UPenn Class of 2025 Interview/Acceptance Thread

[artist2022]

Good luck everyone!

Link to last years thread: ***The Official UPenn Class of 2024 Interview/Acceptance Thread***

Link to interview prep: University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Interview Feedback
----> Be sure to give feedback on your interview to help future applicants! 🙂

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[jooon]

Do you receive a confirmation email when submitting the supplemental application and paying the fee? I submitted yesterday but never got an email confirming the submission. When I use the "Supplemental Application/Payment-Status" portal it shows the submission status (red X) and a link to a PASS program (???). I'm wondering if I might have done something wrong...

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

Do you receive a confirmation email when submitting the supplemental application and paying the fee? I submitted yesterday but never got an email confirming the submission. When I use the "Supplemental Application/Payment-Status" portal it shows the submission status (red X) and a link to a PASS program (???). I'm wondering if I might have done something wrong...

i got an “order confirmation” email after I paid. When submitting the supplemental the page refreshed and said “thanks for your submission” and that was that.

 

[jooon]

i got an “order confirmation” email after I paid. When submitting the supplemental the page refreshed and said “thanks for your submission” and that was that.

Thank you!! I got the "thanks for your submission" page but not the email for the fee so I shot them an email to see what's up

 

[flash9625]

Did you guys wait for an email from UPenn about your verified application BEFORE submitting the supplemental? My ADEA/AADSAS application was verified on Monday and I want to submit my supplement for UPenn, but have not received instruction to do so via email from the program. Curious if I should go ahead and just submit.

 

[DK2]

Did you guys wait for an email from UPenn about your verified application BEFORE submitting the supplemental? My ADEA/AADSAS application was verified on Monday and I want to submit my supplement for UPenn, but have not received instruction to do so via email from the program. Curious if I should go ahead and just submit.

Yah just go ahead and submit. I submitted payment before June 16th, and I received an email telling me my app is complete on June 17th (I submitted AADSAS on June 16th midnight).
Just triple check that you are submitting payment for AADSAS, not CAAPID or PASS.

 

[@armydentalstudent]

The first question of the UPenn supplemental asks whether we have any additional predental experience not listed on our AADSAS application. How did you guys approach this? Is this question meant for people who forgot to include all of their experiences on AADSAS?

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

The first question of the UPenn supplemental asks whether we have any additional predental experience not listed on our AADSAS application. How did you guys approach this? Is this question meant for people who forgot to include all of their experiences on AADSAS?

Don’t over think it. Do you have any Pre-Dental experience not listed on your app (observing, research, assisting, etc.). If not, leave it blank.

 

[DDS2be123]

Hey everyone! I am an incoming D1 at UPenn and I am happy to do my best to answer any questions you guys may have as you go through the application process

Good luck! This is an amazing school!

 

[NJ_Doc]

Did anyone leave the additional pre-dental experience and "additional information regarding application" blank? I feel like leaving it blank is a red flag but I just included everything in AADSAS.

 

[jenleestep]

Did anyone leave the additional pre-dental experience and "additional information regarding application" blank? I feel like leaving it blank is a red flag but I just included everything in AADSAS.

I left it blank because they clearly stated not to include any information already included in the main application. I don’t think it’s a red flag, I think it just gives others the opportunity to share extenuating circumstances or experiences that don’t fall in any of the categories.

 

[sweet_to0th]

In the application complete email, they mention that they may "grant" some people in-person interviews in Philadelphia while others will get virtual interviews. Does this mean people located close to Philly regionally will get in-person interviews? Or those of a different priority? Is there a preference for individuals close to Philly?

 

[sweet_to0th]

What email was that in? In my complete email it states all interviews will be virtual

I received an email subject "Application Complete at Penn Dental Medicine" that says "Thank you for your interest...Your application is complete..." and then in the second paragraph it says "Should the Admissions Committee grant you an invitation for a personal interview in Philadelphia, you will be contacted via email and U.S. mail. We will extend interview invitations from early August through February. Virtual interviews will be conducted from September through March." I got the email 6/18 so maybe there has been updated information since? When did you receive your application complete email?

 

[zdoq]

I received an email subject "Application Complete at Penn Dental Medicine" that says "Thank you for your interest...Your application is complete..." and then in the second paragraph it says "Should the Admissions Committee grant you an invitation for a personal interview in Philadelphia, you will be contacted via email and U.S. mail. We will extend interview invitations from early August through February. Virtual interviews will be conducted from September through March." I got the email 6/18 so maybe there has been updated information since? When did you receive your application complete email?

