****tmdsas 2011****

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So I am getting two LORs from science professors that I know somewhat - I did research and took gen chem 2 with one, and the other I took micro with and was my faculty mentor. The other LOR I am getting from the dentist that I shadowed. I was thinking about getting another LOR from a partner at the consulting firm that I worked for before switching. Do you think I should get a 4th LOR? I figured it would provide a little more insight on my background.

I have a biochem final tomorrow and don't feel like studying 🙁
 
Just curious- what is considered applying early? Does submitting May 17th count as early?
 
diamond87 said:
Just curious- what is considered applying early? Does submitting May 17th count as early?
Click to expand...

May17th is way way late, you should apply May 4th to consider early!

you are kidding aren't you?
 
Danny289 said:
May17th is way way late, you should apply May 4th to consider early!

you are kidding aren't you?
Click to expand...

This isn't necessary directed towards the poster you quoted.

BUT...

They should have a "logic" section on the DAT to weed out really smart applicants that lack basic common sense. I wonder how some people can be so smart, yet they can't figure out the simplest of things.
 
longhornpride said:
This isn't necessary directed towards the poster you quoted.

BUT...

They should have a "logic" section on the DAT to weed out really smart applicants that lack basic common sense. I wonder how some people can be so smart, yet they can't figure out the simplest of things.
Click to expand...

👍

Imo maybe the question would revise to " what does mean by early application? How late applying, still consider early? "
 
longhornpride said:
This isn't necessary directed towards the poster you quoted.

BUT...

They should have a "logic" section on the DAT to weed out really smart applicants that lack basic common sense. I wonder how some people can be so smart, yet they can't figure out the simplest of things.
Click to expand...

Replacement of Reading Comprehension with VERBAL REASONING would do :meanie:
 
For those of you who have question about LOR, transcripts, and interfolio in general, here is a contact you can direct your questions to.

Mike Lovell said:
Hi @luv8724 (and any one else who happens to come across this thread)!

My name is Mike, and I am a current member of staff at Interfolio, Inc. Regarding the reuse of recommendation letters aggregated on our servers, it is my experience that this kind of resubmission is perfectly acceptable.

Schools seem to be much more interested in what you've accomplished academically and professionally than the date on your letters, however, it might be best to check with some of your individual schools to get a feel for their preference.

Either way, I wish you the best of luck :luck: and encourage you to contact me at [email protected] if you have any additional questions.

Cheers,
Click to expand...

And this is a link to the original Q:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=725202
 
The health advisory committee at my school won't meet until June 16 to review and make recommendations, is that still "early" for TMDSAS?
 
lvtran said:
The health advisory committee at my school won't meet until June 16 to review and make recommendations, is that still "early" for TMDSAS?
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are you talking about UH?

yah i heard that.. its dumb
i think ima just do hpac and not do the review.
 
TMDSAS calculated my GPA to be WAY lower than it should be. Did anyone else have a problem with this? I sent a message to them today asking about it. They have me as a 2.67 when I clearly made mostly As and just a few Bs. Does the P, CR, FL etc get calculated into your GPA? and what is FL?

THANKS!
 
Tabono said:
TMDSAS calculated my GPA to be WAY lower than it should be. Did anyone else have a problem with this? I sent a message to them today asking about it. They have me as a 2.67 when I clearly made mostly As and just a few Bs. Does the P, CR, FL etc get calculated into your GPA? and what is FL?

THANKS!
Click to expand...
CR is excluded from your GPA calculation, however, FL (Fail) is a different story. It is a part of your overall GPA calculation and can hurt big time depending on how many Fs or FL you got...
 
is it ok to use same LOR from last year as a reapplicant?
 
tsitneD said:
is it ok to use same LOR from last year as a reapplicant?
Click to expand...

I called Baylor a few weeks ago and they told me that they require one new LOR, but it can be from the same person, just updated on your situation. Baylor told me that they want you stay involved in science classes, they dont like seeing huge gaps in your education.

