Class of 2014 Thread

[water88]

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Guys...it's getting close. I'm excited and anxious at the same time. DAT is done, LOR's are done, now I just need to wait for May 15 to roll around so I can press SUBMIT.

How you guys holding up? What are you doing to prepare for the grueling road ahead that is the admissions process? I thought we could make this a discussion thread to spread information, tips, and motivation to our fellow applicants.

 

[bustedgrill]

Hey. I'm taking the DAT in may and will apply in June or early july. Letters of rec are almost in the bag! Just trying to survive Biochem! Good luck to you!

 

[water88]

Thanks! I'm trying to survive Microbio right now. Hopefully we get early acceptances and can slack off senior year!

 

[theilleztpaki]

are u guys all sophmores like me????

 

[water88]

Nah, Junior. Applying this coming May for the Class of 2014.

 

[vlct0ria]

As for me...DATs in June-ish (no later than July- still plan on submitting as early as possible), haven't started with LORs, keeping up with like 5 million ECs, and also trying to survive the semester. Good luck to us all!

 

[ashlander]

GP assisting + volunteering
LOR done
Personal Statement done
DAT in July 1
Trying to survive 3 bio + 1 chem this semester..including immunology!😱

After this semester, I will have taken biochem, anatomy, microbio, immunology on top of all those common required courses...is that sufficient for upper div science?? missing anything important??

 

[Enso]

GP assisting + volunteering
LOR done
Personal Statement done
DAT in July 1
Trying to survive 3 bio + 1 chem this semester..including immunology!😱

After this semester, I will have taken biochem, anatomy, microbio, immunology on top of all those common required courses...is that sufficient for upper div science?? missing anything important??

Sometimes physiology is a requirement.

 

[prydA]

wow OP you're already done with everything.. that's way way way ahead of the game. if i was to give any words of advice, it would be to apply as early as possible so you're solid

gluck to everyone and hopefully i'll see some of you in school as a D2!

 

[Enso]

wow OP you're already done with everything.. that's way way way ahead of the game. if i was to give any words of advice, it would be to apply as early as possible so you're solid

gluck to everyone and hopefully i'll see some of you in school as a D2!

So to be clear May 15, '09 is the earliest one can apply for the class of '14?

When is the latest... a date when it's still reasonable and not "too late"?

 

[Albuterol]

Same as you Water88, DAT done, LORs done, filled out the 09 AADSAS and printed, just need to work on my personal statement and continue working as a dental assistant to rack up some more dental experience hours.

 

[ak47]

So to be clear May 15, '09 is the earliest one can apply for the class of '14?

When is the latest... a date when it's still reasonable and not "too late"?

probably mid-august. super early interview invites start going out early august so if you have good stats, you'd be in the second or so round of interviewees. but of course people have applied in november and gotten accepted.
just do it ASAP!

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

Hey guys and gals.

I am also applying for c/o 2014. DAT done, PS almost done, will be asking for LORs within a month so that people can finish writing them by mid-May. Still working on which schools to apply to (16 on the list, will decrease to ~12). Applying in May.
Good luck to us!

 

[burnzee06]

Hmm... I feel a little behind. I don't have my personal statement written yet and I don't have my LORs although I know who I am going to ask (just need to get the courage to do so). I will be taking the admissions test on March 13 (yes, Friday the 13th). I also desperately need to find a general dentist to shadow and use for a recommendation. I have all the shadowing hours I need but not much with a general dentist.

Is anyone else applying through their pre-health committee?

 

[sl2obel2ts]

Hey. I'm taking the DAT in may and will apply in June or early july. Letters of rec are almost in the bag! Just trying to survive Biochem! Good luck to you!

apply in may or very early june. why delay?

 

[DrReo]

apply in may or very early june. why delay?

Exactly. Work on your personal statement now. Do a revision here and there. Open the application May 15th or so, and do a little here and there. You'll have it done by the end of May. It's pretty efficient that way. . . or at least I found so.

