Loma Linda University

[starsintheriver]

Can only Christian students get into LLU? How strict/religious is the university? I'm not a religious person btw; submitted my application to LLU, but when I logged in to complete my secondary app, I just felt like an outsider. There was also a consent form for alcohol and tobacco abstinence policy during enrollment at LLU 😱 Do admission officers discriminate against ppl with other religions or non-religious ppl?? HELP!!

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[ItalianPrincess]

i just got that same email and canceled my application. i applied thinking it was a school with Christian roots like Creighton that suggests but not over emphasizing or enforcing anything. i have no problem with religious people and think its great they can believe it but i just cannot affiliate myself with an organized religion and do not like when people try to force it on me

i felt that if i got into the school i would feel like a complete outsider when i got there. there was a breakdown on the website that i cant find now that 70% of the dental school is SDA and only 4 students were unaffiliated with a religion

so yes, they do discriminate based on religion and give favor to SDAs

 

[threeblindmice]

Can only Christian students get into LLU? How strict/religious is the university? I'm not a religious person btw; submitted my application to LLU, but when I logged in to complete my secondary app, I just felt like an outsider. There was also a consent form for alcohol and tobacco abstinence policy during enrollment at LLU 😱 Do admission officers discriminate against ppl with other religions or non-religious ppl?? HELP!!

Depends on what you call discrimination.......but in a nutshell yes religion does matter and so does your personal lifestyle. It is a Seventh Day Adventist school, but I assume you knew that before applying? Personally I've talked to some SDA's about religion and found that they tend to be very opinionated about what is right/wrong etc. and what you should/not be doing with your life. I don't know about the admissions officers specifically but the SDA's in general like to make their opinions/views known. If you don't want to have continual discussions with people about religion for 4 years this may not be the school for you.

 

[BlueQuasar]

They're not simply Christian, they are full-fledged, bona fide Seventh Day Adventist. Believe me, there's a huge difference. I had my hopes up for it 'til I saw the same stats ItalianPrincess mentioned. Because they're a private school and are around to serve the purpose of encouraging SDA theology and lifestyle, they have every right to discriminate based on religion. Unfortunately, that's just how it is...

 

[lemoncurry]

I would estimate between 60-75% of the class is SDA, with most of those coming from the "feeder" colleges. Are they going to ignore your application because you aren't SDA? absolutely not. Statistically are you at a disadvantage to get in if you aren't SDA? Yes.

Every year, like clockwork, someone posts a thread about LLU basically implying or overtly claiming that it is like a monastery or some cult-like school where they shove religion down your throat and you can't do anything fun. Unlike all the other dental schools in the US, Loma Linda does incorporate religion into their curriculum. This is manifested as: 1) at least one class where religion/Christianity is the main subject (note: it is NOT an SDA indoctrination class); 2) mandatory chapel attendance, not participation, on Wednesdays for the first 2 years except during summer; 3) an adherence to rules stipulating abstinence from tobacco or alcohol and 4) some prayers said before class and references made to God here and there.

I'm in my third year at LLU and I am not SDA. The people here are very friendly and, as a whole, seem to try and live as good Christians and treat others as a Christian should.

But seriously, if you didn't know enough about LLU to know it was SDA, why did you apply?

 

[KenKim]

I would estimate between 60-75% of the class is SDA, with most of those coming from the "feeder" colleges. Are they going to ignore your application because you aren't SDA? absolutely not. Statistically are you at a disadvantage to get in if you aren't SDA? Yes.

Every year, like clockwork, someone posts a thread about LLU basically implying or overtly claiming that it is like a monastery or some cult-like school where they shove religion down your throat and you can't do anything fun. Unlike all the other dental schools in the US, Loma Linda does incorporate religion into their curriculum. This is manifested as: 1) at least one class where religion/Christianity is the main subject (note: it is NOT an SDA indoctrination class); 2) mandatory chapel attendance, not participation, on Wednesdays for the first 2 years except during summer; 3) an adherence to rules stipulating abstinence from tobacco or alcohol and 4) some prayers said before class and references made to God here and there.

I'm in my third year at LLU and I am not SDA. The people here are very friendly and, as a whole, seem to try and live as good Christians and treat others as a Christian should.

