WAMC for 24-25 Cycle - School List

[michael922]

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Hi! Would love for this community's thoughts on my application and school list:

Date of submission: submitted most on 6/4, still have a few more to work on
Overall GPA: 3.77
Science GPA: 3.73
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: not sure but probably around 3.68
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 25 AA / 23 TS / 21 PAT / 24 BIO / 24 GC / 22 OC / 30 RC / 24 QR
State of Residence: NY

Undergrad Attended: Private school in the Boston area
Major: Biology
Minor: Public Health
Minority? No
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 267 hours (132 general, 60 ortho, 15 peds, 60 oral surgery)
Volunteering Experience: 500 tutoring, 70 at soup kitchen, 230 volunteer internship w/ Red Cross, 150 volunteer internship w/ local public health agency
Employment: over 2000 and counting as a Clinical Research Assistant (for an oral surgeon; graduated in '23 and have been doing this since graduation), 1500 and counting at my undergrad's on-campus catering department (still work there since graduating), 162 hours as a tutor for student-athletes, 180 hours as a teaching assistant for a molecular cell bio lab class
Research: I currently work as a Clinical Research Assistant (4 publications all related to oral surgery, 1 under review for publication, 2 abstract presentations at a conference), 300 hours on a climate change and oral health project with a professor from a dental school (presented at two small conferences), 180 hours on a summer research internship investigating algal blooms and public health implications, 150 hours on project for UN about climate change, biodiversity, and human health (publication from this), 140 hours on project investigating climate change and conflict in the horn of Africa for the Red Cross/Red Crescent, 75 hours on project investigating prenatal cannabis use and statutes/laws in preparation for grant submission
Other Extracurriculars: President of public health/social justice/advocacy oriented org at my school (e-board for 2 years total), e-board for Pre-Dental Society for 2 years, Treasurer of Public Health Club for one year
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools?
Relevant Honors or Awards: Dean's List, Dean's Scholar award
LOR type and strength: 2 from science professors (1 from anatomy, 1 from the class I took and TA'ed), 1 from director of public health program, 1 from orthodontist I shadowed, 1 from professor I did research with at a dental school, 1 from current PI (oral surgeon)
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Got a C+ in Orgo 1 (I was told not to retake because I got an A in Orgo 2 and did well enough on the OC section); also a little worried about my PAT score
School list:
Please include a list of schools you are interested in applying to! It is much easier for users to help you when you have taken the time to construct your own school list first!
Stony Brook
Buffalo
Columbia
BU
Harvard
Temple
Penn
Michigan
USC
NYU
Tufts
Case
Creighton
UCSF
Rutgers
Marquette
Colorado
ATSU-AZ
UNLV
UNC

Any thoughts on my application or school list are appreciated!!

 

[macsak]

Hi! Would love for this community's thoughts on my application and school list:

Date of submission: submitted most on 6/4, still have a few more to work on
Overall GPA: 3.76
Science GPA: ~3.68
Bio-Chem-Physics GPA: not sure but probably around 3.68
DAT score (include AA and all sections): 25 AA / 23 TS / 21 PAT / 24 BIO / 24 GC / 22 OC / 30 RC / 24 QR
State of Residence: NY

Undergrad Attended: Private school in the Boston area
Major: Biology
Minor: Public Health
Minority? No
Reapplicant? No
Nontrad? No

