GPA and other advanced standing requirements.

[the2thdoctor]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello, everyone.


After applying to several advanced standing programs I found that none of them are very clear about what it is that they expect students to meet in terms of requirements. It is almost as if I am trying to aim at a target in complete darkness.

In your experiences what are these programs looking for ? Would a lower than average GPA be sufficient to disqualify an applicant ? Or do programs consider other aspects ? Also, what about NBDE I scores ? How much do these influence the programs' decisions to choose one candidate over another ?

Overall what are programs looking for ?

Thanks,

2thdoctor

 

[missi2863]

Hi the2thdoctor,
well from what i've noticed is that they mostly look at your boards score more than your GPA. But there are some schools that require a certain GPA. They tend to look at your experience as well. It seems as though they look at part I score of above an 85. So if you have a bad GPA then get your part I SCORE to above an 85. Good luck!

Hello, everyone.


After applying to several advanced standing programs I found that none of them are very clear about what it is that they expect students to meet in terms of requirements. It is almost as if I am trying to aim at a target in complete darkness.

In your experiences what are these programs looking for ? Would a lower than average GPA be sufficient to disqualify an applicant ? Or do programs consider other aspects ? Also, what about NBDE I scores ? How much do these influence the programs' decisions to choose one candidate over another ?

Overall what are programs looking for ?

Thanks,

2thdoctor

 

[possible]

Hai 2th doctor,

I can understand your dissapointment, with so many things to do simultaneously it is difficult to improve your overall resume and by the time you improve it you will see that you passed the deadlines. As gpa is something which is not in our control better think less of it. As nbde part1 scores are in our control try to get the best score possible and you will be in. You can also look at improving your resume with some research experience and shadowing in some clinic. A good recommendation letter would help you a lot. But I suggest that you be mentally strong and things will work out in your favor with time.

"The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are; first, hard work, second, stick-to-it-iveness, and third, common sense."
~ Thomas A. Edison

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hi the2thdoctor,
well from what i've noticed is that they mostly look at your boards score more than your GPA. But there are some schools that require a certain GPA. They tend to look at your experience as well. It seems as though they look at part I score of above an 85. So if you have a bad GPA then get your part I SCORE to above an 85. Good luck!

Hello, missi2863.

I am happy to read your post and learn that the NBDE score is what they look at the most. My score is lower than 85 so I will follow your recommendation and try to improve it.

Besides the NBDE I scores what other things do you think dental schools look at the most when selecting candidates ?

Thanks for your help.

the2thdoctor

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hai 2th doctor,

I can understand your dissapointment, with so many things to do simultaneously it is difficult to improve your overall resume and by the time you improve it you will see that you passed the deadlines. As gpa is something which is not in our control better think less of it. As nbde part1 scores are in our control try to get the best score possible and you will be in. You can also look at improving your resume with some research experience and shadowing in some clinic. A good recommendation letter would help you a lot. But I suggest that you be mentally strong and things will work out in your favor with time.

“The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are; first, hard work, second, stick-to-it-iveness, and third, common sense.”
~ Thomas A. Edison

Hello, Possible.

I have good recommendation letters already but wasn't sure about what schools were looking for. Something funny I noticed is the fact that none of the schools I have either applied for or researched have clear published guidelines for their selection process.

Since both you and missi2863 suggested good scores on the NBDE I exam I will try to work on my scores so that I can improve my chances. I will also follow your advice and try to concentrate on research and some other activities to enhance my resume.

Thanks for the help.

the2thdoctor

 

[ilovegoldens]

Hello, everyone.


After applying to several advanced standing programs I found that none of them are very clear about what it is that they expect students to meet in terms of requirements. It is almost as if I am trying to aim at a target in complete darkness.

In your experiences what are these programs looking for ? Would a lower than average GPA be sufficient to disqualify an applicant ? Or do programs consider other aspects ? Also, what about NBDE I scores ? How much do these influence the programs' decisions to choose one candidate over another ?

Overall what are programs looking for ?

Thanks,

2thdoctor

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

 

[maiya]

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

congrats for admission
i got my nbde results recently,i got 86,but my toefl scores are low so am retaking it on nov so can u tell me shall i apply now or after my toefl exams
and plizz tell me the procedure to apply
and what shud we do for caapid application
i am quite new for application
hope to get help from you
am planning to apply on nyu and boston

thanx in advance
maiya

 

[BombayBDS]

Hi the2thdoctor,
well from what i've noticed is that they mostly look at your boards score more than your GPA. But there are some schools that require a certain GPA. They tend to look at your experience as well. It seems as though they look at part I score of above an 85. So if you have a bad GPA then get your part I SCORE to above an 85. Good luck!

my 2 cents:
get a part 1 more than 85 even if u have a good GPA.

