Pre-Med 2 Pre-Dent?

[FIFASoccer]

Hello.
I was wondering if anyone here was a former Pre-Med who turned to a Pre-Dent.. I'm currently applying to Medical School.. got a 30 on my MCAT.. 3.3 GPA.. but am starting to wonder if Dentist might have a slightly easier lifestyle than a doctor..

When I first thought of doctor, I was thinking that I would work a lot, do research, etc.. but now with age and maturity, I have come to realize that I want to raise a family and have lots of times for hobbies such as sailing or coaching a future son's soccer team.. etc..

After visiting my dentist, he said he loves his life, gets 100K+ yr, is off after 4:30pm.. takes numerous vacations per year with his kids and wife.. etc..

I know dentist and doctor are very different but could the people that made the switch give me some feedback on how their choice ended up?

P.S. When are dental school application accepted, whats their deadline, will they accept MCAT, and do I need tons of shadowing of dentists or can a couple sessions be good?

Thanks!

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[ecdoesit]

IMHO, you suck, especially when you are applying for both schools. Now let's go back to a more rational approach.

I would have to say you are the number 1 drop out reason. Dont have alternative otherwise, you are likely to have doubts =>give up and pursue the other area. Like I said, lifestyle alone should not be the sole reason to switch career. There are pros and cons in both profession. In order to redeem your respect, at least you could provide a longer list of what's good and bad about each profession. Then prioritize them. Could u tolerate the cons? What will u lose if you switch? I highly suggest you to look deeply and make that 1 profession to pursue and dont look back.

There are way too many threads about this topics, including why people want to be dentists. So do a search to find out. Chat with a dentist, specialist, etc.

To answer the rest of ur question:
Yes, you could switch. Application accepted now(the first day to send is June 1st), you need to take DAT(MCAT is not a substitute), they are likely to ask u why u did the premed track, so u better show that you considered ur decision thoroughly that u will not go back to medicine(not till u finish dent sch), so shadowing is part of ur evidence.

 

[rocknightmare]

IMHO, you suck, especially when you are applying for both schools. Now let's go back to a more rational approach.

I would have to say you are the number 1 drop out reason. Dont have alternative otherwise, you are likely to have doubts =>give up and pursue the other area. Like I said, lifestyle alone should not be the sole reason to switch career. There are pros and cons in both profession. In order to redeem your respect, at least you could provide a longer list of what's good and bad about each profession. Then prioritize them. Could u tolerate the cons? What will u lose if you switch? I highly suggest you to look deeply and make that 1 profession to pursue and dont look back.

There are way too many threads about this topics, including why people want to be dentists. So do a search to find out. Chat with a dentist, specialist, etc.

To answer the rest of ur question:
Yes, you could switch. Application accepted now(the first day to send is June 1st), you need to take DAT(MCAT is not a substitute), they are likely to ask u why u did the premed track, so u better show that you considered ur decision thoroughly that u will not go back to medicine(not till u finish dent sch), so shadowing is part of ur evidence.

wow buddy you don't have to be harsh on him, people become mature and change fields

 

[ecdoesit]

well, i have not been too harsh. if i do, do u think i would still give him the rational approach?

wow buddy you don't have to be harsh on him, people become mature and change fields

 

[aphistis]

I think you're facing a tall order, taking any post that begins:

IMHO, you suck

and defending it as "a rational approach."

 

[ISU_Steve]

Personally I think the "you suck" comment was uncalled for. You owe him an apology in my book.

 

[cameltoe]

I think you're facing a tall order, taking any post that begins:


and defending it as "a rational approach."

Eco, people change fields all the time. Chill out, man

 

[ianwright]

Personally I think the "you suck" comment was uncalled for. You owe him an apology in my book.

That 'you suck' comment was not called for: You owe him an apology - rightly said Steve!

It's Posts like these that slow down forum productivity and usefulness!

Lets stop! Grow up! Mature! Get married! Find a job! Have kids! Grow old! Retire! Go on vacation! Have grandkids! Watch them grow! Smell like piss! And die!

Seriously guys - lets stick to the subject at matter - DENTISTRY AND HOW TO GET THERE FROM HERE!

QUESTION - WHY DOES THIS FORUM (PRE-DENTAL) ATTRACT ALL THE GOONS?

 

[ecdoesit]

I think the sentence that frustrates me the most is: I'm currently applying to Medical School.

