Taking a year off after 3rd year of undergrad

[Haruna20]

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Hi,
I'm in the 3rd year of college now
I wanted to apply after 3rd year is over, but currently I haven't done anything besides school studies.
I haven't done any of volunteer works and stduying for DAT.
So I know it's impossible for me to apply this year.
However, I don't want to apply after 4th year either because I know 4th year will drop my GPA badly (I have to take 5 upper bio classes next year due to the stupid schedule I've made so far 🙁 )
so I don't want my 4th year grades to be included in my application.

so my plan is,
take a year off after I finish my last quarter of junior year
then during the year off I can do volunteer works, more shadowing, and study for DAT.
And next year June, I can apply and go into a senior year.

Have anyone done this? or know if I could do this?

Thank you very much for reading everyone🙂

 

[sonnenscheinxo]

I am really interested in this thread, I'd also like to know how dental schools view gap years!

 

[aznboi89x]

Hi,
I'm in the 3rd year of college now
I wanted to apply after 3rd year is over, but currently I haven't done anything besides school studies.
I haven't done any of volunteer works and stduying for DAT.
So I know it's impossible for me to apply this year.
However, I don't want to apply after 4th year either because I know 4th year will drop my GPA badly (I have to take 5 upper bio classes next year due to the stupid schedule I've made so far 🙁 )
so I don't want my 4th year grades to be included in my application.

so my plan is,
take a year off after I finish my last quarter of junior year
then during the year off I can do volunteer works, more shadowing, and study for DAT.
And next year June, I can apply and go into a senior year.

Have anyone done this? or know if I could do this?

Thank you very much for reading everyone🙂

gap years are viewed unfavorable because you are doing nothing; however, if you work full time, volunteer, or research, then its a different story. You do realize that when you apply you are required to put down planned activities/coursework. I don't understand why u have to exclude those classes when they can only make u look favorable. Your plan will fail because the school WILL make u send an official transcript before your matriculation; so you are screwed anyways since they WILL see those classes. It's better to list them on your application... You're goal is to make the best grade as possible in those classes. If you choose to exclude them because of grades, what makes u think u can handle the dental didactics? If you choose to exclude them, how are you going to answer the question, "What are your plans right now this cycle?"


just saying..

 

[Haruna20]

gap years are viewed unfavorable because you are doing nothing; however, if you work full time, volunteer, or research, then its a different story. You do realize that when you apply you are required to put down planned activities/coursework. I don't understand why u have to exclude those classes when they can only make u look favorable. Your plan will fail because the school WILL make u send an official transcript before your matriculation; so you are screwed anyways since they WILL see those classes. It's better to list them on your application... You're goal is to make the best grade as possible in those classes. If you choose to exclude them because of grades, what makes u think u can handle the dental didactics? If you choose to exclude them, how are you going to answer the question, "What are your plans right now this cycle?"


just saying..

I'm not saying i'm gonna get like Cs in all my upper bio classes in.senior year (in fact I dont have any c so far..luckily)
Probably mostly Bs..and few As
But B can drop your GPA a lot..
I took 3 upper bio classes so far and taking one more in next quarter
And I believe 3 of them are recommended classes for most dental schools and one is also recommended class to some schools
I'm just worried about getting Bs and not confident enough to get mostly As for rest of my 4 upper bio classes in 4th year.

 

[tommyinVA]

However, I don't want to apply after 4th year either because I know 4th year will drop my GPA badly (I have to take 5 upper bio classes next year due to the stupid schedule I've made so far 🙁 )

You're goal is to make the best grade as possible in those classes. If you choose to exclude them because of grades, what makes u think u can handle the dental didactics?

I took 3 upper bio classes so far and taking one more in next quarter
And I believe 3 of them are recommended classes for most dental schools and one is also recommended class to some schools
I'm just worried about getting Bs and not confident enough to get mostly As for rest of my 4 upper bio classes in 4th year.

Agreed with aznboi. If you're worried about having to take 5 upper level bio classes, then you're in for a rude awakening your first year of dental school....

I would take those upper level bio classes, and you should get considerably more A's than B's. If not, then either you can't handle the courseload or you need to reconsider your priorities.

 

[ATG20]

gap years are viewed unfavorable because you are doing nothing; however, if you work full time, volunteer, or research, then its a different story. You do realize that when you apply you are required to put down planned activities/coursework. I don't understand why u have to exclude those classes when they can only make u look favorable. Your plan will fail because the school WILL make u send an official transcript before your matriculation; so you are screwed anyways since they WILL see those classes. It's better to list them on your application... You're goal is to make the best grade as possible in those classes. If you choose to exclude them because of grades, what makes u think u can handle the dental didactics? If you choose to exclude them, how are you going to answer the question, "What are your plans right now this cycle?"


just saying..

👍

For what it's worth, your senior year grades won't be on your app when you apply, but you will have to send in an official transcript prior to matriculation. Assuming you get accepted, I doubt a school would rescind their offer if you get a few B's and an A. You should rethink your senior schedule if you're that worried about it and see if there's any way you can lighten your load. That said, get used to multiple bio/science courses each quarter. It only gets harder when you get to dental school.

 

[Dancindarlin23]

Hi,
I'm in the 3rd year of college now
I wanted to apply after 3rd year is over, but currently I haven't done anything besides school studies.
I haven't done any of volunteer works and stduying for DAT.
So I know it's impossible for me to apply this year.
However, I don't want to apply after 4th year either because I know 4th year will drop my GPA badly (I have to take 5 upper bio classes next year due to the stupid schedule I've made so far 🙁 )
so I don't want my 4th year grades to be included in my application.

so my plan is,
take a year off after I finish my last quarter of junior year
then during the year off I can do volunteer works, more shadowing, and study for DAT.
And next year June, I can apply and go into a senior year.

Have anyone done this? or know if I could do this?

Thank you very much for reading everyone🙂

I agree- Gap years are generally not viewed favorably. I even had it suggested to me at an interview trying to take a course or two during the semester gap I had between graduating and dental school. Not only that, but you can easily forget information that would be beneficial to use for those upper level courses. It's important to learn to balance studying with volunteering and shadowing. Semester one of D1 you're going to be taking 25-30 or so hours of courses jam-packed with information. Maybe this is a good chance for you to test out your capabilities. As far as the DAT, I think it is generally best to do when you can devote a good amount of solid time toward it (try a winter break or summer break); but others have studied for it while in the regular semester, so it's possible. Good luck.