Hey guys, I would greatly appreciate it if I could get some advice from you. I apologize now if this question seems stupid or if it could be found by searching. Anyway, I took an extremely heavy and hard course load this past fall and spring (my junior year) and have worked around 25 hours a week. Because of this I have not been able to prepare for the DAT in anyway nor have I prepared anything for my application expect for shadowing and volunteering and a couple LOR's. I was hoping to apply this cycle but know that I think about it I rather do really well on my DAT and apply next cycle. I really don't mind the year off I will have after graduating, I figure I can get a masters degree. Is this a good idea? Thanks for your advice guys!
Is this a good idea?
- Thread starter tRad
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I think there's still time if you get your stuff going quickly. AADSAS apps open up June 3rd, TMDSAS apps are already open, which is for Texas schools.
Now, as far as the DAT...you could take it in late July, giving you 8-9 weeks of studying as long as you get all the study materials you want next week.
In addition to getting study materials next week, I'd get professors/dentist writing you LOR's next week as well.
Can't ask for transcripts yet, since you need the transcript matching form from AADSAS or TMDSAS.
All up to you in the end though. I think you could definitely apply this cycle, just have to get in gear very soon.
Now, as far as the DAT...you could take it in late July, giving you 8-9 weeks of studying as long as you get all the study materials you want next week.
In addition to getting study materials next week, I'd get professors/dentist writing you LOR's next week as well.
Can't ask for transcripts yet, since you need the transcript matching form from AADSAS or TMDSAS.
All up to you in the end though. I think you could definitely apply this cycle, just have to get in gear very soon.
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I agree. You might not even need that much time to study. Just depends on how strong you feel you are in the basic sciences. But in either case you could get your application sent in on June 3rd and then you would just need to get your LOR's in and your DAT scores. It might be a bit rushed, but it is certainly doable!
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There is nothing wrong with taking a year off just because you wanted to spend a good amount of the summer time studying. Nothing wrong with that at all. I did that last year, I had some personal issues that forced me to start studying for the DAT in mid July.... and took it late october. There was no way in heck I was going to apply in october, that is simply too late and I woulda wasted thousands of dollars applying and (chances are) not gotten accepted anywhere.
Stick to your plan, design a studying system for the DAT this summer and kill it, your biggest advantage will be the lack of pressure. In the fall / spring semester, I wouldn't advice you to go for a masters, just take like 2 classes of post-bacc (upper level sciences preferably) in those terms, just so that it doesn't show you've been away from school.
Thanks for the advice guys! Yeah, I feel like I can defiantly apply for this cycle but it will also be rushed. As for applying late, I don't want to risk wasting all my money on this cycle and not having any for next cycle!
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Good choice 🙂 The best choice is always your choice...
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I was in a similar situation. I had been out of the country for two years, with no time to study for the DAT. I got back early June and took the DAT early July. I also contacted my old professors, got LOR's etc. It was stressful, yes, but I got accepted. My own academic adviser told me not to bother applying, as I didn't have time to prepare, but I went for it anyway, and I'm so glad I did.
I think your idea is good, but ill suggest one thing: Call your potential schools and ask their opinion! Find out if they recommend a certain program for a masters or a certificate. Whatever you do, don't let there be large gaps in your education, some schools look down upon taking time off!
