FAQs

[DAT Destroyer]

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[DAT Destroyer]

Waiting for Dental School Interviews: What to Expect​

I see this question come up every single cycle, so I wanted to share a little perspective for anyone anxiously waiting for dental school interview invites.


The only thing tougher than waiting for a dental school interview is…well, actually, nope, that’s pretty much as tough as it gets! But seriously you’re right on schedule. Most schools don’t send all their invites at once, and it’s totally normal not to hear anything in August. Some schools will be radio silent until September (or even later), then suddenly there’s a flurry of emails.


If your application was verified in July or early August, you’ve already done your part: you applied early, and your application is ready to be reviewed. That’s all anyone can ask!


When should you really start to worry?
Most applicants don’t hear anything for weeks (or even months). Some schools wait to send out their first invites until September or October, and every cycle is a little different. If you don’t hear anything by late October or November, that’s the time to check in—but before then, waiting is totally normal (and stressful for everyone!).


If you need something to do while you wait, now is the perfect time to practice your interview answers, work on any supplemental applications, or just take a deep breath and focus on self-care. Remember: this part of the journey will test your patience but it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your application.


And if you think this is stressful, just wait until you’re juggling dental school exams or waiting for your board results. Welcome to dentistry!


Wishing you all the best and lots of patience as you wait...Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Choosing Between Microbiology or A&P 2​

I see this question come up a lot, so I wanted to open it up for discussion and get some input from students and advisors who have gone through the process.


Q: If a student’s school only offers Microbiology in the spring, but they could also take Anatomy & Physiology 2, which one is typically a better choice to prioritize before applying to dental school?


A: In my experience working with pre-dental students, Microbiology is usually the safer bet. Most dental schools recommend or require it, while A&P 2 is less often a strict prerequisite. If a student can only take one before applying, I suggest leaning toward Microbio. A&P 2 can often be added later if needed for a specific program.


Q: What if a student plans to take a course in their last semester—can that be included on the AADSAS application?


A: Yes, absolutely. The AADSAS application allows you to list courses as “planned” or “in progress,” so schools can see what you intend to take in your senior year, even if you haven’t completed those courses yet. Admissions committees are used to seeing this, and as long as all requirements are finished before graduation, students should be fine.


Extra tip:
Always double-check requirements for each dental school, just to be sure there aren’t any surprises. For most programs, though, Microbio is the safer route.


I’d love to hear from others—what have you seen or experienced when it comes to these course choices? Any schools with unusual prerequisites to watch out for?


Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Questions to Ask Before Picking a Dental School

After working with pre-dental students for years, I’ve noticed that some of the most important questions often get overlooked in the rush to apply. Here are a few I wish every student would stop and ask themselves (plus a little advice for each):

• How will I actually pay for dental school—not just tuition, but living costs too?
  Don’t just look at the tuition number. Every city is different, and things like rent, groceries, and transportation can really add up. Ask current students how they budget—and what surprised them most.
• What’s the real culture like at this school and will I fit in?
  School websites always say “supportive.” The truth comes from students who are living it. Ask about collaboration vs. competition, and what happens when someone struggles.
• How do current students manage stress and keep up with the workload?
  Dental school is challenging, even for top students. Ask about available support: peer tutors, mental health resources, study groups. Find out if students feel comfortable actually using them.
• What support systems are there for students who struggle, especially first-gen or ESL?
  Some schools offer great mentoring and language support, others don’t. Ask if there’s someone you can talk to or if they have special programs for students who need a little extra help adjusting.
• How important is location for my lifestyle, family, or mental health?
  You’ll be living there for years, so think about weather, distance from home, city size, and support networks. Sometimes the “perfect” school on paper isn’t the best fit in real life.
• Am I truly ready, or am I just feeling pressured to apply now?
  Only you know if you’re ready. Don’t let outside pressure (family, friends, social media) rush you. It’s okay to take more time if you need it—a solid foundation now will pay off later.

If you’re still finalizing your school list or working on your application, take some time to ask these. They really can make all the difference.

If you want to talk specifics, or need help finding answers, just ask! Always happy to help or just be a listening ear.
Nancy (DAT Destroyer / Orgoman)

 

[DAT Destroyer]

When Interview Invites Arrive & When to Send a Letter of Interest​

Wanted to share some perspective, since this question comes up every year and I know the waiting can feel endless. If you submitted your applications in mid-July or even a bit later, you are still right on schedule. Most dental schools begin sending out interview invitations in the fall, with the biggest wave happening in October and November (NYU and Tufts, for example, often send out invites in batches), and some continue well into winter (Columbia is known for this). If you haven’t received any interview invites yet, please don’t worry—you’re still in the typical range for this cycle.


If you’re thinking about sending a letter of interest, that’s usually most effective a bit later in the season, after the initial interview rounds. But it’s never a bad idea to express genuine enthusiasm for a program if you have a particular school in mind.


