studying for DAT + work?

[brighterdayss]

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im an incoming junior in college. im planning on studying for my DAT from september-december, and taking it early january. im taking really easy classes this fall and am only on campus tuesdays and thursdays.

i really want to study for the DAT well and take it one time. i have a bunch of shadowing and volunteer work, but i don't have any DA experience yet. i started volunteering at a dental clinic but its not assisting.

basically everyone i know is a DA, so i always get stressed about not having that experience for when i apply.

if i get the opportunity to work part time this semester (probably 9-5 mon, wed, fri), should i? or is it not worth it - i know myself and im not sure if i would be able to study for the DAT well after work consistently everyday.

if i didn't assist this semester i would definitely try to find a part time job in the winter semester and get some experience/hours before i apply that june. please let me know your thoughts!

 

[DAT Destroyer]

im an incoming junior in college. im planning on studying for my DAT from september-december, and taking it early january. im taking really easy classes this fall and am only on campus tuesdays and thursdays.

i really want to study for the DAT well and take it one time. i have a bunch of shadowing and volunteer work, but i don't have any DA experience yet. i started volunteering at a dental clinic but its not assisting.

basically everyone i know is a DA, so i always get stressed about not having that experience for when i apply.

if i get the opportunity to work part time this semester (probably 9-5 mon, wed, fri), should i? or is it not worth it - i know myself and im not sure if i would be able to study for the DAT well after work consistently everyday.

if i didn't assist this semester i would definitely try to find a part time job in the winter semester and get some experience/hours before i apply that june. please let me know your thoughts!

I would focus on the DAT first.

A lot of students think they have to work as a dental assistant before applying, but that's really not the case. Dental schools accept many applicants who have never been DAs. A strong DAT score, good GPA, shadowing, volunteer work, and strong letters of recommendation are all important parts of a competitive application.

From what you wrote, it sounds like you already know yourself. If working three full days a week is going to take away from your studying, I wouldn't do it. It's much easier to get dental assisting experience after the DAT than it is to retake the DAT because you didn't have enough time to prepare.

If it were me, I'd devote September through January to the DAT and give it everything you've got. Once the exam is behind you, you can find a part-time dental assisting position and gain experience before you apply in June.

Don't compare yourself to everyone else. Stay focused on what gives you the best chance of getting into dental school.

Hope this helps, and I wish you the very best with whatever you decide.

Nancy