 

[ilovegoldens]

congrats for admission
i got my nbde results recently,i got 86,but my toefl scores are low so am retaking it on nov so can u tell me shall i apply now or after my toefl exams
and plizz tell me the procedure to apply
and what shud we do for caapid application
i am quite new for application
hope to get help from you
am planning to apply on nyu and boston

thanx in advance
maiya

Hey Maiya,

never hurts to try..
I am sorry I dont know much about the east coast schools, havent applied to any. Check their website. I have the impression that on west coast it is too late for applications but I think there is still some time for some schools on east coast I guess.

 

[Murchak]

Hey.

Correct me if I am wrong. But isn't it so that from 2010 you can no longer retake the NBDE's to improve your scores, if you have passed it already?

I am nervous about taking the exam, cuz it feels like you have only ONE chance to do well. If you pass, but with no good scores, then it feels like you are doomed?!

Have anyone any solid information regarding this statement?

Cheers. 🙂

Hello, missi2863.

I am happy to read your post and learn that the NBDE score is what they look at the most. My score is lower than 85 so I will follow your recommendation and try to improve it.

Besides the NBDE I scores what other things do you think dental schools look at the most when selecting candidates ?

Thanks for your help.

the2thdoctor

 

[BombayBDS]

Hey.

Correct me if I am wrong. But isn't it so that from 2010 you can no longer retake the NBDE's to improve your scores, if you have passed it already?

I am nervous about taking the exam, cuz it feels like you have only ONE chance to do well. If you pass, but with no good scores, then it feels like you are doomed?!

Have anyone any solid information regarding this statement?

Cheers. 🙂

from what we here, you can retake in 2010 if you apply to ADA in 2009.
thats the conclusion we guys had reached after many discussions and many mails/calls to ADA.

 

[Murchak]

Really? But if i apply now (2009) to take my part 1 for the first time sometimes in ....lets say march 2010......Do you know anything if I would be allowed to retake it if i was not satisfied with the scores?

thanks

from what we here, you can retake in 2010 if you apply to ADA in 2009.
thats the conclusion we guys had reached after many discussions and many mails/calls to ADA.

 

[appu09]

Really? But if i apply now (2009) to take my part 1 for the first time sometimes in ....lets say march 2010......Do you know anything if I would be allowed to retake it if i was not satisfied with the scores?

thanks

no u won b able to...only if u write in 2009 n get an eligibility lettr again before 2010 can u retake...if u r writin in 2010 u cannot retake...

 

[Murchak]

that sux. Thanks for the reply though.

no u won b able to...only if u write in 2009 n get an eligibility lettr again before 2010 can u retake...if u r writin in 2010 u cannot retake...

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hello, ilovegoldens.


Thank you for your detailed answer and for helping with many good suggestions.

I noticed you mentioned UTHSCSA and a few others. Haven't you applied to UCLA, UOP and a few other schools ? I think I remember reading one of your posts on another thread.

Congratulations for your acceptance to UTHSCSA. I've heard a lot of good things about their school. This is a big accomplishment and you should be very happy. What was you impression of the school ?

What about the other schools ? Have you been to any other interviews ? Any other acceptances ? I would really appreciate it if you could share your experience during the interviews for the different schools. I am planning to apply to some of these schools next year and would like to prepare in advance.

Thanks again for your post.

the2thdoctor

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hello, ilovegoldens.


Thank you for your detailed answer and for helping with many good suggestions.

I noticed you mentioned UTHSCSA and a few others. Haven't you applied to UCLA, UOP and a few other schools ? I think I remember reading one of your posts on another thread.

Congratulations for your acceptance to UTHSCSA. I've heard a lot of good things about their school. This is a big accomplishment and you should be very happy. What was you impression of the school ?

What about the other schools ? Have you been to any other interviews ? Any other acceptances ? I would really appreciate it if you could share your experience during the interviews for the different schools. I am planning to apply to some of these schools next year and would like to prepare in advance.

Thanks again for your post.

the2thdoctor

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hello, ilovegoldens.


Thank you for your detailed answer and for helping with many good suggestions.

I noticed you mentioned UTHSCSA and a few others. Haven't you applied to UCLA, UOP and a few other schools ? I think I remember reading one of your posts on another thread.

Congratulations for your acceptance to UTHSCSA. I've heard a lot of good things about their school. This is a big accomplishment and you should be very happy. What was you impression of the school ?

What about the other schools ? Have you been to any other interviews ? Any other acceptances ? I would really appreciate it if you could share your experience during the interviews for the different schools. I am planning to apply to some of these schools next year and would like to prepare in advance.

