A few questions

[seanjohn]

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Hey there, just have a couple of questions. I'm a Canadian student looking to apply to the US.

1) Do summer courses count towards your GPA?
2) How come schools like Howard U. and Meharry have such low average GPA's, and low DAT scores yet on this forum noone has mentioned these schools or has applied to them? Can someone explain this counterintuitive trend? What's the "catch" with these schools?
3) As a Canadian, should I only apply to private schools?
4) Can you name me all the private schools in the US, if possible?
5) I read that it is difficult for Canadians to receive American loans, and that may be true, but how come people on here mention that Canadian loans are so bad? Is there a high interest rate on Canadian loans? Anything else I should be warned about would also be helpful.

Thank you.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Alright my fellow Canuck....Ill try and help you out there:

1) Do summer courses count towards your GPA?

Yes! This is not Canada! In the US, ALL courses are included in your GPA...this includes first year all the way to your present year. Even includes failed courses, transferred courses....basically anything where you have recieved a grade in after high school. You must submit everything! I understand in canada, many schools only look at your last 2-3 years, so people calculate their GPA according to that.....but in this case, Include your first year and summer courses as well, to evaluate which schools you have a chance in.

2) How come schools like Howard U. and Meharry have such low average GPA's, and low DAT scores yet on this forum noone has mentioned these schools or has applied to them? Can someone explain this counterintuitive trend? What's the "catch" with these schools?

These schools are special case schools. Howard is primarily an African-American University, so they favour African-American students, and grades play less of an importance. Meharry is a school that wants students who are dedicated to serving the underserved....So Basically, these two school prioritize other things than grades. Dont apply to these schools unless you fall under the above categories.

3) As a Canadian, should I only apply to private schools?

All depends on your stats. What are your stats? Of course, Canadians have their best chance at private schools, because apparently they do not discriminate, but if you have good grades, you can easily get accepted to state schools...State schools such as UConn and Buffalo are quite receptive to Canadian applicants....but be aware that you will be paying out-of-state tuition and as a Canadian, you cannot obtain residency.

4) Can you name me all the private schools in the US, if possible?

Damn dude...you're asking a lot here! heheheh....This question has been asked many times before....Ill try to remember as many as I can:

NYU, Temple, Columbia, Harvard, UPenn, Pittsburgh, Nova, Marquette, Tufts, Boston

5) I read that it is difficult for Canadians to receive American loans, and that may be true, but how come people on here mention that Canadian loans are so bad? Is there a high interest rate on Canadian loans? Anything else I should be warned about would also be helpful.

Yes, Canadians cannot get American loans unless they have an American to co-sign. Canadian loans are bad for two reasons:
(a) They are going to be private loans, so the interest rate is gonna be quite high, compared to government loans
(b) You are borrowing in Canadian dollars, so the exchange rate makes it even worse for you...
For more on the financial aspect, read my response in the following thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=97238


Hope this helps you understand this application game better. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask, as I am always lurking around....

 

[seanjohn]

Very helpful reply!

A few more questions...
1)If I were to attend a state school being from Canada would the tuition be similar to that of a private school, or would it still be cheaper going to a state school?
2) You mentioned that Meharry recruits students who are dedicated to serving the underserved, what exactly does that mean? Also, once you graduate how would they know if your practice is catered towards underserved patients? What exactly is underserved? I saw pictures on their website from the white coat ceremony and about 90% were African-American, so I assume that like Howard they prefer African-American students. If I'm not African - American then I shouldn't apply right? They don't accept caucasians?
I also noticed that schools like NYU and Boston U. have low DAT and GPA scores of 3.15 and 3.17 respectively, are these also special case schools, or is there another catch? Should I apply to these schools?
3) Since the Canadian loans are so bad what's your advice? How can I finance my education reasonably?

My GPA is around 3.66 haven't taken the DAT yet, I guess my GPA is relatively high, but I just want to get accepted that's why I'm asking about these lower range GPA schools, the lower the average GPA the greater chance I have. At least it's logical to assume that.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Alright, Ill see if I can help ya again:

1)If I were to attend a state school being from Canada would the tuition be similar to that of a private school, or would it still be cheaper going to a state school?

