My next 7 months

[free99]

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Hey everyone- I'm looking for advice as to how to spend my next 7 months before I apply next cycle, I'm shooting for as early of an application as possible. Here's a little about me:

Graduated in 2010 with a non-science degree and a fairly low GPA (3.2...) - I was terribly unmotivated, had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, and was satisfied with B's. Long story short - I graduated, did a little shadowing (30 hrs), decided I would pursue dentistry, and started down the post-bacc track. Since then, I've taken all the pre-reqs (bio, chem, o chem, physics year sequences w/ labs) as well as cell bio, genetics, human phys, and biochem with about a 3.75 GPA. While my overall GPA is still pretty low (3.31), my BCP is great and I feel far more mature and prepared for a professional school than I was in undergrad. As for ECs - I have loads of unique work experience and solid, reputable LORs. Very little volunteer, most work has been paid.

So my question is this- how should I best spend my next 7 months before I apply?

Given the upper-level bios that I've already taken - do you all see it necessary to take a few more classes? I'm enrolled in immuno and micro next semester, but I'm considering not taking these and just working, shadowing, volunteering, studying for the DAT. I'd love to bump my job up to full time (I work with people with disabilities in residential homes) and focus on beefing up my shadowing/dental related work.

I know there is no concrete answer to this question - I'm just looking for advice, opinions, constructive criticism, etc. Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[sacapuntas]

I was a similar applicant as you background and GPA wise, and I think my saving grace was my DAT score. I think you need to do very well on the DAT. I took it over Christmas break so it didn't need to compete with classes, but at this point its probably too late for that. I would still take 1 or 2 classes and focus on the DAT.

Your EC's (volunteering/shadowing) can wait, as they aren't as important as the DAT. I am not sure you will be able to work anywhere near full time while you study if you do any classes in the spring. It would be a mistake to spread yourself too thin and get a less than desired score on the DAT. I ended up taking 2.5 months off of work and that was extremely valuable. Once you knock the DAT out (hopefully sometime in April) you can focus May and June on shadowing or volunteering and getting your application ready.

An average DAT score will make you a very average applicant, you should aim high on the test to stand out and rack up a bunch of pre-dec interviews.

That is my advice anyways.

 

[free99]

Thanks for your advice saca-
I'm actually enrolled to take the DAT Jan 10th, though I may have to push it back... I've been studying here and there, though most of my energy and time has been spent preparing for midterms this past week. I'm leaning towards sticking with the classes next semester, as much as I'd like to make a little money and relax - I guess that's what next summer and the following year are for. Best of luck to you this cycle!

 

[sacapuntas]

Jan 14th is the date I took mine, worked out perfect having 4+ weeks to devote full time to it. I would take it very seriously, as it will strengthen your app immensely if you do well on it. If you want any advice on the DAT whatsoever, feel free to PM me. You are going to have a strong app and do well next cycle once the test is done. Good luck!

 

[capitan2011]

This time last year, (November 2011), I decided I wanted to become a dentist. I had already graduated from my undergrad in August 2011 and was working Part-time and completing a masters in clinical practice management (distance learning).

I studied for my DAT in December 2011, January 2012, and February 2012 and took it at the end of February. I began shadowing a dentist in January 2012. I shadowed the same dentist all the way through the end of May (because I was offered a full-time job). I took the job at the end of May. I also worked on my Volunteer experience during this past Summer 2012.

All in all, this time of year was very busy for me because I was working on my Masters program, studying for the DAT, shadowing a dentist, and working to complete my application extremely early.

 

[shootingstar7]

To me it sounds like the weakest part of your app is the coursework. I would take micro/immuno, volunteer some, and conquer the DAT.

 

[free99]

To me it sounds like the weakest part of your app is the coursework. I would take micro/immuno, volunteer some, and conquer the DAT.

Thank you for the advice - this is the most likely situation. I think it might look like a cop-out if I "took the semester off," even if I was working full time, shadowing, volunteering, etc.

 

[Longcatislong]

Hey everyone- I'm looking for advice as to how to spend my next 7 months before I apply next cycle, I'm shooting for as early of an application as possible. Here's a little about me:

Graduated in 2010 with a non-science degree and a fairly low GPA (3.2...) - I was terribly unmotivated, had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, and was satisfied with B's. Long story short - I graduated, did a little shadowing (30 hrs), decided I would pursue dentistry, and started down the post-bacc track. Since then, I've taken all the pre-reqs (bio, chem, o chem, physics year sequences w/ labs) as well as cell bio, genetics, human phys, and biochem with about a 3.75 GPA. While my overall GPA is still pretty low (3.31), my BCP is great and I feel far more mature and prepared for a professional school than I was in undergrad. As for ECs - I have loads of unique work experience and solid, reputable LORs. Very little volunteer, most work has been paid.

So my question is this- how should I best spend my next 7 months before I apply?

Given the upper-level bios that I've already taken - do you all see it necessary to take a few more classes? I'm enrolled in immuno and micro next semester, but I'm considering not taking these and just working, shadowing, volunteering, studying for the DAT. I'd love to bump my job up to full time (I work with people with disabilities in residential homes) and focus on beefing up my shadowing/dental related work.

I know there is no concrete answer to this question - I'm just looking for advice, opinions, constructive criticism, etc. Thanks in advance everyone!

Are you me? This is my story (almost) exactly. The only difference being I have more volunteer than work experience and my BCP and overall GPA are in the same range (3.30ish)

 

[free99]

Are you me? This is my story (almost) exactly. The only difference being I have more volunteer than work experience and my BCP and overall GPA are in the same range (3.30ish)

Haha cheers, man! So you did the post-bacc route too? You taking classes this spring? It's a struggle to try to decide when enough is enough in terms of post-bacc coursework when you already have a bachelors ...