Thanks again for your post.

the2thdoctor

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hello, ilovegoldens.


Thank you for your detailed answer and for helping with many good suggestions.

I noticed you mentioned UTHSCSA and a few others. Haven't you applied to UCLA, UOP and a few other schools ? I think I remember reading one of your posts on another thread.

Congratulations for your acceptance to UTHSCSA. I've heard a lot of good things about their school. This is a big accomplishment and you should be very happy. What was you impression of the school ?

What about the other schools ? Have you been to any other interviews ? Any other acceptances ? I would really appreciate it if you could share your experience during the interviews for the different schools. I am planning to apply to some of these schools next year and would like to prepare in advance.

Thanks again for your post.

the2thdoctor

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hello, ilovegoldens.


Thank you for your detailed answer and for helping with many good suggestions.

I noticed you mentioned UTHSCSA and a few others. Haven't you applied to UCLA, UOP and a few other schools ? I think I remember reading one of your posts on another thread.

Congratulations for your acceptance to UTHSCSA. I've heard a lot of good things about their school. This is a big accomplishment and you should be very happy. What was you impression of the school ?

What about the other schools ? Have you been to any other interviews ? Any other acceptances ? I would really appreciate it if you could share your experience during the interviews for the different schools. I am planning to apply to some of these schools next year and would like to prepare in advance.

Thanks again for your post.

the2thdoctor

Hey there...

You have to have good judgment. For example, if you have no experience you mst have good scores. However if you have some experience and accomplishments that might alleviate the fact you have average scores...

I have an 84 on my NDBE.. My GPA is average too 2.88. However I have quite a few accomplishments on my 6 years of experience. My resume is good...Got invited for 4 interviews out of the 5 schools I applied. Already got one acceptance from UTHSCSA.
So... It is hard to tell. The " Whole package" type of thing.

Once you are invited for the interview.. then everyone is in the same level. And it will be all about your hand skills and personality

good luck to you

 

[ilovegoldens]

Yes I have been in interview at UCLA and UOP. I gave up from going to USC

My impression about schools and all details are posted on the sticky note for interview experience!

 

[the2thdoctor]

Hi, ilovegoldens.


I just found your sticky and read it. My post will be placed on that thread so that others can read also.

Yes I have been in interview at UCLA and UOP. I gave up from going to USC

My impression about schools and all details are posted on the sticky note for interview experience!

 

[ash78]

Yes I have been in interview at UCLA and UOP. I gave up from going to USC

My impression about schools and all details are posted on the sticky note for interview experience!

hi ilovegoldens,
congrats for ur acceptance.
my stst are part1 84
toeffel 96
gpa 3.18
2 yr teaching ecp. as bds
2 yr after post graduation
1 international publication, 2 under review
4-5 national level presentations
i have yet not applied nor applied for rekate.kindly help me😕

 

[Perio SDM]

Hi ash78
I am a ftd perio postgraduate,
Stats :
Part 1 - 80 - have a chance to update in dec., i may delay it..
Toefl - 90 (reappearing) - I am updating my toefl
GPA - 3.54
Research exp.
National presentations
Good Recommen. letters
3 year teaching exp. as mds
2 years as bds

Can you suggest me :

1. Should i apply with these stats or no use.
2. Should i apply thru PASS or straight to schools.
3. What schools do you suggest

 

[Perio SDM]

Conrats ILgoldens, and Hi Maiya
I am a ftd perio postgraduate,
Stats :
Part 1 - 80 - have a chance to update in dec., i may delay it..
Toefl - 90 (reappearing) - I am updating my toefl
GPA - 3.54
Research exp.
National presentations
Good Recommen. letters
3 year teaching exp.

Can you suggest me :

1. Should i apply with these stats or no use.
2. Should i apply thru PASS or straight to schools.
3. What schools do you suggest

 

[Perio SDM]

congrats for admission
i got my nbde results recently,i got 86,but my toefl scores are low so am retaking it on nov so can u tell me shall i apply now or after my toefl exams
and plizz tell me the procedure to apply
and what shud we do for caapid application
i am quite new for application
hope to get help from you
am planning to apply on nyu and boston

thanx in advance
maiya

Conrats ILgoldens, and Hi Maiya
I am a ftd perio postgraduate,
Stats :
Part 1 - 80 - have a chance to update in dec., i may delay it..
Toefl - 90 (reappearing) - I am updating my toefl
GPA - 3.54
Research exp.
National presentations
Good Recommen. letters
3 year teaching exp.

