how important are things outside of gpa and dat

[whatsreallygood]

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what's really good yall?

i'm new to this forum, just wanted to know how important are things like volunteer work, etc. when it comes to being accepted into schools

 

[init4damoney]

If you have the time and means, do as much volunteer work and shadowing as possible. As for myself, having a wife, one child, and another on the way, it's kind of difficult to find time. All my time is spent either working, going to school, or studying. In between the cracks I spend as much time as possible with my family. Right now I go to a monthly free dental clinic, and when possible I participate in service my church organizes. That's the best I can do at this point.

 

[whatsreallygood]

thanks for the help.

but what would you say things like volunteering and shadowing percentage wise accounts for what schools find important?

 

[Reed1978]

At a few of my interviews I was told directly but the people that were interviewing me that you flat out need good grades and good DAT scores to get you in the door. Additionally, the spoke candidly with me - stating that "it's blatently obvious when a student with shakey grades is trying to pad their resumes with volunteer work and shadowing."

I got the impression that all the volunteering and shadowing experience doesn't help a whole lot if the applicants credentials are not that great to begin with, but can be helpful in deciding between applicants who have "all else being equal."

My shadowing and volunteer experiences were only briefly mentioned during one or two of my interviews.

 

[Midoc]

Shadow a dentist or two a few times to make sure you like the field. But going to 10 different dentists multiple times is just going to make you look desperate. Likewise with volunteering and research, do it if you like it but not to pad your application. If someone asks about your research and you only did it for the application they will be able to tell.

Personally I did no research, no volunteering and I shadowed one dentist twice. But on the other hand I knew I wanted to be a dentist since I was like 6 and I worked 20+ hours a week throughout all of my undergrad.

 

[drPheta]

Yeah, don't pad.

But if you have a job, balance and manage your time well...let the ad-coms know. It definitely helps, especially when dental school is a place where time management skills separate you from the rest of the class.

But, like said before, don't go out and do stuff just cause it makes you a better candidate. If you enjoy research in a particular area, by all means do it. Definitely see a dentist a few times. Shadowing will show your interest ...repeat INTEREST... in dentistry. No need for desperation.

 

[jojovavavoom]

Originally posted by whatsreallygood
what's really good yall?

i'm new to this forum, just wanted to know how important are things like volunteer work, etc. when it comes to being accepted into schools

Not very important unfortunately🙁

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

Originally posted by whatsreallygood
what's really good yall?

i'm new to this forum, just wanted to know how important are things like volunteer work, etc. when it comes to being accepted into schools

They want to see a few things to know you are not a complete recluse. It won't help you, but if you put down nothing it will hurt you.