TMDSAS--Special Experiences???

[Dying2beDDS]

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Hey guys,
I tried searching this topic, but I didn't find anyting that answered my question. So I'm filling out my app and I'm finished with everything including my personal statement, and then I come across this Special Experiences section with two questions :1.Briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented.
2.Please describe any personal characteristics and/or important or challenging experiences you have had that will contribute to the diversity of or provide educational benefits to the student body.
Did you guys fill these out? I don't really have any unique experiences or challenges that are that different from anyone else's. I was never poverty stricken or have faced any kind of discrimination in my life. The only thing that I would write if anything is maybe that I am Arab American? The point is, I don't really have anything to say that I think would enhance my app that wouldn't just sound like a bunch of BS that they've heard a million times.
Did you guys leave this section blank? I'm dying to just submit my app and don't really want to delay by agonizing over this and having to get these additional essays proofread, etc. Do you think it's ok to just leave them blank if you don't have any fascinating stories to share?

 

[tinman831]

You don't really have to answer number one. Number two, you should have SOME characteristic that could benefit the class.

 

[Dying2beDDS]

Yes, I have charactersitics that would benefit the class, but I don't want to put the same BS everyone else puts down.
If I were to put something, it would be that by the time I start DS, I will have had over 2 years of dental experience and will already be familiar with several dental terms, procedures, and tasks, so I could educate others if they haven't had any experience. I guess I could also say that I'm Syrian which would contribute to the diversity of the class and others could benefit by learning about my culture.
Do you think I'm on the right track?

You don't really have to answer number one. Number two, you should have SOME characteristic that could benefit the class.

 

[Dying2beDDS]

Can anyone help me out?

Yes, I have charactersitics that would benefit the class, but I don't want to put the same BS everyone else puts down.
If I were to put something, it would be that by the time I start DS, I will have had over 2 years of dental experience and will already be familiar with several dental terms, procedures, and tasks, so I could educate others if they haven't had any experience. I guess I could also say that I'm Syrian which would contribute to the diversity of the class and others could benefit by learning about my culture.
Do you think I'm on the right track?

 

[texasdental]

I really wouldn't sweat it too much. I think you're on the right track. One of the TMDSAS people came to my school and he said that you shouldn't answer #1 if you don't have anything relevant to say. As for #2 you should be honest and keep it short. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

 

[aggie-master]

We were told the same thing at my school. They said to skip #1 and answer #2 to the best of your ability.

I probably don't fit the traditional mold of a dental school applicant so I didn't have any problem with coming up with stuff for #2.

 

[coral2005]

To the OP: Is this you, George???

How've you been???!!!