Ask Me Anything!!

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KingChris

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!!
 
Congrats on ur achievement.
I have pretty decent overall/non-science gpa, but by s-gpa seems to be like 3.2-3.3 range. how's ur gpa like, and what could I do to increase my chance ? (besides dat, which I know that I have to do well)
 
john9192 said:
Congrats on ur achievement.
I have pretty decent overall/non-science gpa, but by s-gpa seems to be like 3.2-3.3 range. how's ur gpa like, and what could I do to increase my chance ? (besides dat, which I know that I have to do well)
Click to expand...

Well, my sGPA was a 3.65 and my overall was a 3.5. Unless you are applying this cycle, it would be advisable to get involved with some research (getting published is always a plus as well). I would also suggest you shadow a variety of dentists of various specialties (at least 50 hours), and take on some community volunteer work (for example, I was a peer counselor, biology mentor, and an academic facilitator etc...). All these activities make for a very interesting personal statement and interview.

In the world of predents, grades and DAT are most important since they get your foot in the door, but to really get noticed (especially by the big name schools) you must involve yourself with research and obtain a good amount of dental experience, as these all help you stand out from other candidates with similar stats. Good luck!
 
KingChris said:
Well, my sGPA was a 3.65 and my overall was a 3.5. Unless you are applying this cycle, it would be advisable to get involved with some research (getting published is always a plus as well). I would also suggest you shadow a variety of dentists of various specialties (at least 50 hours), and take on some community volunteer work (for example, I was a peer counselor, biology mentor, and an academic facilitator etc...). All these activities make for a very interesting personal statement and interview.

In the world of predents, grades and DAT are most important since they get your foot in the door, but to really get noticed (especially by the big name schools) you must involve yourself with research and obtain a good amount of dental experience, as these all help you stand out from other candidates with similar stats. Good luck!
Click to expand...

yeah, harvard loooooooves research.
 
what is the best way to get involved in research? Is it something you have to apply for and be accepted? Also what is a sufficent amount of time to be involved in it.. I am going to be a transfer student.
 
KingChris said:
Well, my sGPA was a 3.65 and my overall was a 3.5. Unless you are applying this cycle, it would be advisable to get involved with some research (getting published is always a plus as well). I would also suggest you shadow a variety of dentists of various specialties (at least 50 hours), and take on some community volunteer work (for example, I was a peer counselor, biology mentor, and an academic facilitator etc...). All these activities make for a very interesting personal statement and interview.

In the world of predents, grades and DAT are most important since they get your foot in the door, but to really get noticed (especially by the big name schools) you must involve yourself with research and obtain a good amount of dental experience, as these all help you stand out from other candidates with similar stats. Good luck!
Click to expand...



Thanks for your input!!
Unfortunately, I am indeed applying this year.
I do have decent dental related work/shadowing/volunteer experiences.
I also have dental related research that I have been participating with ortho resident for about an year, but NO publications.
my last question is, I've heard from another student that harvard doesn't even take a look at applicants with gpa below 3.5. I thought I might have a chance b/c of research and other unique experiences. what do you think??
Thanks, and i hope I will be helping out predents like you are doing now, one year from now.
 
Hi.. I am confused about the signing up for the DATs and the application. For the DAT registration, 5 schools will recieve your score which is included in the $175. But additional schools is 25 bucks each.. ok Now my question do i need to choose the schools that i chose in the actual application,.. so i ll be paying double? i am applying to 10 schools total, which comes out to be $735 on aadsas... do you get what im saying?? lol.. sounds confusing... why do i need to pay in the DAT registration, when i can send the score to aadsas and they send it out with the application... please explain.. thankss...
 
burgler09 said:
what is the best way to get involved in research? Is it something you have to apply for and be accepted? Also what is a sufficent amount of time to be involved in it.. I am going to be a transfer student.
Click to expand...

