Post-Bac concerns and Application Process

[soul4tran]

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Hi, I wonder if anyone could help me with some heavy concerns I have about the application process to dental school.

I am a post-bac returning to school in Spring '08 - Summer '08 to fulfill science requirements for my aim: University of Pittsburgh Dental for Fall '09 [Biology w/ lab (8), Physics (6), Inorganic Chem. (8), Organic (6)]. These core science courses were not required for my Film degree, so regrettably I did not take them. My concern is: By the time the application process for Dental Schools begin [Dec. 1], I have not even begin my classes, is there any chance I can still enroll for dental school in the Fall of '09--granted that I complete the requirements, maintained a good GPA and DAT score. It would be painful to wait until Fall '10 to start dental school. Am I too late? 😕 Will Pittsburgh dismiss my application because I have not fulfilled the science requirement?

Any help, suggestions, comments, advice, etc., will be appreciated immensely.

Thank you!
Best,
Han.

 

[small]

I studied music, so I was in a similar predicament to you. With careful planning and good study habits, I think it can be done. The problem is getting yourself prepared for the DAT, specifically the organic chem section. You'll need your inorganic chem before the organic, which at most schools would mean S08-Inorg1, Sum1-Inorg2, Sum2-Org1, F08-Org2. Depending on scheduling, all classes might not be offered every semester. If you can work this problem out and study ahead into the Organic2 material (I did it, it is not impossible), you should be good to take the DAT late July or August. Can you get through both semesters of Bio before then, too? Only missing Organic2 will not be a big hinderance if you can teach yourself some things. Don't worry about Physics until 08-09 school year. A lot of schools require Biochem, too, but you can get that in spring 09. Also, no school requests that you have all prereqs done before applying.

Of course, not having any other science classes means your science GPA is totally dependent on your science crash-course. But, if you have a good undergrad GPA already, study well independently, and don't mind the pressure of studying for the DAT and taking summer classes at the same time, go for it! I think you can definitely do it as long as you're sure your grades won't suffer! Go for it. Being a little stressed out will beat waiting another year for dental school. 👍

 

[voager]

I think if you are serious dont rush i am in the same boat ..as you are. I am starting my prereq in Sp08..and for me its long wait as I have my undergrad from Uk school so rather than 30 hrs I have to do 90...I am working full time..so you can imagine i wil ltake more time to finish up with my prereq...its better to get competitive score than to rush and not get any thing at all.

 

[OhNoImmaPreDent]

WHOA...Small I looked at your predent profile...a 29?!??!?!? mind being my study partner? 🙂.

 

[PD3]

It is definately doable. I started my post-bac work in my school's winter term and was able to take the DAT at the end of August. I am currently finishing up the physics and some more upper level stuff. PM me if you need more specific advise about what to take when.

Good luck.

 

[soul4tran]

Hi, I wonder if anyone could help me with some heavy concerns I have about the application process to dental school.

I am a post-bac returning to school in Spring '08 - Summer '08 to fulfill science requirements for my aim: University of Pittsburgh Dental for Fall '09 [Biology w/ lab (8), Physics (6), Inorganic Chem. (8), Organic (6)]. These core science courses were not required for my Film degree, so regrettably I did not take them. My concern is: By the time the application process for Dental Schools begin [Dec. 1], I have not even begin my classes, is there any chance I can still enroll for dental school in the Fall of '09--granted that I complete the requirements, maintained a good GPA and DAT score. It would be painful to wait until Fall '10 to start dental school. Am I too late? 😕 Will Pittsburgh dismiss my application because I have not fulfilled the science requirement?

Any help, suggestions, comments, advice, etc., will be appreciated immensely.

Thank you!
Best,
Han.

Reading over my post, I just noticed that I was seeking advice for Fall '09, which is the next cycle. I was actually meaning to inquire about my chances for this cycle, Fall '08--which, after numerous discussions with advisors, student services, etc., seems to be much much more difficult and with my record very unlikely. By the Dec. 1, 2007 deadline, I would have to have applied to AADSAS with DAT scores [which I haven't even taken], submit academic transcripts with science pre-reqs, letters of recommendations, etc.

I will have to work towards my application for the Fall '09 now. I plan on completing the basic sciences [biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry] in the Spring and Summer sessions--likely taking classes at another university [part time]not offered at the full time institution that semester.

Thanks for the advice guys.