Timeline help.....please:)

[feileung]

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I'm considering applying for the 2008/2009 school year. I just finished Fall term of my junior year.

When would be the best time for me to take the DAT? As late as comfortably possible would be good for me as I need to brush up on my basic bio and gen chem (it's been years). However, I want to be able to apply as early as possible so keep that in mind as well.

Also, when should I think about applying? Fall term next year?

 

[Old School]

I'm considering applying for the 2008/2009 school year. I just finished Fall term of my junior year.

When would be the best time for me to take the DAT? As late as comfortably possible would be good for me as I need to brush up on my basic bio and gen chem (it's been years). However, I want to be able to apply as early as possible so keep that in mind as well.

Also, when should I think about applying? Fall term next year?

In May 2007 you need to apply with AADSAS. I wouldn't go longer than June 2007 on the DAT. With the increased number of applicants these days, early application is becoming more and more important.

Take a look at this thread for the longer answer to this question

 

[feileung]

Wow, your post in the linked thread was a better answer than I'd hoped for. Thanks so much!

I've got one thing I'd like to clear up though. I should be ready to submit my info this june for admission to dental school starting Fall of 2008? So the application process occurs over a year before classes begin?

 

[Old School]

So the application process occurs over a year before classes begin?

Correct. Students for Fall 2007 have already been selected. Well, many of them have. Good Luck.

 

[feileung]

Crazy....thanks! Now, time to get to shadowing. I need to get that under my belt if for no other reason than to verify that this is what I want to do! I'm comfortable in a dentist's office (my mom is a hygienist) but I've never actually sat and watched a dentist work. Should be fun.

One question about shadowing: how many hours does a person typically shadow in a single day?

 

[litldime]

Crazy....thanks! Now, time to get to shadowing. I need to get that under my belt if for no other reason than to verify that this is what I want to do! I'm comfortable in a dentist's office (my mom is a hygienist) but I've never actually sat and watched a dentist work. Should be fun.

One question about shadowing: how many hours does a person typically shadow in a single day?

It's up to you. I went about 7 hours a day (this was during the summer) so I could see how the whole operation ran from the start of the day until the end. If you have school or work, I would go maybe 4 hrs a day, at least that's what I plan to do when school starts back up. Just be consistent with it so you get to see the whole picture.
-ld

 

[sdn_addict]

...so as far as transcripts go, if i have them sent mid-may, my spring quarter grades won't be out yet (until mid-june). will this be a problem? is it recommended to wait until the last grades of the year are posted? thanks

 

[Old School]

...so as far as transcripts go, if i have them sent mid-may, my spring quarter grades won't be out yet (until mid-june). will this be a problem? is it recommended to wait until the last grades of the year are posted? thanks

Transcripts can be updated after you have submitted to AADSAS. There is a section for In Progress/Planned Courses.

Remember, you can also have things sent directly to the school you are applying. I don't think there are any that would refuse an updated transcript.

 

[drdoodle]

I agree with Old School; don't take your DAT any later than June 2007. In the event that you don't do as well as you'd hoped and want to retake it, you have to wait 90 days before you can retest. I wouldn't test/retest any later than September, as the schools won't review your app til your new scores come in, and many of the interview invites will have been given out by the time your new scores make it to the schools.

 

[sdn_addict]

how often are we expected to update the schools? each time after new grades are posted? btw, thanks oldschool.