Ready Or Not?

[ChrisM07]

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Hey all,

I had a question about attending D school. It doesn't pertain to me because I won't be applying (well hopefully I'll be able to when the time comes) for another year and a half'ish but I'm kind of curious what one would do.

-So say someone applies with just OK stats (3.0 GPA). They really want to go to dental school, its their dream, etc. but has doubts about surviving the course load when in because they really worked hard for that 3.0.
-They get an interview and ultimately accepted.
-Should they attend because they got accepted or turn down the acceptance and wait until they feel more ready? I mean, they got accepted (which is good) but now have doubtful thoughts about staying afloat with the curriculum/work load when they're there (hope it's not to confusing).

Also, if someone is in, can they 'fail out' like in undergrad or do the people there do everything they can to make sure the students pass?

Just wondering.

 

[toothfairy85]

You accept. If you're not ready then, what makes you think you will be later?! If you get accepted, the schools have a reason to believe that you will succeed in dental school. And for the most part, schools do everything they can do graduate students as competent dentists as long as you do your share of the work. You have to study, you have to practice, and you have to seek out help if you need it. I don't know how other schools do it, but worst-case scenario, if you were to fail a class, our school lets you remediate it in the summer. If you fail two classes, the academic performance committee meets and decides whether to let you repeat the year, or to let you go. They don't want to let you go, they do want to see you succeed, but sometimes there are situations where it is in the best interest of the student to find something else to do.

 

[nanilla]

These dental schools with such small classes have alot invested in you if are accepted that they are going to do everything in their power, if you do the same, to keep you in school. Plus that would be alot of money they would lose if you drop out. Also You could so an SMP program for a year, which simulates first year of med/D school and see how that goes, if you did well that would also help your chances. Also not to take over the thread or anything but does anyone know the attrition rate for D-school?

 

[Regmata]

Unless they plan on magically becoming more intelligent later on, I think it is now or never

 

[ChrisM07]

Yeah that makes sense. This question was one of those "hmmm, what if..." questions. Thanks!

 

[jdoc04]

I would say don't apply until your ready. Take upper levels and increase your background in the hard core sciences so when you get to dental school it's not the first you see them. Also make an effort now to build your time management skills. If you can learn to manage your time you will be able to better handle the crazy amount of information thrown at you in d-school.

Since this is a "what if"...think about it this way if you to get accepted and your not ready but you attend anyway. Worst case scenario you fail out. Even though you did not finish you will still owe the gov or bank on those loans you took out for the first year. It would be wise to apply when your confident enough in your abilities to handle dental school.

If your not ready do a medical/bioscience masters or a post-bacc program.

good luck!