Does size really matter?

Started by dds86
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dds86

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I have heard from several students now that some schools might actually be biased against individuals that are heavier, or taller. Being a part of the former category, I was even told by a current student at a dental workshop to shed a few pounds because they thought it would put me at a disadvantage during this coming cycle? Anyone hear anything similar or is this just total BS.
 
dds86 said:
I have heard from several students now that some schools might actually be biased against individuals that are heavier, or taller. Being a part of the former category, I was even told by a current student at a dental workshop to shed a few pounds because they thought it would put me at a disadvantage during this coming cycle? Anyone hear anything similar or is this just total BS.
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Personally I think that this is a ridiculous claim.

However, not being judgmental towards anyone (and with no disrespect), I could maybe see where the adcoms may subconsciously see trimmer applicants as more self-propelled driven workers. There is something to be said about "first impressions."

Size could come into play subconsciously (and on another topic, attractiveness), even though this should make no difference whatsoever.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about size or anything aesthetic like that, as I don't think it will have a tremendous impact of getting accepted or rejected.
 
As with anyone who meets you, interviewers form immediate first impressions. But remember that the number of pounds on the scale is not as important as how you hold yourself. If you are dressed professionally, clean cut and confident in yourself, people will automatically judge you more favorably. While numbers, letters and personal statements will get you the interview, being someone that is good with people, confident (but not cocky) and smart is what will get you in. If they see you are articulate, intelligent, mature, compassionate (and if you can - when appropriate - make them laugh) once you are dressed appropriately nothing about looks will ever hold you back. Be someone who is proud of who you are and they will remember and enjoy spending the few minutes talking to you.
 
Dent44 said:
As with anyone who meets you, interviewers form immediate first impressions. But remember that the number of pounds on the scale is not as important as how you hold yourself. If you are dressed professionally, clean cut and confident in yourself, people will automatically judge you more favorably. While numbers, letters and personal statements will get you the interview, being someone that is good with people, confident (but not cocky) and smart is what will get you in. If they see you are articulate, intelligent, mature, compassionate (and if you can - when appropriate - make them laugh) once you are dressed appropriately nothing about looks will ever hold you back. Be someone who is proud of who you are and they will remember and enjoy spending the few minutes talking to you.
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👍
 
dds86 said:
I have heard from several students now that some schools might actually be biased against individuals that are heavier, or taller. Being a part of the former category, I was even told by a current student at a dental workshop to shed a few pounds because they thought it would put me at a disadvantage during this coming cycle? Anyone hear anything similar or is this just total BS.
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As someone above said, it's not just about your height or your weight, but your overall appearance. But there is a point when someone's handshake, smile, haircut and tie can't compensate for their obesity. I used to be in that boat, at almost 350 lbs. (YIKES!). Since then I'm down almost 100 pounds, and it's not as big of an issue anymore. I'm still a big guy, but I got in to dental school nonetheless. I also saw two very large students at one of my interviews.

What I am more concerned about is attaining a healthy weight before I actually start practicing. I have a feeling that a dentists' physical appearance is directly linked to his success.

Anyone going to Midwestern looking for a running buddy, by the way!?
 
dds86 said:
I have heard from several students now that some schools might actually be biased against individuals that are heavier, or taller. Being a part of the former category, I was even told by a current student at a dental workshop to shed a few pounds because they thought it would put me at a disadvantage during this coming cycle? Anyone hear anything similar or is this just total BS.
Click to expand...

This isn't something that would be unique to admission's process but in life itself. Of course some people will form biases against people of different weights, ethnicities, color, etc.....Its a case by case basis.
 
I saw a few fat kids along the interview trail. However, I did notice that the majority of dental students tend to be in very good shape.
 
In my three interviews, I never saw an applicant who was obese. There were some who were bulkier, but far from fat. I did notice that guys seemed to be taller on average (lots of 6'), but that could have just been everyone looking snazzy in their black suit.

A lot of male applicants sported awesome but neat facial hair (in the beard area) though. Maybe that helps too.

