Seeking advice on when to apply

[megawatt]

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Hello,

I've been planning on doing med school, but recently I've been exploring dentistry.. I'm trying to figure out what the best timing is to apply. First of all, I already have a BA and I'm doing a post-bacc program for my prereqs. I should finish all of the the prereqs by the end of Fall semester, 2006. I've noticed that at least some schools will allow DAT scores up until Dec. 31st (or later?), so in theory I should be able to finish my prereqs and take the DAT before then. But I've heard that it's a disadvantage to take the DAT that late in the game. I'd like to hear your opinions -- do you think I should take the DAT in December of next year and apply for the earliest admission possible, or wait until the following year? If I apply late in the cycle, and don't get in where I want, does that make me a less attractive candidate if I reapply the following year? I'm optomistic that I'll do well on the DAT, and my GPA so far is 3.7, with a 4.0 for science (still have half the prereqs to complete).. My "dream schools" are UCSF and UCLA.

Oh, and one more question, somewhat unrelated. I've taken the first semester of calculus, got an A, but it doesn't seem like many schools require it. Should I even bother taking the second semester, or would it be better to use my time to take more science classes? I don't mind math, but I'd like to make the best use of my time.

Thanks for reading/replying..

 

[Leeuwenhoek]

Hello,

I've been planning on doing med school, but recently I've been exploring dentistry.. I'm trying to figure out what the best timing is to apply. First of all, I already have a BA and I'm doing a post-bacc program for my prereqs. I should finish all of the the prereqs by the end of Fall semester, 2006. I've noticed that at least some schools will allow DAT scores up until Dec. 31st (or later?), so in theory I should be able to finish my prereqs and take the DAT before then. But I've heard that it's a disadvantage to take the DAT that late in the game. I'd like to hear your opinions -- do you think I should take the DAT in December of next year and apply for the earliest admission possible, or wait until the following year? If I apply late in the cycle, and don't get in where I want, does that make me a less attractive candidate if I reapply the following year? I'm optomistic that I'll do well on the DAT, and my GPA so far is 3.7, with a 4.0 for science (still have half the prereqs to complete).. My "dream schools" are UCSF and UCLA.

Oh, and one more question, somewhat unrelated. I've taken the first semester of calculus, got an A, but it doesn't seem like many schools require it. Should I even bother taking the second semester, or would it be better to use my time to take more science classes? I don't mind math, but I'd like to make the best use of my time.

Thanks for reading/replying..

Usually it is better to write the DAT early and apply early for the best chance of acceptance. First round of seats are normally given away by December 1st with rolling admissions from that point on. If you rock the DAT combined with your GPA, I think you would still get interviews and possibly an admission. So yes, you can write the December DAT and apply in December and you would still have a chance, but it may be better to write the December chance wait a few months and apply early in May with your transcripts and LORs ready. I wouldn't think you would have any problems getting in anywhere (unless you bomb the DAT). Lastly, if you are a Cali resident then that increases your odds even more to get into UCSF and UCLA.

If you ever decide to do medicine then, yes, you should probably take a second math. If you are just considering dentistry then, no, another math class is not really necessary as most dental schools do not require a math course.

Just my two cents. 😉

 

[joonkimdds]

Hello,

I've been planning on doing med school, but recently I've been exploring dentistry.. I'm trying to figure out what the best timing is to apply. First of all, I already have a BA and I'm doing a post-bacc program for my prereqs. I should finish all of the the prereqs by the end of Fall semester, 2006. I've noticed that at least some schools will allow DAT scores up until Dec. 31st (or later?), so in theory I should be able to finish my prereqs and take the DAT before then. But I've heard that it's a disadvantage to take the DAT that late in the game. I'd like to hear your opinions -- do you think I should take the DAT in December of next year and apply for the earliest admission possible, or wait until the following year? If I apply late in the cycle, and don't get in where I want, does that make me a less attractive candidate if I reapply the following year? I'm optomistic that I'll do well on the DAT, and my GPA so far is 3.7, with a 4.0 for science (still have half the prereqs to complete).. My "dream schools" are UCSF and UCLA.

Oh, and one more question, somewhat unrelated. I've taken the first semester of calculus, got an A, but it doesn't seem like many schools require it. Should I even bother taking the second semester, or would it be better to use my time to take more science classes? I don't mind math, but I'd like to make the best use of my time.

Thanks for reading/replying..

I don't know what ur major is...but for me, my counselor forced me to take Calculus 1 and 2... -_-; I hate them!!!! I sux at math. I wonder if there is a way to avoid it...

 

[megawatt]

I don't have a major as a post-bac. It's just pre-med (or, rather, pre professional health). So the only requirements are the ones that the professional schools have.

I used to hate math too, but I had a great teacher for Calc 1, and actually enjoyed it. I'd have no problem taking second semester, except I have to prioritize. If you haven't taken Calc yet, my best advice is to make sure you're solid on trig and algebra, and things will be a lot easier.

I don't know what ur major is...but for me, my counselor forced me to take Calculus 1 and 2... -_-; I hate them!!!! I sux at math. I wonder if there is a way to avoid it...

 

[megawatt]

Thanks for the advice.. Hopefully bombing da dat won't be an issue!

Usually it is better to write the DAT early and apply early for the best chance of acceptance. First round of seats are normally given away by December 1st with rolling admissions from that point on. If you rock the DAT combined with your GPA, I think you would still get interviews and possibly an admission. So yes, you can write the December DAT and apply in December and you would still have a chance, but it may be better to write the December chance wait a few months and apply early in May with your transcripts and LORs ready. I wouldn't think you would have any problems getting in anywhere (unless you bomb the DAT). Lastly, if you are a Cali resident then that increases your odds even more to get into UCSF and UCLA.

If you ever decide to do medicine then, yes, you should probably take a second math. If you are just considering dentistry then, no, another math class is not really necessary as most dental schools do not require a math course.

Just my two cents. 😉

 

[Sprgrover]

Most schools won't give any serious consideration to your application until all materials are received, and that includes your DAT scores. Taking the DAT at the end of December won't compeletly sink you, but realize that a slew of applicants will have interviewed prior to you and if given any interview invites they will probably be for alternate lists as classes will start to fill up. The ideal time to apply is between May and July of the year before you plan on attending dental school. If you don't manage to get in this cycle and have to reapply you won't be at a disadvantage, although your wallet will be a bit lighter. In my opinion you will be a much more competive applicant if you wait and apply early next cycle; between now and next May get your ducks in a row (LOR's, personal statement, DAT, etc.) and send that application out. While that will delay your matriculation into dental school it will give not only a chance to get yourself ready but also time to shadow and assess your decision to enter dentistry. Besides, taking a year off before jumping back into the fire isn't always a bad thing to do. Best of luck!