My number one choice right now is Loma Linda, followed by USC, both private dental schools. I am applying to all the Cali Dental schools though. Does anyone have any advice for an out of state applicant? what is the way to maximize my chances of getting in?
California Dental Schools (out of state applicants)
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Pray. And think about converting to SDA.
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A strong LOR from a "spiritual leader" as stated on their website.
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Not sure if the new edition is out yet but flipping through my 2011 ADEA guide, here are some stats for 2010. #'s in () are instate for comparison
Loma Linda - Out of state Interviews - 204 (146) Accepted - 76 (78) Enrolled - 51 (53)
USC - Out of state Enrolled - 41 (103)
It looks like you have a pretty good chance at LLU as long as you have competitive stats. Being SDA or having a strong LOR from spiritual leader certainly helps but are in no way required. It is possible to get accepted without either. Hope this helps and I highly suggest you buy the 2012 ADEA Dental School guide if you are applying this cycle. The information is quite useful. Good luck
Loma Linda - Out of state Interviews - 204 (146) Accepted - 76 (78) Enrolled - 51 (53)
USC - Out of state Enrolled - 41 (103)
It looks like you have a pretty good chance at LLU as long as you have competitive stats. Being SDA or having a strong LOR from spiritual leader certainly helps but are in no way required. It is possible to get accepted without either. Hope this helps and I highly suggest you buy the 2012 ADEA Dental School guide if you are applying this cycle. The information is quite useful. Good luck
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From the Loma Linda website:
Three letters of reference including: Spiritual leader, science professor or pre–professional committee and employer
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I am aware of the requirement on their website. However, from my personal experience, I had 4 LoR's, 2 science professors, 1 employer, 1 dentist. I am not religious so I felt like trying to come up with a letter from a spiritual leader just for the purpose of this application wasn't the best thing to do. The interviewer was one of the nicest and most down to earth person I've ever been interviewed with. The lack of this letter was never mentioned by him or admissions at all and I still got an acceptance.
I would say that you might not want to count on this requirement being waived, but I just felt that you shouldn't completely discount this school if you can't get an honest LoR from a spiritual leader due to lack of religious affiliations. The school left a very good impression and I wish people weren't so shy to apply to it based on their own religious beliefs (or lack thereof).
P.S. Another side note is that LLU had a requirement that all science classes be taken within the last 5 years of admission. Being a non-traditional applicant, my first quarter of chem was taken during my freshmen year, which was about 8 years ago. I asked if this would be a problem and they said that it's evaluated on a case by case basis by the dean. Again, it posed no problem so exceptions can certainly be made.
I would say that you might not want to count on this requirement being waived, but I just felt that you shouldn't completely discount this school if you can't get an honest LoR from a spiritual leader due to lack of religious affiliations. The school left a very good impression and I wish people weren't so shy to apply to it based on their own religious beliefs (or lack thereof).
P.S. Another side note is that LLU had a requirement that all science classes be taken within the last 5 years of admission. Being a non-traditional applicant, my first quarter of chem was taken during my freshmen year, which was about 8 years ago. I asked if this would be a problem and they said that it's evaluated on a case by case basis by the dean. Again, it posed no problem so exceptions can certainly be made.
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That is very good advice! they say you if you cannot get a LOR from a spiritual leader then you can get one from someone that knows you very well and can write about your beliefs and attitudes. It seems like they are trying to find someone that is well suited with the environment, one which focuses on christian morals.
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Just curious, what if you are not Christian but you are of another faith and have another religious leader write one for you?
They dont specify what religion you "have" to be. They are looking more for people with specific morals revolving around faith. If you have a religious leader that knows you very well and can write about your faith and how it can help you in the professional world it would be really good towards your app.
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