Advanced standing-questions ?

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•••quote:•••Originally posted by futuredentist:

To any advanced standing program applicant with young babies,
I was just wondering how advancing standing student with infants and newborns manage the program as well as having to look after baby. Is it hard?. Or is it manageable?. My due date is somewhere in end of June and I might be starting the program on in the mid-late July. I am going to try and get 2 weeks of maternity leave. If unable to do so, will it be tough to manage?. Thanks a bunch.•••••Hi futuredentist:

I am in the same boat. My baby is almost 2 months old and I will start BU's Advanced Stand. in August.

This was a concern when I applied to the program; they told me that it is going to be difficult but not impossible, and that every year Adv Std programs accept many students with childrens, and that is not a big barrier to obtain your degree.

In my case, I am bringing somebody from my country to help me with the baby during the day. The other possibility is daycare, although they tend to be VERY expensive (around $1500 for newborns).

Why dont you e-mail me to discuss this, I can give you some tips :)

doctress

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•••quote:•••My baby is almost 2 months old ••••Hey ! Congrats..
Is that your first, what's her/his name.. ?
You guys are really brave to have decided to have kids at this point ..wow!
Do share all the funnies/ experiences with us.. Would love to hear it.
 
perplexed!finally you got my point :wink: :wink:
you cleared my doubt away!!!

thank you perplexed and future dentist for your kind response.
i am very fortunate to meet you guys.

thanks a lot.
 
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Hi perplexed,
Yes I did have good sleep day before yesterday. Unfortunately, yesterday night I did not get good sleep. My little one in my belly kept me up all night by kicking me on off thoroughout the night. Thanks for your reply. Sure, I can give you advice when the time comes. I am going to look up the lounge or spouse's section as you adviced to .
:D
Hi doctress,
Thanks for your kind reply. My mom is coming to help me with the baby till the baby is six months old (provided she gets her visa). But, I am kind of worried after that. I dont know whether it is a good idea to send a 6 month old to daycare. Do they even take a 6 month old?. Also, even with help, is it going to be tough?. These are the questions that goes through my mind. I have baby sat a newborn before for a friend. I can take care of a newborn by myself. I just worried that whether I can get good grades and study in school and also take care of the baby. Are you taking care of your 2 month old by yourself?. Is it a boy or a girl?. I am going to have a boy. I am thrilled about the baby, but at the same time I am worried whether I can do well in school too. Only time will tell, huh?.
Hi solafide,
You are welcome.
p.s - Can someone tell me how to p.m. I am not very good with computers.
 
Hi futuredentist, perplexed:

I am doing pretty much the same. My mom is comming for 6 months :D and the my mother in law for the next 6 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> . I believe that your mother wont have problems with the visa as long as you demonstrate that you have the resources to maintain her for 6 months.

Regarding daycare, some of them accept 6 month-old babies but it will be more expensive than, lets say, 3-4 yr.old kids. Here in Boston costs can easily surpass 1500/month, so it is cheaper (and safer, I don't feel like living a small kid with someone I dont really know) if you are able to bring your mother from your country.

Grades?, well, it's gonna be very difficult to be among the firsts in your class because it will be very difficult to compete with students that do not have additional responsabilities but studying. Even with your mom help, you will need to dedicate some time to your baby (unless you want him not to recognize you!!).

My baby is a boy!

doctress
 
Hi doctress,
I sent you a PM, did you get it?
 
To Futuredentist:

First you need to decide whether to feed your baby breast milk or formula. Formula feeding is much easier for you although breast milk is the best for baby. Because you don't have to get up at night several times to feed the baby by yourself. No matter what, you definitly need your family's support. Time is important for you, baby is also important. Only with family's support, you will get both. Wish you all the best!

Ster
 
Hi Mom's & mom's to be :) ..
I just read ster's post and wanted to add my 2 cents. I recently went for a class on breast feeding. Well actually, one of my friends is pregnant & she needed company to go for that class so she dragged me along :D .
In that class they spoke about breast pumps for mom's who wont be around too much to feed the baby all the time. I think that's a great idea.
Also about 8 times a day feeding (minimum) rather than feeding every 3 or so hrs that way you can also get a good nights sleep.
 
