one year off

[AReynolds04]

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i'll be applying this upcoming cycle for dental school, so i'll have a year-off to do whatever i want (applying as a senior). i want to do something productive in case I don't get in though, what do you guys recommend? i'll have a bio degree so i could get a lab job or something or i can get a certificate in dental assisting =] thanks!

 

[MonchichiMan]

Look, I am a third year applicant who has spent the last two years dental assisting. It has been a great experience as I have learned a lot and affirmed my desire to be a dentist. However, it all depends. Many of the schools I interviewed at wanted me to have stayed in school and continued to show academic improvement. The only school that liked my work experience was the state school where I reside. So I don't know what to tell you. I would suggest calling the school to which you will apply and inquire what they would like to see you do over the next year. They will be more than happy to help.

 

[ummjoey]

i'll be applying this upcoming cycle for dental school, so i'll have a year-off to do whatever i want (applying as a senior). i want to do something productive in case I don't get in though, what do you guys recommend? i'll have a bio degree so i could get a lab job or something or i can get a certificate in dental assisting =] thanks!

whats your stats and how many schools will you be applying to?

i think the dental assisting sounds good. you will have flexibility and time to do other stuff.

over summer you will be doing secondaries (depending on how many schools you apply to). secondaries could take some time.

i wouldnt travel from september to december? again, depening on your stats and how many schools you apply to, you will be doing a lot interviews. you can spend extra time preparing for interviews.

like MonchichiMan said you can continue with your academics. maybe go for a 1 year masters?

volunteer work, community service, research, bunch of other extracurriculars. you can search for other threads that talk about EC.

just my 2 cents.......

 

[AReynolds04]

i have a 3.4 overall and a 3.5 science, i'll be taking the DAT sometime in the spring.

 

[youngmc27]

I did masters degree and then took a year off and I worked at a biology lab doing government research and then got in the next year. Always try to improve your application even in the year off so that schools know that you are committed to getting in.

 

[bodiddely]

Have you taken biochem and human anatomy and physiology? If not, take those in the fall.

 

[AReynolds04]

i've taken physiology and biochem, but my school doesn't offer anatomy. i'll look into taking an anatomy course. thanks for the response.

 

[curiosteph]

You may want to try something like Americorps or an overseas volunteer program. I did something similar for two years and it was amazing - and also became the major topic of discussion in my interviews. I didn't do it for the resume boost, but it sure was helpful when I was asked "How have you shown leadership and dedication to your community?". It gives you something worthwhile to do for a year, and the added bonus is that most programs give you a small chunk of money for higher education. If you can't assist, I think this is the next best option. Just my thoughts!

 

[scuzfly]

Get a job. Save some money. If you express interest in graduate programs when you interview some places will pay for you to go.

 

[the dentist]

take science courses given in dental school curriculum, if you havent already.

teach and/or tutor. and try to assist/observe like someone said.

oh, well, then start reading an Anatomy Netters Body Atlas book. Yay.

TD