Stupid Questions/FAQ Thread 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
a2ndragoon89 said:
Yeah, it's a bummer, but choose the school wisely because dropping 1,000 is a lot of money to just hold your spot.
Click to expand...

What kind of a timeline do you have after you are accepted regarding this?
 
Seahawk said:
What kind of a timeline do you have after you are accepted regarding this?
Click to expand...

It depends on the school. For instance, if you get accepted after Dec 1, you have 30 days, but if you're accepted Feb1, you have 15 days. Something like that. Hopefully someone could verify this for me!
 
Ozn said:
thnx. omg im so stressed out. i guess i should do that and contact my adviser. appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Yeah I was really concerned about this too. I asked the pre-health dean at my school, and she said if it was a committee letter the requirements for individual letters are waived, and the letters composing the committee letter can be from any type of professor. I guess this could vary from dental school to dental school, but I think with her experience she would probably know for the majority of schools.
 
My deposits were 2k and 1k I think. And then a second deposit of 1k.
 
Insane.


Onward!!


How long did your professors take to get the LORS to you?
 
here's my stupid question:

If i went through commencement june 12, 2011, and graduated, does that mean I earned my degree? When can we say we earned our degree. I finished all required courses to get my degree in the spring, but rushed my transcript, so it doesn't have the last quarter grades. So does that mean I have a degree or not? Or is it safe to put degree expected versus degree awarded. HELP
 
a2ndragoon89 said:
here's my stupid question:

If i went through commencement june 12, 2011, and graduated, does that mean I earned my degree? When can we say we earned our degree. I finished all required courses to get my degree in the spring, but rushed my transcript, so it doesn't have the last quarter grades. So does that mean I have a degree or not? Or is it safe to put degree expected versus degree awarded. HELP
Click to expand...

If you are certain that you fulfilled EVERY CLASS that you are required to complete and will be expecting your degree in the mail, then you can say that you have earned your degree. BUT if you are still going back for a semester/quarter or what not, then you have not yet earned it. Does that make sense?
 
jntm46 said:
If you are certain that you fulfilled EVERY CLASS that you are required to complete and will be expecting your degree in the mail, then you can say that you have earned your degree. BUT if you are still going back for a semester/quarter or what not, then you have not yet earned it. Does that make sense?
Click to expand...

But if it doesn't show up on my transcript? Will they assume that I received it? Does it hurt me to say I'm expecting the degree or is it better to say I have my degree
 
a2ndragoon89 said:
But if it doesn't show up on my transcript? Will they assume that I received it? Does it hurt me to say I'm expecting the degree or is it better to say I have my degree
Click to expand...

Then you have earned your degree. So state that. Then you should resend your transcripts with all the grades completed (including spring) as soon as you can. I'm assuming you already submitted your app?
 
i will update my academic status when the time comes haha. i will not wait 2+weeks for them to look at a new transcript. too much delay. I'll just put as degree expected. thanks for the help though guys!
 
Are you able to send different LOR's to different schools? For example, I have shadowed 3 dentists who are alumni of schools I am interested in and would like to submit LOR's from them to their specific alma maters...is this possible?
 
sacapuntas said:
Are you able to send different LOR's to different schools? For example, I have shadowed 3 dentists who are alumni of schools I am interested in and would like to submit LOR's from them to their specific alma maters...is this possible?
Click to expand...

I heard some schools will only accept LORs from AADSAS. Better call the school and find out!
 
lululime said:
I heard some schools will only accept LORs from AADSAS. Better call the school and find out!
Click to expand...

And through AADSAS can you only upload 1 dentist LOR that will be sent out to all schools?
 
You can always send this letter as part of your supplementary application. One nice thing about doing is that way is that the letter will stand out. One piece of advice I always give people requesting letters from a family dentist they know is to make sure it's substantive. If you worked closely with that dentist for many years then send it. If you went to him/her as a patient for many years, think twice. What can they really say about you? Saying you're a wonderful person will not get you in.
 
I was talking to a dental student friend today and she said that adcoms only receive the standard score (1-30) that you received on your DAT, not the percentile you are actually in. I'm a little skeptical about this because it's been a while since she applied and as far as I know, she doesn't have any involvement in the admissions office.

I was wondering, does anyone knew if adcoms receive applicants DAT percentile and if they even take it into consideration?
 
