When should I apply?

[nanali]

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Hi there! I would like to get some advice on when I should apply. Here's a little info about me: I was majoring in nursing, this was my first year (Junior year) and decided that this was not for me and I would like to pursue dentistry instead. I have always wanted to, but was afraid to pursue it ( thought I was not good enuff) but I want to follow my heart and so now I told myself "I am going for it" Anyway, so my question is that i am pretty much starting from scratch. I will be able to get the pre-reqs done in one year and was thinking about taking the DAT in june 06 and apply, but my problem is that i might not be able to squeeze in all the classes for a bio major in two years. it might take me 2 1/2 years, so would it be better for me to wait and not take the dat next spring and apply next year? I hope I am making sense. Thank you

 

[Sprgrover]

First off, congratulations on the switch! I suggest that you take the pre-reqs and find a major that you can live with and finish on time. You don't have to major in biology, and if you are not wild about it, then you can find something else. Thumb through your school's catalog and see if the classes you have already taken can be better put to use on some other major which will allow you to finish quicker. In regards to the DAT, I suggest that you take it when you have finished your bio and chem sequences (general chem, ochem, biology I & II). Best of luck!

 

[nanali]

Thanks for replying! Anyway, I would like to know how long can you keep ur DAT score? i know the mcat score is like around 3 years. Is DAT the same? Thanks

 

[msf41]

Since most people who get accepted to dental school will have a bachelors degree by the time they matriculate into dental school. I would go down to you academic advisor and find out FOR SURE when you can get a degree. Then just plan on applying 1 year before that.

OR

you can try to get accepted around the time you finish your pre-reqs. I have a friend that got acceted this year through an early admissions program at UMKC. So it is possible to go that route, just check with some of the schools you are interested in.

good luck. 👍

 

[Sprgrover]

Thanks for replying! Anyway, I would like to know how long can you keep ur DAT score? i know the mcat score is like around 3 years. Is DAT the same? Thanks

For most schools your DAT score is valid for three and four years, so if you take it a year in advance you will be fine.