- Joined
- Dec 3, 2001
- Messages
- 2,895
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I think these notes will help all the newcomers keep up with the rest of the group, if any of you have any other ideas which will help others and decrease the redundance in the forum, let me know.
Dentisthusband's contribution.
1. Q. Regarding any and all questions that you might have, review all of the threads here first (or use the search option at the bottom of the page) in the likely chance that the topic has been fully discussed and answered already
2. Q. It seems from my review of the threads on this forum that my NBDE I score is not competitive, what should I do?
A. Take it again to improve your score.
3. Q. Which school should I apply to.
A. As many as you can afford. But research the acceptance criteria before you send in the application so you don't waste your time and theirs. You can write the Admissions Director for the program and ask specific questions to see if your personal characteristics are competitive for a particular program. Just don't expect an immediate answer if you write the Director during the intense fall interview cycle.
4. Q. Should I take the NBDE II.
A. This will only improve your chances for those dental schools that require it. Schools that do not, will give your part II score little to no weight whatsoever.
5. Q. Why didn't I get an acceptance with my fantastic Board scores, GPA and TOEFL
A. One potential answer to this question is that you messed up on either the practical dexterity test or the interview, or both. When you get a call for an interview, why not practice your potential answers to commonly asked questions. Don't make them canned answers, just go through them and think about how you might respond if certain questions pop up. Check the forum for those repetitive questions. Try a mock interview with friends who are native English speakers. Learn what techniques are covered on most dexterity tests and spend a good amount of time practicing those techniques.
Finally, approach this process with humility and compassion. Remember that you are trying to gain entry to a very exclusive group of talented and intelligent individuals who are licensed dentists in the USA. Dental school is very hard to get into regardless of whether you grew up in Bangalore, Bogota, Brussels or Boston. Only the applicants who possess a superior combination of knowledge, skill, ability to communicate effectively, and most importantly; exhibit the drive and perserverance that it takes to get into and through the program will make it. If you fail to get admittance, this year try again next year. Read the Dental forum on this board and you will see that many US citizens had to do just that before they ultimately got in. These programs do not automatically owe anyone a position in their programs, it is a privilege that they try to bestow upon the most worthy applicants. Compassion can be shown by having an open and helpful attitude for all of your fellow SDNers who aspire to the same path as you. As a future health care provider, compassion will always be one of your fundamental tools as long as you practice dentistry, wherever that practice might ultimately be.
Footnote -
Change what you can change and accept what you cannot. Henry Ford had a neat little phrase he used to repeat when people asked him about his phenomenal success, he would often say "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right."
Dentisthusband's contribution.
1. Q. Regarding any and all questions that you might have, review all of the threads here first (or use the search option at the bottom of the page) in the likely chance that the topic has been fully discussed and answered already
2. Q. It seems from my review of the threads on this forum that my NBDE I score is not competitive, what should I do?
A. Take it again to improve your score.
3. Q. Which school should I apply to.
A. As many as you can afford. But research the acceptance criteria before you send in the application so you don't waste your time and theirs. You can write the Admissions Director for the program and ask specific questions to see if your personal characteristics are competitive for a particular program. Just don't expect an immediate answer if you write the Director during the intense fall interview cycle.
4. Q. Should I take the NBDE II.
A. This will only improve your chances for those dental schools that require it. Schools that do not, will give your part II score little to no weight whatsoever.
5. Q. Why didn't I get an acceptance with my fantastic Board scores, GPA and TOEFL
A. One potential answer to this question is that you messed up on either the practical dexterity test or the interview, or both. When you get a call for an interview, why not practice your potential answers to commonly asked questions. Don't make them canned answers, just go through them and think about how you might respond if certain questions pop up. Check the forum for those repetitive questions. Try a mock interview with friends who are native English speakers. Learn what techniques are covered on most dexterity tests and spend a good amount of time practicing those techniques.
Finally, approach this process with humility and compassion. Remember that you are trying to gain entry to a very exclusive group of talented and intelligent individuals who are licensed dentists in the USA. Dental school is very hard to get into regardless of whether you grew up in Bangalore, Bogota, Brussels or Boston. Only the applicants who possess a superior combination of knowledge, skill, ability to communicate effectively, and most importantly; exhibit the drive and perserverance that it takes to get into and through the program will make it. If you fail to get admittance, this year try again next year. Read the Dental forum on this board and you will see that many US citizens had to do just that before they ultimately got in. These programs do not automatically owe anyone a position in their programs, it is a privilege that they try to bestow upon the most worthy applicants. Compassion can be shown by having an open and helpful attitude for all of your fellow SDNers who aspire to the same path as you. As a future health care provider, compassion will always be one of your fundamental tools as long as you practice dentistry, wherever that practice might ultimately be.
Footnote -
Change what you can change and accept what you cannot. Henry Ford had a neat little phrase he used to repeat when people asked him about his phenomenal success, he would often say "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right."