 

[Danny289]

having upper level biology courses make significient differnce for offering interview from school, in addition To DAT and.... good luck

 

[Chesnok]

LORS and Personal statement are the most time-consuming since profs have other things to do , esp. when you say the deadline is in May 😉
You can't be ahead with sending out transcripts since AADSAS won't accept anything before the start date but it won't take long if you order them in mid-May.
Good luck and don't slack off the senior semesters since someschools don't like C's and can revoke admission which you don't want them to do after your hard work in getting into a d-school of your choice.

 

[Chesnok]

If you promise to complete BS/BA, you must do that (except for extreme excuses/causes) so don't just drop the school 😉

 

[Dynamo]

Guys...it's getting close. I'm excited and anxious at the same time. DAT is done, LOR's are done, now I just need to wait for May 15 to roll around so I can press SUBMIT.

I thought the 2010 cycle started June 1st?

 

[water88]

I thought the 2010 cycle started June 1st?

You are correct, I didn't know they changed it until today.

A question, though: I have started filling out stuff on the AADSAS application. When they officially close the cycle on February 1st, will my application be lost and I'll have to start all over again? Cause I already sent out my recommendation notices to my professors.

 

[Albuterol]

Please note that the 2010 AADSAS application cycle will begin June 1, 2009. Individuals who previously applied to dental school through the 2009 AADSAS application cycle and wish to re-apply for the 2010 AADSAS application cycle must complete an entirely new application. Application data from previous AADSAS Applications are not carried over to the current application cycle. You must submit a new web-based application including all new required documents.


Those recommendation notices sent via AADSAS to your professors were for the 2009 cycle. They will need new forms for the 2010 cycle.

 

[mamelons]

Hmm... I feel a little behind. I don't have my personal statement written yet and I don't have my LORs although I know who I am going to ask (just need to get the courage to do so). I will be taking the admissions test on March 13 (yes, Friday the 13th). I also desperately need to find a general dentist to shadow and use for a recommendation. I have all the shadowing hours I need but not much with a general dentist.

Is anyone else applying through their pre-health committee?

Don't compare yourself to anyone... you are not behind at all. I thought I was going to be ahead of the game, getting on top of things with LOR, personal statement, etc... but the Health Professions Committee at my school held up my entire process. I did not take my DAT until middle of June, did not write my personal statement until after that, and did not click submit for TMDSAS or AADSAS until the second week of July. My applications were not complete at any of the schools until the first week of August due to my LOR not being sent my Health Professions Committee until 3 months after I interviewed with them for the letter. My point is, don't let anyone on here make you think you are behind. Obviously applying early is key, but if you have everything done or on track to be done by the submit date or shortly after, you will be fine. Given the situation I was in almost 3 years ago when I applied, I still managed to get 5 interview invites, went to 4 of them, and was accepted to all 4 schools.

Good luck to everyone in the upcoming cycle!

 

[vlct0ria]

Don't compare yourself to anyone... you are not behind at all. I thought I was going to be ahead of the game, getting on top of things with LOR, personal statement, etc... but the Health Professions Committee at my school held up my entire process. I did not take my DAT until middle of June, did not write my personal statement until after that, and did not click submit for TMDSAS or AADSAS until the second week of July. My applications were not complete at any of the schools until the first week of August due to my LOR not being sent my Health Professions Committee until 3 months after I interviewed with them for the letter. My point is, don't let anyone on here make you think you are behind. Obviously applying early is key, but if you have everything done or on track to be done by the submit date or shortly after, you will be fine. Given the situation I was in almost 3 years ago when I applied, I still managed to get 5 interview invites, went to 4 of them, and was accepted to all 4 schools.

Good luck to everyone in the upcoming cycle!

Seriously, especially don't compare yourself to people on SDN...I don't think its an accurate representation of most dschool applicants- just the crazy paranoid ones 😉 Plus, it's only January! I am planning on working on my PS over Spring Break, asking for LORs Feb-Mar, studying lightly for the DAT throughout the semester, submitting AADSAS asap, and buckling down and getting ready to take the DAT June-ish. These people are way wayyy ahead of the game, I've learned not to spend my time comparing myself to many of them because I know I have plenty to offer and plenty of time even if I'm not months ahead in the app process.

