Should I wait?

[Ventiz]

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Hey guys,

This is my first post and I was wondering if I can get some advice from everyone.

So here's a little background on me:
It wasn't until a couple of months ago that I decided to pursue dentistry. Originally, I intended on going into veterinary medicine but decided not to apply. I ended up graduating last May and spent the next couple of months looking for a full time job and trying to decide whether I should pursue graduate or professional school. After much consideration I decided to go back to school in Spring 2013 as a post bac student to complete the the last of pre reqs I needed to apply for dental school.

I have BS in animal science w/ a 3.8 gpa , currently working as a dental receptionist, and about 30 shadowing hours (will plan on having ~60-70 before submitted app). I'm not taking the DAT until Aug and I know that it's going to be late in the cycle before my application is finished. Even if I kill the DAT, I'm still worried on being weak on the extracurriculars. The only noteworthy volunteering experience I had was when I spent a semester going to hospitals with pet therapy dogs. Currently, I'm teaching english to adults in my neighborhood, but I only started two weeks ago. Also, I'm scared that being out of school for 6 months will be a strike against me. I spent the time reflecting on what I wanted to really do as a career, and trying to find a full time job (I was finally offered one in Dec but turned it down to go back to school).

My question is, should I wait for 2014 to apply or should I go ahead and apply this cycle? I'm pretty torn about this decision since I don't feel competitive enough, however, my dentist told me I should apply this cycle and that GPA and DAT is more important than ECAs. I need more opinions/advice because I want to make the right decision since I don't want to waste a lot money applying this cycle if my chances are low.

 

[dchoi]

i think you are still a strong applicant, but it would be much better if you can take your DAT earlier. if it's going to be august, hopefully you can take it in the first week of august...and you better have a good story of why you switched from pre-vet to pre-dent.

 

[SicEm]

You should go ahead and apply. Try to use your personal statement to talk about the time you took off to reflect and how you came about switching career goals. Even if you don't get in this year, being a re-applicant next cycle could reinforce your dedication if they were questioning it before (since they might be hesitant since you switched from pre-vet)

 

[Ventiz]

i think you are still a strong applicant, but it would be much better if you can take your DAT earlier. if it's going to be august, hopefully you can take it in the first week of august...and you better have a good story of why you switched from pre-vet to pre-dent.

Yes, right now I'm studying for the DAT. I'm hoping I'll be prepared enough to take it on the first week.

Its not a spectacular story, but my reason for switching from pre-vet to pre-dent is simply because I liked learning about human anatomy better. Since my major was animal science w/ a concentration in science and technology I had to take regular bio courses as well as a few upper level bio as electives. I realized in my junior year that I enjoyed courses like Biochem, nutrition and human physiology more so than animal A&P and animal disease courses so I began to doubt my choice in going to vet school.

I think dentistry is perfect b/c it encompasses everything I look for in a career. It allows me to learn and apply medical knowledge. It's also not invasive like medicine, and vet med. I don't have to make life and death decisions but still I get to help others, and I can set my own hours and do a variety of procedures.


Idk if that's a valid reason. There was no major life changing event that impacted my decisions. I was simply an aimless undergrad who didn't know what she wanted in life, and realized it later. I think it really took that 6 months of being out of school and going into "the real world" that really pushed me into thinking about it.

 

[Ventiz]

You should go ahead and apply. Try to use your personal statement to talk about the time you took off to reflect and how you came about switching career goals. Even if you don't get in this year, being a re-applicant next cycle could reinforce your dedication if they were questioning it before (since they might be hesitant since you switched from pre-vet)

Thanks, that's really good advice. I'll def mention it in my ps now.. hank you everyone for replying, ill definitely apply this cycle.

 

[periopocket]

Your good to go