Remember, every school is different meaning different tuition. So for example, for Buffalo, your cost of living would be $52 000/year, compared to a resident of $38000/year. $52000 is a lot, but its much better than some other private schools out there. For example, NYU, Tufts and Boston are at $70000/year....big difference!

2) You mentioned that Meharry recruits students who are dedicated to serving the underserved, what exactly does that mean? Also, once you graduate how would they know if your practice is catered towards underserved patients? What exactly is underserved? I saw pictures on their website from the white coat ceremony and about 90% were African-American, so I assume that like Howard they prefer African-American students. I also noticed that schools like NYU and Boston U. have low DAT and GPA scores of 3.15 and 3.17 respectively, are these also special case schools, or is there another catch? Should I apply to these schools?

What I mean by underserved is serving poor areas or areas where people cannot afford dental care. So, they look for applicants who have demonstrated a lot of community service. Its true that they cannot control what people do after graduation, but if they choose a candidate that has proven his/her committment to the underserved, it is most likely that this person will graduate with the same intentions. With your GPA, I wouldnt even look at this school, unless you have those plans. I always wonder how many Canadians who do not do their research blindly apply to Howard or Merharry, thinking its an easy school to get into?

Regarding NYu and Boston....the reason why these schools have lower GPA scores is because their price. LIke I said before, BU and NYU are like $70000-$750000 a year. For 4 years, thats a lot of dough! Thus, people with higher GPAs probably get into other schools which are cheaper and opt for those...whereas, people with lower GPAs sometimes have no choice but to attend BU or NYU because they couldnt get accepted anywhere else. Another reason is that NYU's class is very very large at approx 250 students...put that on top of its price...its no suprise why NYU's average GPA is always on the low end.

3) Since the Canadian loans are so bad what's your advice? How can I finance my education reasonably?

My advice? Unless you have an AMerican co-signer, As a Canadian, GOTO THE CHEAPEST SCHOOL POSSIBLE! Simple as that! 😎

Your GPA is very good, and if you keep it up and do well on your DAT, you will get many acceptances and will have the honor of choosing which school you wish to attend. May I ask which school you attend?

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

I just realized that I spelled "honor" the American way...NOOOOOOOO....the transition begins!

 

[seanjohn]

Yes certainly you can ask. I attend the University of Toronto.
The lower GPA's at NYU and Boston makes sense now coupling the high tuition and large class size.
Just after a few hours I've already crossed off Howard, Meharry, NYU, and Boston to the already crossed off list of all state schools and Harvard... what does that leave me with?
U. Pacific, Columbia, Case Western, Temple, Tufts, Virginia Commonwealth, Creighton, Loma Linda and Nova.
Can you tell me more about these schools and tell me all the shortcomings of these schools so maybe I can cross off a few more? 🙂 If you don't know about these schools it's alright, just curious to know.

 

[trypmo]

Not sure whether this will apply to any of the schools you're considering, but I just noticed something today in the ADEA's Official Guide to Dental Schools (costs under $50 to order, and lists ALL accredited dent schools in US & Canada with detailed info about each). Apparently, some schools will count you as a resident after the first year -- now, I'm not sure whether this applies to Canadian citizens, but I think it would be worth asking, especially given the typical price discrepancies at public schools! I think the rules vary from state to state, and I *do* know that Texas is one of the evil states that doesn't count you as a resident unless you're here *not* primarily for the purpose of attending school. But there is at least one state out there (I wish I could remember which it was, and I left my book at home!) that will count you as a resident after a year, so it's possible your tuition rates could drop dramatically after the first year.

Best of luck!

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Hey a fellow UofTer, eh! Actually Im in Robarts right now replying to your questions....should be researching though! Damn SDN!

U. Pacific, Columbia, Case Western, Temple, Tufts, Virginia Commonwealth, Creighton, Loma Linda and Nova. Can you tell me more about these schools and tell me all the shortcomings of these schools so maybe I can cross off a few more?

Pacific is a unique school because it is the only 3 year school in the nation, so if you dont mind cramming everything in 3 years, then its a good school to consider. Although I dont know the chances of getting accepted as an international.

Creighton and Loma Linda are religious schools....Creighton is in Nebraska dude....think about that one! I dont even know if they accept Canadians to be honest.