I too was a transfer student! It's really easy to get involved in research. First you want to create a resume (if you don't already have one). Then, obtain email addresses of faculty members who are currently involved in research that peaks your interest (usually information on faculty research is easily accessible on your school website or from your adviser). Next, write each professor a letter explaining that you would like to assist them in research and tell them what laboratory experience you have (from chemistry and biology classes) as well as what techniques you have performed (i.e. titration, gel electrophoresis, chromatography etc...). Attach your resume to the email and wait for a response! It's advisable to do at least a year of research (about 3-10 hours a week...it varies according to your schedule and the need of the professor, as well as whether or not your doing research for honors credit).
 
john9192 said:
Thanks for your input!!
Unfortunately, I am indeed applying this year.
I do have decent dental related work/shadowing/volunteer experiences.
I also have dental related research that I have been participating with ortho resident for about an year, but NO publications.
my last question is, I've heard from another student that harvard doesn't even take a look at applicants with gpa below 3.5. I thought I might have a chance b/c of research and other unique experiences. what do you think??
Thanks, and i hope I will be helping out predents like you are doing now, one year from now.
Click to expand...

Wow, thats great, you sound like you will be a good candidate (asuming grades and DAT scores check out).

As far as the myth that Harvard doesn't look at applicants with lower than a 3.5 GPA, there is absolutely no truth to that whatsoever! As a matter of fact, there is actually someone in our entering class with a 3.4 sGPA. They look at everything (i.e. trends in your academic performance, RESEARCH, DAT scores, volunteer work, dental experience, personal statement, LOR, etc...) With dental research under your belt, along with dental experience, and assuming your grades are descent and you have above a 20 on the DAT, I cant' see why you wouldn't have a shot at Harvard. Good Luck!
 
D.D.S. said:
Hi.. I am confused about the signing up for the DATs and the application. For the DAT registration, 5 schools will recieve your score which is included in the $175. But additional schools is 25 bucks each.. ok Now my question do i need to choose the schools that i chose in the actual application,.. so i ll be paying double? i am applying to 10 schools total, which comes out to be $735 on aadsas... do you get what im saying?? lol.. sounds confusing... why do i need to pay in the DAT registration, when i can send the score to aadsas and they send it out with the application... please explain.. thankss...
Click to expand...

It does sound like a rather redundant process doesn't it? Well, the answer to your question is that unfortunately you do have to pay a separate fee apart from your application in order for your official DAT score to be sent to AADSAS. This is because each school requires official copies of your scores from the testing center. Otherwise what would stop students from lying about their scores on the application. However, it does seem like there should be one flat fee for the scores to get sent to AADSAS and then have them verify that you typed in the correct scores in the application (similar to how they handle transcripts). I don't understand why this is the way it is either. Oh well...Good luck!
 
I am curious to see if you know anything for people applying from Canada.

My dat isnt great because i had a practice run, and i am planning to take it again.

reading 17
bio 19
chem 19
sciences 19
academic 18
Preception 19
carving 8 😛

My GPA is 3.66/4 overall and in the sciences.

I have 2 summer's worth of shadowing experience with 2 dentists.
I also have extracurriculars and volunteer experiences in hospitals, rehab, kids rehab, teaching, office work, sports teams, school newspaper etc...

I do not have research experience as of yet.

I will be doing some in my 4th year of study.

What are my chances?
 
I will have about 1.5 years of research completely with a professor at my school and was wondering if it depends on the type of research that will look good. I have done research on protozoan organisms and have had my name published in a scientific journal. Is this a plus for schools oriented towards research (such as harvard) but not so much for other schools??
 
Dear Kingchris,
i am a dental technician residing at sydney and would like to apply for dentistry here but i am very confused how could i take preparation for the entrance exam,
i would really appreciate if you or any one you know who had done their Bdent from Australia could help me to get through this dificulties.
with thanks
Endless🙂
 
Do you like cake?
 
Congrats to you! What an achievement!! You have a bright future!

I do have a question for you. Jump down to the post I wrote recently, and let me know what you think of a 38 year old going BACK to dental school after withdrawing.
Thanks,
MiMi🙂
 
hey congrats on your achievement! i was wondering what math classes you took (besides the basic calculus course) and what type of classes you took that were not science related. thanks!
 
