When to study DAT, and Lab course question

[KyoPhan]

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First question:
I was thinking of taking a break after I earned my BS to focus entirely on the DAT. I figured this would allow me to get a much better score on the DAT, since I don't have to worry about my GPA from other courses.

However, after a discussion with one of my friend, he told me that I should study for the DAT while I'm still in school and he pointed out to me that this is what people usually do. Is this true? If not, will there be a disadvantage in my application if they did see I took a break?



Second question:
I have a pretty good idea on what biology courses they expect me to take before applying, but I'm not sure about the lab courses. Am I suppose to just select what I'm interested in, or do dental schools prefer one over the other?

Thank you everyone for your help. I really appreciate it!

 

[slm266]

I think it depends on your situation. Will you graduate this or next semester, start studying for the DAT, take it and then apply next summer?

If so I may be in the same situation. I will study for the DAT this semester, take it Christmas break, graduate in the summer and apply early in the cycle. That leaves me with a year off. I had planned on working in a dental office for the time but have heard some schools would prefer just taking more classes. I'll probably call admissions of my top choices to see if they would even look down on that.
I like studying for the DAT during the semester while I am in 2nd half ochem, physiology, b'c I get an idea of what I need to know for the DAT as I learn the material. My retention of the material is better because I see things in class and think "oh I for sure need to know that for the DAT." Thats just me.
As far as what bio labs to take, not sure that it matters. Some schools just say you need 14 hrs of bio classes with labs; I just took an entry level bio lab, molecular, evolution, anatomy. I think they care more about how many of their recommended classes you have taken rather than which ones you took with a corresponding lab. I'm guessing most people like me also have research experience so that shows you know how to work in a lab. not you have the time I would go beyond the minimum prereqs and explore an extra semester of histology, biochem II, micro,... I think schools will notice that more than which labs you took.

 

[KyoPhan]

Thanks for the response.

To be honest, I'm not to familiar with the cycle yet. I will probably be graduating in about 2 years. So I was thinking that after I get my degree, I break to study for DAT, and apply when I feel ready. I figure this way, I can focus on the DAT, without having to cram information from my other courses.

 

[slm266]

Thanks for the response.

To be honest, I'm not to familiar with the cycle yet. I will probably be graduating in about 2 years. So I was thinking that after I get my degree, I break to study for DAT, and apply when I feel ready. I figure this way, I can focus on the DAT, without having to cram information from my other courses.

The application process takes about a year. Everyone who applied summer 09 was applying for fall 2010. If you still have 2 yr before you graduate, I would read up now on what subjects will be covered on the DAT, take those classes sooner than later, and take the DAT a year before you graduate. That way you'll be able to apply in your junior year before you graduate, and then jump right into dental school a few months after you graduate. I wish I had done that. Just worry about keeping your GPA up in the meantime and doing well in those science classes. Good luck.