Hang in there and try not to compare your journey to others—there’s still plenty of time, and things often move in waves. Wishing you all the best, and happy to answer any follow-up questions if you have them!


Hope this helps someone, Nancy (DAT Destroyer, Co-Owner)

 

[razorbecks]

I just heard from a friend who is in her first year at a school in Texas, that her admissions contact told her that they have received 3x as many applications this year than they typically receive! Has anyone else heard this? Wondering if this is a nationwide trend?

 

[DAT Destroyer]

I just heard from a friend who is in her first year at a school in Texas, that her admissions contact told her that they have received 3x as many applications this year than they typically receive! Has anyone else heard this? Wondering if this is a nationwide trend?

Application Numbers Increasing​

That’s a great question and it’s definitely something we’re hearing more about this year. Application numbers have gone up at a lot of schools, especially in competitive states like Texas. But here’s the good news: even when the numbers are high, admissions committees still read every application carefully and many schools increase the number of interview invites to match the bigger pool.


If anything, this means there’s even more reason to focus on what you can control—like strong interview prep, making your secondary applications stand out, and not getting discouraged by the numbers. Every cycle has its own trends, and what matters most is what you bring to the table.


If anyone else has info from their schools or experience from last cycle, feel free to share!
Hope this helps...Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Understanding AADSAS Status Changes​

I’ve been seeing a lot of questions lately about AADSAS status changes, so I wanted to offer a little reassurance.


It’s very common for the AADSAS portal to update automatically as schools move through different stages of processing applications. Sometimes the status will reset or even look like it went backwards, but it usually doesn’t mean anything bad.


Unless you get an official email from the school stating that you’re no longer being considered, you’re still in the running.


If you’re ever unsure, you can always send a polite email to the admissions office to double-check, but most of the time, these status changes are just part of the normal workflow.


Admissions season is full of ups and downs — try not to stress too much about every little update. Stay focused on what you can control, and good luck to everyone going through this process!

Wishing everyone the best and hope this helps, feel free to ask questions...Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Pass/Fail Classes and Your GPA​

There’s a lot of confusion every cycle about whether taking a class Pass/Fail will hurt your application GPA or your chances with dental schools. Here’s the real story, straight from ADEA/AADSAS:

“Non-graded credits are not included in your GPAs. Non-graded credits are earned credits for which you did not receive actual letter grades (e.g., advanced placement credits, ‘pass’ or ‘satisfactory’ credits, college board AP exams, courses taken as pass/fail, etc.).”
— ADEA AADSAS Calculating Your GPAs

Bottom line:
Taking a class Pass/Fail (especially a non-science elective or language) will not lower your AADSAS GPA—it simply won’t be factored in at all. Dental schools mainly care about your performance in science and prerequisite courses, so it’s smart to focus your efforts there if your schedule is overwhelming.


If you’re ever unsure, always check with the individual schools you’re interested in—policies can vary, and admissions offices are happy to answer questions.


Hope this helps clear things up for anyone stressing over GPA calculations!
Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

DAT Fee Waivers and Accommodations​

I’ve seen a lot of questions recently (here and on Reddit) about how to plan for the DAT if you need a fee waiver and/or testing accommodations, especially for 2026 test dates. Here’s a quick breakdown that might help:

• DAT fee waiver applications are released in batches: January 1, April 1, and July 1. You’ll apply through your DENTPIN account, and approval can take up to 10 business days.
• If you also need testing accommodations (like extra time or breaks), you’ll need to submit that request after your fee waiver is approved. Accommodations review usually takes 2–4 weeks.
• You’ll need to wait until both are approved before you can schedule your DAT. If you’re starting both processes in January, expect the soonest available test dates to be late January or early February, depending on approval times and test center availability.
• Tip: Start your applications as early as possible and keep an eye on your email so you can book your preferred date as soon as you’re approved.

For all the official details (including eligibility), see page 15 of the 2025 DAT Candidate Guide (PDF).


Feel free to ask if you have more questions, or if you need help navigating the process. Good luck to everyone this cycle!

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Letters of Recommendation Guidelines​

I see this question come up a lot, so here’s a summary based on the official ADEA guidelines and my own experience helping students with LORs for dental school:

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AADSAS Official Letter Writer Instructions (Summary):
These guidelines come from the ADEA’s official tips for writing Letters of Evaluation for the AADSAS application system (Source):

• Briefly explain your relationship with the applicant (how long, in what capacity).
• Discuss their academic performance, personal characteristics, and suitability for a dental career.
• Provide specific examples of their behaviors or achievements.
• Submit the letter electronically through the AADSAS portal.

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From personal experience, it’s very important that all Letters of Recommendation (LORs) are written on official letterhead and properly signed and dated. If these guidelines aren’t followed, there’s a good chance the letter will be flagged—or even rejected—by the admissions office or application service—even if the content is excellent.

• University professors should always use university or department letterhead.
• Non-university recommenders (like employers, dentists, or business owners) should use their official business or organizational letterhead.
• The letter must always be signed and dated.

