Should I even apply this cycle?
Hello everyone! I came her for some advice regarding if it is even worth me trying to apply for dental school (DDS programs) this application cycle. I am going into my senior year of undergrad (majoring in biochemistry) and was hoping not to take a gap year. But my issues is that as I started filling out the application I realized that I have like actually zero volunteer hours. I know that they are important to dental schools so I am really kicking myself for not doing them. Other than that I have a 3.77 GPA, honors scholar at my school, scored a 420 on the DAT, have over 800 research hours, have worked as a dental receptionist, work two jobs on my campus, but also only have about 50 shadowing hours. Is it even worth it for me to apply this cycle?
I’m sure I could try and squeeze in a bunch of volunteer hours and shadowing hours. But I know that the schools want to see long term commitment with volunteering specifically. Please let me know your thoughts.