quick question

[longhornpride]

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Hey everyone,

I just found this site a few days ago and i can't believe how much i have learned. This is my first post and i have a few simple questions so please no flaming.

I'm a sophmore and since ive visited this site, i have become very worried about getting into dental school.

First question, do dental schools notice applicants that went to top state universities than some of the smaller universities? Does an applicant from an easier university with a higher gpa have a better chance than an applicant with a lower gpa from a tougher university?

my gpa is a 3.37 and a science gpa of a 3.0

I do have about 70 hours of volunteer service in one semester and plan on doing more this next semester. Will they need proof of every place i have volunteered? If so, can you have the proof signed off through the service organization you helped out with or do they need it from the place you volunteered at?

2 more questions. What is a good amount of shadowing a person should do and when is the best time(month) to turn in all your applications?

Thank you

 

[TheWiredNerv]

As far as GPA is concerned, I'm sure school reputation plays a role in the procress but usually if you have a high GPA you should get a high DAT score or else the validity of it may come intro question.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

In regards the question about school retutation, I had this conversation with numerous people, and I get mixed answers. My opinion is that a high gpa (>3.5) from a average state school outweighs a low gpa (~3.0) from a top school. I have been told this by two different people that were on ADCOMS at dental schools. However, a high DAT may give you some slack for the low gpa, but I don't know how much. Regardless, you have no choice but to score 21 or higher on your DAT to be competitive, or else schools will consider your gpa uncompetitive.

In regards of proof of volunteering, you don't need a paper reciept showing the hours you volunteered, but keep track of contact info and references just in case you get asked. OHSU required that I submit a document with all the names of the dentists, their contact info, and the dates of my shadowing as proof of my activities.

You should aim for about 50 hours of shadowing. OHSU has 50 hours as their minimum.

The best time to apply to AADSAS is May 15th, the first day it opens. The latest you should apply is mid summer. Beyond that, you are jeopardizing your chances of a fall interview, which is when the bulk of interviews occur.

 

[longhornpride]

thank you for all the info so far.

I doubt this is going to make a difference, but does it matter whether i have a bachelor of arts in biology degree or a bachelor of science in biology degree?

once again thanks.

 

[bigstix808]

thank you for all the info so far.

I doubt this is going to make a difference, but does it matter whether i have a bachelor of arts in biology degree or a bachelor of science in biology degree?

once again thanks.

hey there bud...it really makes no difference. there are people with fine arts majors in dental school. what ever makes you happy and whatever major you can do well in to support that GPA is what's gonna get you in as long as you get the basics out of the way. they want to see you do well in something your passionate in rather than doing mediocre in a degree that you "think" they want.