EXC importance

[Aero047]

Do extracurriculars really matter when it comes to dental school admission? I'm hoping that they aren't weighed as heavily as it is when it comes to medical school admissions but I just want to make sure. What are some exc's a strong candidate should have to be accepted to dental school?

 

[Biogirl361]

extracurrics definitly matter, in fact every little thing matters!! don't let anyone tell you that good grades and dat's will guarantee you anything, though they are very important especially in getting interview opportunities. as for how heavily weighted extracurrics are, it differs from school to school (same with all the different factors.)

extracurrics you will want to have include:
-something to show you taking a "leadership position" (common interview question = tell us what you have done to show you are a leader)
-something dental related if possible for example pre-dental club
-some kind of volunteering

just some suggestions to get you started. 😀

 

[msf41]

From what I have heard from admissions comitees, they want to see that you care about something other than yourself. If the only thing that your application has on it is a 3.9 gpa and a 25 DAT than admissions people may get the impression that you are very good at looking out for number one, but don't care about the rest of the world. Healthcare is about serving, and if you have only been involved in activities that benefited you take a minute and ask yourself why you haven't done anything?

There can be legitimate reasons why you may not have lots of extracurriculars. For me I was involved in few on-campus clubs and activities because I have a job that takes my time. Surely you have done something other than study for the past few years. Helped out the family. babysit the neighbors kids.