General Questions regarding LOR and Shadowing

[FutureDDS_11]

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I wanted to make sure before asking my professors: I plan on applying during the next cycle, so is it fine if I start asking my professors for a letter of recommendation right now (I will be using Interfolio)? I wasn't sure because a friend told me it has to be the same year that you apply, but I found nothing online mentioning that.

My other question: I shadowed a general dentist for ~20 hours during senior year of high school, can I count it with my shadowing hours or would you not recommend doing that?

 

[FutureDDS_11]

Bump

 

[Bobik]

Great job on starting early!

I'm not sure about the LoR (perhaps someone who knows can answer).

However, I think in general you are not suppose to put anything from high school on the AADSAS. I remember this was on the instructions regarding awards. If I were you I would include this experience (to show your long term interest in dentistry) but in addition, perhaps shadow more this year and next. You can include up to 10 professional experiences on the application, so I would think there is plenty of room for both.

Best of luck!

 

[FutureDDS_11]

Great job on starting early!

I'm not sure about the LoR (perhaps someone who knows can answer).

However, I think in general you are not suppose to put anything from high school on the AADSAS. I remember this was on the instructions regarding awards. If I were you I would include this experience (to show your long term interest in dentistry) but in addition, perhaps shadow more this year and next. You can include up to 10 professional experiences on the application, so I would think there is plenty of room for both.

Best of luck!

I will definitely do that, thank you for the advice!

 

[BobbyBeavis]

I wanted to make sure before asking my professors: I plan on applying during the next cycle, so is it fine if I start asking my professors for a letter of recommendation right now (I will be using Interfolio)? I wasn't sure because a friend told me it has to be the same year that you apply, but I found nothing online mentioning that.

My other question: I shadowed a general dentist for ~20 hours during senior year of high school, can I count it with my shadowing hours or would you not recommend doing that?

Yes, you can use a letter written today for next cycle. Great idea on getting the letters now -- I know countless amount of people that waited and it ended up biting them.

How many hours of dental experience do you have in total? I think you should include your HS experience.

 

[AbcessivelyCompulsive]

I wouldn't use interfolio for your LORs. It's a hassle because you have to send it to every school and pay for it too (I had to do this). You also have to email them and continue checking to see if they got it. Better to just have your professors upload the LOR when the application opens. Just inform them now that you are applying to dental school in the coming year and would like a LOR from them next year. Most of the professors I asked taught me 3-4 years ago (I took a couple of years off before starting school)