 

[Chesnok]

Just do great on the DAT = 20+ (best to be in all sections).
Basically, do your best on the real thing.🙂

 

[NJDental]

ive pretty much got the app done (just have to create new one when it opens), my LORs are done, personal statement done, taking DAT late June/early July im undecided, just trying to raise my GPA and keep on top of all the ECs and working two jobs!!

im kind of upset it opens June 1st this year......ive had May 15th in my head for so long! lol

 

[Chesnok]

ive pretty much got the app done (just have to create new one when it opens), my LORs are done, personal statement done, taking DAT late June/early July im undecided, just trying to raise my GPA and keep on top of all the ECs and working two jobs!!

im kind of upset it opens June 1st this year......ive had May 15th in my head for so long! lol

Try to quit at least 1 job (2 better) and raise your GPA, and then ace the DAT.
Good luck.

 

[water88]

Please note that the 2010 AADSAS application cycle will begin June 1, 2009. Individuals who previously applied to dental school through the 2009 AADSAS application cycle and wish to re-apply for the 2010 AADSAS application cycle must complete an entirely new application. Application data from previous AADSAS Applications are not carried over to the current application cycle. You must submit a new web-based application including all new required documents.


Those recommendation notices sent via AADSAS to your professors were for the 2009 cycle. They will need new forms for the 2010 cycle.

Damn, that sucks. Thanks for the info.

 

[drashleypaige]

I'm getting excited too! I'm arranging to get all my LOR done in Feb, I've already started studying for the the DAT and I'll take it in early May (hopefully before I graduate from grad school so I can relax a little!), and then I can submit my application as soon as the cycle opens. I'm reapplying for the second time and I must say that I feel soooo much better this time around. The last time around I wasn't able to submit my app until the end of September or take the DAT until October. At least this time around I'm more organized and I'll be ready much earlier to submit. Good luck to everyone!

 

[water88]

I'm getting excited too! I'm arranging to get all my LOR done in Feb, I've already started studying for the the DAT and I'll take it in early May (hopefully before I graduate from grad school so I can relax a little!), and then I can submit my application as soon as the cycle opens. I'm reapplying for the second time and I must say that I feel soooo much better this time around. The last time around I wasn't able to submit my app until the end of September or take the DAT until October. At least this time around I'm more organized and I'll be ready much earlier to submit. Good luck to everyone!

Hey, looks like you've made some great changes to your app. If you can get that DAT up and apply early, you're in. Good luck!

I have another question: Some schools give you a choice of a committee pre-health letter or recommendation letters from your professors. Are there any advantages to doing one over the other?

 

[buffalove]

hey so im new to this whole sdn thing and this is the first 2014 thread i've seen, but is anyone early assurance to buffalo? there were a few ppl i met at the interview over the summer and was wondering if they got in! i know its a long shot, but i was just wondering 🙂

 

[Albuterol]

Hey, looks like you've made some great changes to your app. If you can get that DAT up and apply early, you're in. Good luck!

I have another question: Some schools give you a choice of a committee pre-health letter or recommendation letters from your professors. Are there any advantages to doing one over the other?

From what I have read there is no advantage from one over the other. However, some schools do not send out committee letters till middle of August which could put you at disadvantage.

 

[preOMFS]

I'm getting ready pretty early too. I'm a second time applicant (from 2007 app cycle) and I also feel much better this time around. Of course I'm paranoid: I didn't get in last time. Here is my mindset: if I do everything in my power to ensure that I did my very best, then I cannot be disappointed with the outcome. Here's what I've done to stay ahead of the game:

Moved to a new state (from CA to AZ) to escape the undergrad microcosm
Started working as a dental assistant, didn't like the office, and found a sweet job as an oral surgery assistant in a failing economy
Retook DAT: Bio 26, Gchem 20, Ochem 30, RC 28, QR 17, PA 21, AA 24, TS 24
Started a non-profit dental organization, Dentistry for Humanity
Finished my personal statement
Alerted my letter writers to submit on June 1st
Taking Micro and small business classes to increase GPA

Hopefully with all this I have a decent shot. The only thing I'm worried about is my GPA (3.2 after I ace these two classes) and my letters. Maybe someone can help. Does AADSAS only accept four letters? I'm planning on getting one from the OMFS I work for, two science professors from undergrad, and one from the micro prof that I have now. I would really like to include a letter from the general dentist I previously woked for: I left on good terms and they really liked me, but I need to include 3 science letters for OHSU and I am definately sending the OMFS letter. Does anyone know how strict OHSU is on the three science prof letters? Is it going to hurt me to not have a letter from a general dentisit?

