Should I apply this year or the next?

[toddaved]

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I am in a quandary as to apply this year or not. I am 3rd year transfer student at UCLA. I am majoring in molecular biology. I have done some shadowing and have just recently applied to do some volunteering. Haven't yet started studying for DAT. If I decide to apply, I will probably be able to allocate 4 to 5 weeks at most for DAT. Given the my current circumstances I will be done preparing my letters and have DAT taken in 2-3 months. If I apply in mid-august do you guys think I have a chance of getting in a dental school? As far as the dental school is concerned I'm pretty open to pretty much anywhere. any suggestions will be much appreciated.

 

[dentalWorks]

I am in a quandary as to apply this year or not. I am 3rd year transfer student at UCLA. I am majoring in molecular biology. I have done some shadowing and have just recently applied to do some volunteering. Haven't yet started studying for DAT. If I decide to apply, I will probably be able to allocate 4 to 5 weeks at most for DAT. Given the my current circumstances I will be done preparing my letters and have DAT taken in 2-3 months. If I apply in mid-august do you guys think I have a chance of getting in a dental school? As far as the dental school is concerned I'm pretty open to pretty much anywhere. any suggestions will be much appreciated.

whats your GPA and sGPA like?

 

[Regmata]

August is fine, go for it.

 

[John Durian]

It's a really expensive process. Unless you have a 3.5+ in both o/sGPA and know you're gonna rock the DAT... then I would just hold off til next June. Your call though.

 

[vash429]

Did not want to make a double post second I saw this.

I am in that same boat. I have a 3.55 gpa and 3.4 sgpa. Currently taking a Kaplan course for the DAT and going to do some shadowing over the summer. I plan on taking the DAT about 2 to 3 weeks after I am done with the class. Should have my letters and everything by Mid July.

What do you guys and girls think should I go for it? Also I saw that some schools accept applications before sending in DAT scores, is this recomended?

 

[dentalWorks]

Did not want to make a double post second I saw this.

I am in that same boat. I have a 3.55 gpa and 3.4 sgpa. Currently taking a Kaplan course for the DAT and going to do some shadowing over the summer. I plan on taking the DAT about 2 to 3 weeks after I am done with the class. Should have my letters and everything by Mid July.

What do you guys and girls think should I go for it? Also I saw that some schools accept applications before sending in DAT scores, is this recomended?

AADSAS does send applications out even if they aren't complete (no DAT score or LORs yet). The problem is, when they arrive at the schools, they won't review anything thats not complete.... They'll wait till everything is turned in (DAT score + letters).

As far as what you should do.... You stats are fine. Assuming your DAT matches your GPA, I'd apply.

There is probably not much you can do about it, but if you can help it, TRY to get your letters in before mid July period

 

[Philippines03j]

I took my DAT in august and got in. I would apply to several schools and be willing to go to a school that is not your top choice (not saying you wont get in to it).

Other advise would be to apply only to schools you would want to go because once you are in, you are in, and there is no reapplying to your favorite schools next year (unless you want to take a crazy chance like that).

I wasn't going to apply for another year when I applied but decided to and I feel like it has paid off!

 

[toddaved]

Ok here is my plan....I am taking two classes over summer...the first session starts on june 20th....im planning on taking Kaplan course which starts on june 16th and ends on august 2nd....my second summer session starts on august 1st....I will be able review DAT material in august and take the DAT on september 1st....my Gpa and sGpa are 3.4ish and I dont have a preference for a dental school....I would wanna go to somewhere near LA....but wont risk my chances if I know I stand a better chance for other schools....so with all these said I'll probably be able to apply in mid-sep with everything complete LORs and DAT....what would you guys do if you were in my shoes???

 

[4thMolar]

Ok here is my plan....I am taking two classes over summer...the first session starts on june 20th....im planning on taking Kaplan course which starts on june 16th and ends on august 2nd....my second summer session starts on august 1st....I will be able review DAT material in august and take the DAT on september 1st....my Gpa and sGpa are 3.4ish and I dont have a preference for a dental school....I would wanna go to somewhere near LA....but wont risk my chances if I know I stand a better chance for other schools....so with all these said I'll probably be able to apply in mid-sep with everything complete LORs and DAT....what would you guys do if you were in my shoes???

If I were you, I'd just focus on studying for the DAT this summer and not take those 2 summer courses. If they aren't absolutely necessary, I'd drop them, unless the class material covers DAT material. You're going to be extremely busy studying for two classes and the Kaplan course on top of that. Postponing your DAT until September is not a good idea. You have a good GPA, so if you can take the DAT a week or two after you finish your Kaplan course (~ mid-August), you'd be in much better shape. Also, I'd e-submit your AADSAS application in June/July and your DAT scores can be sent once you take it (you can possibly fax them to schools that allow it). If you sumbit your AADSAS application in September, it won't even be complete at most schools until the following month or even into November.

 

[toddaved]

If I were you, I'd just focus on studying for the DAT this summer and not take those 2 summer courses. If they aren't absolutely necessary, I'd drop them, unless the class material covers DAT material. You're going to be extremely busy studying for two classes and the Kaplan course on top of that. Postponing your DAT until September is not a good idea. You have a good GPA, so if you can take the DAT a week or two after you finish your Kaplan course (~ mid-August), you'd be in much better shape. Also, I'd e-submit your AADSAS application in June/July and your DAT scores can be sent once you take it (you can possibly fax them to schools that allow it). If you sumbit your AADSAS application in September, it won't even be complete at most schools until the following month or even into November.

I really appreciate the suggestions you guys....its really helping me....I'm in an overwhelmingly mind-boggling situation...i'm losing my concentration every now and then....ok I'm cool with dropping the summer classes and get the DAT done earlier...as far as the schools are concerned, and given my situation (3.4ish gpa and not much of extracurricular activities)....which schools would you folks recommend to prioritize in my application? please also take into consideration UOP...and out of California (where I attend school currently) schools.....thx a bunch

 

[4thMolar]

It's hard to suggest which schools to apply to without a DAT score present. With an average GPA, I'd still look to apply broadly to many of the private schools, in addition to the california schools. Read this thread and it should help you out a lot when deciding which schools to apply to: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=635046