Questions Regarding Upcoming Cycle

[HuskyUC]

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Hey guys, I'm a long time lurker of these forums and have gained invaluable knowledge on the whole AADSAS application process through many posts. I couldn't find the answers to a few questions I had so I figured I'd make an account and post!

I am currently applying this cycle. My question was regarding GPA verification: So, I plan on taking the DAT in the first week of July, which I know is kind of late, but it's the best I can do at this point. Would it be beneficial to submit my transcripts and matching forms on June 2nd even though my application will not be complete until around the end of July? I've read that later in the cycle this process can take very long but at the beginning its quicker.

Also, if I do go ahead and get my GPA verified, my application isn't sent to dental schools, right? Since I haven't filled out the rest of the application? I would assume so but I am not sure.

My plan for the upcoming month and a half is to finalize my personal statement, make the finishing touches, collect my LoR's which are being written at the moment, and work on my activities descriptions, and study for the DAT. Also, I need to come up with a list of 15-20 schools.

I am also currently shadowing as well; both a GP and an orthodontist. I really like shadowing the orthodontist because she's really interactive and I learn a ton with her. She is also very friendly and I know would write me a great LoR. My GP isn't that interactive nor do I think he'd write a great LoR, partly because english isn't his native language. Would it be unfavorable to get a dentist LoR from the orthodontist rather than the GP? I would still be shadowing both so I get at least 60 hours with a GP and however many with the orthodontist.

Is there anything else I'm missing that I need to do? What could I do to submit my application the quickest?

Thanks in advance!

 

[eeek22]

If you want to submit your application for verification you need your personal statement entered, along with your coursework, background information and dexterity question and everything else. If you want to submit early and have your GPA verified before you take the DAT you will need to have the application filled out in its entirety. Hope this helps 🙂 Good luck!

 

[HuskyUC]

Thanks so much for your response! So I guess I'll have to submit in July then . Do you know if it will still be a long wait?

 

[w4nt2baDDS]

Would it be unfavorable to get a dentist LoR from the orthodontist rather than the GP?

I don't think its unfavorable at all. The letter of recommendations are all for dental school and not for general dentistry. An orthodontist went all the way through dental school and excelled to obtain entrance into their specialty.

If this was all the shadowing you had it wouldn't be good though. Shadowing a general dentist does expose you to many of the procedures you will be learning and performing in dental school. You have a lot of general dentistry exposure though so I think you're good.

 

[HuskyUC]

I don't think its unfavorable at all. The letter of recommendations are all for dental school and not for general dentistry. An orthodontist went all the way through dental school and excelled to obtain entrance into their specialty.

If this was all the shadowing you had it wouldn't be good though. Shadowing a general dentist does expose you to many of the procedures you will be learning and performing in dental school. You have a lot of general dentistry exposure though so I think you're good.

Thanks so much for the reply! I agree with what you said. I'll definitely make sure to keep shadowing at both places just to make sure, but like I said, I just enjoy the orthodontist's office much more. Her staff is very friendly, engaging and supportive, whereas at the GP's office, it's a weird environment and I kind of don't feel welcome. But hey, hours are hours. 😀