I also got this email on 6/23. I am also confused on the virtual and/or in-person interview situation here. Hopefully they'll clarify this soon, or at least put up an update on the ADEA COVID-19 Update page.

 

[deleted997355]

Might be a silly question but, my supplemental responses were around 450-600 words. Is this too long? I felt like I needed the space to convey my thoughts

 

[jharden13fan]

Might be a silly question but, my supplemental responses were around 450-600 words. Is this too long? I felt like I needed the space to convey my thoughts

I’m just an applicant as you are, however personally I would think that’s too much. I kept all of mine around 250-300 words.

 

[deleted997355]

I’m just an applicant as you are, however personally I would think that’s too much. I kept all of mine around 250-300 words.

Yeah true. I’m not sure tbh because they gave 1000 word limit so I’m sure there’s some wiggle room but I’d also agree that being concise is always good!

 

[flash9625]

Might be a silly question but, my supplemental responses were around 450-600 words. Is this too long? I felt like I needed the space to convey my thoughts

I used almost all the space for my answers (I went into detail about my thought process for ethical dilemmas etc). There is a maximum for a reason. As long as you do not exceed it (and do not sound redundant) they won't hold it against you!

 

[Jakehalpern]

Hey, has anyone had any luck getting in contact with the admissions office, I have a specific question regarding my application. I called them and I got a voice mail saying they were out of the office and that we should send emails. I sent my email 2 weeks ago, and I have not yet heard a response. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[DDS2be123]

Hey, has anyone had any luck getting in contact with the admissions office, I have a specific question regarding my application. I called them and I got a voice mail saying they were out of the office and that we should send emails. I sent my email 2 weeks ago, and I have not yet heard a response. Any advice would be appreciated.

I think they are just currently occupied with all of the COVID changes and getting things ready for the new entering class. It would be appropriate to send a follow-up email incase they unintentionally missed your first email. I can imagine they were just overwhelmed with everything. From personal experience, I do know the PDM admissions staff is composed of VERY nice people and they really go above and beyond for both current students and applicants

 

[Jakehalpern]

I think they are just currently occupied with all of the COVID changes and getting things ready for the new entering class. It would be appropriate to send a follow-up email incase they unintentionally missed your first email. I can imagine they were just overwhelmed with everything. From personal experience, I do know the PDM admissions staff is composed of VERY nice people and they really go above and beyond for both current students and applicants

Thank you for your response. I have heard great things about their team. I totally sympathize with them given the circumstances with COVID. I'll send them a brief follow email.

 

[Japo237]

I read on UPenn's website about the Deans scholarship. When will students be notified if they received any scholarship? Will it be when they offer a spot in the class or will it be before you begin your first year?

 

[axiumgod]

I read on UPenn's website about the Deans scholarship. When will students be notified if they received any scholarship? Will it be when they offer a spot in the class or will it be before you begin your first year?

Notified when you’re accepted

 

[pedsdentalhopeful]

Hey guys just an FYI... I'm the first one to say "DON'T CONTACT THE OFFICE THEY'RE BUSY AND DON'T WANT TO BE PESTERED" but..... (just in case this happens to any of you):


Penn has been REALLY good about sending emails updating confirmation upon receipt of application, secondary app, LOR, etc. but my DAT scores were verified on 8/6 and as of yesterday I still hadn't been emailed a confirmation that my application was complete. Also said awaiting additional info on AADSAS. Since it was nearly 2 weeks past my verification date and pretty much every other school I contacted had confirmed receipt and listed me as app complete, I DID reach out to Penn via email and fortunately they immediately updated my app. I was apparently stuck in limbo, so I'm really glad I contacted them. If this happens to you, I'd say wait at least a week or two beyond verification then reach out.

 

[DK2]

Out of curiosity, does UPenn favor female applicants?
On the ADEA explorer, 86/135 of their matriculants were female.
It seems especially prevalent in their Asian and Hispanic applicant pool. Where the ratio of male:female enrollees is notably less than male:female applicants.

Is this just coincidence? I haven't seen this type of occurrence in any other dental school.

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

Out of curiosity, does UPenn favor female applicants?
On the ADEA explorer, 86/135 of their matriculants were female.
It seems especially prevalent in their Asian and Hispanic applicant pool. Where the ratio of male:female enrollees is notably less than male:female applicants.

Is this just coincidence? I haven't seen this type of occurrence in any other dental school.

