Some DAT and Dental school admission questions (Texas)

[jp_007]

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I have a couple questions regarding the Dental school admissions for Texas and also the DAT.
So I've been told some different things about the Dental school admissions and just wanted a clear answer. When is the deadline for Texas dental schools? I see on the TMDSAS website that for the dental program the deadline is October 1, 2016. But my friend told me that it is like medical school applications where it is rolling in acceptance and the deadline is even later than Oct 1st.
Also, I plan on taking my DAT on September 5, 2016, will that be too late? And if I still don't feel ready, when is the latest I can take my DAT so that my application will still be complete before Oct. 1st? Also, if I sign up to take the DAT it possible to take the test in a few days, or do I have to sign up for the DAT a certain number of days/weeks before I can take the test?
I've heard that if you apply one year and do not get accepted, but during the time between the next cycle you've volunteered and shadowed a lot more and improved your GPA a lot, would you have a better chance to get accepted during the next cycle because they can see how much you have improved?

As you can probably tell, I do not have much hope for this cycle but I want to apply so that I can at least have a base so that if I have to apply again next year, I will have everything ready right when applications open. I started getting serious about dental a little too late (last spring semester) and so my application is definitely not up to par compared to other pre-dental fellow students at UT.

Also, how long did it take, on average, for you guys to complete the entire application. I have not yet started because I have dedicated all my time to studying for the DAT this summer.

I really appreciate the responses...I kind of had a lot of questions. I tried looking for them on the SDN website but there were just so many threads and the responses just confused me more at times.

 

[SXCoronado]

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[pinetree305]

I agree with SXCoronado. I don't think it's a good idea to apply late with below average stats. Think of the hassle of rushing your application and essays that will be read in front of the admission committee, asking for letters when school is about to start, etc.

I recommend you to focus on your DAT and get your stuff ready to apply early for the next cycle.

 

[jp_007]

Also you can't apply this cycle if you don't take the DAT until Sept 2016

I really appreciate the reply. I was wondering what you meant when you said that I can't apply if I don't take the DAT until Sept 2016.

 

[pinetree305]

Also, I plan on taking my DAT on September 5, 2016

the deadline for this cycle is Oct 1st, 2015

 

[jp_007]

Oh wow, I just now noticed that I put 2016 instead of 2015. Sorry about that!

 

[jp_007]

If I end up not applying this cycle, that would mean that I would have a gap year (hopefully not more than one if I get accepted the first try), I know that I would continue volunteering/shadowing/working. But if I do not get accepted the next cycle, what would you guys recommend that I do to improve my application? I most likely won't be able to afford to take any classes and plus I plan to have taken all the required and recommended non-science and science courses by the time I graduate next spring, so improving my GPA is not possible. I'll definitely still be doing more EC and improving my essays, but other than that what would you guys recommend?

 

[MolarBear11]

Improving your GPA is always possible, you can do a masters degree in some science that UT offers or do post-bacc. I agree with the previous posters, this is too late in the cycle to be getting all your stuff together. They say the deadline is Oct 1st but that doesn't mean you'll have the same shot as everyone else. The application is a process, everything has to be received, processed and mailed out which can take several weeks. It is "rolling" in the sense that they look at applications as they come in, so those who submitted earlier will have earlier interviews, earlier acceptances and by the time those who submitted late in the cycle hear back, most spots are filled and they'll be placed on a waiting list or rejected.

You can sign up for the DAT whenever (go to prometric.com), but have to book in advance sometimes if spots are taken.

It's not good to rush things with stuff like this. Don't think that applying this cycle will give you an advantage for next cycle as far as having everything together. Rushing your DAT and having to retake doesn't look as good as taking it once and acing it. They can see the BS in rushed essays.

Do some more research to answer all your questions, plan in advance, and be ready to apply on time next cycle.

 

[pinetree305]

Make your remaining semesters shine if taking more classes after that is not an option.

Financially speaking, it would be cheaper to retake the DAT ($400) than take 15 hrs of classes. If you are not happy with your scores, maybe consider retaking the DAT and aim for 22+

 

[jp_007]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I really appreciate all the advice!