Should I apply?

[patricke]

Non trads : re: Dental School Application -
I'm fairly new to the application process and understand one should apply early. However , I'm not sure if it's too early for me ?
I'm 39 , so every year counts
I'm a junior - Approx 75-80 credits but not starting the science pre reqs until Fall 2011. I should have 90% of the prereqs done by the end of spring 2012.
Most of my current credits are core cirriculum (2 sems of writing , hist, crit thinking and a host of business and tech)
I do have hours banked with a DDS for my volunteer work.
I can get a few LORs within the next month or two but not from science prof yet. I have an extensive professional background. No DAT yet.
Should I wait a year? Can I apply now? If I can and get rejected , how does that impact my second attempt (it's one of the questions on the app)
Any thoughts?
Happy Friday !
Ps: pardon any typos , on the train to work doing this from the handheld

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[QofQuimica]

I don't understand how you intend to take the DAT and apply now when you haven't even taken any of the prereqs yet.

 

[DrMidlife]

You need a DAT score to apply.

The DAT content is material from the prereqs.

So finish the prereqs, do DAT prep, take the DAT, then apply.

I know exactly nothing about dental school. How to find this stuff out:

1. Google "dental school application"
http://www.google.com/search?q=dental+school+application
2. From the ADEA page, find an FAQ
http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx
3. From the FAQ, find "standardized tests"
http://www.adea.org/dental_educatio...ADSASApplication/Pages/StandardizedTests.aspx
4. Google "DAT"
http://www.google.com/search?q=DAT
5. From the ADA page, go the FAQ
http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dat_faq.pdf
6. Find "what is on the test"
7. Go the guide
http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dat_examinee_guide.pdf
8. Find the test specs in Appendix E

Advantage of this method (finding official info sources): results tend to be highly factual.

 

[patricke]

I don't understand how you intend to take the DAT and apply now when you haven't even taken any of the prereqs yet.

figured as much

 

[patricke]

You need a DAT score to apply.

The DAT content is material from the prereqs.

So finish the prereqs, do DAT prep, take the DAT, then apply.

I know exactly nothing about dental school. How to find this stuff out:

1. Google "dental school application"
http://www.google.com/search?q=dental+school+application
2. From the ADEA page, find an FAQ
http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx
3. From the FAQ, find "standardized tests"
http://www.adea.org/dental_educatio...ADSASApplication/Pages/StandardizedTests.aspx
4. Google "DAT"
http://www.google.com/search?q=DAT
5. From the ADA page, go the FAQ
http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dat_faq.pdf
6. Find "what is on the test"
7. Go the guide
http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dat_examinee_guide.pdf
8. Find the test specs in Appendix E

Advantage of this method (finding official info sources): results tend to be highly factual.

Yep, kind of knew that was the route, but I thought I would lob the Q out here since the clock is ticking Thanks !

 

[QofQuimica]

Pat, you really need to do things properly. These courses are called *prereqs* and not *postreqs* for a reason. It doesn't matter what your age is; there is a logical order of steps that you need to go through in order to prepare yourself for dental school. First, you take the necessary coursework and make all As (or as close to it as you can). *Then* you can take the DAT and apply.

As for being 39, well, nothing is going to make you 22 again even if you applied right this very second. In the whole scheme of things, isn't it better to be 40 or 41 with a competitive app that will do credit to your abilities, rather than 39 with a crappy one that will probably yield rejections everywhere that you apply? We talk about med school apps all the time in terms of it being a marathon and not a sprint. The same thing is true in your case. You are committing yourself to a long-term journey here. Start with the first step, and you'll take the 12th step when you're done with the previous 11.

 

[patricke]

Pat, you really need to do things properly. These courses are called *prereqs* and not *postreqs* for a reason. It doesn't matter what your age is; there is a logical order of steps that you need to go through in order to prepare yourself for dental school. First, you take the necessary coursework and make all As (or as close to it as you can). *Then* you can take the DAT and apply.

As for being 39, well, nothing is going to make you 22 again even if you applied right this very second. In the whole scheme of things, isn't it better to be 40 or 41 with a competitive app that will do credit to your abilities, rather than 39 with a crappy one that will probably yield rejections everywhere that you apply? We talk about med school apps all the time in terms of it being a marathon and not a sprint. The same thing is true in your case. You are committing yourself to a long-term journey here. Start with the first step, and you'll take the 12th step when you're done with the previous 11.

Well said Q, and I totally agree. I feel this way as well. It's more the lack of knowledge re: the app process that perhaps came across as being too anxious.
Appreciate the critique...

 

[patricke]

You need a DAT score to apply.

The DAT content is material from the prereqs.

So finish the prereqs, do DAT prep, take the DAT, then apply.

I know exactly nothing about dental school. How to find this stuff out:

1. Google "dental school application"
http://www.google.com/search?q=dental+school+application
2. From the ADEA page, find an FAQ
http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/FAQs/Pages/default.aspx
3. From the FAQ, find "standardized tests"
http://www.adea.org/dental_educatio...ADSASApplication/Pages/StandardizedTests.aspx
4. Google "DAT"
http://www.google.com/search?q=DAT
5. From the ADA page, go the FAQ
http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dat_faq.pdf
6. Find "what is on the test"
7. Go the guide
http://www.ada.org/sections/educationAndCareers/pdfs/dat_examinee_guide.pdf
8. Find the test specs in Appendix E

Advantage of this method (finding official info sources): results tend to be highly factual.

Merci for the links MidLife...