should I take classes next semester or no?

[joonkimdds]

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Hi, I've been undergraduate for 4.5 yrs.
After this semester(Fall 2008), I am not sure if I should take another semester(spring 2009) or not.

I already finished all the requirements for my BIO B.S. degree.
I just haven't graduated yet. I will walk graduation in 2009 summer.
I took recommanded classes such as biochem, human phys, cell bio, genetics...and on so.

What I am planning to do is starting from this December, I will start studying for DAT for about 3~6 months, take the DAT and send the application.

Will dental school admission not be pleased because I spend 3~6 months studying for DAT without taking any classes?
I finished all the requirement for bachelor's degree and I think it's pointless to take another semester, but I am worried about what they will think.

I think focusing on DAT is better idea than taking classes that will take away time to study for DAT and possibly lower my GPA.

what do you think?

my options are...
1) take challenging yet recommand classes such as immunology, histology and study for DAT, too.

2) take easy classes such as P.E. or music to increase GPA even higher without taking much time and also study for DAT.

3) take immunology and P.E. together and study for DAT.

4) forget about taking anymore classes and just focus on DAT, application, and extracurriculum activity that will make my resume look good.

 

[cherr1pop]

I think extracurricular or working at a dental office will be a good idea cause you've been in school long enough and you already have a degree. There are spaces for dental experiences on the application and you could get asked about your experiences in the field at the interviews. Hopefully you can work out something with a dentist and leave time to study for the DAT as well. I think focusing your time on DAT will be better than trying to bring up your gpa with easy classes cause I'm sure adcom will notice that..
gl

 

[Doh Boy Fresh]

save money. dont' take classes. graduate, earn money instead...that is assuming you are happy with your gpa and feel that you will get in to a dental school that will make you happy.

 

[joonkimdds]

I guess no class for me next semester then~ 🙂

 

[vlct0ria]

I will sort of be in the same boat...if I want to go to dental school the fall after I graduate, I need to apply next summer...but my course load is way too intense to have adequate DAT study time, plus I don't have a whole lot of shadowing experience...you guys think its a better idea to focus on my classes next semester and senior year, then apply? Maybe get some more experience, etc?

 

[sddat]

I will sort of be in the same boat...if I want to go to dental school the fall after I graduate, I need to apply next summer...but my course load is way too intense to have adequate DAT study time, plus I don't have a whole lot of shadowing experience...you guys think its a better idea to focus on my classes next semester and senior year, then apply? Maybe get some more experience, etc?

I am in your boat too 🙂 With a similar GPA, but your extra curricular are a little stronger than mine (checked out predents). I plan to do a lot of shadowing/volunteering in December while we have off. Then I'm going to study for the DAT this Spring since my classes aren't too hard. If I'm not read, I definitely won't take it and risk ruining my chances. I think you should play it by ear. If you are ready, take it! If not..then I bet you will be the perfect applicant the next year. Either way, you have a great shot of getting in based on where you are at now. 🙂

 

[DrReo]

Why can't you take the DAT in May or June, one month of studying should be sufficient. You have an entire semester of shadowing that can lay ahead if you're ambitous...

 

[doc toothache]

What I am planning to do is starting from this December, I will start studying for DAT for about 3~6 months, take the DAT and send the application.

Will dental school admission not be pleased because I spend 3~6 months studying for DAT without taking any classes?
I finished all the requirement for bachelor's degree and I think it's pointless to take another semester, but I am worried about what they will think.

I think focusing on DAT is better idea than taking classes that will take away time to study for DAT and possibly lower my GPA.

Taking pe and music may improve your gpa; your choice of courses is certain to impress adcoms. Take whatever time you need to study for the DAT since it will be critical. Adcoms will not root through your trash to see what you have been up to.

 

[polarmolar]

Why can't you take the DAT in May or June, one month of studying should be sufficient. You have an entire semester of shadowing that can lay ahead if you're ambitous...

No it won't. To the OP: as long as you meet the min requirements for your schools (credits/courses) then I would say take it easy this coming semester in terms of course load, and focus on the DAT.

If you take it early and apply in May you will put yourself in a great position.

 

[supraman]

Depends on your already present knowledge of the material. You can def. do it in one month, but make sure you aren't working and have nothing to attend to. You gotta work your a horse

 

[Mstoothlady2012]

Same here! I was done with all the required classes + some more upper level classes in Summer 2008. I will be graduating in december 2008. I am not taking any classes this semester neither will be taking any more next semester. Instead I am working as a full time receptionist in a dental clinic and will be going to a dental lab once a week to just observe all the cool stuff 😀

If you have taken sufficient upper level classes & have done good in them then you dont need to take more classes. You should rather do something more productive. Try to fill up all parts of your application, if you dont have experience go get that, if you dont have enough volunteer hours go get that! you get he point 😉 good luck!

 

[joonkimdds]

it seems most of you guys are telling me to focus on DAT 🙂

So here is my new plan

My finals end on Dec. 15th.
Start studying for DAT from Dec. 16th ~ until march 31st nonstop.
take DAT on April.
if needed, retake DAT on July or August.

My question:
when should I ask for recommandation from professors?
when should I be sending my application?
should I check whether my dentist is someone who is willing to write a recommandation before I go shadow in his office?
what else do I need to check? I already have research experience, tons of valunteer hrs, 10 hrs of shadowing experienece,
and I am in about 5 clubs(which I never attended 🙁) and just joined Gold Key international society.

I think it's going to be hard for me to work at dentist office without any skills. I think tons of shadowing experience should do the job, right?

 

[cherr1pop]

when should I ask for recommandation from professors? asap. most professors write them on their computers anyway so i would say ask when they know you best. also some profs will take all the time in the world to write the letters. i would say just ask them now while you're still in school so you can save the trouble of going back (it's nice to ask in person).. just tell them you'll be using the letters for next cycle and you'll get back to them in may to send them into aadsas.
when should I be sending my application? asap as well. if you do well on the DAT in april, you can start it the day it opens and send it in the first day (i think june 1st?)
should I check whether my dentist is someone who is willing to write a recommandation before I go shadow in his office? that would be a good idea.. i just shadowed my own dentist and asked for a letter about 2 weeks into it.. but i think most dentists don't have a problem cause they've written some already.
what else do I need to check? did you attend any other univ for summer school, etc? cause aadsas requires transcripts from all of the schools so it'll save you time come may if you find out about the transcript request process now..

I think it's going to be hard for me to work at dentist office without any skills. I think tons of shadowing experience should do the job, right?
yup a lot of hours will help. also if you shadow long enough your dentist might let you handle/do some things..

gl