Now or then??? Help!

[Cinnabans]

I'm in a predicament and could use some good advice. I'm a junior who transferred, so I won't be graduating on time as is (ill need an extra semester). I am debating whether I should:

A) take the DATs June 07, apply in May 07 with my current 3.3-3.4 GPA; i have 90+ credits but won't have a degree by the time I could possibly be accepted to d school; i have about 100+ community service hours; observed in two different general dental practices and 1 oral surgeon over the past 3-4 years; art major for one semester, lots of manual dexterity experience
this option would leave me about 3 months to study for the DAT while also finishing my spring course load (orgo 1, phys 1, gross anatomy, medical terminology, kinesiology) and taking a summer course (english, but its still something else to worry about); i would need to take orgo 2 in the fall which is yet another concern of mine, can i apply without a pre-req. finished?

or B) wait until the 2009 cycle; have time to raise my GPA; more time to study for the DAT; i was also thinking about trying to work at a dental lab in the area....i sort of feel that i could make myself more competitive if i wait...but im just not sure.

If i could get some honest advice from people who know what they are talking about, I would really appreciate it! Thanks so much!

 

[diane07]

I would wait . . .

Those who are accepted to dental school without a BA degree usually have pretty stellar stats and are more the exception than the norm.

 

[busupshot83]

I would wait . . .

Those who are accepted to dental school without a BA degree usually have pretty stellar stats and are more the exception than the norm.

I agree: I would save your money, and finish your degree. You worked hard for 90+ hours and should have something to show for it. Do let restlessness obstruct you from attaining your first degree.

 

[Courtesy]

or B) wait until the 2009 cycle; have time to raise my GPA; more time to study for the DAT; i was also thinking about trying to work at a dental lab in the area....i sort of feel that i could make myself more competitive if i wait...but im just not sure.

 

[dizzle23x]

yes, you can apply without having all your pre-req's complete. you could wait, but that's an extra year that you could be working. i would think about taking the DATs if you find time to study. depending on how you do, i would consider applying because your gpa's not bad but not great. that's also an extra semester of undergrad tuition you would have to pay..

on the other hand, if you can raise your gpa, you could more easily get into the school of your choice. however, there is no guarantee that your gpa will go up cause as we all know, life happens. i took an extra semester and am currently traveling around working before dental school starts. it's really nice being fairly carefree but there are always pros and cons.