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I posted this in the pre-dent forum as well. I'd welcome any comments from those already through the application process.
Basically, I have two questions, any advice/comments would be most appreciated.
First, a bit about myself......
After graduating with a degree in Biology in 1999, I have worked in biotech in both Seattle and San Diego for the past 5 years. My initial intent in college had been to enter medical school, and, in fact, I was accepted to several schools, and enrolled at the University of Washington SOM. However, after much thought and deliberation, as well as conversations with family friends who were physicians, I decided to revoke my acceptance during the summer before school was to begin. I had struggled with this decision while I was applying, as I had heard the same sad stories from disgruntled docs and nearly all of them at one point or another told me "not to go into medicine". Medicine was not, and is not what it is made out to be. I have been happy, but unfulfilled working in biotech research. As trite as it may sound, I strive to work with and help people directly, as opposed to head-nods and grunts while working with introverted lab-rats (another post, for another time I suppose).
Anyhow, I asked my dentist earlier this summer if I could shadow him. It began as a general curiosity, but I soon began to realize that this would be an ideal career. A perfect balance of science, health-care, and an eye for aesthetic detail. His technical skill was very impressive, and contrary to what many dentists say, his patients were for the most part, appreciative of his efforts. He had an ideal work-life balance. So, I purchased a Kaplan DAT book later in the summer, and I plan to sit for the exam on Sept. 26.
So, if you've made you're way through my autobiography, here are my ?'s:
1) I withdrew my spot at UWSOM rather late in the cycle, only a month before school was to begin. Will admission committees have access to this information, and will they see this as a red flag (i.e., immaturity, non-committal)? I have yet to fill out the AADSAS, do they ask you if you have ever been accepted to a medical/dental school in the past? I recall that the med school apps. asked this question, which is why I ask.
2) What are my chances of acceptance?
28 years old
B.S. Biology
GPA- 3.89
Science GPA- 3.87 (or thereabouts, trying to recall from my AAMCAS app.)
DAT- Sept. 26 (MCAT-31, so I assume that will translate into a competitive score on the DAT, I hope )
Significant research experience as undergrad, resulting in 1 publication
Significant Hospital Volunteer Work, although NO dental volunteering
Shadowed dentist ~20hrs
Sorry for the long post. All comments are welcome.
Basically, I have two questions, any advice/comments would be most appreciated.
First, a bit about myself......
After graduating with a degree in Biology in 1999, I have worked in biotech in both Seattle and San Diego for the past 5 years. My initial intent in college had been to enter medical school, and, in fact, I was accepted to several schools, and enrolled at the University of Washington SOM. However, after much thought and deliberation, as well as conversations with family friends who were physicians, I decided to revoke my acceptance during the summer before school was to begin. I had struggled with this decision while I was applying, as I had heard the same sad stories from disgruntled docs and nearly all of them at one point or another told me "not to go into medicine". Medicine was not, and is not what it is made out to be. I have been happy, but unfulfilled working in biotech research. As trite as it may sound, I strive to work with and help people directly, as opposed to head-nods and grunts while working with introverted lab-rats (another post, for another time I suppose).
Anyhow, I asked my dentist earlier this summer if I could shadow him. It began as a general curiosity, but I soon began to realize that this would be an ideal career. A perfect balance of science, health-care, and an eye for aesthetic detail. His technical skill was very impressive, and contrary to what many dentists say, his patients were for the most part, appreciative of his efforts. He had an ideal work-life balance. So, I purchased a Kaplan DAT book later in the summer, and I plan to sit for the exam on Sept. 26.
So, if you've made you're way through my autobiography, here are my ?'s:
1) I withdrew my spot at UWSOM rather late in the cycle, only a month before school was to begin. Will admission committees have access to this information, and will they see this as a red flag (i.e., immaturity, non-committal)? I have yet to fill out the AADSAS, do they ask you if you have ever been accepted to a medical/dental school in the past? I recall that the med school apps. asked this question, which is why I ask.
2) What are my chances of acceptance?
28 years old
B.S. Biology
GPA- 3.89
Science GPA- 3.87 (or thereabouts, trying to recall from my AAMCAS app.)
DAT- Sept. 26 (MCAT-31, so I assume that will translate into a competitive score on the DAT, I hope )
Significant research experience as undergrad, resulting in 1 publication
Significant Hospital Volunteer Work, although NO dental volunteering
Shadowed dentist ~20hrs
Sorry for the long post. All comments are welcome.
