PeaceCorps before Dental School

[mrwilliams]

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Hey all,
To make things simple ill make a list

Stats:
Lehigh University
B.S. Molecular Biology
GPA: 2.79
DAT: Unknown [this july]
Will be Senior this upcoming fall [on time]

I have had alot of short term missions trip experiance [every summer for one to two weeks] and am seriously considering volunteering with the Peace Corps. I have the heart and passion to serve, but the questions I have:

1. Is volunteering at the Peace Corps really going to enhance my admission to dental school? should I sit still and apply to dental school?

2. When would I take my DAT while volunteering?

3. Because im volunteering right after college, I would most probably be teaching english, is there no other possible way for me to do any health related volunteering?

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[doc toothache]

Joining the peace corps will not change your gpa.

 

[Vicviper]

Well, if you're really passionate about serving, go right ahead and do it, it will definitely add to your application, but it won't make a night and day difference.

If you're really wanting to do it to serve others, maybe think about doing a postbac or a masters, and then getting into dental school earlier, and then after you graduate from dental school go serve, and you'll be able to make a much bigger difference. But I definitely give you props for wanting to join the peace corps.

 

[golf05]

Check out the responses to the "Depression is setting in" thread. Similar situation.

And, with response to PC making a 'night and day difference', YES, it will! If you have decent scores and GPA, having a long term volunteer experience will be what gets you an interview.