NAVY DDS 2010 said:
Chicken or the Egg? Which came first?
Click to expand...
An egg and a chicken were romantically involved. After a long night of passionate love making, the chicken looks over at the egg smoking a cigarette and says, "I guess that answers that question."
 
KingChris said:
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!!
Click to expand...


Congrat to you! You said u have a rough start to college, so can I ask how rough? (if you dont mind) cuz i got some F grade ( actually 3F) in my first year in college, but then after that I did pretty well with all A and only 2 B. Im currently have 115 hrs and my si GPA is 4.0, but because of those F, my overall GPA is only 3.56. Do you think i still have chance with those F, since its not just 1 failing class? I have just fairly amount of shadowing and volunteering, and research. So what is my chance? and do you have any advice for me?
Thanks a million. and congrat again, I know you deserve it.👍
 
Oppiee said:
I am curious to see if you know anything for people applying from Canada.

My dat isnt great because i had a practice run, and i am planning to take it again.

reading 17
bio 19
chem 19
sciences 19
academic 18
Preception 19
carving 8 😛

My GPA is 3.66/4 overall and in the sciences.

I have 2 summer's worth of shadowing experience with 2 dentists.
I also have extracurriculars and volunteer experiences in hospitals, rehab, kids rehab, teaching, office work, sports teams, school newspaper etc...

I do not have research experience as of yet.

I will be doing some in my 4th year of study.

What are my chances?
Click to expand...

Well, your extracurrics look great, research would help, but its no big deal that you don't have it yet (most predentals actually don't do research). Your GPA is excellent, but your DAT is a little low. However, with the stellar grades you have and extracurrics I am sure you will catch the attention of some schools. You have a shot at your state school and some private schools (NYU, BU, Tufts etc..). Good luck!
 
supraman said:
I will have about 1.5 years of research completely with a professor at my school and was wondering if it depends on the type of research that will look good. I have done research on protozoan organisms and have had my name published in a scientific journal. Is this a plus for schools oriented towards research (such as harvard) but not so much for other schools??
Click to expand...

Honestly, the type of research is irrelevant. For example, I did research on the asthmatic response to inhaled irritants. Research merely serves as an indicator that you chose to enrich your college education and that you pursue knowledge.

To answer your other question, research is crucial if you want to turn heads at schools like Harvard or Columbia (to name a few). But research is never frowned upon. Like I said before, any school would be impressed in a student who took it upon themself to further his/her education through the pursuit of research.
 
Endless said:
Dear Kingchris,
i am a dental technician residing at sydney and would like to apply for dentistry here but i am very confused how could i take preparation for the entrance exam,
i would really appreciate if you or any one you know who had done their Bdent from Australia could help me to get through this dificulties.
with thanks
Endless🙂
Click to expand...

I'm very sorry, but I am not too familiar with the dental admission process in Australia.
 
MiMiRN said:
Congrats to you! What an achievement!! You have a bright future!

I do have a question for you. Jump down to the post I wrote recently, and let me know what you think of a 38 year old going BACK to dental school after withdrawing.
Thanks,
MiMi🙂
Click to expand...

Thank you very much! I read your post and found it very moving. Your drive and persistent passion for wanting to pursue dentistry would be such a great asset to your future patients and the profession.

However, like others have said, you must seriously consider all of the pros and cons of entering dental school at this point in your life. I will tell you this, it has nothing to do with age, but more so with your lifestyle. If you think you can conceivably take all the prerequesites, study hard for the DAT, and devote your full attention to dental school while caring for young children then you should consider it. But I would really need to hear more about how you PLAN on doing this before I can give you my honest opinion. If you would like, I would be more than willing to discuss this with you if you give me some more of your thoughts and plans in regards to pursuing dental school. Good luck!
 
orangutan777 said:
hey congrats on your achievement! i was wondering what math classes you took (besides the basic calculus course) and what type of classes you took that were not science related. thanks!
Click to expand...

