Hey everybody, I have just started my PASS application and I thought it would be nice if we could share tips and thoughts about what kind of things to include in the various sections of the application. Lets try and keep this to the point and make it so we can all benefit from this! So I will start with a question I have...
In the 3rd section under Applicant Information titled "Professional Experience" it asks for relevant work experience. Could anyone elaborate on what that might mean...I am assuming that Lifeguarding and Dishwashing during undergrad does not apply? What about Dental Assisting? Otherwise I am pretty much blank in this section. Any thoughts?
Its been so long, I forget whats on the app, but I remember putting tutoring, assisting, etc.
Tip #1. Get them LORs early. My attending took 2 months and the chair of my dental school longer than that.
Tip #2. Only OMS write the LOR. Although my chair reads the LORs, he only scans the info, and will only remember during interviews if he knows who is the author is. I don't think a LOR from the chair of your restorative dept commenting on how beautiful your class 2's are will impress on a program that you can survive 4-6years in an OMS program.
Tip #3. Rolling interviews. Although there are final deadlines, interviews are handed out much earlier than the published deadlines.
Tip #4. Have extra packets (LORs, transcripts, Board schores, CV, Picture, etc) made just in case the even you dont match. The last minute scramble to post-match is a hectic and quck frenzy.
Tip #5. Don't apply to programs you don't want to go to, or live in the city where the program is based because 4-6yrs is a LONG time to hate your job/city. Not to mention expensive applying; each program can cost upwards of $100-150 (board scores copy, transcripts copy, application fee, med school secondary fee, travel expenses).
Tip #6. Send everything signature required, tracked. Stuff gets lost, and even when it gets there properly, may get lost in one pile of papers on the coordinators desk.
Your best chance is the first, so spend the extra time and money to do it right! Be super organized because you will get replies, secondaries, denials, interview requests, emails, letters.........all while trying to finish requirements to graduate during your 4th year.
