Finished college in 5 years rather than 4

[DaktoorTaj]

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Hello,
I have a few questions for the experienced ones out there. How do Dental Admission Committees look at individuals who took a lil longer to graduate - like finishing a 4 year degree in 5 years (however still with a gpa above 3.0)? How do you explain "bad semesters" during your interview or application. Do they take into consideration any medical problems a person might have had while in school if it can be documented? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[edkahn]

After high school, I went to SUNY @ Buffalo for a year. I spent most of my time partying, and flunked out. I then went to a community college and did really well. My admissions essay to 4-year schools was about how I got my act together. It was convincing enought to get my into several ivy league schools.I am going into my senior now at Cornell, and I am applying to Dental Schools for the 2005 application cycle.

I know this isn't about getting into dental school, but it is kind of a similar story. I messed up with a couple of bad semester, and I could still transfer into a competitive school. I think as long as you can show a good work ethic, you'll be OK.

Hope this helps.😀

 

[salem7]

Good stats and interview skills will more than make up for college being the best five years of your life. Just be able to spin the bad semesters/ medical problems in your essay and interview in a way that will make you a better person and a better dentist. \

Good luck.

 

[ItsGavinC]

My undergrad, BYU, turns out the most pre-dental applicants of any school in the US, and also has the best acceptance stats, as well as the highest number of students matriculating into dental school in the US.

Having said that, 67% of BYU's predental students earned their degrees in 5 years or MORE.

Adcoms don't seem to think much about it.