I would try and get new ones and write a new personal statement. I don't know if the adcoms have your old application and your new application, can anyone verify that?
 
Hey 🙂

For those folks who are worried about applying early vs late and where the line is between that... here's my two cents and I hope it helps somebody out. Granted, I didn't get accepted last cycle but...

I submitted my application in early August and completed the DATs on the 15th of August and still received interview invitations to all three schools. So.. at ease folks.
 
TexanGal said:
Hey 🙂

For those folks who are worried about applying early vs late and where the line is between that... here's my two cents and I hope it helps somebody out. Granted, I didn't get accepted last cycle but...

I submitted my application in early August and completed the DATs on the 15th of August and still received interview invitations to all three schools. So.. at ease folks.
Click to expand...

I agree. And I'll add... there is no magical line that separates early applicants from late ones.

1. Get the best stats possible
2. Submit as early as you can.

Don't sacrifice No. 1 for No. 2.
 
Tabono said:
TMDSAS calculated my GPA to be WAY lower than it should be. Did anyone else have a problem with this? I sent a message to them today asking about it. They have me as a 2.67 when I clearly made mostly As and just a few Bs. Does the P, CR, FL etc get calculated into your GPA? and what is FL?

THANKS!
Click to expand...

Where do you see your calculated gpa? Did you already submit your application? It says that they will not calculate the gpa until the application has been submitted.
 
TexanGal and Alanan84 (hope there's still a chance you guys hear good news),

Thanks for helpful info. To that effect, I've heard admissions from both UT-H and UT-San Antonio say the same thing.

Does anyone know how important a 'health professions committee letter' is? I may not be able to get one...

I know it's obviously better, but has anyone applied without one?
 
crew09 said:
TexanGal and Alanan84 (hope there's still a chance you guys hear good news),

Thanks for helpful info. To that effect, I've heard admissions from both UT-H and UT-San Antonio say the same thing.

Does anyone know how important a 'health professions committee letter' is? I may not be able to get one...

I know it's obviously better, but has anyone applied without one?
Click to expand...

I applied last year without one. I think you're fine without it. Just get the two science professor and dentist LORs if you can't get the committee letter.
 
Starting my essays today. I understand the first part of the personal essay, then it says discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to dentistry.

What does this mean in layman's terms? Discuss what I believe the underlying purpose of being a Dentist is? As far as the goals part, I guess theyre just wanting goals I've made for myself after dental school?

I'm sure this seems like a dumb question to somebody, so no flaming please.
 
Baylor2011 said:
Starting my essays today. I understand the first part of the personal essay, then it says discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to dentistry.

What does this mean in layman's terms? Discuss what I believe the underlying purpose of being a Dentist is? As far as the goals part, I guess theyre just wanting goals I've made for myself after dental school?

I'm sure this seems like a dumb question to somebody, so no flaming please.
Click to expand...

Not dumb at all 🙂 These types of questions can always be confusing.

Basically you need to discuss 1) your reasons and motivations to become a dentist, 2) what you believe a dentist's role is in society (it's obvious, but they want to see how relevant you think dentistry is to society) and 3) your goals... like you said, what do you want for yourself after dental school. Do you want to have a general practice? Take over for one of the many retiring dentists? Continue education and specialize? What type of impact do you want to leave behind as a dentist?

Hope that helps. That was just my way of breaking it down and answering the questions... Good luck!
 
Can someone tell me where I should put research conferences that I attended and presented at? The research section seems to be more about the actual doing of research.
 
I'd put it in Research Activities or EC and Leisure Activities

Just submitted my app! Whew, that's a weight taken off my shoulders. Now to study for the DAT
 
Last edited:
TexanGal said:
Hey 🙂

For those folks who are worried about applying early vs late and where the line is between that... here's my two cents and I hope it helps somebody out. Granted, I didn't get accepted last cycle but...

I submitted my application in early August and completed the DATs on the 15th of August and still received interview invitations to all three schools. So.. at ease folks.
Click to expand...