•••quote:•••Orginally posted by futuredentist:
What about you?. Have you decided where you are going to join?. ••••Most probably UCSF. I think it'll be another week before I can finalze things thou.
Hope you are doing fine.
 
wow you are going to ucsf!!!
it is great and congratulation!!!

perplexed can you please check your private message for me?
i just sent the message to you.
 
Hey guys,
Sorry for the late reply. Had guests at my house and cooking for them and entertaining them took all my time. Thanks to everybody for their kind suggestions. I am going to breast feed the baby. I have no doubts about that. It is good for the baby. The idea of breast pumps sounds intriguing. I will be going to breast feeding classes soon. No doubt they will tell me all about that. I hope with my mom and my husband's help I will be able to manage. I am not planning on topping the class. But, I just dont want a pass grade. I am aiming for "B" grades. Hey perplexed, congrats on your decision to attend UCSF. San Francisco is an awesome place. Hills on the one side and sea on the other. Truly a magnificient place. Nothing like Indiana at all (flat landscape). Also, the school is good I heard. Again thanks to doctress, perplexed, and ster for your kind suggestions. I found it useful.
p.s - Is there anybody in this forum who is attending the Advanced Standing Program at IU this fall?. If so, please post here. We can compare notes.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by perplexed:
•Hi solafide74,
Thank you ,, and check ur PM too .•••••i owe you so many things perplexed :) :)
you are really kind sprit.

thank for everything.

when i did my externship in ucsf, i paid 50$ a day for the studio located right in front of mofitt long hospital next to dental school.
of course i can't give you the good info about housing options , one thing i can tell you is that as you have already known, everything in sf were too expensive even compare with nyc.(that is my impression )
 
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You are welcome, solafide74 .

If possible pls do give me some direction on UCSF housing, Iam planning to rent a apt/studio close to the school, do you know the areas that are close to the school, I know inner sunset is close by, but I dont know any other area... Any advice about housing is welcome :) . Thnx
 
Hi all,
I got my official acceptance letter from IU today. :clap: Yay!. I cant wait to start the program.
I have to appear for the practical exams somewhere in May 20-June 14 to determine my individualized curriculum.
 
Hi fututredentist, I have reading your posts. Wow!! What a luck you are born with. Just applied at one school and got it!! And that too with very low tuition fee. Also you'll be living in your own house, with your hubby! On top, baby on the way!!!!!! Do you bribe God??????
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by perplexed:

If possible pls do give me some direction on UCSF housing, Iam planning to rent a apt/studio close to the school, do you know the areas that are close to the school, I know inner sunset is close by, but I dont know any other area... Any advice about housing is welcome :) . Thnx[/QB]••••before i did my externship,i received the short-term lodging guide from school because i was there only 4 and a half weeks.
so i think my case was tatally different with yours.
the studio i stayed was just for short term guest and that time as i said the program demanded the room adjacent to the school to respond immediately on call(i was the extern in dept of omfs and unfortunately there was no call from them)
actually i am sorry not to answer clearly because when i was there i just took muni and just strolled here and there without checking the name of area in my own time.

sorry not to help you and good luck!!!
 
Hey perplexed,
No I did not bribe God. But, God was definitely listening to my prayers. Getting into school has by no means been an easy street for me. I had to wait for 6 long years for this to happen. Meanwhile, I saw many of my colleagues from my college go on to Advanced Standing Program and start practicing during the long wait. But, I am not complaining. I am grateful to God for whatever that is happening.
 
Sorry for the mistake. My last post should have been addressed to priya26.
 
hi
is anyone will be going to nyu this fall?Actually i had couple of quetsions to ask.I am really concerned abt the $$$.plus 3 yrs!More over Iam on h4!is there a good loan available for pple like me?
what abt housing close to school?Is true that life in nyu Is terrible for students?
plse help asap
 
Hi pkm, I wish I could answer to all of your questions. But here are few. Housing near NYU is reaaally expensive unless you want to stay an hour-45 min away from the school and would share an apartment with somebody. An average room in NYU or near it would cost around $1000. NYU is supposed to be a tough school. What happened with your BU interview. Also can you PM me your scores and when did you apply. I am asking you this coz I have a BU interview coming up and I want to know what they expect.
 
