application process and shadowing hours

[Chuckde]

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1. So here is what I have absorbed on how the application process works..
You send in:
an application, which has your transcript, DAT scores.
+ a personal statement.
+ required LORs
to AADSAS. Then they distribute it to the schools of your choice. from there it's basically waiting for the school's to contact you for an interview.

I know it seems much simpler than it is, but is that the gist of it? Or am I forgetting something?



2. For shadowing hours, how do you provide proof of how many hours you have shadowed. I shadowed my dentist about 30 hours this semester. But do I need a letter (not LOR) that provides proof that I did that many hours?

 

[Chuckde]

oh, also..

3. How do you keep track of volunteering hours? For example, I did relay for life this semester, how would I show proof that I was involved.

I appreciate any responses. Thank you.

 

[Chuckde]

bump

 

[PreDentDJ]

1. So here is what I have absorbed on how the application process works..
You send in:
an application, which has your transcript, DAT scores.
+ a personal statement.
+ required LORs
to AADSAS. Then they distribute it to the schools of your choice. from there it's basically waiting for the school's to contact you for an interview.

I know it seems much simpler than it is, but is that the gist of it? Or am I forgetting something?



2. For shadowing hours, how do you provide proof of how many hours you have shadowed. I shadowed my dentist about 30 hours this semester. But do I need a letter (not LOR) that provides proof that I did that many hours?

I made up a quick little spreadsheet and I have somebody sign off on every hour I shadow and volunteer. This may be too late for you though. The LOR might be a good idea. You could even have the dentist or volunteer coordinators write a memo style letter that says something like "Re: Chuckde's volunteer/shadow hours." That way they have proof, but they're not forced to read through every single LOR you turn in (I've heard that turning in too many is bad juju).

This is a good question. I'd like to hear what some of the experienced people have to say about this.

 

[Chuckde]

Ok, thanks for the input bro.

The spreadsheet is a great idea. I'll keep that in mind for the summer when i shadow an oral surgeon. I'll just talk to him about it first and see if he is ok with it.

So what about volunteer hours, do you do the same thing? I don't know if any of you have heard of an organization called Alternative Spring Break, where you go somewhere to help out with a certain cause during your spring break, but how many volunteer hours would that count as?

 

[PreDentDJ]

Ok, thanks for the input bro.

The spreadsheet is a great idea. I'll keep that in mind for the summer when i shadow an oral surgeon. I'll just talk to him about it first and see if he is ok with it.

So what about volunteer hours, do you do the same thing? I don't know if any of you have heard of an organization called Alternative Spring Break, where you go somewhere to help out with a certain cause during your spring break, but how many volunteer hours would that count as?

Ya, I do the same for volunteer hours.

As far as the spring break thing goes, I would have one of the coordinators write a solid LOR. Especially if it's something where you spent an entire week in xyz third-world country. That's a lot of time!

 

[whoaaitzkyle]

1. So here is what I have absorbed on how the application process works..
You send in:
an application, which has your transcript, DAT scores.
+ a personal statement.
+ required LORs
to AADSAS. Then they distribute it to the schools of your choice. from there it's basically waiting for the school's to contact you for an interview.

I know it seems much simpler than it is, but is that the gist of it? Or am I forgetting something?


2. For shadowing hours, how do you provide proof of how many hours you have shadowed. I shadowed my dentist about 30 hours this semester. But do I need a letter (not LOR) that provides proof that I did that many hours?

hey! ok maybe i can help clarify some stuff. here's a quick timeline I'd use in the application process as it can be a bit confusing (assuming all dates are the same as last cycle's):

May 15 is when AADSAS allows you to create your application online. Create your account and start filling it out! The first step I would do in filling out your application is to send in your transcripts to AADSAS ASAP! This is what holds most ppl back because it takes them a while to calculate your AADSAS GPA which is required before they send it off to dental schools. Once you're done with your application you can esubmit your application.

June 1 is usually when they have their first mailings out. Since applying to dental school is partially about the timing, I'd try to complete your application as early as possible. You're going to need everything completed before it will be sent off (LOR, transcripts, etc)!

You put whatever you want under shadowing experience. There is no way to really provide proof (unless they are writing you a LOR and put your hours in the letter). However, if adcoms were to decide to verify anything on your application whether it be by calling the doctor or in your interview you should be able to back it up. Bottom line, i wouldn't lie about anything if I were you. Not all, but SOME supplemental applications will have forms for individual doctors to sign off as proof of shadowing hours too. Best of luck to you on this upcoming cycle and remember the early bird gets the worm!!👍