Shadowing Experience: 267 hours (132 general, 60 ortho, 15 peds, 60 oral surgery)
Volunteering Experience: 500 tutoring, 70 at soup kitchen, 230 volunteer internship w/ Red Cross, 150 volunteer internship w/ local public health agency
Employment: over 2000 and counting as a Clinical Research Assistant (for an oral surgeon; graduated in '23 and have been doing this since graduation), 1500 and counting at my undergrad's on-campus catering department (still work there since graduating), 162 hours as a tutor for student-athletes, 180 hours as a teaching assistant for a molecular cell bio lab class
Research: I currently work as a Clinical Research Assistant (4 publications all related to oral surgery, 1 under review for publication, 2 abstract presentations at a conference), 300 hours on a climate change and oral health project with a professor from a dental school (presented at two small conferences), 180 hours on a summer research internship investigating algal blooms and public health implications, 150 hours on project for UN about climate change, biodiversity, and human health (publication from this), 140 hours on project investigating climate change and conflict in the horn of Africa for the Red Cross/Red Crescent, 75 hours on project investigating prenatal cannabis use and statutes/laws in preparation for grant submission
Other Extracurriculars: President of public health/social justice/advocacy oriented org at my school (e-board for 2 years total), e-board for Pre-Dental Society for 2 years, Treasurer of Public Health Club for one year
Have you volunteered/shadowed/attended events at any dental schools?
Relevant Honors or Awards: Dean's List, Dean's Scholar award
LOR type and strength: 2 from science professors (1 from anatomy, 1 from the class I took and TA'ed), 1 from director of public health program, 1 from orthodontist I shadowed, 1 from professor I did research with at a dental school, 1 from current PI (oral surgeon)
Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Got a C+ in Orgo 1 (I was told not to retake because I got an A in Orgo 2 and did well enough on the OC section); also a little worried about my PAT score
School list:
Please include a list of schools you are interested in applying to! It is much easier for users to help you when you have taken the time to construct your own school list first!
Stony Brook
Buffalo
Columbia
BU
Harvard
Temple
Penn
Michigan
USC
NYU
Tufts
Case
Creighton
UCSF
Rutgers
Marquette
Colorado
ATSU-AZ
UNLV
UNC

Any thoughts on my application or school list are appreciated!!

your pat score is fine

how did you come up with this list?

 

[michael922]

From the northeast so I would not mind staying in this region, but would also love to live in the West/SW. I have family in North Carolina and parts of the midwest, which was a draw for me in those directions. It was mostly based on my living preferences.

 

[macsak]

From the northeast so I would not mind staying in this region, but would also love to live in the West/SW. I have family in North Carolina and parts of the midwest, which was a draw for me in those directions. It was mostly based on my living preferences.

you need mission fit to get invites and acceptances
"living preferences" is not mission fit
how many schools are you planning on applying to?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Misc Info/Things not stated elsewhere/Red Flags: Got a C+ in Orgo 1 (I was told not to retake because I got an A in Orgo 2 and did well enough on the OC section); also a little worried about my PAT score (21)

Obviously you're applying to the Boston schools to see if you can minimize any changes to your current situation (esp research connections/relationships).

Advocacy: from what I glean, your area is certainly promoted among the Ivy+ schools, especially those with dental school programs. If you want to continue pursuing this line, limit yourself to the Ivy dental schools (Harvard, Penn, Columbia) based on your preferences. Granted you need more, and your GPA is a bit lower than the average Ivy+ matriculant.

Climate change and dentistry: Understanding our impact and opportunities

Dental offices should actively participate in helping to preserve the environment. It's easier than you think, and all efforts make a difference. Here are some steps you can take...

www.rdhmag.com

That's not to say other dental schools off the East Coast aren't interested. But I'm just not sure you sound like you want to go there. Example:

https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/handle/10355/94161

Redirecting

Living preferences are one thing, but what communities have you served that culturally and geographically best represent the schools you want to apply to?

 

[michael922]

Thank you for your thoughts!!

you need mission fit to get invites and acceptances
"living preferences" is not mission fit
how many schools are you planning on applying to?

I applied to ~20 schools. I prioritized schools that are known for both research and service opportunities, as I am deeply passionate about both and hope to intertwine them into my career. Other schools I added because I heard positive things from current students, so I guess those do not have much of a "mission fit."

Living preferences are one thing, but what communities have you served that culturally and geographically best represent the schools you want to apply to?

Good point. I've been drawn to major cities for that reason.

Advocacy: from what I glean, your area is certainly promoted among the Ivy+ schools, especially those with dental school programs. If you want to continue pursuing this line, limit yourself to the Ivy dental schools (Harvard, Penn, Columbia) based on your preferences. Granted you need more, and your GPA is a bit lower than the average Ivy+ matriculant.

I've heard that this sort of research is more feasible at Ivy+ schools. With my stats, any advice on making myself stand out more during interviews (primaries already submitted)? Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[macsak]

Thank you for your thoughts!!


I applied to ~20 schools. I prioritized schools that are known for both research and service opportunities, as I am deeply passionate about both and hope to intertwine them into my career. Other schools I added because I heard positive things from current students, so I guess those do not have much of a "mission fit."


Good point. I've been drawn to major cities for that reason.