Here's my stupid application timing question: I plan to apply this 2011-2012 application cycle, but will be late due to full-time work and family obligations. I'm scheduled to take my DAT August 15th and I'm hoping to submit my primary application by late July or early August, but my LORs will not be in until mid to late August. Am I going to be too late in the cycle to be competitive for pre-December interviews? My overall gpa is 3.6 and my sci gpa is 3.5. I don't have official DAT scores yet and I just started studying ~2 weeks ago, so I can't accurately guess what they will be either. However, I have always done well on standardized tests in the past. I have good extracurriculars (shadowing experience, leadership in a club, lots of volunteer hours, part-time and full-time work, etc.)

Is it worth rushing to get my application in by late July/early August assuming that my LORs won't be finished until mid-august? Will processing of my application begin without my LORs? Would it be to my advantage to get my app in even earlier (assuming the same time frame for my DAT and LORs)? Would getting my LORs in by early August help (assuming the same time frame for my DAT)?

Any advice and/or help is GREATLY appreciated! Thank you all very much! 😀
 
What exactly do you put in this section your whole schedule for next year or just pre-reqs that you are planning on taking?

Also, I have not had time to get a lot of shadowing as I was busy studying for the DAT and working. Now that I am done with that I will be doing more shadowing should I list the few hours that I have and where would I put that I plan on doing a lot more?
 
Double Bonded: I don't think so because from what I understand, in the official score report, the schools can't even see the percentages..
 
does an associate's degree in science help in any way, or nothing at all?
 
Here's my question: when do you apply for financial aid for dental school? Do you just apply through the school when you get in, and what if you are accepted later rather than sooner?
 
Hey everyone,
I have a question. One of my friends who applied to med school last year told me about how one of the admissions officers followed up with some of the ECs she had listed on her AMCAS app to verify hours, etc. Does AADSAS do that? And are they sticklers about exact hours, bc I couldn't remember exactly how many hours I spent volunteering. :laugh:
 
RedRoze said:
does an associate's degree in science help in any way, or nothing at all?
Click to expand...

What I heard from an adcom was that it may look good but it's not going to help you much. The bachelors degree is extremely important (0.5-1% matriculate w/o). It's like an accessory, doesn't really matter if it's there, but if it is..it doesn't help a lot. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.




katyaava said:
Here's my question: when do you apply for financial aid for dental school? Do you just apply through the school when you get in, and what if you are accepted later rather than sooner?
Click to expand...

Check out the forum where dental students hang out. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=18
 
Vcru said:
What exactly do you put in this section your whole schedule for next year or just pre-reqs that you are planning on taking?

Also, I have not had time to get a lot of shadowing as I was busy studying for the DAT and working. Now that I am done with that I will be doing more shadowing should I list the few hours that I have and where would I put that I plan on doing a lot more?
Click to expand...



I would put the whole course schedule and update AADSAS of any changes as you drop and add classes.

I would put the start date and the anticipated end date, and then put in the description that it is ongoing and that the total hours reflect projected or anticipated hours of shadowing.


I have another (probably stupid) question. I went to a pre-dental open house at Midwestern last year and someone asked about the difference it makes when you apply to d-school from an ivy league (they mentioned Princeton) as opposed to coming from a state school. The admissions officer didn't give a straight answer, lol.

I know that Princeton is on a 12 week academic calendar and they have massive grade deflation, but does that make a difference? What do you guys think?
 
Your undergrad school doesn't matter. I went to a top-ranked dental school and we had plenty of people from Ivy league schools, and many more from smaller schools I had never heard of. It's more about what you've done at whatever school you've attended that will get you the interviews. That said, if you come from a prestigious school known to have really tough grading, adcoms will likely recognize that fact when looking at your GPA.
 
DrDSA said:
Your undergrad school doesn't matter. I went to a top-ranked dental school and we had plenty of people from Ivy league schools, and many more from smaller schools I had never heard of. It's more about what you've done at whatever school you've attended that will get you the interviews. That said, if you come from a prestigious school known to have really tough grading, adcoms will likely recognize that fact when looking at your GPA.
Click to expand...

Wow. I took a look at your website and I have to say that I'm at the very least impressed. Emroy -> UPenn -> Harvard Dental -> UCLA Ortho. 😱. That's amazing. Congratulations on your success!

