New Guy

[tchuynh]

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Hi everyone!
I was just wondering if I may ask for some advice on the dental field.
Prior to choosing dentistry, I focused on Optometry since my uncle is an optometrist and his work seemed pretty fulfilling. Although, I never knew that the OAT required physics, in which Im horrible at, and therefore driving me towards dentistry, which is better anyways 😀.

I've been working, under the table, throughout college to pay for my own housing, since I dont receive Federal aid due to my parents earnings (though they're in debt). But now, I've saved up enough to pay for about half a years rent, and have more time to study and start my volunteer/shadowing.

My question is, if I start volunteering/shadowing this summer and taking my DAT by July, will there even be an ounce of consideration by the schools to accept me based on my volunteer/shadowing records?
I know its last minute but there was no way around that and my GPA is a 3.6 and im currently a senior.
Also, is it true that If i fail this time, then applying next time and getting accepted will push my back to start dental school in 2014?

Thank you all for your help!

 

[AwesomeTeeth]

Shadow a dentist first. Don't switch to dentistry because you don't like physics.

You apply the year before you start dental school. So if you apply this cycle, you start school in fall 2013. Apply next cycle, you start in fall 2014.

 

[Tirekicker]

Definitely get some shadowing in, but the earlier you can apply, the better.

I've been working, under the table, throughout college to pay for my own housing

P. S. You should keep this to yourself. Many of us have been in the same situation, but chose to pay our taxes.