ADEA AADSAS 2024-2025 Application Questions Thread!

[mycozyhome]

i'm trying to add my tutoring experiences to the experiences list on AADSAS, but idk what to put for the "organization" portion since I was self-employed. in this case, should I just say "self-employed" in this section?

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[macsak]

i'm trying to add my tutoring experiences to the experiences list on AADSAS, but idk what to put for the "organization" portion since I was self-employed. in this case, should I just say "self-employed" in this section?

yes

 

[FutureDDS18!]

Hello,
How can I enter a future experience in the portal? I was told that I could enter planned shadowing or volunteering, but if I try to select a future date, it is greyed out. Thank you.

 

[Ryxndek]

Hello,
How can I enter a future experience in the portal? I was told that I could enter planned shadowing or volunteering, but if I try to select a future date, it is greyed out. Thank you.

From my knowledge, you cannot add planned hours because there's no guarantee you'll do all of them. Only hours that you have completed you can add in.

 

[heartdental]

Hi, I was wondering how we should answer the question of "what others schools are you applying to?" I was asked this question on a secondary and would prefer not to share, but I am not sure how that would reflect on me. How should we approach this question in an interview too?

 

[drDental_]

Hi, I was wondering how we should answer the question of "what others schools are you applying to?" I was asked this question on a secondary and would prefer not to share, but I am not sure how that would reflect on me. How should we approach this question in an interview too?

Personally, I opted to share as I would rather be completely open than to risk not receiving an interview.

 

[futuredent25]

Question for anyone who has already submitted this cycle- has your app been verified? And how long did it take?
Thanks

 

[drDental_]

Question for anyone who has already submitted this cycle- has your app been verified? And how long did it take?
Thanks

It took six days for my initial submissions and follow-ons automatically verified.

 

[s.ch]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew how the academic status section of transcript entry would translate to Canadian University school years. For example, would year 1 and 2 be considered junior/freshman and then 2 and 3 considered senior/sophomore? My school transcripts dont have the school year specifications for each term.
Thank you for your help.

 

[Ryxndek]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew how the academic status section of transcript entry would translate to Canadian University school years. For example, would year 1 and 2 be considered junior/freshman and then 2 and 3 considered senior/sophomore? My school transcripts dont have the school year specifications for each term.
Thank you for your help.

It goes freshmen (year 1) > sophomore (year 2) > junior (year 3) > senior (year 4)

 

[flower64@]

Hello everyone,
I hope everything has been going well for all applicants until now! I wanted to briefly summarize my background and gain insight on whether I should apply for this cycle.

I began my B.S. in Biology back in 2013 at a foreign university and continued until 2016. At that time, I came as an undergraduate transfer student to the University of Oklahoma and finished my degree in 2019. Throughout this timeline, I got vast exposure to different biomedical topics through lectures and labs. Then, I began my M.S. in Reproductive Science at Northwestern University and graduated in 2021 (COVID time). I chose this topic because I was interested in medical-oriented programs, and among my options, this was the best at the time, considering several other factors. After graduation, I stayed in my thesis lab through the end of the summer (August 31st, 2021) and started a new position at the University of Chicago on September 1st, 2021. The lab I joined focused on human immunology and was newly established. So, a different exposure to research as an employee than being a student. I continued this position until January 2024.

I shadowed a general dentist for about 60-70 hours and an oral/maxillofacial surgeon for 40 hours. I also did virtual shadowing (about 15-20 hours). I applied for two consecutive cycles but did not get interviews or admissions. The second cycle I applied, I received an LOR from the dentist and another from the oral surgeon.

Took the DAT three times: 1st attempt- AA 15, PAT 14, QR 13, RC 18, Bio 13, GC 17, OC 12, 2nd attempt- AA 18, PAT 12, QR 15, RC 24, Bio 17, GC 20, OC 13, and 3rd attempt-AA 17, PAT 14, QR 19, RC 20, Bio 19, GC 15, OC 14.

Lastly, I have taken extra courses online too to demonstrate good grades like anatomy, pharmacology, etc.

Question: Should I consider applying a 3rd cycle for dental school? Should I attempt getting permission for a 4th attempt on the DAT?

Thanks for any perspective!

 

[Ryxndek]

Hello everyone,
I hope everything has been going well for all applicants until now! I wanted to briefly summarize my background and gain insight on whether I should apply for this cycle.

