Debating taking a gap year and need help w/ school list

[mangonade]

Hi all! I'm currently going into my junior year, and I am debating whether to take a gap year. This is my current GPA and I don't think it will not go lower than an 3.85. With these stats in mind, would you say taking a gap year and getting more dental experience be beneficial? Am I competitive for the schools listed, and any other recommendations for me? I see all these people w/ 25+

Another reason why I low-key want to take a gap year is to take a breather but at the same time, I'm afraid of falling out of the academic focused mentality

Overall GPA: 3.88
Science GPA: 3.88
DAT score (include AA and all sections): AA 23 TS 23 | OC 23 GC 27 Bio 21 | RC 24 QR 21 PAT 21
State of Residence: Maryland

Undergrad Attended: Georgetown University
Major: Healthcare Management & Policy
Minority? Sorta? FGLI but Asian

Shadowing Experience: 70 hours (General Shadowing + assist), 20 hours (ortho) --> I plan on continuing w/ dental assisting
Volunteering Experience: 120 hours (org @ school teaching CPR training)
Employment: 200+ hours work study jobs on campus
Research: 70 hours - Gastrointestinal Probiotic usage (no paper, decided to quit lol)
Other Extracurriculars: Club Badminton,
LOR type and strength: Potential publication on Health literacy interventions (Need Assessment)

School list:
University of MD
UPenn
UCLA
UCSF
UPitt

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[Ryxndek]

I wouldn't take a gap year unless you can prove to the admissions that the year was beneficial for you in helping build your resume for dental school. With your GPA and DAT, you're a strong candidate and have a good chance of admittance. I would stay away from UCLA, from what I've heard on this forum they're crazy expensive and tough to get into if OOS. I would try to apply to more state schools in the area. UBuffalo would be a good option. I would also include some safety schools, you have a shot at the ones you have selected but they're still fairly competitive even with your stats.

 

[macsak]

Hi all! I'm currently going into my junior year, and I am debating whether to take a gap year. This is my current GPA and I don't think it will not go lower than an 3.85. With these stats in mind, would you say taking a gap year and getting more dental experience be beneficial? Am I competitive for the schools listed, and any other recommendations for me? I see all these people w/ 25+

Another reason why I low-key want to take a gap year is to take a breather but at the same time, I'm afraid of falling out of the academic focused mentality

Overall GPA: 3.88
Science GPA: 3.88
DAT score (include AA and all sections): AA 23 TS 23 | OC 23 GC 27 Bio 21 | RC 24 QR 21 PAT 21
State of Residence: Maryland

Undergrad Attended: Georgetown University
Major: Healthcare Management & Policy
Minority? Sorta? FGLI but Asian

Shadowing Experience: 70 hours (General Shadowing + assist), 20 hours (ortho) --> I plan on continuing w/ dental assisting
Volunteering Experience: 120 hours (org @ school teaching CPR training)
Employment: 200+ hours work study jobs on campus
Research: 70 hours - Gastrointestinal Probiotic usage (no paper, decided to quit lol)
Other Extracurriculars: Club Badminton,
LOR type and strength: Potential publication on Health literacy interventions (Need Assessment)

School list:
University of MD
UPenn
UCLA
UCSF
UPitt

you have 3 of the 10-12 hardest schools to get into on your list
if you don't realize this, plus you don't know what your chances are with a 3.8+ and 23s, i don't know what i can do to help you...