Upenn

[Dentistry321]

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Hey, Desi Dentist.

What do you think would be a cut off score for getting into UPenn?

What would be a score that cannot be accepted by Upenn?

What do you think Upenn looks for the most in their applicants?

From your defense(?) of Upenn, I kind of want to go there.

Please give me a general idea how to prepare for Upenn.

Also, do they give out grants? because the tuition was quite high.


Thank you

 

[DesiDentist]

Dentistry321:

If you want to go to PENN you must be very well rounded. rather than looking at DAT scores they look for a well-rounded individual who has not only prepared by doing the "normal" activities that a predental student does but also above and beyond. That means doing a unique major, speaking different languages, missions, hobbies, and unique work experiences.

I got an interview to PENN without my DAT scores. I was suprised. Corky (the admissions director) said that we don't care how well you can measure angles on a screen. when I gave her my unofficials scores (copy) she didn't even look at it and put it in my file and said that "Today we are not going to look at numbers, but your personality."

However a safe score to hit for PENN is at least 19/18 (PAT isn't a big deal for them). However, I would try to maintain a GPA of at least 3.4. Their Gpas have been skyrocketing lately. Last year it was 3.52 and this year they expect it to go up.

As for finances. PENN is one of the most expensive schools. They give a third of their class half scholarships (deans scholarships and minority scholarships) 20 people get deans scholarships and 10 minorities (african americans/hispanics) get minority scholarships. For the deans scholarships they want your GPA to be at least 3.7 and fabulous Extra curriculars.

However, diversify yourself. Do some research, tons of volunteering, and know that dentistry is for you.

If you get an interview at PENN you have an excellent shot. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Also, remember getting a top notch education requires money. PENN gives its students above and beyond other schools get. However there are other schools like USC, BU, NYU, Tufts that are over the price (including tuition/living) of PENN. PENN has fixed its facilities, now the only things people can say as the "con" for PENN is tuition. I would not weigh that as the only option. See the school for the yourself and you will see what I mean. Don't listen to those who have seen the school two years ago, it has changed since then.


DesiDentist

 

[noodle]

I was wondering what you think of the classrooms that you spend eight hours in every day for two years? The lounge? The fact that the new clinic they built are for the grad program and are not currently open? You make this place sound like Heaven and maybe it is Pergatory? Time to at least be real!!!!!!!!! Good School, good education. But Not PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!😉

 

[dentisttobe]

amen!

 

[DesiDentist]

nah, not perfect I agree. But almost close to perfect for me, and I think that matters the most. New building is open, but will take a couple months to have it up and running. you gotta root for your school ya know.

DesiDentist

 

[noodle]

Hey Desi! We are not in undergrad anymore! We have lost 10 dental schools in the last decade! This theme has come up before but it is not the school but the individual and the Profession. Dentistry is Great. Most Dentist I talk to have had similar experiances no matter where they have gone to school. You will find that much of what you learn will be obsolete by the time you graduate from school and you will take continuing education all the time to better yourself. Penn is a great school but more important Dentistry is a great life. The best school in the country is Duke and they don't even have a Dental School. What is up with that? 😎 😀

 

[DesiDentist]

Yes, noodle. You are right. Dentistry is great. I'm very blessed and priviledged to have been accepted with open arms into this profession. I'm glad to have colleagues like you too, even though they mess with my "noodle" they make me realize how privelidged I am. Thank you.

DesiDentist

 

[damian12]

Hello there fellow SDNers !

Well, it's undeniable that Penn is among the elite dental schools in the country, but don't let that discourage you from applying ! What I do know is that Penn seeks well-rounded individuals, as Desi mentioned, and caring people. They aren't exactly looking for a stellar student academically, but rather a person who's excited about their career, and brings tons of energy to the table. I was accepted to Penn with a 3.6 gpa and a 21 DAT. My friend, on the other hand had a 3.3 gpa and an 18 on her DAT, and got in aswell. Maybe our stats are a little different, but we both share an intense passion for dentistry and a love for people.

These are the additional factors that Penn looks for !! I hope to specialize @ Penn one day. Just wishful thinking !!
Good luck everyone !

 

[scandalouslj]

True Penn is not the perfect school, but it does have a lot of things that make it great. The new building will be totally complete this sumer, that includes most labs, classrooms, and operatories. Penn also does things most other schools dont, such as a six week internship in a hospital, as well as pay interest on any federal loans, and pay for you to get an mba from drexel, temple, or wharton.

I agree with what the others are saying I dont think the PAT is really important to them at all. I got a 16 on it and I am going to Penn, while my other averages were 18. I did have a lot of other activites and classes, as well as dental experience.

And Duke, great yes, the best please.

 

[DesiDentist]

noodle:

I just ran into this thread again where you, yourself state: "Be Proud of a Great Profession."

On the other thread you are demeaning schools. I think you need to realize how unprofessional it is to act like that schools that do research are worse off than clinical schools. You need to practice what you preach.

Be happy you are in a dental school (if you really are) and be happy for others on their decision.

DesiDentist