I began my B.S. in Biology back in 2013 at a foreign university and continued until 2016. At that time, I came as an undergraduate transfer student to the University of Oklahoma and finished my degree in 2019. Throughout this timeline, I got vast exposure to different biomedical topics through lectures and labs. Then, I began my M.S. in Reproductive Science at Northwestern University and graduated in 2021 (COVID time). I chose this topic because I was interested in medical-oriented programs, and among my options, this was the best at the time, considering several other factors. After graduation, I stayed in my thesis lab through the end of the summer (August 31st, 2021) and started a new position at the University of Chicago on September 1st, 2021. The lab I joined focused on human immunology and was newly established. So, a different exposure to research as an employee than being a student. I continued this position until January 2024.

I shadowed a general dentist for about 60-70 hours and an oral/maxillofacial surgeon for 40 hours. I also did virtual shadowing (about 15-20 hours). I applied for two consecutive cycles but did not get interviews or admissions. The second cycle I applied, I received an LOR from the dentist and another from the oral surgeon.

Took the DAT three times: 1st attempt- AA 15, PAT 14, QR 13, RC 18, Bio 13, GC 17, OC 12, 2nd attempt- AA 18, PAT 12, QR 15, RC 24, Bio 17, GC 20, OC 13, and 3rd attempt-AA 17, PAT 14, QR 19, RC 20, Bio 19, GC 15, OC 14.

Lastly, I have taken extra courses online too to demonstrate good grades like anatomy, pharmacology, etc.

Question: Should I consider applying a 3rd cycle for dental school? Should I attempt getting permission for a 4th attempt on the DAT?

Thanks for any perspective!

Welcome to the forums!

Truthfully, your DAT score is most likely causing problems. Going down a score on your third attempt is also not a great look either. Yes, I think you need to take it a 4th time, but you absolutely need to crush it. What have you been doing to study for it? How long have you been studying? Your science scores are low, which could be worrisome for schools on your ability to absorb, and retain, a lot of information that's required to be a dentist. How did you do in your masters program GPA-wise? Also, I would maybe suggest posting this, using our WAMC template to help, and posting in the WAMC thread to get more attention. This post may get buried in the thread causing you to not get as good of feedback.

 

[Jazmin Dillard]

What should I put for dental shadowing experience if I have 8+ years of dental assisting experience? Would I need to put anything? I read one of the schools won't consider your application complete if you don't show you have shadowing experience.

 

[Ryxndek]

What should I put for dental shadowing experience if I have 8+ years of dental assisting experience? Would I need to put anything? I read one of the schools won't consider your application complete if you don't show you have shadowing experience.

Assisting isn’t shadowing.

 

[Jazmin Dillard]

Assisting isn’t shadowing.

I am aware assisting isnt shadowing but Western University in California shows on their website to put assisting experience as shadowing or they wont even look at the application but then UOP in California says assisting should be under experience not shadowing. Kind of in a bind...

 

[Ryxndek]

I am aware assisting isnt shadowing but Western University in California shows on their website to put assisting experience as shadowing or they wont even look at the application but then UOP in California says assisting should be under experience not shadowing. Kind of in a bind...

• “Must have a minimum of 30 hours of experience as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, dental laboratory technician and/or observing dentists.”

To me that sounds like shadowing. @Mr.Smile12 can we get your take on this?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

• “Must have a minimum of 30 hours of experience as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, dental laboratory technician and/or observing dentists.”

To me that sounds like shadowing. @Mr.Smile12 can we get your take on this?

Always ask the schools directly. (Let me know who so I can tell them that's a horribly written statement.)

I interpret: "30 hours of observing dentists and/or experience as a DA, DH, or DLT." Seriously, 30 hours is less than one week of full-time work... Who hires DA's, DH's, or DLT's to work only one week!??

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Making sure I acknowledged that AADSAS now allows 4 letters to upload. Committee or institution letters/packets are counted as 1 of the 4 you can send, rather than the previous 1 committee plus one additional letter.

 

[wanttobecomedentist]

Hello! I have a question regarding verification. I have completed all of the prerequisites of the schools I have applied to but realized I should add my planned/planning courses for the upcoming semester as some of the schools I haven't applied to yet require the courses I am taking next semester (for example Anatomy II, Psychology). Does my application need to be reverified when I submit it to my next college? Or will it go through without verification again?

 

[drDental_]

Hello! I have a question regarding verification. I have completed all of the prerequisites of the schools I have applied to but realized I should add my planned/planning courses for the upcoming semester as some of the schools I haven't applied to yet require the courses I am taking next semester (for example Anatomy II, Psychology). Does my application need to be reverified when I submit it to my next college? Or will it go through without verification again?

My follow-on applications were automatically verified; therefore, I believe that the verification process occurs only once.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I think AADSAS also offers an academic update window in the winter to update your grades. But that won't affect your initial transcript verification.