Hey TexasGal,

I'm surprised you didn't get in anywhere in the 2010 cycle considering you have amazing stats 😀. Over a 3.8 cumulative and science GPA😱.

Did you do all your pre-reqs at UTA? or did you do some of it at a community college too?

Do you think applying late in august and completing your DAT in august the reason why you didn't get accepted anywhere yet?

I'm afraid because I have similiar GPA as yours except yours is slightly higher, and I might be applying late in this cycle (mid-july).
 
Baylor2011 said:
I'd put it in Research Activities or EC and Leisure Activities

Just submitted my app! Whew, that's a weight taken off my shoulders. Now to study for the DAT
Click to expand...

I was wondering if its advantageous for one to submit their applications early before taking their DAT?
I thought dental school won't even look at your application until they have your DAT score. So wouldn't it be the same thing if you submit your application early and take the DAT later compared to taking your DAT and submitting your application the same day you complete your DAT?

Also does anybody know how long on average it takes TMDSAS to receive your DAT score after you take it?

Mucho gracias!!!
 
It may be true they don't look at it until it's complete, I don't know. However, the application is long...especially if you have a lot of extracurriculars to put in. In addition to that, I'd rather get it done now, and not have to worry about it while I'm studying for my DAT. Just one less thing to think about.
 
TexasFluoride said:
I was wondering if its advantageous for one to submit their applications early before taking their DAT?
I thought dental school won't even look at your application until they have your DAT score. So wouldn't it be the same thing if you submit your application early and take the DAT later compared to taking your DAT and submitting your application the same day you complete your DAT?

Also does anybody know how long on average it takes TMDSAS to receive your DAT score after you take it?

Mucho gracias!!!
Click to expand...

I submitted my application early June and took my DAT the first week in August. So the time between submitting and taking my DAT was a bit long to say the least, but originally I was taking the DAT in the summer so I went ahead and submitted because I knew my application would be sitting a while at TMDSAS.

I was just looking thru my email to see exactly how long it took. So apparently I submitted the 1st week in June and my application was sent out the last week in June (so about 3 weeks) and I didn't receive an email from the schools telling me they received my application until July 2nd (San Antonio), July 8th(Baylor), and August 6th (Houston). So basically there is a long waiting time which will drive you crazy if you let it. I suggest taking up knitting or weaving to pass up the time. LOL.

I couldn't find on how long it took TMDSAS to receive my DAT scores, but I think it was 3-4 weeks, maybe longer. I received my first interview about 2 months after taking my DAT

I think its best to submit early take your DAT later and then the schools just wait on your scores to fully review your application rather than submitting your application whenever you take your DAT because it's still going to sit at TMDSAS for a while until they go thru your transcripts and application before submitting to the dental schools.

Sorry for the long post, but hope it helps in some way. Good luck.
 
Finally submitted. Hopefully I won't need it...
 
Application submitted also. First time applying.

Don't Forget to read the Announcements regarding GPA, HP Committee Packet, etc on HomePage


Important Announcements from TMDSAS 5/10/2010
Due to a previous issue with permanent address information, we have marked all [Contact Info] and [Family Info] sections as incomplete. All applicants should check those two sections to review the data and ensure it is correct. Re-Save these two sections once you have reviewed your information.
5/19/2010
TMDSAS is aware of the following issues: 1) GPA displayed on the [Status] page is not calculating correctly 2) Application PDF displays certain data differently than what is in actual application 3) HP Committee Packets do not show as received on the [Status] page

Our programmers are working diligently on resolving these issues. These issues have no effect on your application. Please do not call us regarding these issues. We appreciate your patience.
 
How soon does TMDSAS need the dentist letter of recommendation? I know that they won't hand out interviews before they receive the pre-health committe letter, but what about your dentist letter of rec?

I plan on having my application completed later this week and the pre-health committe will submit my letter in about 2 weeks.

I also plan on taking my DAT early July. I talked to my dentist that I observed for the past year and he said he won't have time to write me a good letter of rec till late july because he is traveling starting in a few weeks. He said he will be very busy in the next few week but he can try his best to write me a letter of rec early and submit it before he leaves on June 12.