View attachment 317427

They were probably just better candidates or interviewed better. Females already outnumber males in most graduate education fields (business, Engineering, math, computer science, physical/earth sciences are still majority male). Health/medical sciences is about 80% female across all graduate-level health science degrees with some degrees being much more female than others.

you can see they got more female applicants as well. I don’t think they have a bias/quota if that’s what you’re asking, they probably were just better candidates

 

[DK2]

They were probably just better candidates or interviewed better. Females already outnumber males in most graduate education fields (business, Engineering, math, computer science, physical/earth sciences are still majority male). Health/medical sciences is about 80% female across all graduate-level health science degrees with some degrees being much more female than others.

you can see they got more female applicants as well. I don’t think they have a bias/quota if that’s what you’re asking, they probably were just better candidates

I "can see" they got more female applicants, but if you observe the ratios:
Applicants: Male-45.3% and Female-54.7%
Enrollees: Male-36.2% and Female-63.8%

Utilizing basic statistics, the X2 is 17.148, with a p-value of .000035, ruling out the null with either a significance of 0.05 or 0.01.

Unfortunately there is no info on how many of each were interviewed, then a conclusion that female applicants interviewed better could be drawn.
With 5-95th percentile ranges of AA being 18-24 and GPA being 2.9-3.95, it doesn't look like they're heavily favoring applicants with higher academic capabilities.

With all due respect, I find the argument that females were "probably just better candidates" to be pretty shallow; insinuating that males are just not as good dental candidates.
The "80% female across all graduate-level health science degrees" is misleading (as it would include fields like nursing, in which women make up roughly 90%), and the statistics for dental schools should be used instead (which women make up 44%- source Women in Dentistry).

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

I "can see" they got more female applicants, but if you observe the ratios:
Applicants: Male-45.3% and Female-54.7%
Enrollees: Male-36.2% and Female-63.8%

Utilizing basic statistics, the X2 is 17.148, with a p-value of .000035, ruling out the null with either a significance of 0.05 or 0.01.

Unfortunately there is no info on how many of each were interviewed, then a conclusion that female applicants interviewed better could be drawn.
With 5-95th percentile ranges of AA being 18-24 and GPA being 2.9-3.95, it doesn't look like they're heavily favoring applicants with higher academic capabilities.

With all due respect, I find the argument that females were "probably just better candidates" to be pretty shallow; insinuating that males are just not as good dental candidates.
The "80% female across all graduate-level health science degrees" is misleading (as it would include fields like nursing, in which women make up roughly 90%), and the statistics for dental schools should be used instead (which women make up 44%- source Women in Dentistry).

lol

 

[DK2]

lol

The default uneducated response when someone can't think of one

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

The default uneducated response when someone can't think of one

Or the "This person asked a question with a fully formed opinion on why something is happening and is ready to dispute any answer that isnt 'Graduate schools openly discriminate against Asians, Whites, or Males' and just wanted someone to circle jerk with so there is no point in responding" response

 

[flash9625]

If you're a qualified applicant, it won't matter your sex or gender or race (schools cannot, and hopefully do not, discriminate based on those identifiers). Reducing people to numbers and statistics and fixating on those numbers does not give an accurate depiction of a class or what the program is looking for. In my honest opinion, time is being wasted thinking about it. Focus on your interview with UPenn if you get one

 

[DK2]

Or the "This person asked a question with a fully formed opinion on why something is happening and is ready to dispute any answer that isnt 'Graduate schools openly discriminate against Asians, Whites, or Males' and just wanted someone to circle jerk with so there is no point in responding" response

Or you can bring evidence, like any reasonable person would. Instead of just saying "women are better candidates".

 

[DK2]

If you're a qualified applicant, it won't matter your sex or gender. Reducing people to numbers and statistics and fixating on those numbers does not give an accurate depiction of a class or what the program is looking for. In my honest opinion, time is being wasted thinking about it. Focus on your interview with UPenn if you get one

Affirmative action is evidence that just simply being "qualified" isn't enough.
There are schools that have preferences towards a certain demographic, e.g. Meharry favoring URM, state schools favoring residents, etc.

I'm just wondering whether UPenn has a preference as there is evidence that could imply they do.

 

[flash9625]

Affirmative action is evidence that just simply being "qualified" isn't enough.
There are schools that have preferences towards a certain demographic, e.g. Meharry favoring URM, state schools favoring residents, etc.

I'm just wondering UPenn has a preference as there is evidence that could imply they do.

I'm not saying affirmative action does not exist. I am saying that I would be shocked if someone has an answer on here for that question. Also those numbers you circled are about enrollees, people choosing to attend the institution, not who the program admits. Maybe more females choose to attend the program. Simple as that.