But seriously, if you didn't know enough about LLU to know it was SDA, why did you apply?

so what makes up the 30 percent?
does being a catholic have a good chance at the school?

those mandatory things make the school seem really strict and boring
but im willing to abide to those rules and become religious and watever caz ive done some evil things in my life and i think its time to change

 

[dentallover]

One question. In the supplemental application do I have to write an essay or only answer the essay questions?

 

[Oracle DMD]

I would estimate between 60-75% of the class is SDA, with most of those coming from the "feeder" colleges. Are they going to ignore your application because you aren't SDA? absolutely not. Statistically are you at a disadvantage to get in if you aren't SDA? Yes.

Every year, like clockwork, someone posts a thread about LLU basically implying or overtly claiming that it is like a monastery or some cult-like school where they shove religion down your throat and you can't do anything fun. Unlike all the other dental schools in the US, Loma Linda does incorporate religion into their curriculum. This is manifested as: 1) at least one class where religion/Christianity is the main subject (note: it is NOT an SDA indoctrination class); 2) mandatory chapel attendance, not participation, on Wednesdays for the first 2 years except during summer; 3) an adherence to rules stipulating abstinence from tobacco or alcohol and 4) some prayers said before class and references made to God here and there.

I'm in my third year at LLU and I am not SDA. The people here are very friendly and, as a whole, seem to try and live as good Christians and treat others as a Christian should.

But seriously, if you didn't know enough about LLU to know it was SDA, why did you apply?

so what are the "feeder schools" to LLU?

 

[hle007]

I would estimate between 60-75% of the class is SDA, with most of those coming from the "feeder" colleges. Are they going to ignore your application because you aren't SDA? absolutely not. Statistically are you at a disadvantage to get in if you aren't SDA? Yes.

To me, even if there is a 1% chance it is still worth trying. I was brought up as a Buddhist. I practiced Buddhism. I go to temple. I went to a Catholic University. My fiance is Catholic. Most likely I will be converting. I have no problem with that because to me I am not giving up my practice, I am accepting another believe and that's more glory and blessing.

My question is, do you think non-SDA will feel out of place at LLU?

 

[starsintheriver]

I would estimate between 60-75% of the class is SDA, with most of those coming from the "feeder" colleges. Are they going to ignore your application because you aren't SDA? absolutely not. Statistically are you at a disadvantage to get in if you aren't SDA? Yes.

Every year, like clockwork, someone posts a thread about LLU basically implying or overtly claiming that it is like a monastery or some cult-like school where they shove religion down your throat and you can't do anything fun. Unlike all the other dental schools in the US, Loma Linda does incorporate religion into their curriculum. This is manifested as: 1) at least one class where religion/Christianity is the main subject (note: it is NOT an SDA indoctrination class); 2) mandatory chapel attendance, not participation, on Wednesdays for the first 2 years except during summer; 3) an adherence to rules stipulating abstinence from tobacco or alcohol and 4) some prayers said before class and references made to God here and there.

I'm in my third year at LLU and I am not SDA. The people here are very friendly and, as a whole, seem to try and live as good Christians and treat others as a Christian should.

But seriously, if you didn't know enough about LLU to know it was SDA, why did you apply?

Like ItalianPrincess, I knew the school was Christian-based, but I did not realize how serious it was about its religion. Since I didn't grow up in a religious environment, I didn't know much about SDA either.

 

[starsintheriver]

i just got that same email and canceled my application. i applied thinking it was a school with Christian roots like Creighton that suggests but not over emphasizing or enforcing anything. i have no problem with religious people and think its great they can believe it but i just cannot affiliate myself with an organized religion and do not like when people try to force it on me

i felt that if i got into the school i would feel like a complete outsider when i got there. there was a breakdown on the website that i cant find now that 70% of the dental school is SDA and only 4 students were unaffiliated with a religion

so yes, they do discriminate based on religion and give favor to SDAs

That's exactly how i feel A glass of wine, I will be kicked out next morning haha

 

[kthankzbai]

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[LLUProf]

Every year, like clockwork, someone posts a thread about LLU basically implying or overtly claiming that it is like a monastery or some cult-like school where they shove religion down your throat and you can't do anything fun. Unlike all the other dental schools in the US, Loma Linda does incorporate religion into their curriculum.