Do you have any advice for those of us applying to dental school or starting dental school?
 
Really stupid question here, but I can e-submit my application before they have recieved all my transcripts right?

I was about to and then I read this and started to wonder:

"
You have NOT e-submitted your application to ADEA AADSAS yet. Read the instructions at the bottom to e-submit your application. ADEA AADSAS will consider your application complete and begin to process it once the following materials are received:
  • Complete ADEA AADSAS Application
  • Sealed official transcripts from every postsecondary U.S. and Canadian Institution attended
  • Correct ADEA AADSAS Application fee"
 
UCF FINatic said:
Really stupid question here, but I can e-submit my application before they have recieved all my transcripts right?

I was about to and then I read this and started to wonder:

"

You have NOT e-submitted your application to ADEA AADSAS yet. Read the instructions at the bottom to e-submit your application. ADEA AADSAS will consider your application complete and begin to process it once the following materials are received:
  • Complete ADEA AADSAS Application
  • Sealed official transcripts from every postsecondary U.S. and Canadian Institution attended
  • Correct ADEA AADSAS Application fee"
Click to expand...
TOO LATE, already submitted.

Another stupid question though, I submitted my application and the main screen like with the application information, education, professional experience, evaluators, release statements etc didnt change at all. Is that normal?

Thanks guys!
 
UCF FINatic said:
Really stupid question here, but I can e-submit my application before they have recieved all my transcripts right?

I was about to and then I read this and started to wonder:

"
You have NOT e-submitted your application to ADEA AADSAS yet. Read the instructions at the bottom to e-submit your application. ADEA AADSAS will consider your application complete and begin to process it once the following materials are received:
  • Complete ADEA AADSAS Application
  • Sealed official transcripts from every postsecondary U.S. and Canadian Institution attended
  • Correct ADEA AADSAS Application fee"
Click to expand...

Basically, what AADSAS means is that your application won't be processed and sent out just because you click "e-submit." They also need transcripts. But it's good to e-submit ASAP. Don't sit and wait to press the button if you are ready with your portion.

check out the bottom of this document for more clarity:
http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/Documents/AADSAS 2012.pdf

hope that answers your Q!
 
UCF FINatic said:
TOO LATE, already submitted.

Another stupid question though, I submitted my application and the main screen like with the application information, education, professional experience, evaluators, release statements etc didnt change at all. Is that normal?

Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

That's normal. One thing that should change, however, is there's no longer a button at the bottom that says "e-submit."
 
I'm very indecisive about whether to take biochem while study for DAT or not. thoughts.?
 
LaughingGas said:
I'm very indecisive about whether to take biochem while study for DAT or not. thoughts.?
Click to expand...

Do it but don't. I attempted to study for the DAT last semester while in biochem and I didn't get anything done. After my semester ended, I set aside 2 months of DAT studying and it was enough.

It's a good idea to start preparing because you get the general idea of what you do and don't need to know early. It's a bad idea because both require a high level of dedication and commitment. If you end up taking biochem while studying for the DAT give 100% to both (which is a lot harder than it sounds).

PS Biochem made bio concepts really easy so if you're not stressed for time, concentrate on getting an A in that...then kill the DAT biology section because the bio concepts will seem elementary when compared to your biochem class.
 
-Filling out ASDOH's secondary is making me nervous...I had heard about how much they want students who did community service/volunteer work but how many hours is usually an acceptable amount?

-This is probably not a good question to be asking pre-dents but I've heard that USC is a school that will weigh you down with a lifetime of debt. I'm reconsidering sending in my secondary check to them and just forgetting about USC completely. Does anyone know where I can find out some straightforward and unbiased information on the quality of their program and how bad the cost of going to USC is compared to other schools?
 
Double Bonded said:
-Filling out ASDOH's secondary is making me nervous...I had heard about how much they want students who did community service/volunteer work but how many hours is usually an acceptable amount?

-This is probably not a good question to be asking pre-dents but I've heard that USC is a school that will weigh you down with a lifetime of debt. I'm reconsidering sending in my secondary check to them and just forgetting about USC completely. Does anyone know where I can find out some straightforward and unbiased information on the quality of their program and how bad the cost of going to USC is compared to other schools?
Click to expand...
It's going to be hard to find an answer to that first question because each school is different and weighs things differently. I think the biggest thing they want to see is the fact that you have done something and will contribute to society down to road in more ways than just being a dentist.

