Withdrawing Application

[smurf528]

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I submitted my app to 10 schools back in June and took my DAT late August. I did not do well on my first DAT and planning on retaking it. I am suppose to retake it October 20 but I am not ready to take my second shot at it because I am loaded with school and work.

I am thinking of letting this cycle go and applying for the 2011 cycle. I don't think that I have enough experience, and most importantly I want to take a break from school for a year. I would like to do some volunteer work and get more involved in the dental field before dedicating another 4 years to dental school. (I know I already spent a lot of $$$; spent $1600 to be exact)

I want to know how I can withdraw my apps from all the schools, and if I do will it be put on my record? Will the schools know that I withdrew and is it considered bad if I have legit reasons?

Thanks for those who answer 🙂

 

[doc toothache]

You are kidding, right?

 

[smurf528]

why did you say that?

 

[doc toothache]

why did you say that?

Because it doesn't make any sense to withdraw.

 

[smurf528]

even if I have no chance of getting in for 2010? You're telling me it would be better to have rejections from most of the schools?

My gpa is average but my DAT was horrible...there is no way I can do well in October to get in. And I don't want to waster my second shot at it.

 

[yuppers]

Because it doesn't make any sense to withdraw.

Doc's right. Instead don't withdraw and don't take the DAT again.... you never know but you might get an interview (and acceptance) somewhere. But if you withdraw then it is just a waste of time and money.

 

[smurf528]

so I get rejected it won't look as bad as a withdrawal?

So why would others go through the hassle of withdrawing then?

Also, I have not sent in my LORs yet because I would like to use them for the next cycle. It was a pain to get them in the first place.

 

[yuppers]

so I get rejected it won't look as bad as a withdrawal?

why would it. withdrawals seem as if you have second thoughts or something.

So why would others go through the hassle of withdrawing then?

because they get accepted into a school higher on their list

Also, I have not sent in my LORs yet because I would like to use them for the next cycle. It was a pain to get them in the first place.

Why do you have your LORs? Anyway they are probably dated for this year.

 

[smurf528]

ok, I forgot about the reason to withdraw.

I don't literally have my LORs. I have it on Interfolio. And does it matter the date that the LOR is written on? I know some of my friends who got LORs in their 2nd year as an undergrad and sent it in later.

 

[yuppers]

I don't know if it matters or not.... but schools probably like things that are up to date.
Wouldn't it just seem to be worth it to send the LORs in? Are you in that bad of shape (stat wise)? Where are you applying?

 

[smurf528]

I just don't want to waste those LORs. Anyways, I have 3.5 cgpa and 3.4 sgpa, AA 16 and TS 16. Those DAT scores are not competitive at all! I am applying to UF, Columbia, NYU, Tufts, Temple, Case, Marquette, Maryland, BU, and Nova. I already got rejected from Nova.

 

[yuppers]

Yeah you are right...that DAT wont get you very far. October 20th might not be too late, but you should ask the schools.

 

[smurf528]

I would think that I would have to do exceptionally well to be accepted. I don't think I can take it in less then a month with all the stress I'm already going through.

I think I'll just let it go then and apply for 2011. Thanks for your help.

 

[doc3232]

I don't understand why you can't study for the DAT while taking classes?
Considering 1600 is running on this DAT then I would think you would stop watching TV and be REALLY serious for the next month.

 

[smurf528]

it is bad planning on my part. I had a rough time these past few months over private matters, and it caused me to have second thoughts about dentistry. I don't know if anyone could understand what I was going through. Anyways, as I said before I don't want to waste my LORs and my second shot at the DAT. I am quite certain that if I just begin hunkering down on studying now I won't do better or as well as I really hope.

 

[yuppers]

So you are having second thoughts on dentistry, but you are already planning for the next cycle?
You are probably just frustrated with how things are going.

 

[yuppers]

I am quite certain that if I just begin hunkering down on studying now I won't do better or as well as I really hope.

You have month to study and you have a good idea of what to expect.

 

[smurf528]

I was. It's difficult to explain. Sorry.

 

[smurf528]

You have month to study and you have a good idea of what to expect.

so if I do take it in October, should I call schools and ask them first?

 

[doc3232]

smurf's mind is set.
Sleep on it, if you haven't changed your mind then you will have a year (a bit less) to think if you want dentistry.

GOOD LUCK 👍

 

[smurf528]

So you are having second thoughts on dentistry, but you are already planning for the next cycle?
You are probably just frustrated with how things are going.

I was frustrated with my DAT scores. But with that piled on with other issues it was a lot for me to deal with.

 

[yuppers]

I was. It's difficult to explain. Sorry.

No reason to be sorry. Like doc says just think about it, but don't let the negative feelings effect your decisions.

 

[yuppers]

so if I do take it in October, should I call schools and ask them first?

Ask them what your chances are and if they think there is enough time to send the lors and retak the dat.

 

[smurf528]

thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.