getting in w/o research ...

[anonymousername]

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lets say I manage 20+ on DAT sections, would I run the risk of not getting into any California schools if I don't do any research?

 

[fourrings]

no

 

[Dentifrica]

I wouldn't say so, but if you aren't genuine in your applications then most schools will see right through that. If you have the heart and you prove you can hang with the curriculum then you'll be fine. 😀

 

[never giveup]

I would say it is a risk, but it is possible. I didn't do any research and I got accepted into USC. But to put yourself on the safe side I would do research.

 

[hsk]

I got into schools without having research. 🙂

 

[FutureDent020]

The question was for California schools. If you have the time, do some research. I feel like it would have helped my application

 

[lotank]

i think the two UC schools will probably want to see some research. you could probably get into a private cali school without it though.

 

[spud daddy]

I know Western was pretty big into research. I did a little bit and they seemed to like it.

 

[pinetar321]

I got in w/o research to a couple of schools. A couple pieces of advice:

1. write a compelling personal statement
2. get 20+ on the DAT AA. You don't have to get 20's in each section. matter of fact, I got in w/ a 16 QR

 

[New2Philly]

If you don't want to do research, don't do research. If you have a good GPA, DAT, and dental experience you should get into a Cali school. This is just my opinion of course, but this is what everyone has told me. Now, if you want to do a DDS/Phd or MS then yes do research. Research takes a lot of time, and can be tedious if not interested in it (personal experience). In my experience dental experience goes a lot further then research. Also, if your a junior it is a bit late for research. Most professors want a couple years of dedication, and expect a paper afterwards. A junior applying to dental school has no time, nor interest in research.

 

[subdoc]

I had ZERO research and got into Western. Do people get into state California schools without research? I am quite sure the answer is probably "yes." Can you get in without research? TBD. I think the answer to this question is another question: do you enjoy research? If so, pursue it. If not, solidify the rest of application...nail your PS, round out your life experiences, and do well on the DAT.

If you are on the fence of "should I spend the time to do this to make myself look good" you could always try research to see if you enjoy the process. I am sure you could coordinate a shadow experience with some researchers at your university.

Best of luck!

 

[spud daddy]

I had ZERO research and got into Western. Do people get into state California schools without research? I am quite sure the answer is probably "yes." Can you get in without research? TBD. I think the answer to this question is another question: do you enjoy research? If so, pursue it. If not, solidify the rest of application...nail your PS, round out your life experiences, and do well on the DAT.

If you are on the fence of "should I spend the time to do this to make myself look good" you could always try research to see if you enjoy the process. I am sure you could coordinate a shadow experience with some researchers at your university.

Best of luck!

Obviously not everyone who got accepted to Western has done research. I know it was brought up in my interview and the two who interviewed me said that it improved my application. Research won't make or break your application.

 

[lphiewok]

yeah i didnt do any research but still got into Western and USC without any problems and topic of research was never brought up during my Western interview (of course, for USC there is no such chance so it wouldn't mattered).

although i didn't do any research at school, i did work at a pharmaceutical research company so maybe they just assumed that i was into research or something.

with your stats, i think you would be fine without research as long as your other background is solid (such as passion for dentistry, etc.)

 

[rowsdower]

Ditto on getting into Western without research.

 

[spud daddy]

It seems like I am the only one who was asked about research at the western interview. Like I said before, it won't make or break your application.

 

[Gaussian]

UCSF is all about research ( my researcvh prof works and publishes with a UCSF dental prof, thats where I got my info ) ; UCLA prefers research but you will get accepted with very good gpa and DAT even if you don't have research ( good gpa for UCLA 3.8+, DAT 22+) Good Luck🙂

 

[goffdent]

i didn't do any reasearch, but then again worked as a scientist after college for 3+ years..