Ask me Anything!!

[KingChris]

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Hi All,
I just wanted to make a thread dedicated to helping anyone who has questions or concerns about applying to dental school, taking the DAT's, etc...This past year I was fortunate enough to have been accepted into some very good schools, and I wanted to use my experience to help anyone out there who needs it.
I am very candid about discussing my stats and what I did that helped me get in. I had a rough start to college and quickly picked myself up, and I am going to Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the fall.
Please don't hesitate to ask me anythiing! Good luck everyone!!

 

[pocahantus]

When did you apply and when did you take your DAT's? And for Harvard, what part of your application would you say best worked in your favour? I have more more Q's but will start here.Thanks for offering your help by the way.🙂

 

[andyjl]

How did you prepare and practice for the reading comprehension section? Did you use Kaplan's strategy of writing keywords for each paragraph and looking back at the keywords when needed for each question?

I really need to do well on this section because I feel this is my weak spot that could be the deciding factor between getting accepted and rejected

 

[BodybldgDoc]

how did you prepare for the bio and math sections? what resources did you use to prepare for the test?

 

[KingChris]

When did you apply and when did you take your DAT's? And for Harvard, what part of your application would you say best worked in your favour? I have more more Q's but will start here.Thanks for offering your help by the way.🙂

I sent my application out on June 29th, and took my DAT on August 11th. In regards to your other question, I would say that Harvard really wants the "whole package", so it's tough to say if there was one particular thing that they liked more than another. But I had 2 publications and 2 years of research under my belt, and I do remember them discussing that at my interview. My personal statement also stood out, from what they told me. I used a little bit of humor and really just stayed honest about why I want to be a dentist without being dramatic or sounding too generic.

 

[KingChris]

How did you prepare and practice for the reading comprehension section? Did you use Kaplan's strategy of writing keywords for each paragraph and looking back at the keywords when needed for each question?

I really need to do well on this section because I feel this is my weak spot that could be the deciding factor between getting accepted and rejected

For the reading comprehension section I practiced by doing subject tests from Kaplan, Topscore, and DAT Achiever and timing myself for each test. I definitely didn't waste time writing key words, there really isn't enough time to write anything if you want to do REALLY well on this section. I just read some of the questions first and then started reading the passage while looking for the answers and stopping to answer them as I went through the reading. This section is actually quite important to admission commitees as it has been statistically shown to correlate to the students success as a dental student. The method I used, however, worked fine, and I ended up with a 22 on this section.

 

[KingChris]

how did you prepare for the bio and math sections? what resources did you use to prepare for the test?

For the Bio section I used my Biology text book from school (Cambell's) which has an enormous amount of information! I also memorized the entire Biology section of the Kaplan book (big blue), took most of the Kaplan subject tests (from the online course), took 3 Topscore exams (read, understood, and memorized all the explanations given for the answers...Topscore gives great explanations btw), and lastly I took 3 exams from DAT Achiever and read, understood, and memorized all the answer explanations. I cannot stress how important using DAT Achiever is! Yes, it is hard, but it prepares you for being able to answer any question on the DAT BIO section, and in fact I saw exact questions from DAT Achiever on the real DAT!!

After using DAT Achiever, Topscore, Kaplan, and supplementing with Cambells I scored a 25 on the Bio section of the real DAT.

 

[KingChris]

For Math, I used Barron's DAT review book (very useful for this section), and also memorized how to do all the type of problems in Kaplan, Topscore and Dat Achiever. Out of all these programs Top Score seemed to have math questions that most closely correlted to the real DAT math section.

how did you prepare for the bio and math sections? what resources did you use to prepare for the test?

 

[andyjl]

how did u study and prepare for the PAT?

 

[KingChris]

how did u study and prepare for the PAT?

I mainly used Topscore for this section since it simulated what the PAT section looks like on a computer (definitely harder than on paper). My advice is to get used to seeing angles and figures on a computer since the pixels can make it somewhat harder than seeing it printed on paper. On the actual DAT the angles aren't as bad as everyone says they are and the best way to approach the cube counting is to organize it by columns, and do not waste time counting all the blocks before answering questions since for some figures you may only get one or two questions. Top/front/end projections were more difficult and lock and key got somewhat harder towards the end. My advice is to hone your skills on your strong points since everything is worth the same amount (i.e. get the easy points on cube counting, angles, and paper folding, so if you get some lock and key or top/front/ends wrong it's not the end of the world).

