Junior Year
You may be living off campus but you still have to remember to
stay on track! Don't slack off now--you are halfway done with
college but there is still much to do. Junior year is a great
time to get more involved in dental activities outside of the
classroom. Volunteer to work in a dental office, see if you can
shadow a practicing dentist, or find lab work in an area of
research that interests you. Lack of opportunities is a poor
excuse; there is ALWAYS something advantageous that you can be
doing. Even if you cannot find work specifically in the dental
field, pursue any type of medical or science-oriented activity
that you can.
This is an important and busy year for you. You will have to
study for and take the DAT, request letters of recommendation,
apply to schools, and go on interviews – all while taking a
regular course load. This load can be hectic, but as long as
you plan in advance and keep heading in the right direction,
you will manage. Once again, at the start of the year check
with your advisor to make sure that you have taken (or will
take in due time) all required classes, both for your major and
for general requirements. Also, check on campus visit dates for
dental school representatives.