I don't know much about USC, sorry.
 
Another stupid question, but will the ADEA start calculating my GPA once they have recieved both transcripts and I have e-submitted my application, even if my PHPAO hasn't sent my evaluations in yet?

Thanks in advance!
 
ATSU prereqs include 3 SEMESTERS of physiology? and 3 semesters of English?
my university has physiology and anatomy I,II together and lower division, would that count for two semesters of physiology, and I have to take a third physiology?
does A&P have to be upper division?
 
RedRoze said:
ATSU prereqs include 3 SEMESTERS of physiology? and 3 semesters of English?
my university has physiology and anatomy I,II together and lower division, would that count for two semesters of physiology, and I have to take a third physiology?
does A&P have to be upper division?
Click to expand...

3 semesters is 3 semesters. Upper/lower division doesn't matter.
 
I'm scheduled to take the DAT August 30. I scored a 21-all on the 2009 ADA online test last week. Everything else in my app is fairly solid, from what I've read, as a 27YO applicant. Am I making an expensive mistake by taking the test this late? I feel that the time will be well spent bumping up that extra point or two.
 
oocytecryo said:
I'm scheduled to take the DAT August 30. I scored a 21-all on the 2009 ADA online test last week. Everything else in my app is fairly solid, from what I've read, as a 27YO applicant. Am I making an expensive mistake by taking the test this late? I feel that the time will be well spent bumping up that extra point or two.
Click to expand...

whats your GPA. i scored a 21 on the 09 ada sample, and took the DAT the next day (scored a 21). Just take it in beginning of Aug; you dont need 6 weeks. Submit that app now (if you havent) and rock the DAT in 2 weeks. have you taken topscore yet? i imagine you'll score around 20-22 on topscores. take those and you'll know when you're ready.
 
slm266 said:
whats your GPA. i scored a 21 on the 09 ada sample, and took the DAT the next day (scored a 21). Just take it in beginning of Aug; you dont need 6 weeks. Submit that app now (if you havent) and rock the DAT in 2 weeks. have you taken topscore yet? i imagine you'll score around 20-22 on topscores. take those and you'll know when you're ready.
Click to expand...

GPA= 3.45
SciGPA=3.3
I've got significant research/clinical lab work experience (have worked in two labs the past six years) and some publications (one acknowledgment, one authorship), so I think that will help offset my lukewarm GPA.

I'll submit the app next week (I am meeting a prof to talk about my personal statement).
Due to other obligations such as work, I can't study hardcore until the late two weeks of August (when I have vacation). So I don't consider changing the date an option.

I wish to know if I'll be screwed taking it August 30, and should just wait until next cycle to apply instead of spending the money this cycle on all the app fees.

Thoughts? This is such a fascinating and crazy process- we are all like enzymes with slightly different yet analogous conformations playing musical chairs.
 
How long does it take AADSAS to process LORs after they receive them? and How do I know if my LORs have been received by AADSAS?
 
Last edited:
LaughingGas said:
I'm very indecisive about whether to take biochem while study for DAT or not. thoughts.?
Click to expand...

I would actually suggest that you DO take biochem either prior to or during your preparations for the DAT. I was in Biochem II this past semester while studying for my DAT and the subject material we covered in class was a huge help to me overall! As strange as it may seem, the section that Biochem helped me out the most on was RC because I actually had two of the three passages over things straight from lecture that I could just answer off the top of my head without having to read the passage. Lol I made A's both semesters too, so it's definitely doable without sacrificing one or the other. Good luck!
 
dentist_caricature_gift.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Ryxndek
  • Sticky
ADEA AADSAS 2025-2026 Application Questions Thread!
2
Replies
68
Views
10K
macsak
M
Ryxndek
ADEA AADSAS 2024-2025 Application Questions Thread!
2 3 4
Replies
190
Views
32K
Ryxndek
Ryxndek
Mr.Smile12
[JDE] Dental school admissions representation of race/ethnicity between 2011 and 2023
Replies
9
Views
972
D1Bound
D1Bound
TheeRockChewer
Questions about SMPs
Replies
2
Views
543
TheeRockChewer
TheeRockChewer
Mr.Smile12
2024 Decision Day reminders/countdown thread
Replies
13
Views
3K
Anthony Isaac
Anthony Isaac
Top