Can you suggest me :

1. Should i apply with these stats or no use.
2. Should i apply thru PASS or straight to schools.
3. What schools do you suggest

 

[Perio SDM]

congrats for admission
i got my nbde results recently,i got 86,but my toefl scores are low so am retaking it on nov so can u tell me shall i apply now or after my toefl exams
and plizz tell me the procedure to apply
and what shud we do for caapid application
i am quite new for application
hope to get help from you
am planning to apply on nyu and boston

thanx in advance
maiya

Congrats I love goldens and hello Maiya
I am a ftd perio postgraduate,
Stats :
Part 1 - 80 - have a chance to update in dec., i may delay it..
Toefl - 90 (reappearing) - I am updating my toefl
GPA - 3.54
Research exp.
National presentations
Good Recommen. letters
3 year teaching exp.

Can you suggest me :

1. Should i apply with these stats or no use.
2. Should i apply thru PASS or straight to schools.
3. What schools do you suggest

 

[dental path]

Congrats I love goldens and hello Maiya
I am a ftd perio postgraduate,
Stats :
Part 1 - 80 - have a chance to update in dec., i may delay it..
Toefl - 90 (reappearing) - I am updating my toefl
GPA - 3.54
Research exp.
National presentations
Good Recommen. letters
3 year teaching exp.

Can you suggest me :

1. Should i apply with these stats or no use.-I think u should improve ur NBD_1 score and TOEFL score,this is very important for most of the schools.Other Qualification and experience will also definetely help but acts as secondary to ur scores.(believe me I am sailing in the same boat as u do with PG in OMFS)
2. Should i apply thru PASS or straight to schools.-for most of the schools the deadline has already been reached,so better be well prepared for the next cycle.However having said that,u can still give a try to NYU and Colorodo Univ).Ur GPA is Good,so that is plus point.
3. What schools do you suggest

-For this year-NYU,Coloroda
and for the next year-with improved scores u can apply anywhere,but with ur qualification and experience-ur best chances will be-UPENN,UMN,BU,UTHSCA

 

[Dentistree711]

Congrats I love goldens and hello Maiya
I am a ftd perio postgraduate,
Stats :
Part 1 - 80 - have a chance to update in dec., i may delay it..
Toefl - 90 (reappearing) - I am updating my toefl
GPA - 3.54
Research exp.
National presentations
Good Recommen. letters
3 year teaching exp.

Can you suggest me :

1. Should i apply with these stats or no use.
2. Should i apply thru PASS or straight to schools.
3. What schools do you suggest

Hello,
since u have experience u'll be good. but my sincere advice is please take part 1 again..... improve your TOEFL scores too.
In case u cannot retake part 1 by end of this year then take part 2 AND improve your TOEFL score.
It may sound ridiculous but TOEFL plays its own part. If admissions committee gives points to candidates based on TOEFL u'll be in an entirely diff. strata as compared to someone who has 112.
try volunteering and getting a good reco letter from a US dentist. trust me it really helps.
All the best 👍

 

[Dentistree711]

Hello, everyone.


After applying to several advanced standing programs I found that none of them are very clear about what it is that they expect students to meet in terms of requirements. It is almost as if I am trying to aim at a target in complete darkness.

In your experiences what are these programs looking for ? Would a lower than average GPA be sufficient to disqualify an applicant ? Or do programs consider other aspects ? Also, what about NBDE I scores ? How much do these influence the programs' decisions to choose one candidate over another ?

Overall what are programs looking for ?

Thanks,

2thdoctor

See the application has to be 'complete'. u'd have gotten tired of people saying this again and again but trust me- the years u spend in USA (if u re a home-maker) u should be accountable for every moment of it.

u pretty much cant change your GPA. But then on a positive note GPA has a broad spectrum. Now tell me how would an admission committee evaluate marks given in India to the marks given in Nigeria ????

GPA can be changed if u're willing to do any additional courses at US University. On positive note these boost up your resume 👍

But GPA does play a part..... maybe miniscule but a great GPA can overshadow a mediocre NBDE part 1 scores (in cases like mine)

Higher the NBDE score the better. but make sure TOEFL is 100+ too. U cannot expect to have <100.

This combined with volunteering + good reco letters from a US entist can boost your appli and make it complete

Your personal statement is very important too bec it explains who u are to a panel of strangers who have never met u before. so polish that, show it to loads of people and ask for their opinion. take your time to finish it and dont copy it from internet. they have softwares to detect that.

Trust me u can never tell how good u are in a pool of applicants unless u apply. No score or GPA can guarantee that. but try your level best and apply to maximum schools possible. At least it'll give u a clear picture of where u stand in a pool of FTD's. If interviews do not roll in, then that means your package needs to be impoved.

All the very best my friend !!!👍👍

 

[MissionISP]

Hi guys,

I am agree with every single thought DENTISTRY711 mentioned here. Go for whatsoever she said. Thumbs up!👍