I feel bad that I am pressuring him to write me a letter of rec and submit it so soon since he is so busy but I am afraid my application will be delayed if he submits my letter late July.

What do you guys think?
 
You should be fine. My science professor LOR was received by TMDSAS mid-July and I applied as soon as TMDSAS was open. When he writes it for you ask him if you could overnight it if it makes you feel better.
 
So, I was reading this New Announcement and I cannot figure out where it says score is matched? or does it show the actual score that I got on DAT on status page? Because If so, I still can't see it on either status or DAT page of application. does anyone have any idea about this?

But on my DAT page, I see "Valid SSN Saved: Yes" but not the score.

5/27/2010
TEST SCORES
If you have released your test scores to TMDSAS but your score is not showing as matched, please return to the MCAT or DAT page (or both) and check whether you have entered a valid SSN. If you have not entered an SSN, or have entered an invalid SSN, please enter your SSN now. Our match process runs nightly, and once we have an SSN for you, we should be able to match your score, so check back the next day. If you do not wish to enter your SSN, you are not required to do so. However, this means that we will have to go through a manual match process to match your scores, which may take several weeks.
 
kkmaths90 said:
So, I was reading this New Announcement and I cannot figure out where it says score is matched? or does it show the actual score that I got on DAT on status page? Because If so, I still can't see it on either status or DAT page of application. does anyone have any idea about this?

But on my DAT page, I see "Valid SSN Saved: Yes" but not the score.

5/27/2010
TEST SCORES
If you have released your test scores to TMDSAS but your score is not showing as matched, please return to the MCAT or DAT page (or both) and check whether you have entered a valid SSN. If you have not entered an SSN, or have entered an invalid SSN, please enter your SSN now. Our match process runs nightly, and once we have an SSN for you, we should be able to match your score, so check back the next day. If you do not wish to enter your SSN, you are not required to do so. However, this means that we will have to go through a manual match process to match your scores, which may take several weeks.
Click to expand...

Did you see this?

"If you have already submitted your application, you MUST fax a copy of your SSN card to TMDSAS to make the change. Please fax the copy to 512-499-4786 - be sure to include your full name and TMDSAS ID on the fax."

Kind of weird that we'd have to fax a copy of our SS card... Never had to do that before...
 
alanan84 said:
Did you see this?

"If you have already submitted your application, you MUST fax a copy of your SSN card to TMDSAS to make the change. Please fax the copy to 512-499-4786 - be sure to include your full name and TMDSAS ID on the fax."

Kind of weird that we'd have to fax a copy of our SS card... Never had to do that before...
Click to expand...


That is if I want to make changes to my SSN or if something is wrong with the score but I have already put correct SSN before submitting application and also DENTPIN is correct also.

here is the image for DAT page of application:

2mr5mch.jpg


This is what I see under the STATUS page of application

Just test name I took which is DAT, Import date that is 5/26/2010 and date that I took DAT on. Nothing else.


What I want to know is where will it show that "Your Score is Matched or my Score" like it says in announcement?
 
You should be fine. TMDSAS takes some times to process everything especially now that the application is in its first month. When I sumbit my app last year it took about 4 weeks for them to show my DAT was received and that was the case for everything (Transcripts, LORs, check, etc). Just relax and check back with them in 2-3 weeks if you still do not see the receipt of it.
 
I am super confused about sending in transcripts. On the application, it says "list all colleges you plan on attending between now and Summer 2011". So I put down a local community college where I'm going to take a course later on in July. Then when I was entering my coursework, I entered this summer course, even though I have not officially taken it yet.

My question is do I still need to send in a transcript from this community college RIGHT NOW, even though I have not taken the course? I emailed TMDSAS and they said only send in the transcript when the grade has been posted, but the grade won't be posted until like August! Isn't my application incomplete until all transcripts have been received? I don't want to wait until August!
 
refriedtofu said:
I am super confused about sending in transcripts. On the application, it says "list all colleges you plan on attending between now and Summer 2011". So I put down a local community college where I'm going to take a course later on in July. Then when I was entering my coursework, I entered this summer course, even though I have not officially taken it yet.

