Extra-curriculars For App?

[hoylematt]

Hey all again,

I have a question regarding what is looked upon as a good number or quality of extra curricular activities to have when I apply for dental school?

Anyone know someone who knows someone who was on the board that actually looks at apps and can give some insight on what to look for?

The main reason is that my involvement is relatively thin around campus cause I am a transfer student and I haven't given it much priority.

Thanks in advance, Matt...

 

[eternalxdemon]

the only extra curriculars i had was working at jamba juice for a year n a half, shadowing for about 80 hours, and over 140 hours of volunteering at the hospital. I also did research at my school and did my own independent research project that's in the process of being published. I never joined any of the on-campus clubs or groups. my sgpa is a 3.5 and my cgpa is a 3.52. my DAT scores are 21 AA/21 TS/20 PAT. i submitted my app in Jun and it was sent out by aadsas by june 16. I applied to 12 schools, got 6 interviews and have been rejected by 4 of those schools (3 of them straight up rejected me).

i personally don't think it's required you join the pre-dental clubs on campus.... it looks good but i don't really think it's required. hopefully this helps you to figure out ur situation. but in general for pre-dents it's recommended that you turn in your app as early as you can cuz that increases ur chances of getting interviews and accepted. Take the DAT in early march so that if you have to retake it... you can do so in june with the 90 days are up and your DAT scores can still be sent pretty early to the dental schools u applied to. and if u have to retake. say so on the aadsas application and hit submit. u can always call the schools after aadsas has mailed out ur app to update the DAT scores and such.

i hope this helps you... sorry i kinda wrote alot... gl with applying next cycle!

 

[DrReo]

You can join a million clubs. They are worth while if you take leadership positions or if the club volunteers, etc.

Also, you meet new people.

 

[ongmeister]

It really helps having EC, for example, ASDOH puts a lot of emphasis on volunteering and EC's. Plus your going to have to write about it in depth for a few schools. Good luck!

 

[hoylematt]

Thanks guys...

shadowing refers to watching my local favorite dentist of choice in action right?

And the volunteer hours can be generic or should i specifically try and get volunteer opportunities that revolve around dentistry?

Does it help that i have worked as a pharmacy technician for like 6 years?

 

[eternalxdemon]

shadowing refers to watching my local favorite dentist of choice in action right?

yes

And the volunteer hours can be generic or should i specifically try and get volunteer opportunities that revolve around dentistry?

I did generic volunteer hours at the hospital.

Does it help that i have worked as a pharmacy technician for like 6 years?

They mite wonder why dental school instead of pharm school.

 

[DrReo]

Thanks guys...

shadowing refers to watching my local favorite dentist of choice in action right?

And the volunteer hours can be generic or should i specifically try and get volunteer opportunities that revolve around dentistry?

Does it help that i have worked as a pharmacy technician for like 6 years?

I volunteered at the ER, Pediatric division and an old folk's place

Do whatever you find interesting, you'll enjoy it and be more enthusiastic about it.

Shadow 40-50 hours with general and shadow a specialist, too.