Kathy
Degree in biology... art/environment/science?
Hello, I graduated last year with a degree in biology in Florida... I've been pre-dental since 2010. I applied last cycle with a GPA of 3.4 and a DAT score of 17. I'm aware my DAT score isn't the best, and considering how competitive the dental career is becoming, I don't expect that to be enough. I've been "studying" to retake this dreadful exam for a few months now, though I can't deny I've had my ups and downs and have become discouraged. In the mists of all this time to think, I can't help but wonder what else is out there for me. I also know that every year about 12000 students apply to dental school and only less than half get accepted, so I'm not alone, but I also can't wait forever for something I'm questioning myself on so much; even if its only out of discouragement. I've always been a very artistic and creative person.... so i just can't help but wonder if theres something out there that I can use my biology degree in. I've been trying do so some research, but I'm in desperate need for more guidance. Helping our environment has also been something thats always intrigued me... So something where I could use my biology degree/ help the environment/ perhaps something artistic of some kind would be awesome... design of some sort/perhaps for health (idk how that works but someone mentioned it, i just can't find much information )....any ideas?Even if its in another country... I've just been so fixated on the "health department" aspect of things that just require you to apply to some kind of grad school, that now I'm just lost and don't know much of anything else because I didn't expect this to happen.... but life throws us curveballs and thats okay. These are just ideas I'm trying to seek, I'm still going to attempt applying this cycle to see whats happens, but I don't want to not explore because theres a voice in me that wants me to really see if theres something else I'll be passionate about..I'm still young, I just don't want to waste time because its more precious that money and I want nothing more than to learn and contribute... But feeling as stagnant as Im feeling isn't helping any drive in me whatsoever. This world is vast and filled with ideas, there has to be other options I'll be great for. (side note; all this time thinking just makes me think of the downside of dentistry I so often hear about: arthritis, tendonitis, back pain/problems, overstress, not to mention the student debt 300k-500k... most expensive career apparently) #science #environmental #career-change #advisor #sustainability #conservation-biology #sustainable-design
2 answers
Paul A Coulter
Paul A’s Answer
Hi Kathy! MY personal dentist quit being a dentist. He was depressed and miserable a lot. My point is the reality doesn't always match the illusion. If your willing to spend $100-$200,000, why not spend a 10th of that and hire a life coach to guide you. You appear to be in a boxing match with your mind (expectation and beliefs) vs your powerful intuitive mind. You are obviously smart, talented and ambitious. Spend $50 bucks and take the MAPP (google it) There are many video's available at You tube for free you should watch. Check out Robert Kiyosaki and Mike Dooley especially. Read the article from-accountant-to-yogi-making-a-radical-career-change - google for it. "Making The Impossible Possible" by William Strickland might offer some clarity and ideas. I personally have owned and read hundreds and hundreds of personal growth books, had six jobs my first two years out of college and discovered I was entrepreneurial and a job would never have worked for me. Life is a journey not a destination. To serious to be taken seriously! :-) The best! Paul
Vernon Turner
Vernon’s Answer
Life coaches won't solve your conundrum. I suggest looking into dental laboratories and companies that make dental prosthetics. Your creative and artistic skills may get an outlet from taking molds and X-rays and turning them into crowns, inlays, etc.
Then, there is also crime forensics (CSI) where both your major skills could be used. With the computer access to just about everything, let your creativity take your suite of skills and find out where they best apply to some place where you can actually build a career instead of just a job.
Having taught in medical school, I assure you that dental school is a GRIND. A dentist must be prepared to "enjoy" that kind of immersion and dedication. If you don't like the test, you're not going to like dental school. Raise your eyes and look over the horizon to new careers where you will actually enjoy your craft.