Applying in September 2005

[anee1984]

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Hey fellow SDNers,

I am a little worried about the timeline for this application cycle. Most dental schools that I wish to apply to (UCSF, UCLA, USC, other California schools) begin accepting applications in June. I heard that it is more advantageous to apply early. But for me, I doubt that I can get everything ready by June. I am thinking more like September...is that too late? Will I be penalized? When is the absolute latest you can apply?

I really appreciate any feedback. Thanks! 🙂

Alex

 

[airvent]

You can still apply on September. If you files are complete and have reached the schools by September that would be better.

Schools use a rolling admissions meaning you have a better chance if you apply early. A great student applying late has less of a chance then a mediocre student who has applied in june.

 

[ToothMonkey]

I doubt that I can get everything ready by June. I am thinking more like September...is that too late?

No.

Will I be penalized?

Yes, but not *that* much. Don't worry about it, Alex. Instead concentrate your nervous energy on perfecting that application.

When is the absolute latest you can apply?

Each school has its own deadline. Speaking from my own experience, it is possible to be accepted by a school even if you apply just a few days before its deadline. (I wouldn't recommend that strategy, though...not unless you have no other choice.)

 

[Mo007]

Why don't you apply very early (with all the supporting documents - LORs, Transcripts, etC)... and sit-back, wait for the interviews and acceptances to roll in.

Don't get caught in the AADSAS traffic... especially in September.

 

[Generallee]

Hey fellow SDNers,

I am a little worried about the timeline for this application cycle. Most dental schools that I wish to apply to (UCSF, UCLA, USC, other California schools) begin accepting applications in June. I heard that it is more advantageous to apply early. But for me, I doubt that I can get everything ready by June. I am thinking more like September...is that too late? Will I be penalized? When is the absolute latest you can apply?

I really appreciate any feedback. Thanks! 🙂

Alex

I don't know what your situation is...but, I would still apply in June - even if I didn't have my DAT scores in. I mean, you can still apply having your Transcripts, LOR's, and Personal Statement. You don't have to have all your classes completed to be eligible to apply as long as you have them done before begining of school. You can submit your DAT scores after the application. 😀

 

[J2AZ]

Get your AADSAS app in early (June or July) along with your transcripts and send your letters and DAT scores in Sept. As others have mentioned, if you wait until Sept to turn in your AADSAS you will be caught in the traffic. I sent my AADSAS in July 9th and I was already # 18XX. I sent it in without my DAT or letters. I followed up with letters in August and my DAT was sent to the schools late Sept. I finished many secondary apps before even taking the DAT. Thus when schools received my DAT my file went straight into review. Late sept may be too late for UOP but ok timing for UCSF and UCLA. USC is very slow so you will fine with them.

 

[Sprgrover]

Get your AADSAS app in early (June or July) along with your transcripts and send your letters and DAT scores in Sept. As others have mentioned, if you wait until Sept to turn in your AADSAS you will be caught in the traffic. I sent my AADSAS in July 9th and I was already # 18XX. I sent it in without my DAT or letters. I followed up with letters in August and my DAT was sent to the schools late Sept. I finished many secondary apps before even taking the DAT. Thus when schools received my DAT my file went straight into review. Late sept may be too late for UOP but ok timing for UCSF and UCLA. USC is very slow so you will fine with them.

This is a good plan - as Mo007 stated, try to get the AADSAS gorilla out of the way asap.

 

[Gurl21]

What is the advantage of applying early if you have low stats? I'm just a little confused so if someone could clarify this that would be great 🙂

 

[Sprgrover]

What is the advantage of applying early if you have low stats? I'm just a little confused so if someone could clarify this that would be great 🙂

Applying early is crucial, especially if you have average to low stats. Why? Think of it like a kid in a candy store - you're the candy and the kid is the adcom. At first everything looks attractive and the kid is picking up all kinds of stuff - later on when the kid is overwhelmed and stuffed only the big, glittery stuff is likely to be given any serious consideration. To put it another way, by having your application in before the onslaught of applicants works to your advantage because 1) the schools aren't overwhelmed and probably can take a bit more time going over applications, 2) interview schedules are open and they fill fast, (later on people with stellar stats are clawing for that last interview spot, and that's not a good place to be), 3) later in the cycle there will be an untold number of average/low applicants with little to differentiate themselves, 4) some schools look favorably upon early applicants as it sends a message that an early applicant is serious about his/her education, has done the homework and all of their ducks are in a row. What's early? Mid-May to June of the cycle you are applying to. Best of luck!

 

[Gurl21]

Applying early is crucial, especially if you have average to low stats. Why? Think of it like a kid in a candy store - you're the candy and the kid is the adcom. At first everything looks attractive and the kid is picking up all kinds of stuff - later on when the kid is overwhelmed and stuffed only the big, glittery stuff is likely to be given any serious consideration. To put it another way, by having your application in before the onslaught of applicants works to your advantage because 1) the schools aren't overwhelmed and probably can take a bit more time going over applications, 2) interview schedules are open and they fill fast, (later on people with stellar stats are clawing for that last interview spot, and that's not a good place to be), 3) later in the cycle there will be an untold number of average/low applicants with little to differentiate themselves, 4) some schools look favorably upon early applicants as it sends a message that an early applicant is serious about his/her education, has done the homework and all of their ducks are in a row. What's early? Mid-May to June of the cycle you are applying to. Best of luck!

Thanks so much, your reply was really helpful! 👍