Older-than-average/career-changer-PLEASE HELP

[WeCanDoIt]

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I have been reading the messages for a few days now. I never knew this was available! Great info!

I recently graduated with a BA in biology and psychology with a 3.29 overall GPA. (My psyc GPA was a 3.45) Where I attended school, there was not much guidance for pre-dent students. Not to mention that I am 36 and a single mother of a 14 year old, which had me somewhat out of the loop. I did however, participate in several clubs and was given admission to the biology honor society. I did one semester of bio research, have extensive volunteer and work experience (used to be a counselor), own my own small business, have some good memberships and belong to things such as Toastmasters and ASDA, starting new clubs for both in my area, to name a few things. I am currently shadowing my second dentist and will have about 60 hours by application time. I had to postpone applying until this year because I am currently caring for my elderly parents.

I write because: (A) the obvious, (B) the fact that I will not be applying until mid-October due to needing to collect the money (almost $1000) and (C) although I have done okay the last three years scholastically, I made it through some very tough trials in my personal life. I am nervous about my chances of acceptance for these reasons as well as the fact that I have a poor transcript from a college I attended in 93-97. (Many withdrawls due to an injury I sustained.)

I am applying to Marquette, Creighton, Denver, Arizona and a few west coast schools.

Please offer me some insight or maybe some words of wisdom to help keep me positive, as it is getting harder to do so.

I would also like to say that I am impressed by how well so many of you have done in school and on your DAT. Keep it up!

CJ

 

[vishal_k32801]

Medical and Dental schools always look at the older candidates
positively. This is true because I know a few Deans of Medical and
Dental schools and have personally chatted with them about the
"older applicants". Your GPA looks adequate for Dental School.
They prefer older candidates because of maturity and they know
(hopefully) what they want to be. Do not pay any attention
to anybody else who tries to discourage you. You will be OK.
Have you taken DAT yet? If not, take it soon, prepare well.
If the DAT Scores are around 19 or higher, you will be in great
shape. I admire your courage and caring about your older
parents. Very few of us really do that. Try to get in your state
school, it will be much cheaper. All the best to you.

I am cheering for you!

 

[ecdoesit]

just want to give you support.
you must have tons of experience to share in your personal statement. personal hardship is your strength and will only strengthen you to stay focus and success in dental school/life.

your GPA is there. just have a good DAT score and you are set.
i agree with vishal_k32801 that adcom tends to weigh more on more mature applicants.

Good luck

 

[Mo007]

I think that its all about what you need to do with the rest of your life. Being in professional school can be a wonderful option as long you make commit to it. So, its rewarding and exciting experience in life if you want it to be.

Again, Life is not about what you have gained, it's about what you have done, no matter how old you were.

 

[Supernumerary]

I think you have an excellent chance of being accepted. Your GPA is fine and you have a lot of life experience. And I wouldn't worry about your age at all. Age doesn't matter a whole lot in dental school. In undergrad, you can really feel out of place surrounded by a bunch of 18-19 yr. olds, but dental school is different. People are more mature. My class has several people in their 30's and two who are in their 40's. Probably half are married, many with kids. I would be willing to bet that you are not going to be the oldest in your class. Many people choose to come to dentistry later in life.

BTW, I would apply as SOON as possible. I beleive AADSAS has a financial burden waiver if you truly cannot come up with the money. There are also groups that will loan you the money and then let you tie it up as part of your student loans when accepted. It does matter when you apply. Best of Luck. 🙂

 

[rcmonkeypie]

Hello:

You go girl! Good job on finishing two majors! I think that when schools are talking about diversities, they don't just mean different races. Diversity also means students with different life experiences. Your maturity and your dedication to turn your life around will make you a very good applicant. Good luck on DAT.

 

[WeCanDoIt]

Thank-you to those of you who replied to my post. I was SOOO excited to see that you had replied. You really made me feel great. I respect your help and advice and I will keep you posted on the progress.

I have not taken my DAT yet. I have only just begun to prepare. I bought 4 books and found the Kaplan book to have a great review, but not much help for the PAT. I have actually found great help with this using high school geometry books from the local library. I am not sure when I will be ready to take the DAT but since I want to have to do so only once, I want to do the best I can. I will not be able to send my AADSAS off until mid-October...just no way around that. Am I really in trouble waiting that long? And if I should be fortunate enough to gain an interview or acceptance, how soon could I hope to hear about it?

I hope all is well with you. Are you in dental school? How is that going? When did you apply and what were your stats etc. Curious...

C.