Rising Sophomore considering dentistry. what should i do this summer?

[paymaant]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Well, classes start in 1 month and I haven't spent much time doing anything this summer which bothers me. I spent 12 hours shadowing an oral surgeon back in June which went pretty well. I am trying to volunteer for a health clinic that provides services for low income/uninsured people (data keeping, keep track of medical records, interact with patients, etc). I was planning to do research next summer in some student research programs(hopefully). Anyways, do you think it would benefit me at all to go into retail to finish off the summer? Do dental schools care if I work as a cashier at Sports Authority? I am thinking whether I should apply for the job or not. OR do dental schools really care about volunteering and shadowing? Thank you so much for your help guys!

 

[New2Philly]

Well, classes start in 1 month and I haven't spent much time doing anything this summer which bothers me. I spent 12 hours shadowing an oral surgeon back in June which went pretty well. I am trying to volunteer for a health clinic that provides services for low income/uninsured people (data keeping, keep track of medical records, interact with patients, etc). I was planning to do research next summer in some student research programs(hopefully). Anyways, do you think it would benefit me at all to go into retail to finish off the summer? Do dental schools care if I work as a cashier at Sports Authority? I am thinking whether I should apply for the job or not. OR do dental schools really care about volunteering and shadowing? Thank you so much for your help guys!

I would get more shadowing experience, at least 40-50 hrs. Some schools require at least 40 hrs of shadowing. Make a log of it, might be able to use it in personal statement.
Only do research that you could be interested in.
I would also start looking into taking the DAT next summer, and thinking how you are going to study.
Start thinking about where your LORs are going to come from. This is where research may be good; you can meet loads of profs when hanging out in the lab.
Also, start looking at schools you would like to apply to. Cost, location, stats required. Do some tours if it is convenient.
Start saving up for the DAT and application/interview travel if your paying for it yourself, it can get pretty expensive.