As far as your other schools: Case, Columbia, Temple, Tufts, VCU, and Nova, I would add Buffalo and UConn and possibly NYU and Boston just as backup schools. When are u applying? If you send in your application in the summer, and have decent DAT scores....You will get accepted to all of these schools without hesitation.

Apparently, some schools will count you as a resident after the first year -- now, I'm not sure whether this applies to Canadian citizens, but I think it would be worth asking, especially given the typical price discrepancies at public schools!

Actually, Canadians can never become residents, because in order to become a resident in the United States, you must have a green card or citizenship.....because you need a Social Security number, and need to file American taxes......A state will not subsidize an international student....wouldnt make sense.

 

[trypmo]

oops -- guess you're right 🙁

 

[hockeydentist]

hey Trypmo

just looked at your icon and it showed you were from texas where about.

I am in Houston. big howdy to you too.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Hey hockeydentist, who do you like tonight: Leafs or Flyers?

Gonna be a great game...going to the bar in a few

 

[seanjohn]

Avin, you mentioned that Creighton and Loma Linda are religious schools, but what does that mean exactly? Would they not accept me because I'm not religious?
The other schools I mentioned Case, Temple, Tufts, Columbia, Pacific, Virginia Commonwealth, Nova and the ones you also mentioned Buffalo, UConn and NYU and Boston as backup seem like the ones I should be looking into, but if you know any other school in the country doesn't matter if it's east coast, west coast, midwest anywhere that you think I have a good chance of entering being a Canadian please let me know!
Sorry about the runon sentence.
I also heard that about 4400 students were enrolled in US dental schools and 342 were foreign national students, do you have any idea how many of those 342 are Canadian?
Also, is there a way to find how many Canadians attend each school?
Thanks a lot for your help, it is greatly appreciated!

 

[trypmo]

hockey check ur PMs

 

[seanjohn]

Any answers to my last few questions would be appreciated greatly! Thank you! 🙂

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Sorry Sean that Im so late in responding....With the Temple acceptence and the Home and Home series with the Flyers, I was living in a bar for the past two days....but Im pretty much sober at the moment, so I can respond to your questions...

Avin, you mentioned that Creighton and Loma Linda are religious schools, but what does that mean exactly? Would they not accept me because I'm not religious?

What I mean is that exactly...they are religous based schools...I dont remember which one, but I know some require a letter of rec from a priest.....I dont know if they wont accept you because you are not religous, but Im sure they prefer people of faith....

The other schools I mentioned Case, Temple, Tufts, Columbia, Pacific, Virginia Commonwealth, Nova and the ones you also mentioned Buffalo, UConn and NYU and Boston as backup seem like the ones I should be looking into, but if you know any other school in the country doesn't matter if it's east coast, west coast, midwest anywhere that you think I have a good chance of entering being a Canadian please let me know!

Well, those are your best bets....you probably wanna actually add Detroit, UPenn, Pittsburgh to that mix as well....u got good shots at those as well

I also heard that about 4400 students were enrolled in US dental schools and 342 were foreign national students, do you have any idea how many of those 342 are Canadian?
Also, is there a way to find how many Canadians attend each school?

I answered this question in a previous post....here is the link:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=1071902#post1071902

Hope that helps!

 

[gryffindor]

Creighton University and Marquette University are Jesuit schools. This is not the same thing as Loma Linda which is a Seventh Day Adventist School. I know Marquette could care less if you practice any faith, I'm almost positive Creighton is the same way. It's just the belief principles these schools were founded on. Loma Linda is different, they may require some sort of letter/proof of religious commitment (from what I've read on these forums).

Meharry and Howard are both historically black colleges. The do accept people who are not African American, but I would definitely not bank on these schools as being "safety" school just because they post low stats for admissions. I am aware of some Canadian students who attended Howard Dental, so it could be worth a shot; you should contact them directly if you want to pursue that route.

seanjohn, somewhere between Christmas & New Years, there was a Canadian poster who had some of the same questions you are asking. I would go back and try to look for some of those posts b/c there are more private schools than what has been mentioned so far. At a quick glance, your list is missing Penn, Marquette, USC, and Arizona.

According to their website, Virginia Commonwealth U. is a state school, so you ought to research them a little more carefully too if applying there.