I would like to know if he/she gets accepted, will he/she go to med sch without any 2nd thought. If he/she denies, then I will apologize.

 

[festac]

Hello.
I was wondering if anyone here was a former Pre-Med who turned to a Pre-Dent.. I'm currently applying to Medical School.. got a 30 on my MCAT.. 3.3 GPA.. but am starting to wonder if Dentist might have a slightly easier lifestyle than a doctor..

When I first thought of doctor, I was thinking that I would work a lot, do research, etc.. but now with age and maturity, I have come to realize that I want to raise a family and have lots of times for hobbies such as sailing or coaching a future son's soccer team.. etc..

After visiting my dentist, he said he loves his life, gets 100K+ yr, is off after 4:30pm.. takes numerous vacations per year with his kids and wife.. etc..

I know dentist and doctor are very different but could the people that made the switch give me some feedback on how their choice ended up?

P.S. When are dental school application accepted, whats their deadline, will they accept MCAT, and do I need tons of shadowing of dentists or can a couple sessions be good?

Thanks!

Why would you think the MCAT will be acceptable for Dental School?

 

[ISU_Steve]

I think the sentence that frustrates me the most is: I'm currently applying to Medical School.

I would like to know if he/she gets accepted, will he/she go to med sch without any 2nd thought. If he/she denies, then I will apologize.

I do have to agree with that sentiment....it's just the way you initially worded your response.

To the OP, pick something and stick with it. That's the best advice I have to give to you.

 

[Sprgrover]

IMHO, you suck...

Please be a bit more polite in your responses.

 

[jk5177]

Lets stop! Grow up! Mature! Get married! Find a job! Have kids! Grow old! Retire! Go on vacation! Have grandkids! Watch them grow! Smell like piss! And die!

Ianwright. That is the most hilarious sentence I've seen all day. (Well, guess it's only 8:37 in the morning. Still, it's pretty funny.)

 

[jk5177]

IMHO, you suck, especially when you are applying for both schools. Now let's go back to a more rational approach.

To ecdoesit:
IMHO, you don't suck.

And this would be an insult if you are a vacuum cleaner, but you're not.

Whatever happened to our OP? No more posts? Scared him off?

 

[FIFASoccer]

Why would you think the MCAT will be acceptable for Dental School?

Just a question.. Figured some Grad Schools accept MCAT so maybe since the MCAT and DAT test similar subjects (not exactly.. ) they would accept it..

Thanks though..

And as for applying to both schools, whether a person makes their decision 5 years ago or after they have both acceptance letters in their hand.. it doesn't matter.. I'm after a career.. whichever I choose I will put the best effort into like all my previous jobs and academic career.. but I don't want to choose just yet..

Of course I know I will attract haters from both sides who complain that this was their dream, talk about passion, etc.. Most people ignore them.. but thank you for those posters who've given facts or unbiased opinions

 

[FIFASoccer]

To ecdoesit:
IMHO, you don't suck.

And this would be an insult if you are a vacuum cleaner, but you're not.

Whatever happened to our OP? No more posts? Scared him off?

Quickly cramming for the DAT.. June 1st right?

 

[jk5177]

Quickly cramming for the DAT.. June 1st right?

It's any date you choose. Or I misunderstood what you mean by "June 1st rigth?"

 

[ucizotzot]

Hello.
I was wondering if anyone here was a former Pre-Med who turned to a Pre-Dent.. I'm currently applying to Medical School.. got a 30 on my MCAT.. 3.3 GPA.. but am starting to wonder if Dentist might have a slightly easier lifestyle than a doctor..

When I first thought of doctor, I was thinking that I would work a lot, do research, etc.. but now with age and maturity, I have come to realize that I want to raise a family and have lots of times for hobbies such as sailing or coaching a future son's soccer team.. etc..

After visiting my dentist, he said he loves his life, gets 100K+ yr, is off after 4:30pm.. takes numerous vacations per year with his kids and wife.. etc..

I know dentist and doctor are very different but could the people that made the switch give me some feedback on how their choice ended up?

P.S. When are dental school application accepted, whats their deadline, will they accept MCAT, and do I need tons of shadowing of dentists or can a couple sessions be good?