 

[xoangelxo]

did u have any "hands-on" experience....i am having trouble answering this question in the application because i have only shadowed dentists and cant think of anything else pertaining to manual dexterity.

 

[thefifthbeatle]

edit..

 

[BodybldgDoc]

kewl thanks KC

 

[pocahantus]

Thanks Chris,
That was very helpful.

 

[KingChris]

did u have any "hands-on" experience....i am having trouble answering this question in the application because i have only shadowed dentists and cant think of anything else pertaining to manual dexterity.

Yea, my research required me to perform subcutaneous injections into the abdominal cavity of mice, also I play percussion, taught myself how to play the guitar, and as a hobby I build models of anatomical organs.

 

[SUNNY007]

hi chris,

i just got done with my junior year of college.. I am taking few summer courses. I have the option to take the KAPLAN DAT course either starting from June or staring from July..When should i take the course and when should i take the DAT?..I was planning on to take the DAT's during September...

 

[KingChris]

hi chris,

i just got done with my junior year of college.. I am taking few summer courses. I have the option to take the KAPLAN DAT course either starting from June or staring from July..When should i take the course and when should i take the DAT?..I was planning on to take the DAT's during September...

Your best bet is to take the DAT course starting from June and take the DAT no later than August. I actually received my first interview invite in September, so the process actually starts fairly quickly! If you can help it, try not to work and try to minimize distraction. Studying for six weeks at about 6 hours a day was sufficient enough for me to score a 23. While everyone's different, I think 6 weeks is plenty since it decreases your chances of forgetting information while allowing plenty of time to retain it. Also, make sure your application is in no later than June. This is the biggest mistakes predental people make and is often the most overlooked component of this process. An early application is absolutely CRUCIAL to getting considered by many dental schools, especially the big name schools!!

 

[laundry]

Chris,

I am going to be a senior this upcoming fall. I have a 4.0 GPA, I am a reseach assistant in molecular genetics research with over 20 presentations, international research awards and two research grants with me as the main author. I also have 3 summer research experiences in biomedical research. President of Biology club, and etc etc etc. I'm taking my DAT July 2 and shooting for a 21-23. There is a slight problem though. I am an international with my family here. I should get my green card by October. Should I apply this year now as international or wait and apply REALLY late as a non-resident (I live in Oklahoma and want to get into USC or UCLA)? This summer I'm going research with a former UCLA DDS/Phd program mentor, if this helps.

What do you think?

 

[xoangelxo]

i am taking my dats in mid june and dont want to be distracted with the application. I am getting all my letters of rec in and transcripts sent to aadsas now though. It is okay if i begin my application after im done with the dats and submit it by the end of june?

 

[KingChris]

Chris,

I am going to be a senior this upcoming fall. I have a 4.0 GPA, I am a reseach assistant in molecular genetics research with over 20 presentations, international research awards and two research grants with me as the main author. I also have 3 summer research experiences in biomedical research. President of Biology club, and etc etc etc. I'm taking my DAT July 2 and shooting for a 21-23. There is a slight problem though. I am an international with my family here. I should get my green card by October. Should I apply this year now as international or wait and apply REALLY late as a non-resident (I live in Oklahoma and want to get into USC or UCLA)? This summer I'm going research with a former UCLA DDS/Phd program mentor, if this helps.

What do you think?

Well, that is certainly a big decision to make. I could be wrong, but I have never heard of dental schools giving any less preference to international students. Unless you know for a fact that your chances of being admitted would be more so if you were a U.S. resident than I think you should go for it and apply this cycle. If I were you though, I would contact some schools of your choice and ask their advice on this matter before making a final decision. With those stellar grades and extracurriculars you should have no problem. Good luck!

 

[KingChris]

i am taking my dats in mid june and dont want to be distracted with the application. I am getting all my letters of rec in and transcripts sent to aadsas now though. It is okay if i begin my application after im done with the dats and submit it by the end of june?

That would be fine, just keep in mind that while seemingly simple, the application process may take longer than expected, especially the personal statement. The personal statment is not something to be taken lightly at all, as it really helps spark the interest of some very good dental school since it has the ability to separate you from other applicants with similar stats.

It took me about 4 weeks to complete my application, but everyone's different. I think your smart in realizing that the DAT is the most important component to focus on for the time being. Just understand that your application may not be complete until mid July. However, that would be fine as well though. It's best to try to get things in earlier, but WITHOUT sacrificing the quality of your work. Good luck!

