Should I even bother applying this year?

[kgupta3]

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Hey guys, so here's the situation:

I'm a junior and I'm planning on taking the DAT and applying this summer. However I recently decided to do a post-bac program after college. So do I really have to apply this year or could I just wait?

I was going to apply anyways, but there is a month left before the applications open and I can't seem to get into contact with any of my recommenders. The whole reason I'm asking this question is in case they don't write my letters in time, will it even matter if I apply this year?

Thanks!

 

[jonishere5]

Hey guys, so here's the situation:

I'm a junior and I'm planning on taking the DAT and applying this summer. However I recently decided to do a post-bac program after college. So do I really have to apply this year or could I just wait?

I was going to apply anyways, but there is a month left before the applications open and I can't seem to get into contact with any of my recommenders. The whole reason I'm asking this question is in case they don't write my letters in time, will it even matter if I apply this year?

Thanks!

You can wait.

Also applying in early July is still fairly early if it came down to it, if you get in touch with Recommenders ASAP you should be fine.

But in reality applying early won't help you much if your DAT & GPA scores are too low.

What is your GPA/Sci GPA

 

[dentalWorks]

applying this year vs next year is dependent on a few factors:

-are you able to get all your stuff ready (LORs and DAT score)... without those, forget it

-do you have a strong enough GPA to apply? If your sitting bellow 3.0 right now, I wouldn't apply

-whats your financial situation? If you have weak stats and moneys tight, perhaps you should save your $$$ and spend it on improving your stats.

 

[kgupta3]

Thanks for the replies!

@jonishere5: my GPA is is 3.18 and my Science GPA is 3.02....not good at all, actually kind of embarrassing posting that. I do have a lot of volunteer and shadowing hours but I could really use the post-bac program.

@dentalworks: if i can get all my stuff ready in time then I'll apply, otherwise I'll wait till next year. Also yes, money is extremely tight and stats are not that good.

So now I'm thinking not to apply this year but still take the DAT. Then I can apply next year while I'm applying for the post-bac. Or should I apply to dental schools AFTER I finish the post-bac program?

 

[jonishere5]

Thanks for the replies!

@jonishere5: my GPA is is 3.18 and my Science GPA is 3.02....not good at all, actually kind of embarrassing posting that. I do have a lot of volunteer and shadowing hours but I could really use the post-bac program.

@dentalworks: if i can get all my stuff ready in time then I'll apply, otherwise I'll wait till next year. Also yes, money is extremely tight and stats are not that good.

So now I'm thinking not to apply this year but still take the DAT. Then I can apply next year while I'm applying for the post-bac. Or should I apply to dental schools AFTER I finish the post-bac program?

Yeah instead of spending your time & money filling out the AADSAS and doing secondary apps and essays etc, you should spend your time and money studying for the DAT, and try and get 20+ on all the sections.

My GPA was around a 3.27 when I applied and I applied in June (12 schools) and didn't get in anywhere, I wish I spent that summer on the DAT now instead of filling out secondary apps and essays.

Spending $2,000 on application fees/secondaries and a lot of time will probably not be worthwhile.

Do well on your DAT & Post-bach program and you should do fine!

 

[kgupta3]

Cool thanks a lot. Do you (or anybody) happen to know when I should apply? Should I do it before or after I finish the post-bac program?

 

[yappy]

Josh do you mind if I ask what your DAT was?

I'm going through the same problem that the OP is. I am sitting around a 3.2X for science and overall with a good upward trend, but have not taken the DAT yet.

I am scheduled to take it on june 28th. Then i'm going to assess weather or not to apply. My goal is to hit a 21-22. Do you think this sounds reasonable to apply with. Or would I just be throwing away money.

Yeah instead of spending your time & money filling out the AADSAS and doing secondary apps and essays etc, you should spend your time and money studying for the DAT, and try and get 20+ on all the sections.

My GPA was around a 3.27 when I applied and I applied in June (12 schools) and didn't get in anywhere, I wish I spent that summer on the DAT now instead of filling out secondary apps and essays.

Spending $2,000 on application fees/secondaries and a lot of time will probably not be worthwhile.

Do well on your DAT & Post-bach program and you should do fine!

 

[kgupta3]

stupid question, just ignore that last post lol.

 

[4thMolar]

Depending on your DAT scores, there is a chance that you can get into a dental school. However, if you are planning on doing the post-bacc, I would apply after you finish it with your new set of grades. Plus, get to know your professors in your program and they'll be able to write you a good LOR if you do well in the program.

 

[icedspice]

Yeah, like a lot of SDNers suggested:
STUDY YOUR BUTTT off this summer!
Applying took a lot of time and effort and when it comes down to it, it's just numbers - GPA and DAT.

Since your GPA is lacking a bit, you are taking a great step in doing a post-bacc!! Kudos to you 🙂
So the only thing remaining to do is kicking butt on the DAT.

Plus, you will have the entire summer to dedicate to studying. So TAKE ADVANTAGE of it!!! 🙂

 

[kgupta3]

That's exactly what I was thinking, more time to study and hopefully even stronger LOR's from the post-bac professors. Thanks guys!