Sorry for the lengthy message. I am so excited for everyone. Good Luck.

 

[burnzee06]

I have another question: Some schools give you a choice of a committee pre-health letter or recommendation letters from your professors. Are there any advantages to doing one over the other?

According to my pre-health advisor, if your undergrad has a health committee it is expected that you apply that way. She thinks dental schools look down on those who do not apply through the committee. I don't know how accurate that is, but I do know of a few people who were accepted without using the committee. Most had low GPAs and didn't want to risk getting a bad review (mine does not look at DAT scores and there is no interview). Also, supposedly dental schools are fairly understanding about the committee review process and how annoyingly long it can take.

 

[water88]

According to my pre-health advisor, if your undergrad has a health committee it is expected that you apply that way. She thinks dental schools look down on those who do not apply through the committee. I don't know how accurate that is, but I do know of a few people who were accepted without using the committee. Most had low GPAs and didn't want to risk getting a bad review (mine does not look at DAT scores and there is no interview). Also, supposedly dental schools are fairly understanding about the committee review process and how annoyingly long it can take.

Yeah, I just found out that BU REQUIRES a committee letter if your school has one.

I already have 3 recs from science professors. Could I send a committee letter in addition to these 3 recs? Or should I just toss out the recs and go only with the committee letter?

 

[Mamona]

Thanks! I'm trying to survive Microbio right now. Hopefully we get early acceptances and can slack off senior year!

You cannot really slack off, some school send acceptance and expect you to continue doing good at school. I know UOP ask for B in all classes, etc. I had a stressful semester last fall; it was my last semester and I was taking hard classes plus I was preparing for my interviews. I had a big stressful situation at the end with my molec class I thought I was going to end up with a C or even a D in the class (I got a B). I was very depress because I didn't know if they can take my acceptance away if something like that could happen. I saw some people in the same boat as me, so as my personal experience do not slack not even if you have been accepted!!!

Good Luck to all of you!!!!!

 

[burnzee06]

Yeah, I just found out that BU REQUIRES a committee letter if your school has one.

I already have 3 recs from science professors. Could I send a committee letter in addition to these 3 recs? Or should I just toss out the recs and go only with the committee letter?

I'm not certain if all committees require them, but my committee requires five letters of recommendation that they use to evaluate you. Then they send them to all of the schools you apply to.

 

[Albuterol]

What if your committee wont support your application? MY school has a gpa cutoff which i fall under but they will still send my 3 letters out on time, just wont write me a committee letter. Does this mean I can't apply to BU?

 

[bustedgrill]

apply in may or very early june. why delay?

Well I can't take the DAT until june, and my cgpa is not to strong (3.3). I thought I can get it up to 3.4 or 3.5 but that cant happen until the end of this year. Hope to get into UF, NYU, or Temple.Do you think I should still apply in may? I have a CRAZY upward trend the last semester was 4.03, and for the last 2 years 3.7 and higher. My science, after this semester should be a 3.6.

 

[gatorPredent]

Hey Guys
I plan on taking DAT mid summer (late june or early july) im kind of glad to hear adsas wont open until june 1. But should i try to apply this first week and even though im taking DAT a little later? I hear thats a fine thing to do. What do you guys think?

 

[theilleztpaki]

one quick question.. isnt 4.0 the highest GPA u can get?? so how come some people have gpas higher than 4.0???

Well I can't take the DAT until june, and my cgpa is not to strong (3.3). I thought I can get it up to 3.4 or 3.5 but that cant happen until the end of this year. Hope to get into UF, NYU, or Temple.Do you think I should still apply in may? I have a CRAZY upward trend the last semester was 4.03, and for the last 2 years 3.7 and higher. My science, after this semester should be a 3.6.

 

[water88]

What if your committee wont support your application? MY school has a gpa cutoff which i fall under but they will still send my 3 letters out on time, just wont write me a committee letter. Does this mean I can't apply to BU?

