What do I need for Harvard?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
akaopua

akaopua

Full Member
5+ Year Member
Joined
May 12, 2017
Messages
77
Reaction score
41
Members don't see this ad.
cGPA: 3.81
sGPA: 3.77

Volunteer hours: 125
Shadow hours (assisting): 150 (50)

Business Undergrad
Non-traditional
Good extracurriculars

23 yrs old.
Male
Pacific-islander

Associates from CC (did running start program at 15)
Graduated from small private university (BYU-Hawaii)
Majority science classes from universities.

What do I need to score on the DAT to be able to get into Harvard? I really want to do the DMD/MBA program their or UPENN but Harvard would be my first choice.

I have had a 4.0 GPA for the last three years but when I was 15 I started working on my associates and took a couple intro level sciences that brings both my GPAs down (B- worst grade, taken 8 years ago).

Additionally, are there other MUSTs or places where I need to improve to be competitive?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Your goal should be the best candidate possible. Aim for the highest DAT you can get and make sure you have great extracurriculars, leadership experience, and an amazing personal statement.

Best of luck and hope to see you get into your dream school!
 
lamemrsa said:
To not make a forum post titled “What do I need for Harvard”
Click to expand...

Invaluable advice

Hnl7 said:
Your goal should be the best candidate possible. Aim for the highest DAT you can get and make sure you have great extracurriculars, leadership experience, and an amazing personal statement.

Best of luck and hope to see you get into your dream school!
Click to expand...

Thanks @Hnl7 . Any idea what I should shoot for as a minimum? I just want to have a measuring stick as I continue to study these next few months.
 
It's all about supply and demand...
 
Last edited:
Build a unique application. Academics only get you so far and you won't impress many at that level. I know people who got in with quite average stats and I know people who got rejected with pretty insane stats.
 
Take all the advice you receive here with a grain of salt. Truthfully, nobody’s except those on the admissions committee actually knows what each school is looking for. With that being said, be the best applicant you can be. Aim for the highest DAT you can, do some research, make yourself stand out. Beyond that, there’s not much more you can do
 
Harvard isn’t a can school you aim for, there’s way too many things they look for that nobody knows of


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
You can be perfect and still have like a 10% shot. A 3.8 GPA is good, but still below their average. I would definitely look at other programs besides UPenn and Harvard. You also probably want to add a few years of research as well to be more competitive for Harvard. Then do 23+ on the DAT.
 
STRONG STATS.

+ Start typing your application now, and have it read by everyone you know. Each person that lands an interview at HSDM has a bulletproof app.

Also, to get into Harvard, you need an ace up your sleeve. A "wow" factor, something that sets you apart from the other thousand applicants that apply with the same dream.

Disclaimer: I did not get into Harvard... 🙁
 
surfline said:
STRONG STATS.

+ Start typing your application now, and have it read by everyone you know. Each person that lands an interview at HSDM has a bulletproof app.

Also, to get into Harvard, you need an ace up your sleeve. A "wow" factor, something that sets you apart from the other thousand applicants that apply with the same dream.

Disclaimer: I did not get into Harvard... 🙁
Click to expand...

Time to commit sudoku. Shameful that you didn't get in. Only superior gods get into Harvard.
 
surfline said:
STRONG STATS.

+ Start typing your application now, and have it read by everyone you know. Each person that lands an interview at HSDM has a bulletproof app.

Also, to get into Harvard, you need an ace up your sleeve. A "wow" factor, something that sets you apart from the other thousand applicants that apply with the same dream.

Disclaimer: I did not get into Harvard... 🙁
Click to expand...
did you get rejected this cycle?
 
DMD/MBA from Harvard or UPenn/Wharton? For Harvard, probably 24+ DAT and 730+ GMAT. 22+ DAT for UPenn and 730+ GMAT. Scoring in the 99th percentile in both of these exams is a tall order. Looks like you have to apply to both programs independently and be accepted to both. What experience do you have to make you attractive to HBS or Wharton? I applied to business school before dental school, but only to the big 3. I had a 730+ GMAT, advanced science degree from a prestigious university, very unique work background and I didn't get interviews at Wharton or Harvard, though I did interview at Stanford GSB. I also scored 24+ on the DAT and did not get an interview at HSDM.

What you need to really be shooting for is to get into the cheapest dental school as possible.