I went to dental school 6 years ago.I am in the military in a field not related at all with dentistry.
I am thinking about going to dental school but I am extremely confused between the 2 options of :
1 Take DAT and do all 4 years again
2 Take NDBE and do the 3 years

I have contacted army personnel and I have been told that they would pay for me to go to school. All I need is acceptance to a school.
As they are going to payfor it, doing the extra year is noy such a dilemma.

I haven't had any practice all these years and left all my books home when I came to the States.
I have found a lot of review books regarding the DAT but nothing regarding the NDBE.
I did order the NDBE past examinations set that is available.However,I am not sure if studying these will be enough to take take and pass the Boards.
Any suugestions?Would the past examinations be sufficient as study material or are the Boards as complicated as they appear to be.
Is there any more study/review material outthere regarding NDBE?
Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.
Regards
 
apex36
Iam a lil bit confused with your situation ..
1. Are you planning to go back to school 'cause you didnt have any practical exposure after you gradutated ? OR
2 . Are you seriously planning to get a US Degree so that you can practice in the US ?
 
Welcome Apex, I think if I were in your situation I would go for taking NDBE-1. Just read dental decks nicely. Believe me this will be enough. If you have ASDA questions, do that as practice. Although money is not a consideration in your case but still this way you'll save a year or two depending on the school you go to. Also you'll be done with one of your boards which is a big relief anyway. I have been out of touch with dentistry for years now but part-1 was a piece of cake. Good Luck.
 
Perplexed,
I did have the practical experience after I graduated.
I am seriously thinking about getting the degree so I can be able to practice in the US.

I have heard about the Dental decks but where do i find them?
I am looking for study material for the Board test, other than the released past examination.
Thanks in advance.
 
•••quote:•••Originally posted by apex36:
•Perplexed,
I did have the practical experience after I graduated.
I am seriously thinking about getting the degree so I can be able to practice in the US.

I have heard about the Dental decks but where do i find them?
I am looking for study material for the Board test, other than the released past examination.
Thanks in advance.•••••Try this link for dental decks
<a href="http://www.dentaldecks.com/index.php?page=pdental" target="_blank">http://www.dentaldecks.com/index.php?page=pdental</a>
( you can order from them )

If you didnt have any touch with dentistry for a long time , I suggest you keep aside 6 months time for preparation (I think kaplan course also helps).. I know there are ppl who did it in 2 months, but I would advice against that . There's really no need to hurry up as you REALLY need high scores to get into a good school with a 2yr program, in the end it'll be worth it ..
Just my 2cents.
 
HI,
Does anyone know the phone number you should call to postpone or cancel the exam after you are registered for the exam. I had the number with me but it got misplaced & I need to postpone my exam dates yet again :D .
 
Hey guys help me out here please .... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
 
Hello!!
The 800 number for the prometric registration is
1-800-967-1100.All the best for the exams. :)
 
Oops !! i wrote the wrong number, It is 1-800-810-3926. Bye :D
 
Chouhan,
Feel free to post your questions here :)


(Edited on may 17th to make it bold)
 
Bobby,
Feel free to post ur questions here as well .
Good luck with ur preps.
 
Hey guys,
If you guys want an advanced standing forum please say so, looks like Lee is in a wish granting mood right now.
It would be nice to have our own forum. so say YAY if you'd like to have sanctuary of your own.
 
Hi everyone,

YAY, YAY, YAY, YAY, YAY!!!

There are a lot of advanced standing students with a lot of questions and so we most definitely need a forum.

I have been lurking here (reading but not posting) for quite sometime before I decided to post.

Let me tell you my story. When I came to the USA, I did not know that Kaplan had a course for dentists.I registered for July 2000 NDBE and found the occlusion part of Dental Anatomy very difficult. Few days before the exam, I backed out, then found out about Kaplan, joined the course and gave the exam in Dec 2000. I still did not know about Dental Decks and the existance of this friendly forum then. I only read big fat text books, released papers and used Kaplan for Dental Anatomy. I got a score of 89 in Part I. But was disappointed with the score a bit. I graduated in 1993, which means I did my first year in 1989-90. Also completed my Internship and Masters degree and worked for 2-years in my country.