Thanks!

i'm also a premed to predent convert altho i did not take my MCAT's...as people have been saying. get in your app early and don't worry about your DAT's till sometime this summer (july-ish). make sure you know what you're getting in to though. i've done some extensive shadowing since i've made my decision and decided that dentistry is my choice profession. like medicine, it has its plus and minuses but i'm more satisfied with dentistry as my profession than medicine. 30 on the mcat's is a great score btw. good job. altho i think a 3.3 is a little low for med schools. my 2 cents. good luck

 

[Pikeyman]

IMHO, you suck, especially when you are applying for both schools. Now let's go back to a more rational approach.

I would have to say you are the number 1 drop out reason. Dont have alternative otherwise, you are likely to have doubts =>give up and pursue the other area. Like I said, lifestyle alone should not be the sole reason to switch career. There are pros and cons in both profession. In order to redeem your respect, at least you could provide a longer list of what's good and bad about each profession. Then prioritize them. Could u tolerate the cons? What will u lose if you switch? I highly suggest you to look deeply and make that 1 profession to pursue and dont look back.

There are way too many threads about this topics, including why people want to be dentists. So do a search to find out. Chat with a dentist, specialist, etc.

To answer the rest of ur question:
Yes, you could switch. Application accepted now(the first day to send is June 1st), you need to take DAT(MCAT is not a substitute), they are likely to ask u why u did the premed track, so u better show that you considered ur decision thoroughly that u will not go back to medicine(not till u finish dent sch), so shadowing is part of ur evidence.

Sounds like Avril what's-her-name on MTV.

Just a reminder: MTV is not the standard of living.

 

[penguinteeth]

I went to med school for 2 years well,

I don't regret to turning dental school.

Well, I personally think medical school is not as attractive as it was.

I think most of you guys know what I mean.

And !!!!

Play winning eleven. The best football game ever.

Fifa soccer sucks!

 

[msf41]

To the OP:

Before you start cramming for the DAT, I would spend 40+ hours in a dental office and learn about the profession before you commit your life to it so suddenly.

 

[Dr. Music]

I was premed and in fact attended medical school for a very short time. The main reason why is because my parents were the driving for behind it. All my life the only thing I believed was that to become a healthcare professional, I had to go to medical school. At least until I got to college. Then I started learning about the other fields in healthcare and found that dentistry suited me much more.

I like working with my hands, I build boutique computers on the calibur of Alienware and Voodoo (I have my own business doing it) and I write music (check out my website at www.noahneiman.com ). I find that dentistry directly relates to my hobbies as far as being a craftsman and satisfying customers with the work I do. It also will suit my desires to be a good father when I am married. My fiance and I have spoken about it quite a lot. My father is a physician and my relationship with him is barely existant. He is at the hospital from 7 to 6 every day and then he's on call every few days. When he comes home, he's exhausted and has no time to hang out with me. When I was a kid, it was my mom who took me to my basketball games, or my boy scout trips, and I don't want to not be there when my son wants me to.

Anyone that thinks changing careers to improve their lifestyle is not a good enough reason to switch, clearly doesn't know what they're talking about. YES, YOU WERE HARSH and NO, YOU WERE NOT RATIONAL. Anything that begins with "...you suck" is biased and just a flame post. Maybe you were just having a bad day? I don't know. But you were insensitive and unhelpful. The fact that you have to defend your statements to almost every single poster in this thread proves it. No, he hasn't done much research on the subject, but I'm pretty sure that's why he came here to ask questions.

Anyways, to answer the original poster's questions, no, I'm sorry bud but they don't accept the MCAT as a substitute for the DAT. The DAT has several sections that the MCAT does not have. However, if you got a 30 on the MCAT, you shouldn't have too much trouble on the DAT. Don't cram for it and try to take it in the next couple of weeks though. I'd give it a good month or so before. In addition, I know that you've spoken with a dentist, but have you worked with one? Because unless you've interviewed a few dentists and done researched the field online a lot, I'd say that your best bet to discover what dentistry is truely about is to work with one.

Shadowing a dentist is very good but volunteering in a hospital is also smiled upon. One doesn't replace the other, but if you start shadowing a dentist now, you may be able to apply this year. It may look bad that you have such little experience in the dental field and are applying to it. Not to put a damper on your ideas or anything. Just wanted to let ya know.

Good luck with it though buddy.

 

[jk5177]

Dr. Music: You made a thoughtful post.