 

[MysticEcho]

Is it possible to apply to some dental schools and then add more later? Or do I have to submit them all at once? Thanks!

 

[macsak]

Is it possible to apply to some dental schools and then add more later? Or do I have to submit them all at once? Thanks!

you can add later...

 

[drentist]

Can we change the course codes or names of courses on the transcript entry for ongoing courses later during the academic update period?

 

[Ryxndek]

Can we change the course codes or names of courses on the transcript entry for ongoing courses later during the academic update period?

yeah, if they're planned you should be able to edit them

 

[bluejay7016]

Hello experts, can we continue to add shadowing/volunteering hours in AADSAS after submission? It's allowing us to add those hours so just wondering if we should keep updating or wait? Appreciate some advice here. Thank you.

 

[throwawayacc2]

MWU-ill sent me an email saying it was missing. I sent an email explaining which LOR was from a dentist. I noticed I made a small typo in their name but nothing dramatic.

Should I email my other schools?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

MWU-ill sent me an email saying it was missing. I sent an email explaining which LOR was from a dentist. I noticed I made a small typo in their name but nothing dramatic.

Should I email my other schools?

I don't think you need to unless solicited.

 

[throwawayacc2]

I don't think you need to unless solicited.

Ok. I also think its weird that I'm receiving this because its the same LoR from last cycle, and MWU interviewed me. I'm thinking that it has to be a human error either on my part or their's.

 

[dentalstudent2001]

I have an important question: Can anyone provide info on any schools that does or does not require you to finish the master's program that you are in if you get accepted?

 

[dentalstudent2001]

Hello experts, can we continue to add shadowing/volunteering hours in AADSAS after submission? It's allowing us to add those hours so just wondering if we should keep updating or wait? Appreciate some advice here. Thank you.

You can continue to add them, but every once in a while contact each school to let them know that you have updated that and to add it to your file.

 

[Ryxndek]

I have an important question: Can anyone provide info on any schools that does or does not require you to finish the master's program that you are in if you get accepted?

I’d honestly think this is applicant dependent. Most schools will require you to finish the program you are currently in. I was required to finish my bachelors even though I had over 90 credits and could have just been done when I got my acceptance letter, but it was required of me to complete my degree. For your sake, I would assume you need to finish your program unless you reach out to schools individually and ask them their stance.

 

[macsak]

I have an important question: Can anyone provide info on any schools that does or does not require you to finish the master's program that you are in if you get accepted?

i don't think that info is readily available
but if i were on an adcom, i would expect the student to complete the program
fortunately, i am not an adcom, but i think it's likely you are going to have to ask each individual school...

 

[dentalstudent2001]

I’d honestly think this is applicant dependent. Most schools will require you to finish the program you are currently in. I was required to finish my bachelors even though I had over 90 credits and could have just been done when I got my acceptance letter, but it was required of me to complete my degree. For your sake, I would assume you need to finish your program unless you reach out to schools individually and ask them their stance.

My situation is different from most. I have a year left of eligibility for my sport in the NCAA and my school doesn’t really have a masters other than MS Exercise Science is the closest one to something useful. However I can complete the masters in 1 year or stretch it out to 2 years (which would make it a lot cheaper for me if I got into dental school to start 2025. My stats and application are really good, that’s just my only dilemma because this is something i’ve done my whole life and only have realistically 1 more year to do at this level. My other option is to stay home and work but either way I’d have to call schools and tell them that i’m not doing a masters anymore.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

My situation is different from most. I have a year left of eligibility for my sport in the NCAA and my school doesn’t really have a masters other than MS Exercise Science is the closest one to something useful. However I can complete the masters in 1 year or stretch it out to 2 years (which would make it a lot cheaper for me if I got into dental school to start 2025. My stats and application are really good, that’s just my only dilemma because this is something i’ve done my whole life and only have realistically 1 more year to do at this level. My other option is to stay home and work but either way I’d have to call schools and tell them that i’m not doing a masters anymore.

You can always ask the schools, but remember there are no givens that you will start dental school at your convenience.

 

[toothfairy12217]

What would you guys recommend bringing to an interview other than just your phone

 

[macsak]

What would you guys recommend bringing to an interview other than just your phone

padfolio and pen

and turn off your phone...

 

[toothfairy12217]

padfolio and pen

and turn off your phone...

no sheets of paper or anything right as in resume copies as well

 

[Ryxndek]

no sheets of paper or anything right as in resume copies as well

your application is your resume, so no. I had a small notebook with questions to ask and I wrote down my thoughts post-interview and tour to look back on in helping make my decision when acceptance day comes.