Big Hoss
 
Swoops said:
A lot of money and an unrealistic outlook on student loans.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...
eh.... They have the reputation of a pretty damn good financial aid department. Just checking their site, they have scholarships for pacific islanders (criteria OP fits into).

fit2 said:
did you get rejected this cycle?
Click to expand...
ya, silent rejection.
 
Did you receive a rejection email? I haven't heard anything back yet
 
PrePreDental said:
Did you receive a rejection email? I haven't heard anything back yet
Click to expand...
I haven't received a formal rejection, I'm just assuming by now I'm out of the race. I believe that they interview until March to fill 35 spots.
 
surfline said:
I haven't received a formal rejection, I'm just assuming by now I'm out of the race. I believe that they interview until March to fill 35 spots.
Click to expand...
did you interview?
 
As a side note, we all know I'm The Original Big Baller.

giphy.gif


Big Hoss
 
Likkriue said:
24+ dat

Your sgpa is below average for Harvard.
Click to expand...
predent2151 said:
You can be perfect and still have like a 10% shot. A 3.8 GPA is good, but still below their average. I would definitely look at other programs besides UPenn and Harvard. You also probably want to add a few years of research as well to be more competitive for Harvard. Then do 23+ on the DAT.
Click to expand...

My GPAs are lower than average (barely) but, like I mentioned, all my Pre-reqs are A's and I haven't gotten anything less than an A in 3 years. I took survey of chemistry and intro to statistics at a CC when I was 15 and got a few B-'s which brings down my average so I wouldn't be surprised if there's a little allowance there. From my graduating school I got a 3.96 so I hope my GPA wouldn't hold me back too much.

I do come from a non-science background so I am a little worried about the DAT. I'm planning on taking the DAT late June (but I'll have my application in and processed well before). Also, because I'm non-trad, I took science classes from all over meaning I don't feel like I have a particularly close with any specific science teachers as they've each only seen me once as a drop-in student so I'm a little worried about my LOR's.

Big Time Hoosier said:
DMD/MBA from Harvard or UPenn/Wharton? For Harvard, probably 24+ DAT and 730+ GMAT. 22+ DAT for UPenn and 730+ GMAT. Scoring in the 99th percentile in both of these exams is a tall order. Looks like you have to apply to both programs independently and be accepted to both. What experience do you have to make you attractive to HBS or Wharton? I applied to business school before dental school, but only to the big 3. I had a 730+ GMAT, advanced science degree from a prestigious university, very unique work background and I didn't get interviews at Wharton or Harvard, though I did interview at Stanford GSB. I also scored 24+ on the DAT and did not get an interview at HSDM.

What you need to really be shooting for is to get into the cheapest dental school as possible.

Big Hoss
Click to expand...

Definitely MBA/DMD. If it wasn't for the MBA, I would take the advice I've seen you give out several times here and go to the cheapest school possible (or at least the cheapest one that offers a DMD/MBA). Also, I'm about to email the HBS and HSDM and inquire more of there joint program. I know 99% of the time you need to have significant work experience to get into these top MBA programs. They say that as a 1st/2nd year dental student you can still apply in the first two rounds of the HBS admissions cycle and seeing as most dental students don't have prestigious/extensive business work experience(and it is a joint program) I am highly doubtful that they have the same admission standards for DMD/MBA students as a traditional MBA student. MBAs and DMDs are different in that, for MBAs, the name really is everything (as I'm sure you know). I hope to go down a path that would require/use a MBA extensively.

Thanks to all for the given/continuing input and advice.
 
akaopua said:
If it wasn't for the MBA, I would take the advice I've seen you give out several times here and go to the cheapest school possible (or at least the cheapest one that offers a DMD/MBA).
Click to expand...
Lots of dental schools offer a joint DDS/DMD/MBA. But, if you're ultimately gunning for consulting or venture capital/private equity why bother with dental school? And, if you're just gunning to be a dental business guru, there's no benefit to an "elite" MBA.

A quick Google search found the following programs:
DDS-MBA | UCSF School of Dentistry
Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration & Doctor of Dental Medicine | Academics | University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Concurrent DDS/MBA Program | UCLA Dentistry
DDS/MBA - Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
College of Dentistry | Howard University

Big Hoss
 
Last edited:
Big Time Hoosier said:
Lots of dental schools offer a join DDS/DMD/MBA. But, if you're ultimately gunning for consulting or venture capital/private equity why bother with dental school? And, if you're just gunning to be a dental business guru, there's no benefit to an "elite" MBA.

