Everyone who is trying for any international program

[kpd155]

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hi everyone,

Finally after a year of struggle, I am finally in an international program and I couldn't have done it without the views of everyone in this forum.I would like to thank each and everyone one of you.

I know that its really hard and frustrating applying to schools, waiting for results etc etc.I had a tuff time but finally made it through and I am sure that you will too.

These are the schools that I interviewed in and my views about them:

1. U-Penn: Lots of competition(call everyone for interviews)and the school is really hyped up, but I suggest everyone should apply to it because no one knows that they are looking for.I was told that it was diversity. Take 30 students

2. UCLA: Getting a call from UCLA is hard but once you get one its relatively easy to get in.They choose 9 students and put all the rest on the waiting list and you have to be patient but your turn does come.School isnt that great and they have very little patients. Take 12 students out of 32

3. Boston: High scores (above 90,this year it was above 92) and good GPA.They prefer students who have done something or the other in the US.60 students out of 250

4. UOP: Awesome school that gives you a very good feeling.Really concerned about their students.Very fair in their selection.The personal interview is the most important.Looking for students who want to start private practices after DDS.Not good if you want to do your masters. 16 students out of 55

5. USC: Don't have any lectures during their coursework and have PBL(problem bases learning).Get a lot of patients.School is considered average. Take 30 out of 107 students.

6.NYU: Huge school and lots of patients but it really depends upon your own efforts.3 year program and really expensive, plus the 2nd year is supposed to be the hardest and you have to do a lot of pri-clinials and loads of exam.Take about 80 students.

7.U-Mich: Awesome school and great reputation.The 1st time they have started the program.The interview is really intense and hectic.They arent looking for just scores but consider a lot of other things.8 students out of 24.


If you any questions regarding any of these schools please do let me know and I will try my best to answer them.

Best of luck to everyone.

 

[Sanju]

Great job kpd155. keep it up.really helpful.

sanju

 

[Athene]

Thanks kpd155.Great Job...

 

[hanan]

Thank you for summarizing your experience...It's really helpfull
I'm just curious for the program you've elected to get in. And please could you just post your stats

 

[SST]

Hey the info you have posted is really helpful.

I just want to know if you also gave NBD part II before applying for the advanced standing program. And could you also mention if part II scores really matter while applying to any specific school?

 

[kpd155]

Hey the info you have posted is really helpful.

I just want to know if you also gave NBD part II before applying for the advanced standing program. And could you also mention if part II scores really matter while applying to any specific school?

Hi,

Nope I didnt give part 2, it really doesn't make a difference in all the schools that ask for only part 1.The schools where part 2 makes a difference

1.Case western
2.Tufts
3.U pitt
4.Temple
5.Loma Linda

Hope this helps.

 

[aniravi]

Hi,

Nope I didnt give part 2, it really doesn't make a difference in all the schools that ask for only part 1.The schools where part 2 makes a difference

1.Case western
2.Tufts
3.U pitt
4.Temple
5.Loma Linda

Hope this helps.

its really nice of you to post all these details>
thanks alot for this ...wishing you success in all ur endeavors!

 

[kpd155]

its really nice of you to post all these details>
thanks alot for this ...wishing you success in all ur endeavors!

Hi,

Not a problem at all.Someone had asked me if one should repeat if they have an 85.
I wouldn't say that you cant get in a school with a NBDE score in the 80's.I know a lot of people who have, but it is difficult.You must be really good in your clinical work and have a solid resume in order to do that.(other than penn)

If you have the time and are willing to put in more effort then I think you should give the exam again.

One thing to remember is that the admission process is become harder every year.This year twice the number of students applied to UOP as compared to last year.

Previously everyone got into NYU, but now its difficult getting admission there too.

So I would say that work harder and give the exam again.

best of luck

 

[SST]

Hi,

Nope I didnt give part 2, it really doesn't make a difference in all the schools that ask for only part 1.The schools where part 2 makes a difference

1.Case western
2.Tufts
3.U pitt
4.Temple
5.Loma Linda

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. Its real nice of you to help out. 🙂

Did you have to give a clinical exam at any of your interviews and if you did how was it? And how did you practice for the same.
I finished with my BDS 2 years ago and since then have not practiced any dentistry. I am nervous about these clinical tests.

Thanks

 

[kpd155]

Thanks for the info. Its real nice of you to help out. 🙂

Did you have to give a clinical exam at any of your interviews and if you did how was it? And how did you practice for the same.
I finished with my BDS 2 years ago and since then have not practiced any dentistry. I am nervous about these clinical tests.

Thanks

Hi,

All the schools in the west coast have clinical exam.

1.USC:
Class 2 prep
PFM crown
MOD onlay

2.UCLA

Class 2 prep
PFM crown
CLass 2 amalgam filling
and one more( forgot about that)

2.UOP

Class2 prep
Central Incisor crown
They give you everything.Show you models , give you notes on how to make the preps and everything.You just have to copy it out

3.University Of Michigan

This was the hardest
Endodontic access opening for molar and premolor
Class 3 central Incisor
Class 4 central Incisor with composite filling
Class 2 prep for upper 1st molar
class 2 prep and amalgam filling for upper 1st molar


I have heard that case western has a clinical exam too that is really hard.In addition to all the above you have to do

wax up for a crown
teeth arrangement
surveying
RPD design prepration

Also university of Colorado has similar clinical tests .


I didn't prepare for any of them but I have heard that most students from the west coast take Duggans classes for them.

