Military Experience Anyone??

[rwbpj]

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Just wondering if anyone else with prior military experience felt that it was a big help in getting them accepted. I have an average GPA and DAT scores, but I was accepted to 6 schools and feel that alot of it had to do with my military background. What do you prior service guys/gals think??

 

[Mromar]

rwbpj,

I am not sure, though I am an ex-military person myself. From my initial coversations with admissions people, they seem to greatly admire it, but I have not idea whether it would help in the admissions process. Though, it can not hurt either, especially if anyone on the adcom staff is an ex-military.

But, as you have stated, you were accepted to 6 schools, so it may have been a deciding factor. I can say from experience (working world) in job interviews, that it became a large topic of conversation,and many people seem to really like admire the person who came from the service. Typical comments were that they admired the discipline, determination, teamwork abilities, and the fact they you actually went through basic training (boot camp).

So, hopefully it can give me a little bit of an edge, or at least get me some interviews.

BTW, what branch?

 

[rwbpj]

I was in the USAF for 5.5 years.

I also found that my military experience was often the topic of conversation. In fact, most of the school tried to have a prior service faculty member conduct my interview. This was quite nice, as we had an instant connection. They all really seemed to like the leadership expierence military service offers most people.

 

[Mromar]

How funny, I was in the USAF as well (4 years). I was wondering about this, and am now hoping I can come into contact with a prior service member during an interview. That would be really nice.

Guess it adds to our application and characteristics of a candidate.

 

[Mudduck]

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Just kidding guys 🙂 Thanks for your service.

 

[helloagain]

I've been in the AF for 4 years as a dental assistant. I've really gotten into the dental profession. I want to further myself in the dental career. I went into the military straight from high school, so no college yet. Does anyone know the most efficient steps to take for a very experienced military dental assitant who wants to become a dentist???

 

[rwbpj]

If you mean "quickest" when you use the word efficient here are a couple of ideas.

1. Finish your undergrad work in 3 years (take summer classes) or don't get a degree, just finish the required course work for the school you want to apply to.

2. Get involved in school activities. Also if you have any time left in the AF volunteer for all of those Chief's group events (Chritmas parties, Special Olympics, Food Banks, etc.). These look great on you application.

3. Also get on-line and check out the AADSAS application to get an idea of what type of experience they are looking for. You should be able to list something in almost all of the blanks (you will see what I am talking about if you don't already).

Other than this maintain a high GPA and smoke the DAT!!

Good luck

Aim High!! 😀 😀

 

[helloagain]

Thanks rwbpj!

Many of the dentist I work with tell me that I'm wasting my time as a dental assitant. I have higher aspirations, but I wasn't sure if the no B.S. was a huge problem. I am looking for combination programs BS/DDS. I have tons of the volunteer experience you speak of, so I guess I'm good on that part. I will check out the specific requirements for the schools I'm interested in and tackle those DAT's and see what happens. Thanks for the info, I truly appreciate it!

 

[Midoc]

I don't know many of the specifics of the program but I do know that my school (Univ of Detroit-Mercy) has a 6 year undergrad/dental school program. If accepted to the program you do two years of undergrad and as long as you maintain an acceptable GPA and do well on the DAT then you're automatically accepted to the dental school.

 

[rwbpj]

Midoc just reminded me that my school has a progam similar to detroit-mercy. My undergrad school does not have a dental school but they will apply your first year of dental school work to your undergrad degree. So you could actually complete 96 credits of undergraduate work then attend dental school for a year, then be awarded your bachelors degree. I would be supprised if other schools did'nt have similar programs.