Hello! I decided to make an account on here after many of my Google searches directed me to forums on here—helpful ones at that too! But I’m still confused about many things and was hoping someone might be able to help. My goal is to apply to the 2015-2016 cycle since it’s a bit too late to try for this one. In the meantime I plan on building my experience in the field by shadowing dentists, volunteering and maybe working as a dental assistant.
1) I have absolutely no volunteer experience or shadowing hours which definitely puts me at a disadvantage from what I’ve seen on here. I feel like I don’t have much of a chance. I’ve completed almost all of the pre reqs for dental school aside from biochemistry that is required by the school I’d like to attend. At this point I think it would be important to include that I live in Houston, Texas and would like to stay here for dental school but have to keep my options open and plan on applying to all dental schools in Texas. I did not consider applying out of state but after reading up on here I just might, but don’t know where... any suggestions?
2) I have an associate in science degree and on my way to bachelors of biology (typical, I know). I was considering switching to biochemistry but that just means more classes. At this point I could complete or try to complete most of my bachelors in biology or complete an unaccredited track in nutrition although I feel like bachelors in biology could be more useful (thoughts?). Will it be bad if I don’t have a bachelor degree by the time I apply? I have a good GPA as of now.
3) As far as prep material I’ve made note of almost all the resources mentioned on here (Chad’s, Kaplan blue book, DAT destroyer and math destroyer, cliffs, Barron’s and Crack the PAT) but with the changes being made to the DAT I don’t know if older editions or even the 2014 edition will be okay to use. I was thinking of taking it before the changes are implemented so maybe by the end of January? Will that be enough time to prepare if I start preparing once finals are over (dec 11)? Will I have enough time to retake if I do poorly? If I should take longer to prepare, what materials will it be okay to use older editions?
I just feel like without enough experience in the field and no bachelors I don’t have much of a choice. I really, really want this but I don’t know if it will work. Please help! I wish I would have found this forum and researched this more in depth earlier. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!!
1) I have absolutely no volunteer experience or shadowing hours which definitely puts me at a disadvantage from what I’ve seen on here. I feel like I don’t have much of a chance. I’ve completed almost all of the pre reqs for dental school aside from biochemistry that is required by the school I’d like to attend. At this point I think it would be important to include that I live in Houston, Texas and would like to stay here for dental school but have to keep my options open and plan on applying to all dental schools in Texas. I did not consider applying out of state but after reading up on here I just might, but don’t know where... any suggestions?
2) I have an associate in science degree and on my way to bachelors of biology (typical, I know). I was considering switching to biochemistry but that just means more classes. At this point I could complete or try to complete most of my bachelors in biology or complete an unaccredited track in nutrition although I feel like bachelors in biology could be more useful (thoughts?). Will it be bad if I don’t have a bachelor degree by the time I apply? I have a good GPA as of now.
3) As far as prep material I’ve made note of almost all the resources mentioned on here (Chad’s, Kaplan blue book, DAT destroyer and math destroyer, cliffs, Barron’s and Crack the PAT) but with the changes being made to the DAT I don’t know if older editions or even the 2014 edition will be okay to use. I was thinking of taking it before the changes are implemented so maybe by the end of January? Will that be enough time to prepare if I start preparing once finals are over (dec 11)? Will I have enough time to retake if I do poorly? If I should take longer to prepare, what materials will it be okay to use older editions?
I just feel like without enough experience in the field and no bachelors I don’t have much of a choice. I really, really want this but I don’t know if it will work. Please help! I wish I would have found this forum and researched this more in depth earlier. Any help would be appreciated, thank you!!
