Recommendations on pre-reqs/DAT timeline

[Irrizistuble]

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Background: Left 4-year consulting job in Jan and this spring semester I have scheduled the following at a local school: Chem 1 and 2, Bio 1 and Physics 1. I want to start Dental school in 2009.

Planned out 2008 schedule:
Summer 1: Orgo 1, Bio 2
Summer 2: Orgo 2
Fall: Physics 2

Question 1:
Orgo 2 isn't ever offered in the fall, so I'm taking both in the summer. Can I take Orgo 1 and 2 in the fall and spring during my interviews or do I need to have the completed before I apply by December?

Question 2:
Is taking the DATs in Sept/Oct too late or should I take it during Summer 2 (without having taken Orgo 2)?

Question 3:
Is sending out applications in October/November too late?

Question 4:
I took Freshman English, Business Writing, Calc 1 and Calc 2 in college in 2000. Would those grades still be valid or do I need to redo those reqs this fall?

Question 5:
If I want to retake the DAT, is it advisable to retake within 5-6 weeks so i can still make it for the current application cycle?

 

[bodiddely]

1) Theoretically you could take them next fall and spring but good luck on the DAT if you go this route

2) I would take it as soon as you can after your summer classes are finished.

3) Yes-ish. There are people who wait that long and get in but your chances are greatly diminished.

4) Depends on the school but since those aren't really core pre-reqs I don't think anyone would be that picky.

5) You have to wait 90 days between DAT attempts.

 

[scottyhoop]

Background: Left 4-year consulting job in Jan and this spring semester I have scheduled the following at a local school: Chem 1 and 2, Bio 1 and Physics 1. I want to start Dental school in 2009.

Planned out 2008 schedule:
Summer 1: Orgo 1, Bio 2
Summer 2: Orgo 2
Fall: Physics 2

Question 1:
Orgo 2 isn't ever offered in the fall, so I'm taking both in the summer. Can I take Orgo 1 and 2 in the fall and spring during my interviews or do I need to have the completed before I apply by December?

Question 2:
Is taking the DATs in Sept/Oct too late or should I take it during Summer 2 (without having taken Orgo 2)?

Question 3:
Is sending out applications in October/November too late?

Question 4:
I took Freshman English, Business Writing, Calc 1 and Calc 2 in college in 2000. Would those grades still be valid or do I need to redo those reqs this fall?

Question 5:
If I want to retake the DAT, is it advisable to retake within 5-6 weeks so i can still make it for the current application cycle?

You are trying to do what I wanted to do. The time line is very difficult if not impossible. The largest problem you will run into is the lack of upper level bio classes like genetics, cell bio, histology, etc....With the competition being what it is these days, it will be very difficult to be competitive with traditional students with all of these classes under your belt. Also, I took organic over the summer then took the DAT in October. My application was FINALLY complete in November. I have managed to get 1 interview, but I am positive my late application has hurt my chances tremendously. I took my english classes many years ago, so you should be fine for most schools, but some schools do have a 5 year limit, so check with where you plan on applying. All of this being said...it is possible to do, but you are going to have to work hard and have some good luck on your side. Good grades (A's) and good DAT scores are a must. I've been there...it looks good on paper, but it's much harder in real life. Know all of this going in and maybe it will motivate you to work hard and get in next year. If it doesn't happen, take some bio classes the following year and you'll be all set. Good luck!!
Scott

 

[Irrizistuble]

Average DAT studying time I've read on these boards is two months. It may be a good idea to attack PAT, Quant and RC NOW so this way I can focus on mostly the science section during the summer. What do you guys think? Also, since there will be a lot of self teaching for Orgo and Bio, what is the BEST study guide?