I've heard that this sort of research is more feasible at Ivy+ schools. With my stats, any advice on making myself stand out more during interviews (primaries already submitted)? Any thoughts are appreciated!

20 is WAY too many
you should have concentrated on schools that put more emphasis on research and public health (ie mission fit) in areas you want to live
you are now going to have to be selective on which interviews you accept and which ones you turn down, unless you have time and money to do them all...

 

[macsak]

20 is WAY too many
you should have concentrated on schools that put more emphasis on research and public health (ie mission fit) in areas you want to live
you are now going to have to be selective on which interviews you accept and which ones you turn down, unless you have time and money to do them all...

you could have easily taken these schools off of your list
USC
NYU
Creighton
Colorado
ATSU-AZ
UNLV

well, you're from NY, so i guess you would've wanted to leave NYU on there...

 

[potatokitten24]

Remove NYU from your list

 

[SDDSDDM]

20 is WAY too many
you should have concentrated on schools that put more emphasis on research and public health (ie mission fit) in areas you want to live
you are now going to have to be selective on which interviews you accept and which ones you turn down, unless you have time and money to do them all...

Can you tell me which schools that weren’t on this list that might be appropriate for someone that has research+public health mission fit ? Thanks!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Can you tell me which schools that weren’t on this list that might be appropriate for someone that has research+public health mission fit ? Thanks!

I don't see your WAMC profile.

 

[SDDSDDM]

I don’t have DAT scores to provide.
There were 20+ schools on that list.
I think with your expertise, and your willingness to share that info, would be most helpful to prospective future applicants that seek missions with research+public health.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

In this thread, I think I posted previously my response: find schools with solid community dentistry programs and what projects they are doing. It should be a fair number of schools (general dentistry and community dentistry go hand-in-hand). The issue though is how applicants can demonstrate their interest in community health. For that, read:

Finding Your Purpose as a Health Professional | SDN

In the 2004 Tony-award-winning musical Avenue Q, Princeton, a recent college graduate (with an English degree from a prestigious university), searches to

www.studentdoctor.net

Application Tips: Showing a Global Health Focus | SDN

We previously discussed how study abroad opportunities could give future physicians better insights into global health challenges. Many health professions

www.studentdoctor.net

Application Advice for Future Rural Health Professionals | SDN

Most rural Americans face significant challenges accessing healthcare. There are major shortages of physicians, dentists, psychologists, and other health

www.studentdoctor.net

Regardless, 20 schools is a premed shotgun approach. Dental schools want to know if you can connect with the patient populations they serve, so having an interest in community dentistry should be part of your journey to dentistry that can be identified with a holistic review of your application. What appeals to you: Sealants? Mobile clinics? Teledentistry? Preventative care and maintenance? Food security? FQHC rotations? How about applications to NHSC or HPSP, since community dentistry isn't known for paying high salaries, and you need to know your loan repayment/forgiveness options?

NB: I'm also monitoring the newer dental schools which have a stated goal of training more dentists in underserved areas, so you can add PNWU and NEOMED to the list since they have just been added.

Also suggested, search through articles here

Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry

www.johcd.net

 

[TheRoni]

I don’t have DAT scores to provide.
There were 20+ schools on that list.
I think with your expertise, and your willingness to share that info, would be most helpful to prospective future applicants that seek missions with research+public health.

You can google : Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) / Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program -

AT Still Arizona ASDOH and Harvard have a DMD/ MPH dual degree programs (There may be more IDK)

DMD/MPH Dual Degree Program

ATSU-ASDOH educates community-minded dental providers who serve populations in need.

www.atsu.edu

"... dental students [are allowed] the unique opportunity to earn both their DMD and MPH degrees during their four years in dental school."

Admissions | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Interested in applying to a degree program? These pages will walk you through the application process.

www.hsph.harvard.edu

"The School offers students currently enrolled in accredited U.S.-based DMD or DDS programs, who have a career interest in public health and/or preventive dentistry, the opportunity to complete a master of public health degree. Dental students undertake the MPH program while on leave of absence between the third and fourth year of dental school. DMD/DDS/MPH students receive the MPH degree upon successful completion of the academic requirements for the MPH degree."

I do not know anyone who did either of these but I am sure you could ask around. I seriously considered the AT STILL program when deciding where to matriculate. I believe there may be other schools that have similar programs.