Pre-Dental Questions

[Tatiana2020]

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Hello,

I am currently pre-med but strongly considering going to Dental School. I was wondering if one month of solid studying is enough to do well on the DAT. I am a post-bacc and kind of pressed for time. Also, how long does the admissions process take? When would I have to apply to be considered for matriculation for Fall 2006? Can I apply without the DAT scores and then submit them when I have taken the test? I am in NY and considering NYU, Columbia and StonyBrook. Thank you to everyone for your advice! Any and all input would be very much appreciated.

 

[lnn2]

Turn your application in now without the DAT. You can fax or mail it to evey dental school later. It takes 4-6wks for your application to be processed and received by dental schools. Schools start interviewing Sept 01. They begin offering rolling admission Dec 01 until the class is filled.

 

[drhobie7]

I think Inn2's got good advice, but I thought schools started interviewing earlier than September 1st. Whether or not 1 month is sufficient depends entirely on your study skills, willpower, existing knowledge, and intelligence. If you have a good amount of each of these things I'd say 1 month is enough.

 

[Tatiana2020]

Thanks for your advice! Can I apply before completing 2 requirements (ie Bio2 and Orgo2)? NYU admissions says that I can but in all honesty, will they really look at my application if I have not yet completed these classes? How long does it usually take to hear back from schools?

THanks!

 

[lnn2]

Thanks for your advice! Can I apply before completing 2 requirements (ie Bio2 and Orgo2)? NYU admissions says that I can but in all honesty, will they really look at my application if I have not yet completed these classes? How long does it usually take to hear back from schools?

THanks!

Yes. They even send you an acceptance letter if your grades and interview are good enough, of course with a condition that you have to complete all of the requirements before matriculation. Otherwise they will withdraw the acceptance. The time it takes to hear from schools depends on your stats and how they run the selection process.
Good luck.

 

[aphistis]

Thanks for your advice! Can I apply before completing 2 requirements (ie Bio2 and Orgo2)? NYU admissions says that I can but in all honesty, will they really look at my application if I have not yet completed these classes? How long does it usually take to hear back from schools?

THanks!

All the advice here is good. Submit your application, then take the DAT. Unless you completely squander the time, a month is plenty of time to prepare for the DAT. And, if it's any encouragement, I did everything just about as late as possible (took DAT in October, submitted AADSAS at the end of Christmas break, interviewed in late February, accepted mid-March while I was taking the last of my pre-reqs), and everything still turned out fine. I'm definitely not *advocating* doing it that way, I'm just trying to let you know you haven't missed the boat yet. 😉

 

[Tatiana2020]

All of this is a big relief and great to hear. Thanks again to everyone for applying. One last question.. would you suggest taking a prep course like Kaplan or studying on my own? What prep courses are good to take?

 

[lnn2]

but I thought schools started interviewing earlier than September 1st

yes, some schools interview mid August but those invitations are usually for interviewees with very good stats. They might even get early acceptance and scholarships...
One month is good enough if you go hardcore!

.. would you suggest taking a prep course like Kaplan or studying on my own? What prep courses are good to take?

Kaplan is good because of their studying materials. Do as many practice tests as you can and listen to the audio explanations. Most of the course instructors suck.