What to do in a gap year?

[IcyFox]

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I'm Canadian and i'm taking a gap year hoping to apply next year to as many schools as I can in the US. Long story short, my recommendation letters fell through as one had a family crisis and another was out of the country for an extended period of time. So I wasn't able to find quality letters to apply "early" this cycle. So i'm wondering, would schools care if i'm taking a gap year and what's the best way to make this year productive?

 

[lwergod]

How is your DAT? your GPA?

 

[Hnl7]

Spend the year making your app stronger. Look at what you would have submitted and locate any weaknesses and shore them up.

If your app was perfect - get involved in the dental community to show commitment and interest.

Gl!

 

[deleted903013]

I'm doing a gap year now and have 3 interviews. I've been dental assisting full time and trying to save as much money as possible. As long as you're productive, I don't think anyone will care, even if it isn't dental related.

 

[ncide]

Learn as much about dentistry as you can.

Be an assistant and work for a doc who wants you to learn the trade. If you find that mentor, you will be well beyond the skill level of your peers when you start school. A good mentor is hard to find, but when you find one, it won't be hard to have something to show for it clinically.

 

[IcyFox]

How is your DAT? your GPA?

25AA and gpa is 3.8+.

Thank-you everyone for the advice. Would you guys recommend oversea trips to help abroad?

 

[deleted903013]

25AA and gpa is 3.8+.

Thank-you everyone for the advice. Would you guys recommend oversea trips to help abroad?

Yes. I may end up traveling during this spring semester. This is really the last time you'll have to travel for a while.

 

[IcyFox]

Yes. I may end up traveling during this spring semester. This is really the last time you'll have to travel for a while.

Did you travel or go on a mission trip? And if I choose to do a mission trip, anyone got any recommendations?

 

[DSchoolorBust202X]

25AA and gpa is 3.8+.

Thank-you everyone for the advice. Would you guys recommend oversea trips to help abroad?

I would like to add that you shouldn’t do a mission abroad just to have it on your application. Do it because you are passionate about a particular area or cause. There are plenty of domestic missions to get involved in that would be cheaper. You wouldn’t want to be labeled a ‘voluntourist.’

That said, I think you should consider general travel as well because (like fermi said) this could be your last chance to do so.

 

[dent_wannabe]

You can work a job, save up for tuition and living costs.