Miscellaneous Questions

[omgitssum1]

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1. Regarding research, I've been working as an undergrad volunteer for my PI. She doesn't pay me. However, I did receive research stipends from my school to cover living expenses, etc. So would this be considered "Paid" or "Volunteer?"
2. I can add/edit letter writers after e-submitting, correct?
3. How important is the personal statement? What must I include? Any tips?

Thanks!

 

[Dentalguy8621]

1. Regarding research, I've been working as an undergrad volunteer for my PI. She doesn't pay me. However, I did receive research stipends from my school to cover living expenses, etc. So would this be considered "Paid" or "Volunteer?"
2. I can add/edit letter writers after e-submitting, correct?
3. How important is the personal statement? What must I include? Any tips?

Thanks!

1. Volunteer.
2. IDK
3. Um. Pretty darn important. Your personal statement is your a reflection of your own life experiences. It's an effective way to describe what you have gone through and your pathway into dentistry.

 

[sjv]

1. If they're paying you a stipend for your time doing research, I'd consider that paid.
2. Yes.
3. A bad one can hurt you, an okay one won't do much, a good one may help you.

The instructions from the 2013 (I dunno if they updated for 2014) ADEA guide are:
The ADEA AADSAS application requires a personal essay on your reasons for pursuing a dental education. Where do you start? Put yourself in the shoes of the admissions committees that read application essays. They are looking for individuals who are motivated, academically prepared, articulate, socially conscious, and knowledgeable about the profession. What can you tell admissions committees about yourself that will make you stand out?
Here are some possible topics for your essay:
How did you become interested in studying dentistry? Be honest. If you knew you wanted to be a dentist from the age of six, that’s fine, but if you didn’t that’s all right, too. Explain how you discovered dentistry as a career possibility and what you have done to research the career. Admissions committees are looking for how well thought-out your career plans are.
What have you done to demonstrate your interest in dentistry? Have you observed or working in dental offices? Have you talked to practicing dentists? How good is your understanding of general dental practice? How do you envision yourself using your dental degree?
What have you done to demonstrate your commitment to helping others?
Do you have any special talents or leadership skills that could be transferable to the practice of dentistry?
Have you benefited from any special experiences such as participating in research or internships?
Did you have to work to pay for you education? How was that made you a stronger applicant?
Have you had to overcome hardships or obstacles to get where you are today? How has this influenced your motivation for advanced education?

 

[stomatology]

1. I agree with sjv, if you are getting the stipend because you are doing research then I think this would be considered paid.
2. You can, but to my knowledge you cannot edit a letter writer after the letter has been uploaded to AADSAS.
3. Don't write a bad one. I have heard that people usually think this matters more than it actually does. But you definitely want to put your best foot forward.

 

[Daneosaurus]

Guys, please help me out! I was born in Ukraine and have an MA degree from there, i am a US citizen expecting BA degree in chem from US college (4 classes left). I am applying to regular 4 year DDS program. Some schools told me i need to take TOEFL????? did they confuse me with international applicant. I am confused.

I assumed they thought you are international. I may be mistaken, there is no reason for you to take TOEFL.