Tips??

[Optimism Smiles]

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It's apparent in current posts that this application cycle is in full swing. I'm applying for the '09 cycle and I was wondering...for those of you who are currently going through the process, is there any advice you would give to someone who still has a year before submitting their application? Is there anything you wish you would have known at this stage or anything you would have done differently? Just curious.

 

[airsimon]

prepare early and get your DAT done... also make sure you have both ochem classes done before your DAT.

 

[purplemonkey]

This is my second time around and I wish I had known to do these things the first time: get your lors ready way ahead of time, use interfolio, and be ready to submit within a week or two of aadsas opening up.

 

[sachmo23]

LOR's are the biggest hassle and you dont want to get screwed because one of your teachers took too long to send it out. Make sure you get them early!

 

[drtoothy]

What is interfolio?

 

[purplemonkey]

What is interfolio?

www.interfolio.com

It's a service that manages your LORs. You have your references send their letters to interfolio, then they will send copies out to whoever you want, and they can keep the letter confidential. You can send them all to AADSAS or directly to the schools. Since AADSAS only allows 4 letters now, interfolio makes it possible to have more than that. It also helps when AADSAS claims they sent your letters out, but the a school hasn't gotten them. Then you can just have interfolio send another copy directly to the school.

 

[lemoncurry]

Get your DAT done and request your LORs well before May. I highly recommend getting a committee letter from your science/bio department.

Submit that app before the end of May! Work on your personal statement before the application opens. Allow at least 2 weeks to a month to get the PS done. Write up a draft, let it sit a few days and then open it up again. Revise, let it sit again. Get some opinions from other people, especially professors.

Read up on a few publications about the application process, interviews and personal statements.

Get to know your local dentist and start shadowing! Once you've developed a rapport with him/her, see if they will let you learn some stuff like taking impressions and other stuff that the assistants usually take care of.

It's tempting to apply to only the schools you really want to go to, but you should expand your horizons a bit and include some schools you think you have a shot of getting accepted to (usually private schools in other states). I'd recommend 10 schools at least. Absolutely no fewer than 5, unless you're one of those people who has only one school in mind and only it will do. It takes cajones, but some people do it.

 

[Mackchops]

Know what schools you want to apply to and why (geography is a bad answer)

Annnd... GO!