Too Early?

[twinkletoes8907]

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I am finishing my first year of college and I am scheduled to take Organic Chem, Physics, and Micro next year so my adviser told me that I should take the DAT next summer, because everything on it will be fresh in my head. Should I start applying to dental schools if my score is high enough or just wait until after my junior year and apply super early?

 

[SoCalDent]

I am finishing my first year of college and I am scheduled to take Organic Chem, Physics, and Micro next year so my adviser told me that I should take the DAT next summer, because everything on it will be fresh in my head. Should I start applying to dental schools if my score is high enough or just wait until after my junior year and apply super early?

I took the DAT after one year of school and w/o studying and got a 17/17/20. I applied after only one year as well. Obviously I didn't get in, however the experience of going through the application process and DAT process was invaluable for my second time around when I did get in.

I don't think there is any reason not to (except money).

 

[bounty101]

If you have good stats, than there's no harm in trying. You'll need to plan your LORs early too so you don't have to rush around next summer if you end up applying.

 

[berg1373]

From personal experience, Organic is NOT fun to completely re-learn if you took the class a few years ago. I definitely recommend taking the DAT soon after the class. You don't necessarily have to apply the same year you take the test. I believe the scores are good for 3 years.

 

[ashaw]

Take the DAT. But also focus on getting to know your professors. That's the one thing I would do over again.

 

[ummjoey]

I am finishing my first year of college and I am scheduled to take Organic Chem, Physics, and Micro next year so my adviser told me that I should take the DAT next summer, because everything on it will be fresh in my head. Should I start applying to dental schools if my score is high enough or just wait until after my junior year and apply super early?

i think you're on the right track. what you said was almost exactly what i did. fall quarter of my sophmore year i took ochem, phys, and bio. i took my dat the summer before my junior year and i applied june of my junior year.

i am not sure what your other activities are like, but i wouldnt recommend applying your sophmore year. you probably wouldnt have much ECs and dental experience. i would wait until your junior year.

i also liked taking the dat early because i didnt need to worry about it my junor year.