My question is do I still need to send in a transcript from this community college RIGHT NOW, even though I have not taken the course? I emailed TMDSAS and they said only send in the transcript when the grade has been posted, but the grade won't be posted until like August! Isn't my application incomplete until all transcripts have been received? I don't want to wait until August!
Click to expand...
your application will be fine (complete) as long as you send in your DAT score and LORs. Just make sure to update your application by sending in your grades (in August)

Good luck!
 
You only have to send in transcripts at colleges/universities which you have COMPLETED classes at. In other words, if you're putting a grade under "College Coursework"...you better be sending in a transcript with that course on it.

As far as future classes, I just put down that I would be taking classes in the future, and at what universities, and what terms. I did not put the classes in college coursework because there isn't a transcript that has those courses on it yet.

Edit: What I meant to include is...don't put courses in "college coursework" unless you have TAKEN them. If you're planning to take classes, just put what college and terms under planned enrollment.
 
kkmaths90 said:
That is if I want to make changes to my SSN or if something is wrong with the score but I have already put correct SSN before submitting application and also DENTPIN is correct also.

here is the image for DAT page of application:

2mr5mch.jpg


This is what I see under the STATUS page of application

Just test name I took which is DAT, Import date that is 5/26/2010 and date that I took DAT on. Nothing else.


What I want to know is where will it show that "Your Score is Matched or my Score" like it says in announcement?
Click to expand...

After some back and forth with a TMDSAS person, the import date is the date they received your scores. So they DO have them. Mine says the same thing.
 
Baylor2011 said:
You only have to send in transcripts at colleges/universities which you have COMPLETED classes at. In other words, if you're putting a grade under "College Coursework"...you better be sending in a transcript with that course on it.

As far as future classes, I just put down that I would be taking classes in the future, and at what universities, and what terms. I did not put the classes in college coursework because there isn't a transcript that has those courses on it yet.

Edit: What I meant to include is...don't put courses in "college coursework" unless you have TAKEN them. If you're planning to take classes, just put what college and terms under planned enrollment.
Click to expand...

I think if you've already registered for classes you can go ahead and put what classes you'll be taking right?
 
I'm not sure...doesn't it ask for a grade though?? Haha..I didn't, and I already submitted
 
Baylor2011 said:
I'm not sure...doesn't it ask for a grade though?? Haha..I didn't, and I already submitted
Click to expand...

I think you can put like "NY" for "not yet graded" or something like that. I think it only helps give the schools an idea of what you have planned because believe me, the application process is LOOOONNNNNGGGGGG. It's fine though, you can just update it when you have the grades.
 
My thinking was...they'll see it when I send in my transcripts later on, lol
 
hmm so I guess no one truly knows the answer? I mean I can easily just put the course in "planned enrollment" or I can just as easily list it in my "coursework" section and just put "No grade posted"...

I think i'm leaning towards the "planned enrollment" option...
 
refriedtofu said:
hmm so I guess no one truly knows the answer? I mean I can easily just put the course in "planned enrollment" or I can just as easily list it in my "coursework" section and just put "No grade posted"...

I think i'm leaning towards the "planned enrollment" option...
Click to expand...

I would put it under planned enrollment
 
I had the TMDSAS system send my prof an email requesting a lor, but the email she got just had the lor request form
attached to it and asked her to fill it out. However, the lor request doc has a section the applicant has to fill out and sign. What is the point of an email request if I have to fill out, sign, then deliver the form to my prof?!
 
alanan84 said:
After some back and forth with a TMDSAS person, the import date is the date they received your scores. So they DO have them. Mine says the same thing.
Click to expand...

sometimes when I emailed them...i feel like they get pissed off on our Questions lol 🙂)
 
So has anyone's app been transmitted to the schools yet?
 
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