I’ve personally seen applications get delayed or questioned just because a letter was missing proper letterhead. Admissions offices are strict about verifying authenticity, so don’t skip this step!


If you ever need a sample letterhead or template, feel free to ask.


Hope this helps, and best of luck with your applications!

Nancy, co/owner, Destroyers

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Adding New Experiences After Submission​

If you start a new extracurricular or position after submitting your AADSAS application, here’s what you need to know:

• You can’t edit, change, or remove any experiences (activities, jobs, volunteering, etc.) you already submitted.
• You can add new experiences (jobs, activities, or positions that started after submission) at any time.
• In AADSAS, “experiences” and “activities” mean the same thing—everything gets entered in the “Experiences” section.

Official ADEA/AADSAS Policy:
“Yes, new experiences can be added but existing experiences cannot be updated after the application is submitted.”
Official source (ADEA FAQ)
(Scroll about halfway down to the question: “I have plans to add experiences after I submit my application. Can I add new experiences after I submit?” in the ‘ADEA AADSAS Application’ section.)


The best way to let schools know about new activities is to mention them in your interviews, or in a letter of interest or update email if the school allows it.


Hope that helps! Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

DAT Retake Limits (U.S. vs. Canadian DAT)​

This question comes up a lot, so I wanted to share the most current information based on official sources from the ADA and CDA. Hope this helps anyone who’s unsure about DAT retake limits.


U.S. DAT (Administered by the ADA):
You can take the DAT up to three times without special permission. For a fourth or fifth attempt, you’ll need to request approval from the ADA. After the fifth attempt, you are limited to one DAT attempt per 12-month period, and each attempt must be pre-approved by the ADA. There is no official lifetime cap beyond this, but your ability to retest becomes more restricted. All attempts and all scores are reported to dental schools.
📎 Official ADA DAT Candidate Guide (PDF)


Canadian DAT (cDAT):
The cDAT is offered twice a year (typically February and November). You may take it up to five times in your lifetime. Each attempt must be paid for separately, and all scores remain on your cDAT record. Canadian schools will see your full testing history.
📎 Canadian Dental Association DAT FAQ


Important Note:
DAT and cDAT attempts are tracked separately. If you take the U.S. DAT three times and the cDAT three times, that does not count as six combined attempts. Each has its own record and policies.


Advice:
Schools can see all of your scores and all of your attempts. I’ve worked with many students over the years who got in after multiple attempts, but their biggest regret was testing before they were truly ready. Prepare thoroughly and aim to take it once, if possible. It saves time, money, and stress.


Always confirm with individual schools, as policies can change and each program may have its own preferences.


Wishing you the best on your DAT journey,
Nancy

 

[GoSpursGo]

@DAT Destroyer , I’ve merged multiple threads into one. While these topics may be helpful to some newbies, we really don’t need 10+ threads in a week answering fairly basic questions 🙂

 

[DAT Destroyer]

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Interview Prep Tips​

Many students are starting to receive interview invitations, and this can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming. A few focused steps can make a big difference in how prepared and confident you feel on interview day.


1. Review your application carefully
Be ready to discuss your experiences, what you learned, and why they’re meaningful to you. Schools want to hear your story in your own words.


2. Practice common questions out loud
Saying your answers out loud helps you organize your thoughts and speak clearly under pressure.
Some questions you’ll almost always encounter:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why dentistry?
• Why our school?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell me about a time you faced a challenge or conflict and how you handled it.
• Where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?

3. Do a mock interview if you can
Ask a friend or family member to run through questions with you, or record yourself to see how you come across. This helps with confidence and pacing.


4. Stay calm and professional
Schools aren’t just looking at your answers ,they’re also observing how you communicate, your professionalism, and your ability to connect with others.


Remember, preparation brings confidence. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll feel on interview day.


Wishing everyone good luck as interviews begin!


Nancy

 

[DAT Destroyer]

Updating AADSAS Activities After Submission
When you add a new experience to AADSAS after submitting, schools can see it automatically, but there are a few things to keep in mind:​

• You cannot edit or change any experiences you already submitted — you can only add brand new ones.
• Once added, schools will see the update in their system, but some schools may not actively check for changes unless you also let them know.
• It’s a good idea to send a polite email or include it in a letter of interest, especially if the new activity is significant (like a new job, leadership role, or major volunteering).

This way, you make sure admissions committees are aware of the update and how it strengthens your application.

 

[DAT Destroyer]

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Tools for Mapping Your Dental School Application Journey​

I’ve seen many students create visual maps to track their progress — from where they’ve applied to interviews and acceptances. It’s a great way to stay organized and keep yourself motivated during a long application cycle.


A few tools students like:

• Miro – free and great for timelines and planning
• Canva – very visual and beginner-friendly
• Google Slides or Sheets – simple and free

Canva is especially popular since you can add icons or school logos and watch your map fill in from applications → interviews → acceptances.


It’s a small thing, but having a visual plan can really keep you focused and encouraged throughout the process.