Should i take a gap year before dental school in my situation

[Blikimore]

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I was wondering if i could get some advice on my situation. Im a 5th year predental student, getting ready to apply to dental school this cycle , looking to graduate spring 2021, and im feeling burnt out. I originally had 13 schools on my list to apply to but now im reconsidering. First, because if i do get accepted i would have to take 5 classes for the spring after taking 5 right now for my fall semester, then i would start dental school in June or July which barely gives me time to relax and recover. I also dont really want to go anywhere else but DCG because its instate and alot cheaper than any other dental school. However i have a really good relationship with a dentist that is a graduate of Detroit mercy and is in contact with admissions to put my name out there at the school. I have also built relationships with admissions at the university of Pittsburg school of dental medicine. So im stuck because i really may get accepted to one of these schools and i dont want to pass up on the opportunity, but at the same time i feel that i may be burnt out and i also really want to go to DCG which will probably not happen this cycle since most dental students that i met at DCG had to apply twice. So i would most likely be accepted my self as a reapplicant. Should i just apply to DCG only, or should i also apply to PItt and Detroit as well. Either way next cycle i would apply to 13 - 15 schools. But If i do apply to DCG this cycle i will likely not get in and will have a year off and if i apply to the other two as well i may get in so i dont know what i should do.

 

[HKSZYU]

I'm a bit confused by your timeline, so I'm going to assume that you are applying this cycle, graduating spring 2021, and considering entering school fall 2021.

In regards to taking a gap year: Go to dental school when you're ready. Burn-out is real, and if you're aware that it may be an issue for you, take the time that you need to get yourself physically and mentally healthy. The d-school road is long and it's hard to get off once you start.

In regards to which school to attend: It's unclear from your post why you don't believe you can get into DCG this cycle. If it's because of grades/test scores, and you believe a DAT retake or a few more classes would make you more competitive, that could be a good use of a gap year. This will maximize your chances of admission, not just at DCG, but in general.

Lastly, I would caution you on setting your sights too narrowly on a single school. Admissions are competitive and fickle, and even a strong applicant may be declined from a program for any number of reasons. If your goal really is to become a dentist, I don't think applying to a just one dental program is wise.

 

[MLC45]

So do you want to go to DCG? or do you want to be a dentist? I was asked this question by a member of the admissions board when I told him I had only applied to one school. I understand wanting to go to a specific school because of cost, location, or family issues, but if the goal is to become a dentist over everything else then you need to be open to other schools. If the goal is to stay at a specific school then you need to be open to other career choices besides dentistry.

 

[aubreyjokes]

I would take a gap year. But theres no "right" way to do any of this. It's your life, but whats the rush? Get out of school with presumably $400,000 in debt and have to work the rest of your life? Take some time out of the grind even if its "working" as a dental assistant/research/weaving baskets, whatever. It's not a hard and fast rule but the kiddos in my class who took time off seemed to be adjusted a little more to the stress etc of dental school.

And yes, def do not just focus on one school. The school you think you're a sure thing for may not work out even with alumni backing etc because honestly admissions gets a TON of those "I want to put in a good word for xxx" type things so IMO they don't mean that much.