School Tours

[jaypea65]

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I was thinking about scheduling a couple of tours of my top choice dental schools. I thought that maybe that I could meet some admission folks, project my personality, and put a face to my name. At this stage of the cycle, do you think that this is a good idea, terrible idea, or just a little too late?

 

[DiNoZeRo2o9]

I suggested my friend do that so we could have a better chance of going to dental school together...he got a tour scheduled and he personally e-mailed the dean and executive dean and got to schedule a meeting with both...i'm sure that can't hurt him.

 

[somethinpositiv]

I was thinking about scheduling a couple of tours of my top choice dental schools. I thought that maybe that I could meet some admission folks, project my personality, and put a face to my name. At this stage of the cycle, do you think that this is a good idea, terrible idea, or just a little too late?

You know, I did exactly that. I did that at UoP, my #1 choice school. I visited at the end of July, talked to admissions, did all the things that you said.. Spent like $600 because I thought it might help my chances.. And you know what? I don't have an interview there.. 🙁 though my stats aren't great, I think they are a match for UoP.. There is still hope for a post-Dec. interview, but the point I'm trying to make is that it probably isn't going to help you as far as getting an interview or getting admitted goes. Take your tour during the interviews; save your money for the interviews.

 

[stillhere858]

You know, I did exactly that. I did that at UoP, my #1 choice school. I visited at the end of July, talked to admissions, did all the things that you said.. Spent like $600 because I thought it might help my chances.. And you know what? I don't have an interview there.. 🙁 though my stats aren't great, I think they are a match for UoP.. There is still hope for a post-Dec. interview, but the point I'm trying to make is that it probably isn't going to help you as far as getting an interview or getting admitted goes. Take your tour during the interviews; save your money for the interviews.

I have to agree with that one. Also, in the end your scores and application content in general will be the real determining factor, not the fact that you "stopped by to say hi."

 

[Retimo]

Spent like $600 because I thought it might help my chances..

Woah, $600? On what? Are you talkin about plane tickets and hotel?

 

[jaypea65]

You know, I did exactly that. I did that at UoP, my #1 choice school. I visited at the end of July, talked to admissions, did all the things that you said.. Spent like $600 because I thought it might help my chances.. And you know what? I don't have an interview there.. 🙁 though my stats aren't great, I think they are a match for UoP.. There is still hope for a post-Dec. interview, but the point I'm trying to make is that it probably isn't going to help you as far as getting an interview or getting admitted goes. Take your tour during the interviews; save your money for the interviews.

I think your stats are good, and I think that you will definitely get an acceptance or even multiple acceptances. I was only planning on visiting my state schools and one near my sister since I will be visiting her in November. I would not even think about spending that much just to visit schools since my wallet is getting thin through this whole process.

 

[jaypea65]

I have to agree with that one. Also, in the end your scores and application content in general will be the real determining factor, not the fact that you "stopped by to say hi."

I did not plan on just saying Hi. My plan was to try to speak with someone to tell them what I plan to do for the field of dentistry.

 

[prydA]

if you have to fly there and book hotels JUST to visit, i think it is a huge waste of time and money...

 

[Oracle DMD]

it makes a difference. not for all schools, but for a lot of them, making a personal conection is a big deal. don't worry about the $$$$. with as much as you're about to spend on first year tuition, it's worth it if you get into the school you want.

 

[IWantH2O]

if u are a current applicant, do u think its too late to schedule a tour to get ur name known...or do u think its too late now

 

[Lopyswine]

I did not plan on just saying Hi. My plan was to try to speak with someone to tell them what I plan to do for the field of dentistry.

don't talk about that. If anything talk to them about their school. Tell them you are interested. Ask if there any advice they have for you to strengthen your application. Ask if there is something you should do from now until your interview that will help. Ask if there are recommended classes you should take this spring. Sitting down in their office and telling them how you will contribute to the field may come off like you are forcing them to interview you. Those topics will come up at your actual interview.