Taking an extra semester, what to do in Spring?

[100%fruitsmoothies]

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Hey guys,

I'm currently an undergraduate Senior. I'm planning to take an extra semester to take the electives (Microbio, Physio, etc.). The extra semester is needed since I did a semester of Business classes and I wouldn't feel comfortable starting Dental school without taking those electives.

I'm also planning to take the DAT, apply to dental schools, and master's programs during Summer 2015. I'll probably end up sending my apps Late June/Early July. I know it's not exactly ideal, but I don't want to wait another year to apply since that would be a lot of time lost. My GPA is about a 3.3. It's not so great, but might as well try.

So here are my questions:

1. If I end up doing an extra semester in Fall 2015, do you guys know of any programs I could do for 3 months during Spring 2016?

2. Will my plan of DAT/applications in one summer be too rushed? Would it be more wise to apply to Dental School/Master's next summer?

Thanks

 

[grivacobae]

If you have Spring semester all cleared up why can't you get in your app the day it opens?
Also, I would take the Spring semester to study as best and efficiently as possible for the DAT, with a 3.3 GPA you definitely need a high DAT, aim for 21+ I'd say

 

[100%fruitsmoothies]

I could, but I would have to wait a year to apply

 

[grivacobae]

I could, but I would have to wait a year to apply

Ohhhh woah, I think I had a tiny stroke reading your post the first time, yea ignore my advice haha

 

[100%fruitsmoothies]

If you have Spring semester all cleared up why can't you get in your app the day it opens?
Also, I would take the Spring semester to study as best and efficiently as possible for the DAT, with a 3.3 GPA you definitely need a high DAT, aim for 21+ I'd say

if i did that, then couldn't i take this upcoming summer to study for the dat, take the extra fall semester, and then use the cleared up spring to work on my apps/ECs/etc?

 

[grivacobae]

if i did that, then couldn't i take this upcoming summer to study for the dat, take the extra fall semester, and then use the cleared up spring to work on my apps/ECs/etc?

Yeah pretty much, but you'd be taking a gap year pretty much. You would have your interviews Fall 2016, and matriculating Fall 2017

 

[100%fruitsmoothies]

Yeah pretty much, but you'd be taking a gap year pretty much. You would have your interviews Fall 2016, and matriculating Fall 2017

hm ok. it seems like applying summer 2016 would take a long time. is that necessarily a bad thing?

 

[grivacobae]

hm ok. it seems like applying summer 2016 would take a long time. is that necessarily a bad thing?

Well depends how you think about it.
Is it bad? - If you consider that it is potentially a years worth of salary you are missing out on, than maybe it can be bad, but
Can it be good? - yes, yes it can. If you need more time to maximize your chances at getting accepted the first go round, than definitely it's really good. It saves you time, money, and stress compared to applying a second time because you rushed your first go at it and did not maximize chances. So taking a gap year gives you the opportunity to take DAT this summer and fully immerse yourself while studying, and lets you strengthen your app throughout the year, be it volunteering, shadowing, or even studying for DAT for a second time if need be!

 

[DentalDoge]

If you get in, do nothing.

If you dont, prep for next cycle.

EDIT:

Well depends how you think about it.
Is it bad? - If you consider that it is potentially a years worth of salary you are missing out on, than maybe it can be bad, but
Can it be good? - yes, yes it can. If you need more time to maximize your chances at getting accepted the first go round, than definitely it's really good. It saves you time, money, and stress compared to applying a second time because you rushed your first go at it and did not maximize chances. So taking a gap year gives you the opportunity to take DAT this summer and fully immerse yourself while studying, and lets you strengthen your app throughout the year, be it volunteering, shadowing, or even studying for DAT for a second time if need be!

This is what I went by, better make you chance count rather than slapping together an application hastily just to apply a year in advance.

 

[100%fruitsmoothies]

All this sounds great. I think I'm going to lean toward applying next summer.

Thanks so much grivacobae and DentalDoge!

 

[grivacobae]

All this sounds great. I think I'm going to lean toward applying next summer.

Thanks so much grivacobae and DentalDoge!

No problem, it's you who knows yourself best so keep asking and learning and get to the right decision! Good Luck!