Thoughts?

[Evalu8]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone! I've been visiting this forum for a few years now. I'm very thankful for all the helpful advise and resources posted. So Im 34. I've been in the dental field for 18 years, mostly clinical, CAD design and surgical guide planning. I have an A.S degree in dental lab management and I'm about 85% done with my undergrad in biomedical science. I have a 3.6 Gpa and am scheduled to take my DAT in early August. I don't want to wait another year to apply to dental school, my prerequisites are done. I'm not sure if I can get my bachelors done by fall 2018. Do you think I should apply without my bachelors degree? I know I'll have to be selective on the schools I apply to. I've read that people get in without it if they have a solid background. Do you thinking my age will be a factor?

 

[annieb985]

Hi everyone! I've been visiting this forum for a few years now. I'm very thankful for all the helpful advise and resources posted. So Im 34. I've been in the dental field for 18 years, mostly clinical, CAD design and surgical guide planning. I have an A.S degree in dental lab management and I'm about 85% done with my undergrad in biomedical science. I have a 3.6 Gpa and am scheduled to take my DAT in early August. I don't want to wait another year to apply to dental school, my prerequisites are done. I'm not sure if I can get my bachelors done by fall 2018. Do you think I should apply without my bachelors degree? I know I'll have to be selective on the schools I apply to. I've read that people get in without it if they have a solid background. Do you thinking my age will be a factor?

I should hope age isn't a major factor in your decision to apply. Many schools appreciate well rounded applicants with life experiences to contribute to their incoming class. I'm a nontraditional applicant as well. I'll be turning 32 in a few weeks, and I've applied and even received in invitation to interview already. As far as having a Bachelor's degree prior to start of dental school, I would review the schools you are interested in applying to and look at their requirements and stats for the previous incoming classes. ADCOMs will look at your application in its entirety, and it seems you have a solid background especially since you've been employed in the dental field for quite a long time. Your GPA is competitive as well. If I were you, I would send in my transcripts first, complete every section in my prior to taking the DAT, then input my unofficial scores ASAP and follow up to ensure my official scores were processed. Your DAT will need to stand out though since several schools will already be sending out interviews by the time your official scores are posted. Bottom line, if I were you, I would apply this cycle and apply strategically because I wouldn't want to wonder "what if.." next year

 

[Evalu8]

I should hope age isn't a major factor in your decision to apply. Many schools appreciate well rounded applicants with life experiences to contribute to their incoming class. I'm a nontraditional applicant as well. I'll be turning 32 in a few weeks, and I've applied and even received in invitation to interview already. As far as having a Bachelor's degree prior to start of dental school, I would review the schools you are interested in applying to and look at their requirements and stats for the previous incoming classes. ADCOMs will look at your application in its entirety, and it seems you have a solid background especially since you've been employed in the dental field for quite a long time. Your GPA is competitive as well. If I were you, I would send in my transcripts first, complete every section in my prior to taking the DAT, then input my unofficial scores ASAP and follow up to ensure my official scores were processed. Your DAT will need to stand out though since several schools will already be sending out interviews by the time your official scores are posted. Bottom line, if I were you, I would apply this cycle and apply strategically because I wouldn't want to wonder "what if.." next year

Thank you! Those were my thoughts as well.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

People do get in without a bachelor's when their background is very solid, but they are few and far between. Your GPA is good but not exceptionally high, so the viability of this plan will depend heavily on your DAT performance.