 

[jedistar78]

Congratulations!
A few questions:
What kinds of questions did they ask in your interview? Who interviewed you?
What is your GPA? What was your overall score? When did you take the DAT's? How many times did you take the DAT's?

I'm attempting my first (and hopefully last) run on June 30th. About to puke and die😱 ...trying to study, but I'm in CHINA right now for work and do not have many resources to study from.

I am using Destroyer, have an old Kaplan book, and did download Topscore. Initial topscore results were quite apalling...
Terribly weak in math and gen chem...but improving step by step. Bio? Well, I wish I had my bio books with me, but its too expensive to be mailed. Forgot Orgo, but did well in the course last year... Will be returning to the states on June 4th to cram. Any advice??
Would love to get in Harvard...since my husband says, "If you get into Harvard, I'll get you a Mercedes." haha...
I'm shooting for the Mercedes...and would love to be in your shoes right now. Congratulations again! GREAT scores!

 

[SUNNY007]

Your best bet is to take the DAT course starting from June and take the DAT no later than August. I actually received my first interview invite in September, so the process actually starts fairly quickly! If you can help it, try not to work and try to minimize distraction. Studying for six weeks at about 6 hours a day was sufficient enough for me to score a 23. While everyone's different, I think 6 weeks is plenty since it decreases your chances of forgetting information while allowing plenty of time to retain it. Also, make sure your application is in no later than June. This is the biggest mistakes predental people make and is often the most overlooked component of this process. An early application is absolutely CRUCIAL to getting considered by many dental schools, especially the big name schools!!

so i can first send in my application and then later take the dat's and send in my score?

 

[KingChris]

Congratulations!
A few questions:
What kinds of questions did they ask in your interview? Who interviewed you?
What is your GPA? What was your overall score? When did you take the DAT's? How many times did you take the DAT's?

I'm attempting my first (and hopefully last) run on June 30th. About to puke and die😱 ...trying to study, but I'm in CHINA right now for work and do not have many resources to study from.

I am using Destroyer, have an old Kaplan book, and did download Topscore. Initial topscore results were quite apalling...
Terribly weak in math and gen chem...but improving step by step. Bio? Well, I wish I had my bio books with me, but its too expensive to be mailed. Forgot Orgo, but did well in the course last year... Will be returning to the states on June 4th to cram. Any advice??
Would love to get in Harvard...since my husband says, "If you get into Harvard, I'll get you a Mercedes." haha...
I'm shooting for the Mercedes...and would love to be in your shoes right now. Congratulations again! GREAT scores!

Thank you! Well, here are my stats:

Overall GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.65

DAT Scores: AA: 22
TS: 23
Bio:25
GC: 21
OC: 21
QR: 20
RC: 22
PAT: 19

I took the DAT only once (August 11th 2006). At Harvard I was interviwed by a dean and then by a professor (each interview was done separately and lasted for about 40 minutes). They asked me questions such as:

1) If I were to ask your friends about you, what would they say?
2) Describe a time of failure in your life. How did you respond to it?
3) How would you approach problem-based-learning?
4) How do you juggle so many things at once?
5) What do you do besides school?
6) Tell me about your research ***
7) How do you handle pressure? How do you de-stress?
8) Why do you want to come to Harvard?
9) Is demtistry a specialty of medicine or is it its own separate entity?
10) Why dentistry? If you couldn't do dentistry what else would you do?

 

[KingChris]

so i can first send in my application and then later take the dat's and send in my score?

Absolutely, in fact that's what I did (and that's what most people do from what I hear). Good Luck!

 

[mailis]

Hi Kingchris,
Congratulation, did you get help with your personal statement?

 

[KingChris]

Hi Kingchris,
Congratulation, did you get help with your personal statement?

Well, I wrote it myself and then had my mother and a close friend who is a dentists, look it over. I then sent it to a doctor on the adissions committee at UConn Dental School who I know fairly well, and she gave me some pointers as well.

If you want...and this goes out to anyone reading this...I would be more than happy to take a look at your personal statement and help critique it for you, just send it to:

[email protected]

Good luck!

 

[SmileySL]

wow...Congratulations!!!

Just wondering....do u think it makes a big difference sending in apps june vs. july?? Dont committees look at apps starting august?? I'm just trying to decide what order to take DAT vs. do apps in. Thanks!

