Chances of getting into Harvard Dental School

[tlsgPdud]

I am an undergraduate student, majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Music.
I am currently a member of Honors Program.
My GPA is 3.887 (Science is around 3.84)
For DAT, I got above 23 in all sections
I started research this summer, so I will have one year experience of research by the time I apply to the dental school. I have been volunteering in the church as a teacher/pianist. I also worked in the dental office for about a year. (I have other job experiences such as receptionist/assistant in law offices and optical store..)

If there is anything special about me, I am an international student and I came to the US about 6 years ago as a 10th grader. I graduated my high school as a salutatorian. I also have been struggling with financial difficulties since my father passed away.


I have seen a lot of pre-dental students who have leadership experiences such as a member of school council or president of the dental club. Also, some people have 2-3 years of research experience in the company or organization.

I really want to get into Harvard dental school, but a little bit worried since my application does not stand out among other applications.

Is there any chance of getting into Harvard Dental School??

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[swindoll]

Without your DAT scores it is impossible to chance you..

 

[tlsgPdud]

Without your DAT scores it is impossible to chance you..

My scores are above 23 in all sections.

 

[swindoll]

My scores are above 23 in all sections.

In that case, I'd say apply! If you really want to go there, apply! I think you're a great applicant!

 

[BabyShades]

You have a chance.

 

[sjv]

Based on GPA/DAT alone, yes, you have a chance...

Based on intangibles and ECs, no one can predict.

 

[tlsgPdud]

In that case, I'd say apply! If you really want to go there, apply! I think you're a great applicant!

OMG. Thank you so much for cheering me up! 😉

I mean I am not a "special" applicant whom Harvard is looking for, and basically my research experience is too short... I think I might be able to publish a journal by the time I graduate, but I know that MOST of the students who want to apply to Harvard has that experience.. so i was a little but worried..

anyways.. thanks!

 

[tlsgPdud]

Based on GPA/DAT alone, yes, you have a chance...

Based on intangibles and ECs, no one can predict.

Right..
Do you think that most applicants have the experience of holding leadership positions in school government or big organization?
I mean do you think without that experience is it POSSIBLE for me to get in?

 

[sgv]

I know four people who interviewed at Harvard. Only two got in. Student A was a 3.9 engineering major, research exp, and >25 AA. Typical Harvard stuff. Didn't get in. Student B was non trad and had a Master's. Typical high numbers. Didn't get in. Last two people (Students C and D) were non trads and took a couple years off after college to explore other passions either teaching or working at well recognized institutions. Only C and D had noticeably charming personalities. Only students C and D got in. They were also above average in appearance. I think when you have thousands of applicants, all with excellent applications, for only 30 spots it really comes down to first impressions which includes physical appearance and demeanor.

 

[tlsgPdud]

I know four people who interviewed at Harvard. Only two got in. Student A was a 3.9 engineering major, research exp, and >25 AA. Typical Harvard stuff. Didn't get in. Student B was non trad and had a Master's. Typical high numbers. Didn't get in. Last two people (Students C and D) were non trads and took a couple years off after college to explore other passions either teaching or working at well recognized institutions. Only C and D had noticeably charming personalities. Only students C and D got in. They were also above average in appearance. I think when you have thousands of applicants, all with excellent applications, for only 30 spots it really comes down to first impressions which includes physical appearance and demeanor.

LOL yea. that sort of makes sense.
Guess I have to start working out 😉

Thanks!

 

[tlsgPdud]

I know four people who interviewed at Harvard. Only two got in. Student A was a 3.9 engineering major, research exp, and >25 AA. Typical Harvard stuff. Didn't get in. Student B was non trad and had a Master's. Typical high numbers. Didn't get in. Last two people (Students C and D) were non trads and took a couple years off after college to explore other passions either teaching or working at well recognized institutions. Only C and D had noticeably charming personalities. Only students C and D got in. They were also above average in appearance. I think when you have thousands of applicants, all with excellent applications, for only 30 spots it really comes down to first impressions which includes physical appearance and demeanor.

BTW what undergrad school did u go?
I mean you know TWO people who got into at Harvard, and that makes me think that u go to Ivy or some fancy private school lol

 

[sgv]

BTW what undergrad school did u go?
I mean you know TWO people who got into at Harvard, and that makes me think that u go to Ivy or some fancy private school lol

They're either friends or at my dental school as students or residents. Not one of them went to Ivy league for college.

 

[FOX_ONE]

its all up in the air bro.

my sister applied with a 26 and a 3.6 gpa. she had been published with a leading dental public health researcher and had amazing recommendations from professors who teach at columbia's dental school and whatnot but got rejected because a lab tech (who was affiliated with harvard dental) that she worked with 6 months before she applied hated her for some reason.

she got in everywhere except for harvard.

 

[tlsgPdud]

its all up in the air bro.

my sister applied with a 26 and a 3.6 gpa. she had been published with a leading dental public health researcher and had amazing recommendations from professors who teach at columbia's dental school and whatnot but got rejected because a lab tech (who was affiliated with harvard dental) that she worked with 6 months before she applied hated her for some reason.

she got in everywhere except for harvard.

Omg 🙁 thats really...bad

Do u think that i have to intern at recognizable institutions or something?
I mean i do not have any of that and this makes me super nervous.

All of my work experiences and extra curriculat activities are from local dental offices, my church, and so on.

What do u think?

 

[Troyvdg]

Research isn't a requirement, and research alone won't get you accepted, so don't fret (I had no major research). Each one of my classmates is unique and brings something different to the table, so apply and see what happens

 

[tlsgPdud]

Research isn't a requirement, and research alone won't get you accepted, so don't fret (I had no major research). Each one of my classmates is unique and brings something different to the table, so apply and see what happens

Oh, do u go to Harvard dental school?

 

[HaverfoodsDDS]

You have as a good of a chance as anyone but dental admissions (especially at some of the really competitive schools) is a huge crap shoot. I had a great GPA (4.0+), a solid DAT with a 22TS/22AA but also a 17PAT), and very good extracurriculars and LORs and didn't get an interview at either Harvard OR Columbia - my guess is because of such a low PAT score. I did however get interviewed and accepted at Penn, UCLA, UCSF, and Michigan so you really never know what exactly a particular school is looking for. The important thing is that you've put yourself in an excellent position and will absolutely be accepted to multiple very good schools but nobody can tell you for certain if you'll get into Harvard - that's one tough egg to crack!

 

[Troyvdg]

Oh, do u go to Harvard dental school?

Yes

 

[tlsgPdud]

Yes

Thats great.
Thanks! 🙂

 

[FOX_ONE]

i dont have much experience with harvard admissions, but it seems like harvard tries to assemble a sort of 'dream team' in each of their [small] classes.

like one of the above posters said: each person brings something different to the table.

i can see you getting into a top dental school, harvard included.

It's all about "do you have what they want" and can you develop what they want within the time constraints.
if you can't develop what they want (app already in and cant do **** right now) then let it go.
if you can, then research to the best of your ability what Harvard is looking for in their student body: analyze the tone of the statements they release and get as much information as possible in order for you to get a picture of what is necessary.

then go about it in a no-holds barred fashion and develop the necessary skill-sets and achieve the required scores (which you already have done looking at your GPA and DAT)

if anyone reading this thinks this is 'crazy' or 'neurotic', it is. its also the reason why kobe bryant and arnold schwarzenegger are so successful (because they tackle problems in this fashion).

if you have a goal, set out on it. anyone who says anything otherwise is a so-called 'hater'

breathe easy bro