Hope this helps.

 

[Meggs]

I didn't prepare for any of them but I have heard that most students from the west coast take Duggans classes for them.

Not, that is absolutly not true. Sorry to had to say this kpd155 but they informed you wrong.

What does happen is that a lof of people that want to take the bench test and have prepared for it, also apply to west coast schools. But that's a completly different thing from most applicants taking Duggan's.

If someone can afford to get ripoff like that go ahead, do it. But just know that Duggan's is not a requirement and certanly won't guarantee you admission regardless of scores.

Good luck.

PD: btw kpd155 you're thread is really nice and thanks for doing that for SDN. If 1/4 SDN'ers did the same thing, we'll have a much nicer forum (nicer than what already is). 😀

 

[rahmed]

So Meggs how did you prepare for the practical tests of West Coast schools? I have asked this question to several SDN'r several times but didn't get a staright answer, in fact didn't get any answer. (except one person who adviced me to use silent compressor, H/P. teeth...) 😕 😕

Thanks,

rahmed

Not, that is absolutly not true. Sorry to had to say this kpd155 but they informed you wrong.

What does happen is that a lof of people that want to take the bench test and have prepared for it, also apply to west coast schools. But that's a completly different thing from most applicants taking Duggan's.

If someone can afford to get ripoff like that go ahead, do it. But just know that Duggan's is not a requirement and certanly won't guarantee you admission regardless of scores.

Good luck.

PD: btw kpd155 you're thread is really nice and thanks for doing that for SDN. If 1/4 SDN'ers did the same thing, we'll have a much nicer forum (nicer than what already is). 😀

 

[Meggs]

So Meggs how did you prepare for the practical tests of West Coast schools? I have asked this question to several SDN'r several times but didn't get a staright answer, in fact didn't get any answer. (except one person who adviced me to use silent compressor, H/P. teeth...) 😕 😕

Thanks,

rahmed

I was a practicing dentist from the day I graduated to the week before school started here in the US. Preps were by bread and butter. Except for that 3/4 crown, which I had never heard before. So my friend (who's not a dentist) came to UOP bought a stone model and fedexed to me.

So I practiced a couple of days on stone models and on a few typodont teeth, copying whatever I saw on the stone models. Of course little did I know about all the requirements you need for all preps according to the CA Dental Board; requirements I've come to learn now that I'm school. But I don't thinks schools expect you to prep the perfect prep on an admission exam, they just want to see your basic skills (like prepping the right tooth to begin with, common mistake).

But Pacific doesn't even test 3/4 crowns anymore, nor gold inlays. I wasn't here for the practical for next class, but I heard it was only the class 2 and the ant PFM. Don't take my word for it though, just be ready for anything.

 

[Athene]

I was a practicing dentist from the day I graduated to the week before school started here in the US. Preps were by bread and butter. Except for that 3/4 crown, which I had never heard before. So my friend (who's not a dentist) came to UOP bought a stone model and fedexed to me.

So I practiced a couple of days on stone models and on a few typodont teeth, copying whatever I saw on the stone models. Of course little did I know about all the requirements you need for all preps according to the CA Dental Board; requirements I've come to learn now that I'm school. But I don't thinks schools expect you to prep the perfect prep on an admission exam, they just want to see your basic skills (like prepping the right tooth to begin with, common mistake).

But Pacific doesn't even test 3/4 crowns anymore, nor gold inlays. I wasn't here for the practical for next class, but I heard it was only the class 2 and the ant PFM. Don't take my word for it though, just be ready for anything.

hey meggs...how r u??
long time no see...

 

[Meggs]

hey meggs...how r u??
long time no see...

Sprink Break (Semana Santa). Just wait until school starts to see how my time disappears. Hope you're doing great!

 

[kpd155]

Sprink Break (Semana Santa). Just wait until school starts to see how my time disappears. Hope you're doing great!

Hi Meggs,

I didnt mean to say that Duggan's classes are a must.I knew about them but couldn't afford them myself. 🙂

When I went to the west coast for the clinical exams this year, I kind of noticed that most students that were there from the west coast had taken those classes.I was told that most of them were preparing for the bench but it got cancelled so they have no choice but to repeat the 2 years like everyone else.

Some had practiced with compressors at home.

The people on my right and left both had gone to some classes , sometimes that can get pretty intimidating.That was just the experiance I had that I am writing about. 🙂

hope you have a good spring break 🙂

take care and best of luck

 

[gtdoc]

i'm trying to decide between ucla and upenn, did you interview at both schools, do you honestly think upenn is a better choice, because i honestly was far more impressed with ucla, but i want to make the best choice,
i don't have too much time, have to decide today 😕

 

[kpd155]

i'm trying to decide between ucla and upenn, did you interview at both schools, do you honestly think upenn is a better choice, because i honestly was far more impressed with ucla, but i want to make the best choice,
i don't have too much time, have to decide today 😕

Hi,

Yes I know that penn is a far far better choice as compared to UCLA.

I did interview at both schools and I would say that penn would be my choice.

Please check your pm.

Take care and best of luck

 

[kpd155]

hi,

A lot of people have asked me about University of Colorado.I didnt go for the interview there but I am told that it is very similar to the ones in all the other schools and they have crown preps.

In addition they have some kind of carving in wax, but I am not sure about it.

The deadline for application in April 15th and their classes start in December.So I would advise everyone to apply early.

Take care and best of luck.