I guess you should call the school but they seem pretty explicit about it on their website. I really don't wanna get a committee letter cause I already have 3 great recommendations, so I might just scrap BU. I believe UMD also requires a committee letter, which sucks.

Maybe you could show the committee your DAT scores, which would show you know your stuff.

 

[water88]

Well I can't take the DAT until june, and my cgpa is not to strong (3.3). I thought I can get it up to 3.4 or 3.5 but that cant happen until the end of this year. Hope to get into UF, NYU, or Temple.Do you think I should still apply in may? I have a CRAZY upward trend the last semester was 4.03, and for the last 2 years 3.7 and higher. My science, after this semester should be a 3.6.

When does your spring semester end?

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

one quick question.. isnt 4.0 the highest GPA u can get?? so how come some people have gpas higher than 4.0???

I actually had the same question...
But as I have found out, some schools give out A+, which is 4.3 or something.

Although AADSAS tries to balance that by increasing GPA difference between letter grades for those applicants whose schools had A+ marks, I still think it is unfair. Hypothetically, the applicant who had all A+ would have 4.3 GPA while one who went to school where 4.0 is the maximum would have all As and have 4.0 GPA. The latter applicant might have done better than A in classes (A+) but his/her school didn't give out A+.

 

[burnzee06]

I guess you should call the school but they seem pretty explicit about it on their website. I really don't wanna get a committee letter cause I already have 3 great recommendations, so I might just scrap BU. I believe UMD also requires a committee letter, which sucks.

Maybe you could show the committee your DAT scores, which would show you know your stuff.

From what I understand, you send your letters of rec to the committee and they use them to evaluate you so they can write their letter but they ALSO send out the other letters you gave them. I think that's how it works here, at least.

 

[Ninja9]

I actually had the same question...
But as I have found out, some schools give out A+, which is 4.3 or something.

Although AADSAS tries to balance that by increasing GPA difference between letter grades for those applicants whose schools had A+ marks, I still think it is unfair. Hypothetically, the applicant who had all A+ would have 4.3 GPA while one who went to school where 4.0 is the maximum would have all As and have 4.0 GPA. The latter applicant might have done better than A in classes (A+) but his/her school didn't give out A+.

Exactly. At my school, Univ. of South Florida, they count an A and an A+ as the same amount of GPA points (4.0). This is unfortunate, considering that I put in a lot of extra effort in many of my classes (Chem 1 and 2, Bio 1 and 2, etc) and received A+'s, and all for nothing. Hopefully the admissions committee will look at the actual letter grades, and not just my GPA. 🙁

 

[eilrahcmi]

Exactly. At my school, Univ. of South Florida, they count an A and an A+ as the same amount of GPA points (4.0). This is unfortunate, considering that I put in a lot of extra effort in many of my classes (Chem 1 and 2, Bio 1 and 2, etc) and received A+'s, and all for nothing. Hopefully the admissions committee will look at the actual letter grades, and not just my GPA. 🙁

yea i go to north florida and its the same deal 👎

 

[RoseDoctor]

Hi Guys,
Can you please answer to my questions. I am finishing my BS degree in May, and would like to apply for dental school and take the DAT in this summer. I was planning to take it at the end of august, but by reading this threads I've got so worried that is going to be too late. I am planning to take the Kaplan DAT class, but they start either in June 15 or July 15, so what do you think I have to do? Should I completely ignore taking DAT in August and plan to take it in Jine just like all of you?
thank you so much,
you guys are great!

 

[bustedgrill]

Sorry guys, to clear up my 4.03 at USF I ment that when my +/- grade is counted my gpa is 4.03, for that semester. I was pretty sure that when you apply to AADSAS that they count a +/- and without?

My spring semester ends in late April, the 27th to be exact. I know I can get A's in everything but Biochem. First exam is coming up on friday and, its very hard lol. I'm not sure how competive I will be without my DAT scores. I've been in school since 2004, and haven't really taken it serious till 2 years ago when I started killing all my classes. So this is why I think it would be better to submit with DAT scores. Let me know guys.

 

[sonrie]

I'm in the same situation as those of you who don't meet your health committee gpa. Do you think i should apply anyways? i plan to apply to Baylor college of dentistry this spring. Is your Health committee that important, that schools want a letter of recommendation from them?