is anyone else finding this process really intimidating?

[Shefdent]

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is anyone else finding the process of applications really intimidating and feeling whatever you've done so far insufficient? lets make this thread a place to whinge and discuss the personal challenges you are facing in the admission process.
Let this thread also be a source of inspiration, by sharing how you're overcoming the particular obstacles.

 

[furdento11]

sure..i am going nuts..how about you?...i cant sacrifice so much

 

[sam99]

It is definitely a very long and extensive process, but I think the key to gaining admission is to thoroughly research the process and have a system when applying. Have a binder with tabs for each school, how many seats, what the requirements are and any notes specific to the school ( name of program, director, what is unique about the school, any stats regarding admission you have come across). This will not only aid you in applications, but will also help you in interview prep.

For me, all of this research took the most amount of time, not studying for exams etc. exam scores, TOEFL etc are basic requirements but admission is gained on the rest of your résumé, including how well you have written your SOP.

I think the system is not well understood by FTD's, as in many parts of the world, exam score rank is the only basis for admission, which only small component for DDS/DMD here. You really need to be well versed in the admissions process in North America to be successful. Be very aware of what is valued for admission out here (volunteer, research, shadowing, MPH, PhD's, assisting etc), and that is what you should work on.

And lastly, the interview is a supremely important part of admission. You should prepare for those just as hard as if it is an exam.

I hope that helps!

 

[Shefdent]

It is definitely a very long and extensive process, but I think the key to gaining admission is to thoroughly research the process and have a system when applying. Have a binder with tabs for each school, how many seats, what the requirements are and any notes specific to the school ( name of program, director, what is unique about the school, any stats regarding admission you have come across). This will not only aid you in applications, but will also help you in interview prep.

For me, all of this research took the most amount of time, not studying for exams etc. exam scores, TOEFL etc are basic requirements but admission is gained on the rest of your résumé, including how well you have written your SOP.

I think the system is not well understood by FTD's, as in many parts of the world, exam score rank is the only basis for admission, which only small component for DDS/DMD here. You really need to be well versed in the admissions process in North America to be successful. Be very aware of what is valued for admission out here (volunteer, research, shadowing, MPH, PhD's, assisting etc), and that is what you should work on.

And lastly, the interview is a supremely important part of admission. You should prepare for those just as hard as if it is an exam.

I hope that helps!

exactly. i completely agree with you..i am spending every waking moment on my laptop reading about the programs. everytime i find something new. i like the idea of doing the research systematically. thanks for that.

i do have a question..is there any worth in joining an observership in the US after the deadlines have passed? will it help mentioning about it if we are called for an interview?

 

[sam99]

exactly. i completely agree with you..i am spending every waking moment on my laptop reading about the programs. everytime i find something new. i like the idea of doing the research systematically. thanks for that.

i do have a question..is there any worth in joining an observership in the US after the deadlines have passed? will it help mentioning about it if we are called for an interview?

Sure, why not? Some schools let you update you CV via email (ex. Boston) and if you do apply to schools that have later deadlines that you apply to directly (UMN, San Antonio) you have another thing to add to your resume. You can also mention it in interviews, that you have since started an observership since your application. And lastly, if you do have go apply again (hopefully not!) you will have a very long observer hip you can write in your CV.

 

[Rola]

I find it so tough and needs a lot of cash ! Such a rip off 🙁

 

[ionomer]

I find it so tough and needs a lot of cash ! Such a rip off 🙁

@Rola I totally agree with you - Its a lot of money to put into becoming a DDS/DMD. We pay to write NDBE, pay to send scores, pay for toefl, pay to send scores, pay to CAAPID, pay supplemental to schools, pay for bench test, and pay huge huge $$$ for 2-3years of dental school phewwwwww.

I hope one day, the system will change to mimic Canada where we only have to write exams and then flow into the labor force.

Good luck to us all.

 

[Shefdent]

Helpful tip:
tried posting some application materials out.
apparantly the courier services do not accept any post addressed to a PO box no.
Try your local post office. they will take it.all the best.

 

[Shefdent]

Sure, why not? Some schools let you update you CV via email (ex. Boston) and if you do apply to schools that have later deadlines that you apply to directly (UMN, San Antonio) you have another thing to add to your resume. You can also mention it in interviews, that you have since started an observership since your application. And lastly, if you do have go apply again (hopefully not!) you will have a very long observer hip you can write in your CV.

thanks..thats very useful advice.

 

[Dhaval39]

this process is killing me... tension is creeping every day.. also no one knows how candidates are selected. some of them with low gpa but experience go through.. some with no experience go through.. at the end of the day u just cannot be confident about your chances.. I am keeping my fingers crossed as i have done what i can to improve my CV.Waiting for the months of july, august, september where we will come to know whether we have made it or have to go all over again. All the best guys!

 

[supercool]

very well said folks.
this process is really hectic.
I spend whole of day on computer and sleep with mind full questions and tensions.
Gud luck everyone. Hope we get what we dream of 🙂👍

 

[nnmm]

exactly. i completely agree with you..i am spending every waking moment on my laptop reading about the programs. everytime i find something new. i like the idea of doing the research systematically. thanks for that.

i do have a question..is there any worth in joining an observership in the US after the deadlines have passed? will it help mentioning about it if we are called for an interview?

what do you mean by an observership?is it the same as shadowing?or there are specific programs for that?is it at dental schools or hospitals?how can i apply for one?Can you plz help me with that coz i have no clue ,i'd really appreciate it

 

[igores07]

what do you mean by an observership?is it the same as shadowing?or there are specific programs for that?is it at dental schools or hospitals?how can i apply for one?Can you plz help me with that coz i have no clue ,i'd really appreciate it

Observership: (=Shadowing) as the name implies means that you just observe a dentist at his/her private office or in a clinic/hospital. You should ask around to see if any dentist is willing to let you observe their work. There are no programs called "Observership programs" as far as I know, but some dental schools or clinics/hospitals announce on their websites that they offer such opportunities for the interested dentists. No tuition fee payment is required, since you just watch them working and nothing else.

Preceptorship: are programs offered by universities where the dental school has preceptorship programs in general dentistry or specialties like Endo, Perio, etc. Since it is a program where they teach you, tuition payment is required and the amount varies from program to program.

For example: Preceptorship programs at UCLA School of Dentistry

 

[nnmm]

Observership: (=Shadowing) as the name implies means that you just observe a dentist at his/her private office or in a clinic/hospital. You should ask around to see if any dentist is willing to let you observe their work. There are no programs called "Observership programs" as far as I know, but some dental schools or clinics/hospitals announce on their websites that they offer such opportunities for the interested dentists. No tuition fee payment is required, since you just watch them working and nothing else.

Preceptorship: are programs offered by universities where the dental school has preceptorship programs in general dentistry or specialties like Endo, Perio, etc. Since it is a program where they teach you, tuition payment is required and the amount varies from program to program.

For example: Preceptorship programs at UCLA School of Dentistry

Thank you very much for your help 🙂