The best advice I can offer about UW is that they really seem to care that you plan on giving back to the community after you graduate. Of the places I interviewed, they placed the most emphasis on an attitude of humanitarian service instead of the business aspect of dentistry. They are very confident about their school and have an attitude that they can get anyone they want, so they don't really worry about grabbing people early to fill their class. Although they placed HEAVY weight on residency, it is not impossible to get into the school as a non-resident. I am living proof of that. I have been living out of state for several years now, and although it seems I will be able to change my residency when I move back this summer (complicated--don't ask), I was accepted as a non-resident. My grades are not perfect and I know many others with much higher stats than me that were flat rejected, but they really want "well-rounded individuals" who will contribute to the diversity of class. For the record, diversity does not always equal race (I am caucasian). I had a very strong personal essay and my interview lasted more than an hour (scheduled for 1/2 hour) talking small talk and about background info on the application. Bottom line: they want people who they are confident will represent their school well. However you can get this message across, this is the most important selling point to getting you in.