Throwing in the towel after this next cycle

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Bucks783

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Currently a reapplicant (applied late last cycle and was waitlisted but did not get off and was batch 7 or 8 this year) and non-traditional student. 30 years old.

Money is getting tight and living off loans is just stressful. I am hoping to get in this cycle, but if not I am going to study for the DAT starting this week and try to improve my scores (20 AA / 18 PAT / nothing under 17 after two weeks of studying). Original GPA from 2003-2007 was a 3.0 . Took a few years of science classes and it is now just at a 3.3 with a BCP of 3.6 . Have over 100 volunteer hours and 200 shadowing hours. Worked 5 years full time in sales/finance. Money was good, but I did not have the passion for it at all and knew I made the wrong choice. It sucks knowing I may have to go back at that for a few years in order to take care of some bills and potentially address dental school at a later time.

Not looking for pity or anything...I am a resilient person, but curious if anyone has faced a similar situation and what they did?

Applying to dental school and flying to interviews is getting expensive, while also taking care of other expenses (health insurance, phone, car, food, etc.). I had two pre-dec interviews to OOS schools and am waiting to hear from them. Also hoping for interviews at other schools that have me deferred or on continued review. Surprised I was unable to get an interview at my IS school which was my alma mater and they are all done interviewing.
 
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Just keep the faith, you've worked so hard. I understand your viewpoint is practical, but dont count yourself out.
 
Bucks783 said:
Currently a reapplicant (applied late last cycle and was waitlisted but did not get off and was batch 7 or 8 this year) and non-traditional student. 30 years old.

Money is getting tight and living off loans is just stressful. I am hoping to get in this cycle, but if not I am going to study for the DAT starting this week and try to improve my scores (20 AA / 18 PAT / nothing under 17 after two weeks of studying). Original GPA from 2003-2007 was a 3.0 . Took a few years of science classes and it is now just at a 3.3 with a BCP of 3.6 . Have over 100 volunteer hours and 200 shadowing hours. Worked 5 years full time in sales/finance. Money was good, but I did not have the passion for it at all and knew I made the wrong choice. It sucks knowing I may have to go back at that for a few years in order to take care of some bills and potentially address dental school at a later time.

Not looking for pity or anything...I am a resilient person, but curious if anyone has faced a similar situation and what they did?

Applying to dental school and flying to interviews is getting expensive, while also taking care of other expenses (health insurance, phone, car, food, etc.). I had two pre-dec interviews to OOS schools and am waiting to hear from them. Also hoping for interviews at other schools that have me deferred or on continued review. Surprised I was unable to get an interview at my IS school which was my alma mater and they are all done interviewing.
Click to expand...

Bucks your story hit home for me. I graduated from UK in 2008. I was always sure I wanted to be a dentist, even becoming president of the Pre- Dental society at UK. I was on a first name basis with the dean of students and performed well in school. However, as a senior, I made a terrible decision (academic) and it cost me everything. With my world suddenly altered, I returned to my hometown and became a teacher, like my parents. Over the course of the past 7 years, I met my wife and am now the father of a 3 year old boy. I've attained a masters degree in education and have been heavily involved in my church as a youth director. I know too well the toll of student loans and bills.

However, this past spring, while at a wedding, I took note of all the happy people enjoying their careers and telling stories about doing what they love. After a discussion with my wife, we decided it was time I gave my pursuit of dentistry another chance. I made time to study for the DAT and improved my scores in every topic. Last night, I received notice that I had been accepted to UK at 31 years old.

You are not alone. Good luck my friend.
 
I don't have any concrete advice that can help you, but just know that I'm rooting for you! When I was lurking on SDN before I made an account (and then after), I noticed you were also a fellow non-trad DIY post-bacc'er undergoing GPA repair and I felt a semblance of solidarity with you. You've worked hard all these years, and the outcome will pay off in the end. It's still early in the game, and many people get accepted after December as people start to rescind offers and open more seats for others who deserve it as much as you. Don't throw in the towel just yet. Wishing you the best!
 
Bucks783 said:
Currently a reapplicant (applied late last cycle and was waitlisted but did not get off and was batch 7 or 8 this year) and non-traditional student. 30 years old.