LOL, yes lemoncurry, I too always await this threads appearance at every new admissions cycle. Being that you are living it, your observations are spot on. By far the greatest topics of conversation among students at the dental school are dental and class related just like any other dental school. Students (and faculty) are not concerned about your personal religious beliefs but are far more concerned about passing classes and meeting requirements. Your education does occur in a Christian context and environment, some people prefer this, others abhor it, but it is a personal choice. Nobody tries to convert you to be an Adventist if you are not, but conversely, just as your personal beliefs are respected, you are expected to honor the University's standards while you are on campus or representing the University.

 

[LLUProf]

so what makes up the 30 percent?
does being a catholic have a good chance at the school?

The other 30% is made up of just about every other Christian religion, also Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism, Muslim and others have been represented over the years. Catholics have the same chance as any non-SDA group. We have several faculty members who are Catholic.

 

[LLUProf]

so what are the "feeder schools" to LLU?

Those would be considered the Adventist colleges/universities across North America

California- La Sierra University(Riverside), Pacific Union College (Napa Valley)
Washington State- Walla Walla University
Texas- Southwestern University
Nebraska- Union College
Michigan- Andrews University
Ohio- Kettering University
Tennessee- Southern Adventist University
Alabama- Oakwood College
Washington DC- Washington Adventist University
Canada- Canadian Union College

 

[LLUProf]

My question is, do you think non-SDA will feel out of place at LLU?

Not likely, almost all my students in the International Program are non-SDA, almost all students from every class comment on how much they enjoy the family atmosphere here and how much they feel accepted and part of the University. (In addition to learning how to become excellent dentists!)

 

[2ndFn]

Can only Christian students get into LLU? How strict/religious is the university? I'm not a religious person btw; submitted my application to LLU, but when I logged in to complete my secondary app, I just felt like an outsider. There was also a consent form for alcohol and tobacco abstinence policy during enrollment at LLU 😱 Do admission officers discriminate against ppl with other religions or non-religious ppl?? HELP!!

You wouldn't be discriminated for being a non-Christian. Their health practices, if ever enforced, are meant for your own good.

 

[LLUProf]

It is true about the feeder schools for LLU mentioned in the previous post.

They are mostly from La Sierra University and Pacific Union College located inside California... and outside California they bring in small amounts from other SDA universities.

LLU does give "preference" to those schools. They give priority to baptized SDA students THEN to non-SDA students inside the University... THEN the rest outside the SDA community.

A slight correction, there is very little if any preference given to non-SDA students who have done their pre-doctoral work at an Adventist university. They are basically on the same playing field as all other non-Adventists. The only advantage would be that the admissions committee would be very familiar with the University they have done their work at. I have heard of that approach backfiring in certain cases.
If you look at the numbers on the website it breaks down to this. If you are a practicing SDA you have about a 1 in 3 chance of acceptance if you are non-SDA about a 1 in 60 chance
Follow this link to the schools website http://www.llu.edu/assets/dentistry/documents/admissions/ddsprofile.pdf
and you can see the statistics and makeup for the class of 2013 (currently sophomores). It may answer many of your questions- It may raise a few also at which I will do my best to answer.

 

[starsintheriver]

A slight correction, there is very little if any preference given to non-SDA students who have done their pre-doctoral work at an Adventist university. They are basically on the same playing field as all other non-Adventists. The only advantage would be that the admissions committee would be very familiar with the University they have done their work at. I have heard of that approach backfiring in certain cases.
If you look at the numbers on the website it breaks down to this. If you are a practicing SDA you have about a 1 in 3 chance of acceptance if you are non-SDA about a 1 in 60 chance
Follow this link to the schools website http://www.llu.edu/assets/dentistry/documents/admissions/ddsprofile.pdf
and you can see the statistics and makeup for the class of 2013 (currently sophomores). It may answer many of your questions- It may raise a few also at which I will do my best to answer.

Thanks LLUProf!! Chance of acceptance for non-SDA students is still much lower than any other schools i'm applying...🙁

 

[emurocker]

One question. In the supplemental application do I have to write an essay or only answer the essay questions?

I had a similar question...anyone know if I should write the answers to flow in an essay or should I number them and answer them one by one?