Devin S Harrison, pre-DDS

In regards to a standardized exam, I execute my best performance when I know what to expect. The first time I took the SAT, I did little studying and went in for the kill to find out what taking the exam really felt like; to see what was really on the exam. Afterwards, I could rehearse my weaker points so as to perform at my highest level.

In preparing for the DAT, I prepared much the same way. Prior to taking it for the first time, I glanced at all the sections that I’d be presented with. Everything I’d had encountered before, save Perceptual Ability. So I became accustomed with the various ways the exam tested my perceptual skills, and went and took the exam. I came away scoring an overall 63rd percentile. At face value, this score impressed me; I’d scored better than 63% of the people taking the exam! But I knew I’d take it again. I needed to improve for my own sake. Not to mention, 63rd percentile on the DAT is not exactly what admissions committees might consider ‘competitive’. My science and perceptual ability scores suffered the greatest. I know knew my weaknesses.

I’d like to say that I sat down and spent a lot of time preparing for my second attempt at the DAT. In a way I did, but not as you would expect. Mainly, I prepared myself mentally. Stress and feelings of inadequacy greatly hinder my performance. I did my best to bring my relationship with the DAT into a healthy mindset. I spent only a few hours studying actual exam material, namely perceptual ability and science topics that had slipped by the wayside since I’d taken Organic Chemistry (it was suprising how easily those topics returned).

Towards the end of the five hours, I was becoming very nervous. I didn’t think I’d score very well, let alone improve over my first attempt. To my surprise, I’d gained 2 points overall, and climbed to the 87th percentile! I rested easy, calling friends and family to share in my achievement. Still, it wasn’t the best of scores as far as the DAT scores, but an improvement was what I was looking for. And I was thrilled with my percentile standing.

Later on, while I was waiting to receive interview invitations from schools, I spoke with a dentist who sat on the admissions committee at a mid-western dental school. He quoted my DAT score and assured me that I’d be accepted. Certainly, mid-western schools differ from the schools I’d applied to in the northest. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to have a vote of confidence from an admissions committee member.

* I detest being judged by numbers, grades, etc. Not everything we have learned can be reflected in an exam score. As such, I’ve refrained from releasing my specific DAT scores.

Having a sibling two years ahead of me in the same program, I’ve been offered many opportunities to meet professors and classmates, get to know the area and the school, and have an insider’s view at hand. Stony Brook has set up a Big/Little program, where a second year student becomes my mentor in the case that I should need anything. Other schools might call this a ‘big sib’. I’m lucky, because I have my big…and my big sib; my actual big sib. Matter of fact, we’ll be living together.

Last week I visited our new rental house to get a feel for it. Moving down come time to begin school, it should be less of a tidal wave. One less thing I have to become accustomed to.

My first night there, I mainly wanted to relax. B (my brother) had purchased a new TV for the place, and I jumped at the opportunity to re-watch Iron Man, now on BluRay. A (our other roommate) and B, both second-years finishing up, spent most of the night studying. It was a glimpse into the life as a dental student. It was an abrupt enlightenment; they really do study a lot.

The following night, we had a party with a few other dental students. All were asking me if I am ready for the year to begin; and I had to respond that with each passing day, I become less ‘ready’ and more anxious. Surely it’s purely mental; as a scout I’ve learned to always be prepared. The students were assured to hear that I was taking my time to enjoy my remaining weeks, as I rightly should. To rest my mind before the ordeal begins.

The students were telling me of how they’ve often felt that they’d lost their lives; themselves. That they’d gone crazy. There’s so much work to be done, with so little time remaining for being yourself and indulging in your usual vices. (If I have my way, I’ll bring myself to the study party. Wine anyone?)

There were also anecdotes about other students being boring, fake. A lot of them really don’t have anything else to do but study. I feel good, then, being a social and well-rounded being entering the profession. Perhaps it will set me apart, or at least aid in maintaining happiness.

A key advice that I hope to abide by, is wisely choosing an Anatomy group. Apparently, the group consists of approximately 4 students and a lot of time is spent together; bothing dissecting and chatting during down time. A lot of the groups tend to be single-gendered, as the students devise the groups. I hope to avoid this. I find that variety in persona and gender adds variety in personal nuances and tendencies, allowing for less repetitive behavior throughout the group. As such, less chance for an annoyance. Is it bad that I’m concentrating on annoyances in such a group rather than things that might be enjoyable?

I’ve decided to make an attempt at blogging my way through dental school. Hopefully I can provide an insider’s view to those curious to the rigors of training for the profession, and answer some questions for those looking to attend school and attend dental school.

Over the course of the next month, prior to the beginning of actual school, I’ll be publishing recounts of various interviews attended and what led to my attending Stony Brook Dental Medicine as part of the Class of 2014. Please do post comments and questions, I’d be happy to respond.