Would I be wasting my time??

[stiney44]

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Ok so heres the deal... I will be a junior this year and just took my DAT Monday and scored:

PAT 21
QR 18
RC 19
Bio 23
GC 18
OC 19
AA 19
TS 20

I feel my scores are somewhat competetive but I know they aren't anything spectacular. I have a 3.55 sci GPA and 3.5 overall, and after this year I will have all my pre-reqs done. My initial plan was to take the DAT a year early so I would have time for a retake and also so I would have a year to take care of the application process.
Anyway, to get to the point after taking my test I have been debating about applying this cycle. I know that it is late to be turning in my application especially since I haven't even started on it. My question is do I even have a shot this year having only completed three years of undergrad?? I will be applying to an in state school and I already have 80+ shadow hours, 35 volunteer hours at a dental clinic, and come from a family of dentists. Sorry this is long but I would really appreciate any input and don't be afraid to be blunt about it. Also, I am pretty clueless about the application process I am figuring everything out today is it even reasonable to think I could get it done and sent out in the next month??

 

[TedyBearSuicide]

My question is do I even have a shot this year having only completed three years of undergrad??

Actually you are on the ideal timeline for a pre-dental student. Ideally, a student applies to D-school the summer after junior year, interviews during senior year, graduates (May 2010) and starts dental school in August 2010.

You can apply now but have you written a personal statement letter and gathered the required letter of recommendations?

 

[stiney44]

That is the problem I haven't started my personal statement or my LOR's (but i do know the three people I want to ask to write letters for me) The timeline you described was my initial plan, but I was just wondering if I really busted my ***** got my personal statement done and sent in my application for this cycle if I would even have a shot. I just don't know what dental schools think about only completing three years of undergrad or as long as the pre reqs are done it doesn't matter? My senior year will pretty much be a joke as of now and I would much rather put a year's worth of tuition towards D school.

 

[Mtd0588]

If you can get your application out before September, then definitely go for it, it couldn't hurt. If you don't get in anywhere, you can still apply next cycle and work on your app in the meantime. However, if you can't get it in by August, then you may want to wait just to save money; your stats are good, but for later applicants, dental schools tend to only accept more competitive students.

 

[DCalypso]

I'd say if you can get everything done in a timely manner, then fo for it.
do some research and choose the right schools.

BUT don't rush the application process, such as your personal statement.
If you think you cannot write a decent personal statement witht he given time you have, then I'd just reconsider applying next cycle. Also, I doubt you wanna rush the people writing your LORs.
that way, you can still improve on your stats, ECs by more dental stuff and whatnot.

Good Luck! 👍

(I am also a Junior, but will apply after senior year due to low GPA 😳)

 

[sfrice80]

GO FOR IT! You're definitely competitive and may have a small chance for some pre-dec. 1st interviews but I think you'll get a bunch of post dec. 1st interviews. I think you should get moving and spend a couple of days on your PS and stress the importance of getting your LORs in right away to your professors. Good Luck!

 

[Danny289]

GO FOR IT! You're definitely competitive and may have a small chance for some pre-dec. 1st interviews but I think you'll get a bunch of post dec. 1st interviews. I think you should get moving and spend a couple of days on your PS and stress the importance of getting your LORs in right away to your professors. Good Luck!

Agree! good advise

 

[stiney44]

Thanks for all the great advice!! I guess I was hesitant because I wouldn't have my four years done but really my problem now is applying so late in the cycle. I'm going to get after it and get my application in ASAP. Can I send in my electronic application with all my basic information minus personal statement and LOR's so they can start evaulating me? I have classes starting next week and will be hard up for time to work on this.