Year off?

[Doctor Asnan]

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So I am applying to dental school right now. I'm 20 and I have had 2 years of undergrad and have 1 remaining year. Assuming I get accepted this cycle (which is hopefully the likelihood since I have 3.90 and 21AA, not bragging just stating for consideration) would anyone suggest differing my acceptance and just chilling out for a year?

I honestly wouldn't say I have had a lot of fun experiences in undergrad thus far (some but not as much I'd like) and it is something that I would make important and reserve time for in dental school despite how busy it is. I am a really fun guy and people love to hang around with me but I just haven't made it a priority to make a lot of friends/socialize a lot up to this point in my career as a college student.

Also, I am not looking to specialize or be valedictorian in dental school honestly, I just want to pass and do well in the classes that pertain most to the profession (hand skills, procedural stuff etc.)

What are the pros/cons? Is it worth it to become a dentist early? Will I have enough down time in dental school to maintain a social life? The last thing I want is to end up at the other end of dental school regretting not having much of a college experience.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

I'm assuming you've already applied? If you haven't I'd say maybe apply next cycle instead of deferring and use your gap year for something fun and/or dentistry related. Some schools don't let you defer, so definitely look into that before you start making plans (ADEA handbook has this info)

 

[cdp1210]

I think taking a year off is an extremely good idea to help with real world experience and maturation before dental school (especially if you are only 20 right now). Taking a step away from school really makes you appreciate a lot of things you might have taken for granted. It also gives you a lot of time to travel and spend time with family/friends without having to worry about studying, papers, exams, etc.

That being said... If you are already applying this year and get accepted I would consider you crazy to differ an acceptance. The application process and money involved (partially dependent on how many schools you are applying to) aren't worth throwing away if you are already committed this cycle.

 

[strep mutans]

Some schools allow deferment but only for exceptional circumstances (death in immediate family, sudden illness, etc.), and some do not allow deferment at all. I don't think you would be granted a deferment just to have a gap year.

 

[manifesto]

Deferring is not possible. I would suggest choosing a school that starts late and having an awesome summer.

 

[Doctor Asnan]

Deferring is not possible. I would suggest choosing a school that starts late and having an awesome summer.

I just checked the guide book and my state school says "under extreme circumstances." So yea probably not possible.

The have a late start date anyway. Late August I think.

 

[cryssania]

I am in the same situation as you (except different stats) and I also did consider taking a gap year while I was starting the application process (and actually before that when I asked my professors for LOE). However, in the end I just submitted cause I never really imagined a gap year...like ever and I'm not sure why...and also because my application was complete so ^^;
In the end, I think it all depends on whether or not you feel ready to start dental school. Good luck! ^-^

 

[ajj70]

I would also not defer. You can always take some time off after you graduate from dental school too. If you already applied and get accepted, go to school but spend whatever time you have next summer traveling, relaxing, etc. If you haven't applied, wait and apply next year.