Money is getting tight and living off loans is just stressful. I am hoping to get in this cycle, but if not I am going to study for the DAT starting this week and try to improve my scores (20 AA / 18 PAT / nothing under 17 after two weeks of studying). Original GPA from 2003-2007 was a 3.0 . Took a few years of science classes and it is now just at a 3.3 with a BCP of 3.6 . Have over 100 volunteer hours and 200 shadowing hours. Worked 5 years full time in sales/finance. Money was good, but I did not have the passion for it at all and knew I made the wrong choice. It sucks knowing I may have to go back at that for a few years in order to take care of some bills and potentially address dental school at a later time.

Not looking for pity or anything...I am a resilient person, but curious if anyone has faced a similar situation and what they did?

Applying to dental school and flying to interviews is getting expensive, while also taking care of other expenses (health insurance, phone, car, food, etc.). I had two pre-dec interviews to OOS schools and am waiting to hear from them. Also hoping for interviews at other schools that have me deferred or on continued review. Surprised I was unable to get an interview at my IS school which was my alma mater and they are all done interviewing.
Click to expand...

I can relate to being non-traditional and am currently 29. I have a wife a daughter, working full time and can relate to how expensive this process is when you are already living pay check to pay check. I have a couple back up plans if I don't get in this round. The top 2 being MBA and Petroleum Engineering and re-applying each cycle. I figure if what I really want to do doesn't work out then I am going straight for the money.
I don't really have any golden nuggets of advice, just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. Just keep working hard and don't let all the stress and uncertainty weigh on you too much (easier said than done, I know).
 
Thanks guys! I am trying to be positive and all that. It is just tough since I worked for a handful of years and did save up to go to school, but now that money is almost gone. I know I shouldn't quit towards my dream of dentistry, but unfortunately bills have to be paid and food has to be on the table. Thankfully I have no kids and have been doing good at budgeting but it is going to be hard in 2016. And I don't want loans to pile up way toooo much. At least not til dental school starts. It is just a really stressful situation.
 
Bucks783 said:
Currently a reapplicant (applied late last cycle and was waitlisted but did not get off and was batch 7 or 8 this year) and non-traditional student. 30 years old.

Money is getting tight and living off loans is just stressful. I am hoping to get in this cycle, but if not I am going to study for the DAT starting this week and try to improve my scores (20 AA / 18 PAT / nothing under 17 after two weeks of studying). Original GPA from 2003-2007 was a 3.0 . Took a few years of science classes and it is now just at a 3.3 with a BCP of 3.6 . Have over 100 volunteer hours and 200 shadowing hours. Worked 5 years full time in sales/finance. Money was good, but I did not have the passion for it at all and knew I made the wrong choice. It sucks knowing I may have to go back at that for a few years in order to take care of some bills and potentially address dental school at a later time.

Not looking for pity or anything...I am a resilient person, but curious if anyone has faced a similar situation and what they did?

Applying to dental school and flying to interviews is getting expensive, while also taking care of other expenses (health insurance, phone, car, food, etc.). I had two pre-dec interviews to OOS schools and am waiting to hear from them. Also hoping for interviews at other schools that have me deferred or on continued review. Surprised I was unable to get an interview at my IS school which was my alma mater and they are all done interviewing.
Click to expand...

I can relate to your circumstance. I am also non-traditional student, 30+ years old, and married. This is my second cycle applying but I have been trying for 5 years to get in. I understand how expensive each cycle is, but I am fortunate enough to land a job in biotech industry that pays me pretty well. My back up plan is to continue to work for this company, save up more money for next cycle and reapply again. I think with your current GPA and DAT, you should land more interview for post-December. Hang in there. I am rooting for you buddy.
 
I'm rooting for you too! I recently turned 40 and am married and have a mortgage. This is my second year applying and I only applied to one school due to the realization that moving wouldn't be financially feasible this year because we are still recovering from getting a new BS degree and some pretty expensive home repairs. It looks like I was wait listed today, so if this isn't the year I am going to save up and apply to several schools next year. Just keep moving forward, even though sometimes you can only get an inch at a time.
 
If you have any questions I am here to answer them for you. I am a non trad D1 at tOSU. Keep your chin up and it will come.
 
Nontrad D2, low uGPA (unrelated field), high DAT + postbacc BCP, feel free to PM. Wishing you the best of luck, I think this is your year, it'll just take some patience.


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