When to apply?

[Sleepyincan]

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Is it normal to submit after or before you take your DAT and get your unofficial scores? For example, I am planning to study from April-July and will be working on my application at the same time and plan to submit it around August 1st... will this be too late?
Does anyone have a recommend submission time? I know usually due dates are Nov-Feb depending on the school.


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[Milkteeth12]

You should aim to get your application in on the day the cycle opens, sometime in early June. Admissions are rolling so you have a better chance of getting early interviews and acceptances if you submit early. Obviously don’t take the DAT if you’re unprepared, but if you can take it in May or early June, it could give you a better shot at acceptances.

 

[Sleepyincan]

You should aim to get your application in on the day the cycle opens, sometime in early June. Admissions are rolling so you have a better chance of getting early interviews and acceptances if you submit early. Obviously don’t take the DAT if you’re unprepared, but if you can take it in May or early June, it could give you a better shot at acceptances.

Thank you but this still doesn't answer my question because I won't be able to even be interviewed without having taken the DAT?

 

[Pigggy]

Thank you but this still doesn't answer my question because I won't be able to even be interviewed without having taken the DAT?

I don’t think most dental schools would interview you if you do not have your DAT scores ready because it’s considered incomplete. You should have at least one score to report by the time you turn in your application.

 

[Pigggy]

Oh another thing to keep in mind is that it takes around 2-4 weeks for your DAT score to be recieved. It’s an annoying process that can delay your application so make sure you try your best to take it early! Good luck studying for the DAT!!

 

[Sleepyincan]

Oh another thing to keep in mind is that it takes around 2-4 weeks for your DAT score to be recieved. It’s an annoying process that can delay your application so make sure you try your best to take it early! Good luck studying for the DAT!!

THANK YOU! I am very excited. I am grateful we can start the process in May but DAT is SO important and I have gotten so much information from others and the recommended study time that is why I am a little perplexed with this timeline for 2020, that is me being a junior and still taking classes...
I am going to change up my study plan and definitely aim to complete everything in mid-July! I appreciate your input.

 

[Pigggy]

THANK YOU! I am very excited. I am grateful we can start the process in May but DAT is SO important and I have gotten so much information from others and the recommended study time that is why I am a little perplexed with this timeline for 2020, that is me being a junior and still taking classes...
I am going to change up my study plan and definitely aim to complete everything in mid-July! I appreciate your input.

I felt overwhelmed too by the timeline too! Please don’t feel bad if things don’t work out according to plan and you have to take a gap year. I wanted to apply right away to get into dental school. But after I saw I couldn’t make the timeline, I personally took another gap year to study for my DAT and get more experience. I honestly feel that everyone has their own unique path towards dentistry.

What you can do right now is asking and getting letters of recommendations from professors and dentist ahead of time. I recommend dossier by interfolio to store your letters for an annual fee ($50) because you can save confidential letters beforehand and once applications open up it makes it convenient. Obviously you don’t have to use this service but it’s one of the things I wish I knew about earlier. But having your application completed takes a lot of time so make sure you at least find prof for letters of rec and start drafting your personal statement. It’ll be less things to worry about as you study!

And also studying for the DAT and paying for application gets expensive (DAT exam, testing materials, application cost, supplemental fees, and travel expenses for interviews) so try to save up money.

I hope I gave up some helpful advice and didn’t overload you with lots of information! Best of luck on studying and keep up the good work! 🙂

 

[Ducloux]

I had a similar schedule this cycle. I completed my application mid June, minus my DAT. I took my DAT August 5. It has worked out fine. I had multiple interviews and will be starting dental school Fall 2020.

Whatever you do, do it well. A great DAT score is the easiest way to get a application reviews attention.

 

[Sleepyincan]

I had a similar schedule this cycle. I completed my application mid June, minus my DAT. I took my DAT August 5. It has worked out fine. I had multiple interviews and will be starting dental school Fall 2020.

Whatever you do, do it well. A great DAT score is the easiest way to get a application reviews attention.

Thank you. Congrats! I want to know that it is doable... I would rather have a good chance of getting a higher than average score than trying to rush!
Would you be OK with sharing your scores and recommended materials?


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