 

[macsak]

no sheets of paper or anything right as in resume copies as well

some people bring a copy of their app "just in case"
it has happened in the past that the interview invite was supposed to go to someone else with the same name...

 

[Mr.Smile12]

What would you guys recommend bringing to an interview other than just your phone

Whatever the admissions office tells you regarding resumes or other materials.

By the way, I would NOT bring my phone. If you do, turn it off and store it in your backpack or suitcase. Show me you can give others attention and respect. As a dentist, you can't be checking on your phones while you're working in my mouth.

Notebook to keep email addresses of the people you meet (and take other notes), if allowed.

Some applicants like to bring their artwork with them, usually AGAINST advice of the admissions office.

Also, do not bring your parents or other family members to your interview. If they drove you to the interview, let them roam around campus and find coffee/tea (but not in the clinical areas).

 

[throwawayacc2]

I don't think you need to unless solicited.

Ok, so after contacting the school they said that the doctor didn't add her credentials to her signature. Which is weird because no other school has said a thing about it not too mention this very same school interviewed me last year. While I also have other interviews this cycle with the same letter. How should I interpret this because it seems so random?
I contacted the doctor but she hasn't responded.

 

[toothfairy12217]

Whatever the admissions office tells you regarding resumes or other materials.

By the way, I would NOT bring my phone. If you do, turn it off and store it in your backpack or suitcase. Show me you can give others attention and respect. As a dentist, you can't be checking on your phones while you're working in my mouth.

Notebook to keep email addresses of the people you meet (and take other notes), if allowed.

Some applicants like to bring their artwork with them, usually AGAINST advice of the admissions office.

Also, do not bring your parents or other family members to your interview. If they drove you to the interview, let them roam around campus and find coffee/tea (but not in the clinical areas).

Would you reccomend bringing a print out of a research poster (regular sized paper). If they ask about my research it would be easier to show them the poster and talk about it that way. Or is that a bad look?

 

[macsak]

Would you reccomend bringing a print out of a research poster (regular sized paper). If they ask about my research it would be easier to show them the poster and talk about it that way. Or is that a bad look?

as much as i hate to disagree with mr.smile, i think it's ok to bring (small) examples of your creative side/hand skills or research...

 

[Mr.Smile12]

as much as i hate to disagree with mr.smile, i think it's ok to bring (small) examples of your creative side/hand skills or research...

You don't have to disagree. I just ask that you clear it with the admissions team first. Many times in my experience, applicants get way overly anxious if they see their peers bring in stuff that they made (and they didn't). If it's okay with the admissions team (or they encourage it), then you can bring a small photo book or set up a weblink where you can showcase your creative side. I've had people bring in notebooks of their work, and only the interviewer saw it (not the adcoms).

Also, if the school does MMIs, you probably won't have a chance to show it off. Again, always check the admissions office.

Someone did give me a nice keychain they made... when they arrived for orientation.

 

[throwawayacc2]

How long should secondary essays be? I was pretty much instantly rejected by AT Sill arizona because my essay was kinda short and not focused. I was under the impression that conciseness was more important over* filling up the maximum word count.

It also kinda sucks because they said they weren't impressed by my PS but other schools say they loved it, some reviewers didn't like it, some did. I know I can't please everyone but it still feels gut wrenching to hear. (edit: I know of at least 3 schools that did like it)

Also, I think they made a mistake by saying I was rejected from their 2028 cycle, not their 2029 cycle.

 

[dibal-h-enthusiast]

Hi! I took my DAT yesterday, but submitted my application early back in June. I understand that it takes 2-3 weeks for the official score to be posted, but how will I check the status of this? Was I supposed to receive an email right after I took the exam to confirm? Is something supposed to appear on my ADA profile?

 

[Ryxndek]

Hi! I took my DAT yesterday, but submitted my application early back in June. I understand that it takes 2-3 weeks for the official score to be posted, but how will I check the status of this? Was I supposed to receive an email right after I took the exam to confirm? Is something supposed to appear on my ADA profile?

Not right after you took the exam, you should get an email saying your exam was verified and can be viewed online after the 2-4 weeks it takes.

Once verified you’ll be able to see the score and the breakdown on the website as well.

 

[dibal-h-enthusiast]

Not right after you took the exam, you should get an email saying your exam was verified and can be viewed online after the 2-4 weeks it takes.

Once verified you’ll be able to see the score and the breakdown on the website as well.

Ah okay, gotcha. So you're saying I'll get an email in 2-4 weeks?

 

[Ryxndek]

Ah okay, gotcha. So you're saying I'll get an email in 2-4 weeks?

yes, you should.