Do all of your volunteer events really make a difference for matching?

[Faux]

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I volunteer a bit and someone told me to keep track of all my days for the future. Does it really make a difference on your application?

 

[free99]

I think it depends more on the type of volunteering and what post graduate program you want to do. Volunteering once at the special Olympics won't make any difference in an omfs application, whereas playing a fundamental role in putting on give kids a smile day might be a positive for a pediatric residency.

 

[vellnueve]

It's not going to hurt. Depending on what and how often you volunteer those things can make a difference. Also factor in that often people who run volunteer dental events are well connected and can be good to have in your corner.

 

[BellaNella]

I kept track of everything I did while in dental school (volunteering, tutoring, leadership roles) in a document. When I applied to residency through PASS I went through the document and chose what I thought would be relevant to my application.
It doesn't hurt to keep everything organized and it could save you a lot of time in the future if you do choose to include it in your application.

 

[fellowstudent92]

What do you guys think the importance is for all these volunteering events given that every year ADAT will increase in value? Lets say for a student that will be applying to residencies next summer in 2018, I would think that the ADAT would be more important by then, dwindling the importance of all these other volunteer events. Of course it would be best to have both, a great ADAT score and an awesome volunteer experience but lets be honest, ADAT will be disproportionately more important, especially for those pass/fail schools.

 

[vellnueve]

What do you guys think the importance is for all these volunteering events given that every year ADAT will increase in value? Lets say for a student that will be applying to residencies next summer in 2018, I would think that the ADAT would be more important by then, dwindling the importance of all these other volunteer events. Of course it would be best to have both, a great ADAT score and an awesome volunteer experience but lets be honest, ADAT will be disproportionately more important, especially for those pass/fail schools.

Grades and scores have always been the biggest factor for many if not most programs. The fact that for a few years most applicants didn't have a standardized test score to compete against others with doesn't change that.

The other factors in an application are still factors. The simple fact is that some people with high scores and high ranks still end up not matching for various reasons. It never hurts to strengthen your resume in any way you can.

 

[fellowstudent92]

Grades and scores have always been the biggest factor for many if not most programs. The fact that for a few years most applicants didn't have a standardized test score to compete against others with doesn't change that.

The other factors in an application are still factors. The simple fact is that some people with high scores and high ranks still end up not matching for various reasons. It never hurts to strengthen your resume in any way you can.

I guess I was referring more to the schools that were pass/fail. Sorry should have clarified.

So you're saying for these pass/fail schools, ADAT > volunteer events, yet volunteer counts will still play a role right?

 

[vellnueve]

Anything substantive you add to your application can help you.

 

[Dr.Decay]

I spent a fair amount of time during my interviews with the residency program director talking about my volunteer/service activities. I think the interview is probably where the service/volunteer exp can really help. Class rank, GPA and ADAT scores are probably what will get you to the interview.

 

[Tooth]

I volunteer a bit and someone told me to keep track of all my days for the future. Does it really make a difference on your application?

I don't think it's about how many days that matter. I think it's about creating a personality type that is desirable to be around during the residency. Someone who volunteers their time for causes that help others, and do it a lot, tend to bread a personality that is pleasant to be around. It's not about showing what you did. The bottom line is that, if they're going to spend the next few years with you, personality matters a lot. No one wants to spend years with someone who is a jerk, arrogant, or self-centered. Volunteering tends to produce the opposite personality type humble, helpful, looking out for others.

 

[setdoc7]

1. The deans letter form P/F schools has been helpful during the application process, as it says a great deal about the student, from what may be considered an impartial individual who was not hand selected by the applicant.
2. The ADAT will eventually become more important as a tool to compare the entire applicant pool equally.
3. EC's are important, but long term EC's vs. one day events speak to commitment and ability to work with others in an environment which is not required .
Applications with no EC's or very few sometimes draw a red flag. Working at a free community dental center once a week for a year speaks volumes vs. a one day event. Commitment always wins out. I can assure you the PD's read the apps.

 

[ryan_mercer]

I love volunteering but there are certain checks I make sure before I decide whether to attend one or not. I ask myself these questions prior to attending an event-

1. Will it add to my resume?
2. Does it have any correlation with the field?
3. Is the event deemed important by the university?
4. Is it a mass event attended by prominent doctors and people in the medical industry?
5. Will there be event security?
6. Will there be food?

#5 and #6 are more important for the short-term.

 

[free99]

I love volunteering but there are certain checks I make sure before I decide whether to attend one or not. I ask myself these questions prior to attending an event-

1. Will it add to my resume?
2. Does it have any correlation with the field?
3. Is the event deemed important by the university?
4. Is it a mass event attended by prominent doctors and people in the medical industry?
5. Will there be event security?
6. Will there be food?

#5 and #6 are more important for the short-term.

No altruistic motives?
#7- Does it help in some way those less fortunate?