I went to give my TOEFL and on the day of the exam, just as I was about to enter, I found out that I was wrongly registered for GRE!!! The official insisted that almost all the foreign students give GRE and so I should give that too!! Finally they accepted that it was their fault, refunded my money and let me appear for TOEFL. Ha! Ha!! My heart was pounding when I sat there listening ?? to the listening comprehension!! All I could hear was my heart beat!!

Applied for UPenn, interviewed, rejected.

Tried requesting application materials through e- mail from UConn,received a mail that read "We need atleast a 91 in Boards, to send you the application form". That reeeaaallly irritated me.

Applied for Stony Brook, received e-mail that they will let me know if there is an opening!

Applied to BU, received a letter stating that their class is full for the year and so will be considered for next year with an application processing fee!

Decided to give TSE also, no centers were available in my state drove all the way to Pennsylvania, stayed in a hotel and gave exam. One month later notified by TSE that due to a technical fault my answers were not recorded in the tape!!! I really wanted to put a gun to my head. They had automatically reassigned a seat for me in the same center a month later, though this time a centre was available close to home. Again went to Penn and gave exam, scored 55/60!!

Applied and interviewed in Tufts (applied in May before they had made Part II mandatory)Looked like they were extremely interested in my credentials but asked me to give Part II as soon as possible and I would be on their list. That was encouraging.

Just for Tufts admission I didnt want to jeopardize my Part II exam scores. But didnt have any other way out. Was depressed and very angry. BUT WAS NOT WILLING TO GIVE UP!!! NOT ONE BIT.

Studied dental decks and almost all the released papers for exactly 25 DAYS and appeared for Part II in computer. Finally got an interview from BU on the same day of the exam and postponed the interview. Gave exam and scored 88. Sent my marks to Tufts but their class was full and I was waitlisted.

Got a letter from BU 15-days before the interview that they could not locate any of my recommendation letters. They had lost all the letters I sent them. That was it ! I erupted like a volcano. K.Acone told me that I could submit letters from dentists I was working for in the USA. Spent a lot of money calling and finally got a letter from the Dean of the college I worked for, back home.

Went to BU interview in Nov.2001. Interviewer spoke to me saw my credentials and told me that I would be selected!!!I had not submitted my part II scores. I wanted to give her a big hug! I have a 4.0 GPA in course-by-course ECE evaluation in all subjects from first to final year, 2-Goldmedals and several awards. Also have a publication in an International Journal.I received my admission notification and that was the happiest day of my life. Later also received admission from Tufts for 2003 fall, but I rejected the offer. I am happy as a clam right now. Going to BU in Aug. Applied for FAFSA.

Folks! When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Believe in yourself,workhard and suddenly one day you will look back and laugh at that string of bad luck. Good luck to you all.Believe me!! everyone of you will get a seat. Just don't give up hope.
 
:clap: :clap: :clap: YAYAYAYAY :clap: :clap: :clap:
Beetle
Excellent 2nd post Beetle. I applaud you on your persistance & perseverance. Thank you for posting this experience of yours.For all of us here & the future IDP students this is and will be an inspiration.


I hope everyone of the IDP students would look ahead as you did. I've noticed that most for the foreign graduates are very hesitant to come forward to share their experience or even ask doubts. Some of them had come out of their shell but seems to have gotten back into it again.

I think a seperate forum will help them be more forthright. C'mon ppl this will be your only chance , where are you guys ?????
I'll have to call you all by your ID'S if it goes like this . :wink:
 
Hello Beetle! first of all let me congartulate you on the sucess. If I had gone thru half as much trouble as you i think i would have called it quits long back. All the best wishes :clap: !!

:) Cinnamon!!
Howdy!! Tell me what has to be done to start our own forum. I think its time I got out of the shell& started posting !!! have a nice day .
 