 

[DK2]

I'm not saying affirmative action does not exist. I am saying that I would be shocked if someone has an answer on here for that question. Also those numbers you circled are about enrollees, people choosing to attend the institution, not who the program admits. Maybe more females choose to attend the program. Simple as that.

I know that there are lacking points of info such as interviewed vs. admits vs. enrolls, which is why I was hoping someone here has more insight than I do.

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

Or you can bring evidence, like any reasonable person would. Instead of just saying "women are better candidates".

lol

What more evidence do you want? You've already done your statistical analysis and "can see" that they have admitted more women. So you have 3 options:

1. Their female applicants were better candidates (stats, interview, personality, fit with the school, ECs, holistic review, etc.) so they admitted more of them
2. Its purely a coincidence (maybe more women just wanted to attend)
3. UPenn has discriminatory admissions policies that go against Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

 

[DK2]

lol

What more evidence do you want? You've already done your statistical analysis and "can see" that they have admitted more women. So you have 3 options:

1. Their female applicants were better candidates (stats, interview, personality, fit with the school, ECs, holistic review, etc.) so they admitted more of them
2. Its purely a coincidence
3. UPenn has discriminatory admissions policies that go against Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

It seems like you've made up your mind by feigning ignorance with your "Is this just a coincidence?!?!?" question and responding with the stats. So why engage?

I would like to have info such as avg. DAT and GPA of male vs. female applicants, number of each interviewed, number admitted. I know this information was included in the older versions of the ADEA guide, which I don't have access to but others may have. I've read studies that shown correlation with women being better at job interviews, but that study is useless without the other pieces of data.

The only thing you told me was that 80% of health-related grad school is made up of women and that women are "probably better candidates".

No need to make baseless accusations of "feigning ignorance" when I'm just wondering whether the gender disparity is due to bias or just coincidence. And no need to use language like

just wanted someone to circle jerk with

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

I would like to have info such as avg. DAT and GPA of male vs. female applicants, number of each interviewed, number admitted. I know this information was included in the older versions of the ADEA guide, which I don't have access to but others may have. I've read studies that shown correlation with women being better at job interviews, but that study is useless without the other pieces of data.

Sure Sure, I apologize, that was rude of me. I've had this discussion with too many people and thought it was going down the same path.

I dont think anyone has the statistics you want. They arent available on the dental school explorer and I doubt any school publishes that information broken out by gender, race, or any other protected class.

This is the only old data I have seen, and it doesnt have what you are looking for.

 

[NJ_Doc]

please stop blowing up this thread for nonsense. Practice some interview skills or something productive.

 

[zdoq]

Interview #1
School: Upenn
Notification date: 09/02/2020
Method of notification: Email
Residency: OOS
AADSAS mail-out date: 06/22
Application complete date: 06/23
GPA (science, overall): 3.90, 3.92
DAT (AA/TS/PAT/Reading/any section below a 17): 25/23/30/30/none
Dates available OR your interview date: They will be sending out the formal email with the sign-up links later
Method of interview: Virtual

 

[PreDentGator2021]

Interview #2
School: Penn
Notification date: 9/02/2020
Method of notification: Email
Residency: OOS
AADSAS mail-out date: 6/16
Application complete date: 6/16
Undergraduate GPA (overall, science): 3.75, 3.63
DAT (AA/TS/PAT/Reading/any section below a 17): 23/22/21/26/none
Dates available OR your interview date: Will be sent in future email
Method of Interview: Virtual

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

Just got an email for an interview as well, so they didn’t send them all out at once. Seems that they may be moving down a list.

 

[Happy2349]

Just got an email for an interview as well, so they didn’t send them all out at once. Seems that they may be moving down a list.

when was your application complete?

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

when was your application complete?

Penn marked it complete on 6/24

 

[BMH500]

Just got an email for an interview as well, so they didn’t send them all out at once. Seems that they may be moving down a list.

Are you in state or out?

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

Are you in state or out?

OOS
does it matter for Penn? They’re private

 

[PreDentGator2021]

OOS
does it mater for Penn? They’re private

I don’t think it matters, and they may not necessarily be sending them out all at once. My friend got accepted last year on Dec. 1 even though he didn’t get his invite until October.

 

[zdoq]

Does anyone know if Penn has published the number of people they interview VS the number of people they accept?

 

[zdoq]

Does anyone know if Penn has published the number of people they interview VS the number of people they accept?

Nevermind- found the info on this thread.

 

[BMH500]

OOS
does it mater for Penn? They’re private

I’m not sure, I just haven’t seen anyone instate receive one yet. Even though they are private they still may send an email to all the initial out of state people one day and instate the next just to stay organized. Honestly though, I have no clue.