There's no way for them to know your physical attributes before an interview though.
 
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dds86 said:
I have heard from several students now that some schools might actually be biased against individuals that are heavier, or taller. Being a part of the former category, I was even told by a current student at a dental workshop to shed a few pounds because they thought it would put me at a disadvantage during this coming cycle? Anyone hear anything similar or is this just total BS.
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My DS class had 2% of the students that would be considered obese on the standard medical scale. The interesting point I want to point out here is this...

These students did not have a problem getting into school but they had a problem getting out. We had one very heavy young women that was a great student and clinician but she couldn't pass the boards! I have always wondered if it was her appearance that caused her problems with the board examiners.
 
It's not all about the size of the boat...it's the motion in the ocean. 😀
 
Saddleshoes said:
My DS class had 2% of the students that would be considered obese on the standard medical scale. The interesting point I want to point out here is this...

These students did not have a problem getting into school but they had a problem getting out. We had one very heavy young women that was a great student and clinician but she couldn't pass the boards! I have always wondered if it was her appearance that caused her problems with the board examiners.
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Maybe she had mild hypothyroidism which caused her to have less mental capacity as well as obesity?

Undergrad is far easier than dental school and maybe her mental abilities were capped at undergrad level 🙄
 
I am 6 ft 5 in, and had no problems in my interviews, but I have been told by a dentist who is my height that the extra inches makes him more susceptible to back problems. I could also see weight becoming an issue later in a dentist's career for the same reasons.
 
sfoksn said:
Maybe she had mild hypothyroidism which caused her to have less mental capacity as well as obesity?
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Hey thats no excuse! I had hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer (no longer have the bugger) and I'm not fat or dumb...

...I just i can't tell you how i did on my boards yet tho haha i guess we will see if i suffered from reduced mental capabilities 😛
 
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Dood, im a chubby bastard, and i had no problems. but yeah there aren't really any chubby folks in my class besides me probably only a few of us kicking around the school.
 
while it SHOULDNT matter.....most of my classmates are in shape. but u should be doing physical activity anyways...its good for your health
 
i know that in the accounting field, the recruiters look at the total package (ie grades, personality, AND appearance)

of course, officially they never admit this. but friends who worked with recruiters say this is true

whether you agree with it or not, people's first impression is based on looks and in the business world that's very important.

maybe it's not as bad in dental school but i would imagine some interviewers are influenced by appearance.

point being, you don't want to stick out too much during interviews. look clean and professional.
 
well im 6'4 and was a little over 250 when i interviewed (i slimmed down about 20 pounds since then but by no means am i small). i interviewed at 5 schools and got into 3 (one ivy). sure they might judge you a little but as long as you are confidant and love life that will shine through. i think being personable is more important, these people like students who are fun loving and witty (or at least present themselves that way). if you want to be a dentist dont give up because you are afraid people will think you are too chubby.

I honestly don't think its bias against fattys that causes professional schools to have very few, i think its the fact that fat people tend to have lower self esteem and this tends to lead to lower grades, bad test scores, and social anxiety. So as long as you are okay with yourself you will be fine.

if you think you are too fat and are not happy with yourself than it could be time for a change!

Best of luck!

Cheers.:banana:

p.s. not only am i chubby but also i cant spell worth a you know what, none of it has stopped me yet!
 
ItalianPrincess said:
Hey thats no excuse! I had hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer (no longer have the bugger) and I'm not fat or dumb...

...I just i can't tell you how i did on my boards yet tho haha i guess we will see if i suffered from reduced mental capabilities 😛
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Hehe I was half joking. I just remembered that hypothyroidism give that kind of symptoms 🙂

I thought you were pre-dental? You are in dental school?
 
sfoksn said:
I thought you were pre-dental? You are in dental school?
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i am pre-dental..i meant in dental school/on the boards that is according if i get in, sorry if that was misleading ...but since i'm applying this cycle im trying to stay positive about it 🙂


and i think as long as you look professional and clean you should be fine no matter your height/weight
 
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