I took Math 101 (algebra), Business Calculus, and then 3 Science Calculus classes. As for non science related classes I took courses such as economics, statistics, geograhy, history, politics, psychology, anthropology, philosophy, sociology, film, public speaking, creative writing, self defense etc...
 
vj212306 said:
Congrat to you! You said u have a rough start to college, so can I ask how rough? (if you dont mind) cuz i got some F grade ( actually 3F) in my first year in college, but then after that I did pretty well with all A and only 2 B. Im currently have 115 hrs and my si GPA is 4.0, but because of those F, my overall GPA is only 3.56. Do you think i still have chance with those F, since its not just 1 failing class? I have just fairly amount of shadowing and volunteering, and research. So what is my chance? and do you have any advice for me?
Thanks a million. and congrat again, I know you deserve it.👍
Click to expand...

You have more of a chance than you know! My first semester I had a 2.4, and then every semester after that I never fell below a 3.6.

When I was interviewed at Harvard the very first thing they asked me about was how in the world I managed to do that!! Schools like Harvard are very interested in people who are able to handle failure and who are capable of using such adversities as springboards for success. I think having tasted failure and then pulled yourself up makes you a more interesting candidate than perhaps someone who has always had stellar grades. My own past failure definitey worked to my advantage! You will be perfectly fine. Good luck!!
 
KingChris said:
You have more of a chance than you know! My first semester I had a 2.4, and then every semester after that I never fell below a 3.6.

When I was interviewed at Harvard the very first thing they asked me about was how in the world I managed to do that!! Schools like Harvard are very interested in people who are able to handle failure and who are capable of using such adversities as springboards for success. I think having tasted failure and then pulled yourself up makes you a more interesting candidate than perhaps someone who has always had stellar grades. My own past failure definitey worked to my advantage! You will be perfectly fine. Good luck!!
Click to expand...

my first semester = 1.7
Everyone can get into dental school if they really want it.
 
Thanks a lot for the input kingchris!

it is much appriciated!

-oppiee
 
KingChris I believe you forgot to answer my question...
 
Hi Chris,
Congrats! I was wondering if a prof is writing a LOR which is going to many schools- who do they put as the recipient on the actual letter? For example if i were sending a letter to UofM- I would put their address right the date, but since this letter is going to many schools- do the writers just not put anything?
 
Which series was better Knight Rider or Walker: Texas Ranger?
 
Who is the baddest mofo on Earth? Vin Diesel or Chuck Norris?
 
prez_al said:
Who is the baddest mofo on Earth? Vin Diesel or Chuck Norris?
Click to expand...

I know the answer to this one but Ill let the Ivy League kid answer...his opinion probably means more than mine.
 
prez_al said:
I also want to know if you (Harvard boy) like cake. Yellow cake??
Click to expand...

Hey, weren't you at my UConn interview?! How's it going? And yes I like cake very much! Not so much yellow cake...I'm going to go with chocolate mouse cake on this one!
 
predent0305 said:
Hi Chris,
Congrats! I was wondering if a prof is writing a LOR which is going to many schools- who do they put as the recipient on the actual letter? For example if i were sending a letter to UofM- I would put their address right the date, but since this letter is going to many schools- do the writers just not put anything?
Click to expand...

Correct, they do not have to put a recipient at all. They can put "dear admissions committee" or "to whom it may concern" if they would like.
 
So you like cake and a Walker/Chuck Norris fan...you are okay by me.
 
If I haven't taken the DAT yet, but schools want the scores sent to them at the same time as the AADSAS materials are sent, what should I do? I'm assuming to just wait until I do take the test and already have the school listed as one of the schools to send the scores to...

Right??
 
ToothE said:
If I haven't taken the DAT yet, but schools want the scores sent to them at the same time as the AADSAS materials are sent, what should I do? I'm assuming to just wait until I do take the test and already have the school listed as one of the schools to send the scores to...

Right??
Click to expand...

Schools don't need the DAT score when the application is sent. Get the application out ASAP since it takes a while for processing, then take the DAT anytime before September. The earlier your app is out the earlier schools can have you on file. Good luck!
 
King Chris...why the hell do u want people to ask u questions....i just want people to not ask me questions😎
 
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