT are both activities that could, individually, require full-time commitment and undivided attention. I worked full-time in a research lab and studied for the DAT during the downtime. If you want to do it, go ahead but be sure that you have looked into and have designed your own DAT study schedule. Having to take care of your application isn't necessarily hard but it is a stress inducer. You'll be stressing out over getting A's on exams, doing >20 on DAT, and getting your application complete.

Be sure to get an agenda and write out all the OChem and Biology exam dates, DAT practice score goal dates, DAT test date, application deadlines, etc.

 

[UCSFx2017]

^Scratch that.

Figure out what DAT score you want.

Look at the DAT Discussion board and find someone who achieved the score you want and look at their study schedule

Tell us if you can fit that particular schedule into your OChem/Biology schedule.

 

[Arat]

*

 

[UCSFx2017]

Your plan is not impossible but I'm not sure that it's very wise...

Have you ever taken a rigorous course load full of science classes? If so, then this could work out. If not, then I would definitely re-think your plan.

SN: Organic chemistry is nothing like general chemistry (btw did you take gen chem I?) so make sure you get a good professor to teach it to you.

In hindsight, GChem and General Biology were much easier than Biochem, OChem, and Pharmacology. But Biochem, OChem and Pharmacology were all doable.

 

[jHoon]

I think the course deadline in regards to how late a course can be completed and counted towards your application varies depending on what school you are applying to. But I won't have taken and completed Biochem until the winter and I am applying this summer cycle to matriculate next year. So far most schools said it will count all courses up to June of the year of intended matriculation.

I took a similar route, my load was not nearly as rigorous, but im a liberal arts major and finished my preques within a year and a half (plus summer classes).



I don't have as much knowledge or experience as the others regarding DAT prep. But im fairly certain, without having taken Both orgo 1 and 2 by the time you take the DATs, you will suffer.

Best of luck!

 

[yzz]

Thanks so much for the advice guys. I'm at work so I will reply individually later but the Bio class will be taken may to June 16th and the Ochem taken June 22- august 6th under an accelerated 39 day program. I was going to study for DAT august through october would this make my plan more tenable?

 

[UCSFx2017]

Thanks so much for the advice guys. I'm at work so I will reply individually later but the Bio class will be taken may to June 16th and the Ochem taken June 22- august 6th under an accelerated 39 day program. I was going to study for DAT august through october would this make my plan more tenable?

That's a terrible idea. If you take your DAT on or after October, your application won't be complete until late-October or early-November. Your application won't be reviewed until mid-to-late November. Pre-December interivew spots are full by that time. Relying on post-December interviews for an acceptance is not a very good idea because your chances significantly drop after post-Dec 1st.

You should read how the application cycle works then ask questions...

Ask the late applicants on this forum. They'll probably advise you not to apply late. Some late applicants with great stats are still waiting for an acceptance or are on the waitlist.

 

[Azrael]

Thanks so much for the advice guys. I'm at work so I will reply individually later but the Bio class will be taken may to June 16th and the Ochem taken June 22- august 6th under an accelerated 39 day program. I was going to study for DAT august through october would this make my plan more tenable?

I would suggest you start studying for your DAT after Bio and write it a week after you finish Ochem. You want that material fresh in your mind. That way your app can hopefully still be submitted before the end of August which is okay.