Hi!!
YAY YAY YAY YAY!!!!!
I think an advanced standing forum is a really great idea!
Beetle, what an inspirational and encouraging story. It's given me more hope not to give up!!! I hope I'll have a good story to tell and a smile on my face at the end of it all, just like you. Thanks!!!!!!
 
Thanks Cinnamon (I am a big fan of yours!!)orange04 and Kemi for your replies.

I forgot to add that I was also rejected at Columbia. I had also applied to Univ of Pittsburgh and Detroit Mercy and was seriously considering applying to Nova. I was called for an interview at UPitt in late Feb. but didn't go there because, I most definitely wouldn't block the chance of an other deserving candidate. I had received my notification from BU by then. Just yesterday, I received a communication from Detroit that they dont have any vacancy for adv. standing this year.

Got some work to do.Have to go now. Meanwhile all of you still hibernating over there!!! Wake up! it's spring!! Keep posting your thoughts and questions. Will see ya tomorrow!!!
 
Hi everyone,
count me in What should be done to have a advanced atanding forum?
And Beetle your experience reflects most of foreign graduates too We sure need first hand information. The way you held on is great inspiration. congrats for your acceptance :clap: :clap:
 
We have to ask
<a href="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=001577" target="_blank">Lee A Burnett</a>
for a new forum
 
hey it's a brilliant idea to have an advanced standing forum! i am totally for it.

beetle, you are on the higher planes after going through that struggle. i can identify with your story as i had my share of rejections too but it is the end that matters...everything else along the way just makes us learn,live,falter and learn again!
 
Hi everyone,
I totally agree that we should have a forum devoted to adv standing students issues.Yeah! especialy in light of the growing number of applicants ,life could be made a lot easier with some good advice/info.I don't have much info to share, right now coz I'm only just taking my part-1 in july (still a rookie!)
I vote yah :clap: yah :clap: for the Adv Std'n forum. Good work and more grease to your elbows. :D
 
Hi Docie,

Congrats on your acceptance to UConn. If you could share your info about the UConn bench test, it would be very helpful to everyone.

Hi Bobby,

Nice of you to post. Goodluck to you. Study hard and don't let anything distract you till the exam!! Good to have two schools offering Advanced Standing in your state of residence. Do post a request to Lee on the topic Attn Lee A Burnett in the pre-dental forum.
 
Could you please move this thread to the "International Dental " forum .

Thnx
 
Everyone this is one of the best threads evr, seriously what you are doing here is magnificent. everyone is helping everybody out to try to prevent them from making mistakes done before, really working as a team for the best for everyone. Henna you are really a nice kind person to share your experience with everyone and hepl everyone and Beetle your story really gave me hope and inspired me . everybody keep this up please.

I would like to tell you my situation and please advice me on what to do best!!!

I am currently a dental student in my foreign country I have 1 year back home to graduate, then I have 1 year training or an internship if you would call it. I would like to come here in the us and continue my education as a dentist and practice dentistry here. I have attempted ndb part 1 in dec 2002 but unfortunately scored 77 and got a 73 in anatomic sciences section but over passed . I was really discouraged and frustrated and felt that i would just stay in my home country but after hearing beetle's story I have decided to not let this discourage me at all but inspire me.

Anyways i would like to know which is better getting into an advanced 2 year standing program and recieving a D.D.S or D.M.D or taking a 2year specialty residency or taking a 2 year general practice residency. also i just heard that minnesota has this bench exam as that of california which you can take after part 1 and 2 then be licesened in their stateonly. but I think that would make a person confined to that stae only not being able to move around to practice in another state if he doesnt like it there. furthermore what about getting a masters in a clinical program is that a good option or what?

I will try to take the ndb part 1 again in january if they start offering it in computerized form, because I really didnt study well for it last time it was right before my term tests back home.

So please advice me on whats better to do and how ishould prepare for it right now, in terms of getting recommendation letters or practicing back home in a hospital etc.

I greatly appreciate your help and thanks in advance. p.s please share yur experience with part 1 so that I can see why I did so bad.
:confused: :cool:
 
would it make a difference if a person has a green card and is applying to an advance standing program:confused:
 
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