Summer after D1 - Keeping OMFS options open

[pk90]

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I'm a D1 and am thinking about specializing in OMFS. I have a 2 month summer break coming up and would prefer to not be doing any research or dental related work (I'd rather work in a restaurant) but I don't want to hurt my chances of getting into an OMFS residency should that be the route that I decide to go for.
If I don't do research/dental stuff this summer, will it hurt my chances when/if I apply to OMFS residencies? Thanks!

 

[KillaCam]

I doubt it. People will tell you it can't hurt and that you SHOULD do research or study for NBDE or NBME but honestly I would probably work instead so I could have some money (which I never seem to have) and enjoy my summer (which UCLA never once allows me to do). It's only after your 1st year so don't stress out about it. ALL of these things (NBME, NBDE, research, volunteering, ect) can be done during school when you get back throughout the next 2 years. You are in a good posiiton now to take a break for school.......

 

[Spaceman Spif]

I'm a D1 and am thinking about specializing in OMFS. I have a 2 month summer break coming up and would prefer to not be doing any research or dental related work (I'd rather work in a restaurant) but I don't want to hurt my chances of getting into an OMFS residency should that be the route that I decide to go for.
If I don't do research/dental stuff this summer, will it hurt my chances when/if I apply to OMFS residencies? Thanks!

It depends what is most important to you. If you check the NBME forum, the person with the highest score was in a similar position to yours (2 months off) in the summer. He used that time to prepare well for the exam, and crushed it. I'm not sure what your school's schedule is like, but I'm pretty sure you won't have two months off again. Use that time to train for the NBME.

I have come under the realization that this exam is not ideal for a third year dental student's schedule. Clinic, midterms, evening classes, mock boards, research, exercising/eating, and outside responsibilities make studying for this test difficult, to say the least. I would kill to have two months to sit in a room and prepare. You are going to work for the rest of your life. Use these two months to make sure that it's pulling thirds 😉

 

[UncUndergrad1]

It depends what is most important to you. If you check the NBME forum, the person with the highest score was in a similar position to yours (2 months off) in the summer. He used that time to prepare well for the exam, and crushed it. I'm not sure what your school's schedule is like, but I'm pretty sure you won't have two months off again. Use that time to train for the NBME.

I have come under the realization that this exam is not ideal for a third year dental student's schedule. Clinic, midterms, evening classes, mock boards, research, exercising/eating, and outside responsibilities make studying for this test difficult, to say the least. I would kill to have two months to sit in a room and prepare. You are going to work for the rest of your life. Use these two months to make sure that it's pulling thirds 😉

you wont learn many things to make you better off on the NBME. Study for it like a boss those 2 months, then take it ASAP. You wont get a window like that at again. Many of us at public schools were lucky to get 2-3 weeks to study for the NBDE I, I'm grateful I don't have to be in your position with that test.

 

[Regmata]

I would spend that two months building my resume if I were you. Try to get a funded/clinical research project or get involved with something that will help you get into residency. If you truly want to become an OMFS, you cannot start working towards your goal too early and sacrifice is something that you will have to get used to. Sure, you may get away with taking this summer off...but then again, you may not. Who knows, the only difference between you and another candidate on match day may be a summer research project that he or she did, while you were waiting tables in a restaurant for peanuts.

 

[yappy]

Is it possible to study for NBME during 1st year and then cram for 2 wks and do well? My school doesn't have any good-long-breaks.

 

[Spaceman Spif]

Is it possible to study for NBME during 1st year and then cram for 2 wks and do well? My school doesn't have any good-long-breaks.

No.

 

[Toothshucker]

No.

 

[Kabek]

.

 

[sw4gger]

high NBME score and minimal ECs > low NBME and lots of ECs. When you need a break from studying for NBME, show your face to OMFS dept. so your face and name can soak in when you need LoRs.