ASDOH w/o volunteer letter

[OchemistZach]

Have anyone of you (or someone you know) received an acceptance from ASDOH without submitting the optional letter of recommendation from a community-service supervisor?

I have about 200 hours of community service and have a decent relationship with my supervisors, but I'm not sure how strong the letter would be. Not to mention the fact it would set me back a week or two from submitting my secondary if I ask for one. Should I delay my secondary and ask for one or should I just submit without it?

Any feedback/thoughts will be appreciated...

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[jilingula26]

I believe that ASDOH changed this requirement for this cycle. My friend's sister just finished her D1 year at ASDOH and as of last year, an LOR from a community service supervisor/director was required. I have another friend who knows someone at ASDOH (also just finished D1) who said it was required. Both my friend and I submitted our supplementals to ASDOH without a community service LOR since we didn't have any strong letters... It will be really interesting to see how this plays out, especially since ASDOH is big on community service. I'm not quite sure why they changed it.

 

[OchemistZach]

I believe that ASDOH changed this requirement for this cycle. My friend's sister just finished her D1 year at ASDOH and as of last year, an LOR from a community service supervisor/director was required. I have another friend who knows someone at ASDOH (also just finished D1) who said it was required. Both my friend and I submitted our supplementals to ASDOH without a community service LOR since we didn't have any strong letters... It will be really interesting to see how this plays out, especially since ASDOH is big on community service. I'm not quite sure why they changed it.

Thank you for the feedback. I am interested in seeing if this will influence who gets interviews/acceptances. I know it would be best to have one, but like you I might have to apply without it /:

 

[jilingula26]

Thank you for the feedback. I am interested in seeing if this will influence who gets interviews/acceptances. I know it would be best to have one, but like you I might have to apply without it /:

Yeah, it's hard to say if this will be a clear-cut disadvantage. I'm hoping there was a good reason to make this requirement optional all of a sudden, and whatever that reason is, I really hope it works to our advantage and to others in the same boat as us who feel like we'd still be strong candidates!

 

[thenextcarnegie]

I applied last year and unfortunately, my community service letter didn't count. I coached soccer for 5 years, but apparently, I needed a letter from habitats for humanity or something of that nature. I did not get an interview either so that maybe the reason why.

 

[Do Ray]

I believe that ASDOH changed this requirement for this cycle. My friend's sister just finished her D1 year at ASDOH and as of last year, an LOR from a community service supervisor/director was required. I have another friend who knows someone at ASDOH (also just finished D1) who said it was required. Both my friend and I submitted our supplementals to ASDOH without a community service LOR since we didn't have any strong letters... It will be really interesting to see how this plays out, especially since ASDOH is big on community service. I'm not quite sure why they changed it.

I asked an ASDOH rep and it's because they said lots of people were not applying simply because they didn't have the letter, so they changed it this year.

 

[jilingula26]

I asked an ASDOH rep and it's because they said lots of people were not applying simply because they didn't have the letter, so they changed it this year.

Oh wow, yeah I honestly wouldn't have been able to apply if this was requirement. Good to know!

 

[evang751]

Current D1 at ASDOH, not sure about requirements for this cycle but I would say it helps. Community service is big time here and that’s one thing the school looks for. At this level, everyone is smart with good gpa, dat score, shadowing hours, passion, but I think community service speaks of your intentions, personality, and character. Lmk if you have questions, I’ll do my best to help.

 

[Gauchonose]

Current D1 at ASDOH, not sure about requirements for this cycle but I would say it helps. Community service is big time here and that’s one thing the school looks for. At this level, everyone is smart with good gpa, dat score, shadowing hours, passion, but I think community service speaks of your intentions, personality, and character. Lmk if you have questions, I’ll do my best to help.

Do you know if the community service hours have to pertain to dentistry? I have a decent amount of hours at two places but they deal with tutoring and hands-on activities like cleanups.

 

[evang751]

Do you know if the community service hours have to pertain to dentistry? I have a decent amount of hours at two places but they deal with tutoring and hands-on activities like cleanups.

No. It just needs to demonstrate your passion for helping others, selflessness, and working in the community. Obviously this will translate to what kind of dentist you’ll be and whether or not you can function in a community. Good luck, lmk if you need anything.

 

[Gauchonose]

No. It just needs to demonstrate your passion for helping others, selflessness, and working in the community. Obviously this will translate to what kind of dentist you’ll be and whether or not you can function in a community. Good luck, lmk if you need anything.

Thanks for the info! I've contacted an admissions director about how the community service must be a "broad-based" one, such as a Red Cross or a food bank. I've been volunteering at a bike shop that not only repairs bikes but also refurbishes them for residents and students in my town. Do you think this kind of community service is acceptable? It's really impacted my decision to pursue dentistry because my involvement it in instilled the philosophy of restoration and preservation.

 

[evang751]

Thanks for the info! I've contacted an admissions director about how the community service must be a "broad-based" one, such as a Red Cross or a food bank. I've been volunteering at a bike shop that not only repairs bikes but also refurbishes them for residents and students in my town. Do you think this kind of community service is acceptable? It's really impacted my decision to pursue dentistry because my involvement it in instilled the philosophy of restoration and preservation.

It could work if you sell it the right way, but I’m thinking more community-base targeting disadvantaged community or educational .. for example, I did a lot of tutoring, raking leaves for elders, Salvation Army serving food to homeless, working with disadvantaged community groups. I think as long as you demonstrate your compassion and passion in serving others, you’re good.