 

[KingChris]

wow...Congratulations!!!

Just wondering....do u think it makes a big difference sending in apps june vs. july?? Dont committees look at apps starting august?? I'm just trying to decide what order to take DAT vs. do apps in. Thanks!

Your right, admissions committees don't start looking at apps until August, but it take AADSAS about 6-8 weeks to process your application and calculate your GPA's once you've sent it in!

So your best bet is to get the application out ASAP, and then take the DAT anytime before September (since the DAT is sent almost immediatly after you take it).

I sent my application in June 29th and took the DAT on August 11th and I got my first interview from Columbia the first week of September, then got interviews at Harvard and UConn the 3rd week of September. The process moves fast!

 

[andyjl]

When did you take the DAT?

Also is the gchem section more conceptual as people have been saying or is it still a lot of calculations involved?

 

[KingChris]

When did you take the DAT?

Also is the gchem section more conceptual as people have been saying or is it still a lot of calculations involved?

I took the DAT August 11th 2006. From what I remember, the gchem was a combination of easy equation plug and chug problems and then some conceptual stuff as well. Just make sure you understand the equations well enough to be ble to make inferences from them and apply them to concepts. Good luck!

 

[Dream team]

I took the DAT August 11th 2006. From what I remember, the gchem was a combination of easy equation plug and chug problems and then some conceptual stuff as well. Just make sure you understand the equations well enough to be ble to make inferences from them and apply them to concepts. Good luck!

i have already applied and took the dat...should i contact the schools and let them know that i will have a second dat score in AUG....i can not take my dat earlier than late aug, is that okay?
Please let me know
thanks

 

[Miss Lee]

how did you study for gen chem? i have kaplan, dat destroyer, and top score, ive just been working out the problems over and over again. any suggestions?

 

[KingChris]

i have already applied and took the dat...should i contact the schools and let them know that i will have a second dat score in AUG....i can not take my dat earlier than late aug, is that okay?
Please let me know
thanks

Yes, that would be an excellent idea!

 

[KingChris]

how did you study for gen chem? i have kaplan, dat destroyer, and top score, ive just been working out the problems over and over again. any suggestions?

Well, the Kaplan blue book seemed to be sufficient enough for Gchem as far as content. Barrons also does a descent job explaining certain topics. I wouldn't rely solely on Topscore and destroyer, you should invest in a book that explains all the topics and use those practice exams from your computer software as a supplement imho.

Nevertheless, Topscore does a great job simulating Gchem for the real DAT. I would also suggest trying DAT Achiever, it worked out quite well for me. I have no experience with destroyer so I can't really comment on that.

Good luck!

 

[mambo22]

Hi Chris,
What was your technique for angle ranking? Did you use scratch paper or do it all in your head? If you have any helpful techniques for the other PAT sections, that would be great to know too.
Thanks for your help!

 

[nanali]

Hi! This might be a dumb question, but I would like to ask about memorizing the bio section from the kaplan blue book. When you said you memorized the bio section, did you mean word for word for each subject? If so, how long did it take you? Thanks

 

[siba]

Congrats, Chris! I was wondering if doing research can be an advantage of getting b/c I don't actually plan to do research at all. Also, I'm just curious about the very first thread saying that you started out college with some hard times. Would you mind sharing about that? Did that experience help you getting in too?

Thanks a lot!

 

[IsRaEl21]

I have emailed to you my personal statement paper, but I have never heard a response from you. Could you please check your email and let me know if you got it. I will also send it to you as a private message. I really need your help and your advice about my personal statement paper. Thank you.

 

[isuclones85]

Chris I am currently retaking a 4 credit chem course and my question is should i wait to set up my app. with AADSAS once this course is completed(july 6)? I want this grade to be the new one on my transcript. This grade completely wipes out my old one at my university but will the AADSAS calculations include my old one or not?

Thanks a ton for the help...you're really helping me out alot at least

DAT June 29 😱😱

 

[dantheman2007]

Chris I am currently retaking a 4 credit chem course and my question is should i wait to set up my app. with AADSAS once this course is completed(july 6)? I want this grade to be the new one on my transcript. This grade completely wipes out my old one at my university but will the AADSAS calculations include my old one or not?

Thanks a ton for the help...you're really helping me out alot at least

DAT June 29 😱😱

According to the ADSAAS instructions and guidelines packet on their website they include both grades in your GPA.
Best,
Dan