Stanford Fencer, wasabio ...

[negar]

Hi guys
Did both of you have leadership that u got into UCLA??? Do u think leadership is very important? I have a descent GPA(3.6), research and clinical experience. I haven't taken my DAT though... i don't know how much lack of leadership's gonna hurt me!!!
ThanX

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[Stanford Fencer]

negar --

this is what i think (in order of importance)

1: GPA/DAT -- i think that these 2 are about equal weight, so that one can balance out the deficiencies of another (i got in with a 3.2 SGPA and a 26 DAT; or i know someone who got in with 3.6 SGPA and a 22 DAT-- see it works kind of like a see-saw)

2: dental experience -- this will really come through for you during the interview. this is *extremely* important.

3: the extra-curriculars (including leadership skills..etc) -- i think that these things may help, but i think that #3 pales in significance to #1 and 2. one exception though, is if you are a leader in dental-related activities. this is HUGE! I met quite a few of these folks at Harvard...

NOTE: these are obviously just what i have garnered from my experiences this past year. i am sure that folks out there may have drastically different views.

hope this helps.

 

[negar]

Thank u Stanford Fencer... U made me feel better

 

[wasabi007]

hi negar,

i agree with stanford fencer...i think that when compared to GPA/DAT and your dental experience, extracurriculars and leadership fall lower on the totem pole. during my interview at ucla, my interviewers spent most of the time talking about my experiences in the dental office--have some specific examples of what you liked, what inspired you, what goes on in the dental environment that you have exposed yourself to. be prepared to talk about what you wrote in your personal statement, being that they did refer to it during the interview. it has already been said so many times that it might sound like a cliche, but i cannot stress how true it is--just be sincere and honest...treat the interview as a chance for them to get a real idea of what your personality is like and a chance for you to get a feel of how you would like going to that school.

since you have not yet taken your DAT's...just focus on that...study hard, do well and you'll see that your hard work will not go wasted. if you have limited time, it's more worthwhile to spend it studying for the DAT than to find a leadership position at this time. that's just my 2 cents...good luck!

-wasabi007

 

[Stanford Fencer]

wasabi, are you going to UCLA for sure? i'm still somewhat undecided.. and i'm thinking of visiting it again and talking to more people to make sure

 

[wasabi007]

hey stanford...

no i'm not 100% sure yet...i have yet to hear from UCSF! i can't believe that they are taking so long in their decision process. however, i know that if i don't hear good news from sf (waitlist or reject) then i'll be going to ucla for sure.

it's funny tho that i'm so concerned about hearing from ucsf cuz when i first applied...i had my heart set on getting in and going to ucla...i guess i was really impressed by ucsf when i went to the interview...so now my decision has been swayed...

it's a tough decision...both schools are stellar...i thought you had decided on ucsf? what is holding you back? just curious...

-wasabi007

 

[wasabi007]

holy smokes...i spoke too soon...i just received my acceptance letter from UCSF!!! now i think i'm leaning more towards UCSF. What is affecting your decision at this point? Anything you can share?

-wasabi007

 

[hazelmei]

WASABI! CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance to UCSF =) I hope I get in... still waiting... but if not, then I'll be going to UCLA. =) ( The main reason for my wanting to go to UCSF is because it's closer to home )

hazel

 

[wasabi007]

thanks hazelmei...

i'm sure you'll hear from them this week!! check your mailbox...call barbra! we'll be waiting for your good news... <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

-wasabi007

 

[hazelmei]

wasabi, btw, when did you interview for UCSF? just curious.. I interviewed January 11 and so it's been quite a while. thanks =)

hazel

 

[wasabi007]

hazelmei,

i interviewed with them quite a while back as well...jan 4th! so just because it seems like it's been eons, there still may be good news!

-wasabi007

 

[StarGirl]

wasai~
i wish you luck at ucsf... i have my eyes on your spot at ucla
good luck! (if not, and if i am lucky, maybe we'll be classmates :wink: )