A quick Google search found the following programs:
DDS-MBA | UCSF School of Dentistry
Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration & Doctor of Dental Medicine | Academics | University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Concurrent DDS/MBA Program | UCLA Dentistry
DDS/MBA - Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
College of Dentistry | Howard University

Big Hoss
Click to expand...
You make some good points.

The way I see it:

I see dentistry going through big changes over the next 10-20 years. For someone interested in the corporate side of corporate dentistry, elite MBAs would not only get you in the door but get you in higher and more likely to climb quicker.

Still, you are right. If Harvard and Upenn are off the table, I would probably go with one of those other schools you mentioned. But cmon, it's HBS
 
akaopua said:
You make some good points.
Click to expand...
I always do...
akaopua said:
For someone interested in the corporate side of corporate dentistry, elite MBAs would not only get you in the door but get you in higher and more likely to climb quicker.
Click to expand...
How many dentists even have an MBA? You're looking at hardly any competition getting your foot into corporate dentistry's door based on academic credentials. It's not like you're competing for a job at Google or McKinsey, where the vast hoards in business school dream of working. Furthermore, how many dentists are chomping at the bit to climb corporate dentistry's ladder? Most people go to dental school to become dentists.

Big Hoss
 
Last edited:
Big Time Hoosier said:
How many dentists even have an MBA? You're looking at hardly any competition getting your foot into corporate dentistry's door based on academic credentials. It's not like you're competing for a job at Google or McKinsey, where the vast hoards in business school dream of working. Furthermore, how many dentists are chomping at the bit to climb corporate dentistry's ladder? Most people go to dental school to become dentists.

Big Hoss
Click to expand...
That's true, I really appreciate it. I am still going to try for Harvard though. The connections and doors Harvard can open for you are really endless but I'm definitely seeing that it won't be as huge a deal as I may have thought.
 
predent2151 said:
You want to spend 450k to be a corporate dentist?
Click to expand...
To be the CEO of a dental corporation realistically I'd like to have a significant role in the business side while also using my dental degree.

In all reality, true corporate dental is only legal in 9-11 states (some states it isn't 100% clear whether or not it's legal). Most of the time a dentist is required by large corporations to use their license to own and manage those practices. This is why several large corporations all have several dentists in their boards of directiors and senior management as opposed to just business grads.
 
akaopua said:
To be the CEO of a dental corporation realistically I'd like to have a significant role in the business side while also using my dental degree.

In all reality, true corporate dental is only legal in 9-11 states (some states it isn't 100% clear whether or not it's legal). Most of the time a dentist is required by large corporations to use their license to own and manage those practices. This is why several large corporations all have several dentists in their boards of directiors and senior management as opposed to just business grads.
Click to expand...

Ahhh. High aspirations, good for you. I majored in Econ in undergrad and early in my education I thought about pursuing an MBA. I don’t see any circumstance where someone would be denied a position because they ONLY had a DDS/DMD. An MBA is mostly theoretical stuff and no application, of course there are exceptions. You become great at running a company or in your case a coorperation by experience. I don’t see an MBA being that valuable. But, these are just my opinions. Good luck! Shoot for a 30 on the DAT and be happy when you get a 24.
 
predent2151 said:
I don’t see any circumstance where someone would be denied a position because they ONLY had a DDS/DMD. An MBA is mostly theoretical stuff and no application, of course there are exceptions. You become great at running a company or in your case a coorperation by experience. I don’t see an MBA being that valuable.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the encouragement. I agree that MBAs are often not practically useful but they can be required to move up. IMO, a MBA can be the difference between your local dental corp. and Aspen for example (I have no idea if Aspen would be a good place to work, I doubt it, just an example)
 
How much clinical dentistry do you even want to do? It seems like you want to be a business executive who practices dentistry as a hobby. Spending $400,000+ to learn a hobby doesn’t sound like a great idea. Might as well just try getting a job in a dental corporate office right now.

Home Office Jobs | Heartland Dental Careers | Business Support

Big Hoss
 
Last edited:
Big Time Hoosier said:
How much clinical dentistry do you even want to do? It seems like you want to be a business executive who practices dentistry as a hobby. Spending $400,000+ to learn a hobby doesn’t sound like a great idea. Might as well just try getting a job in a dental corporate office right now.

Home Office Jobs | Heartland Dental Careers | Business Support

Big Hoss
Click to expand...
Maybe he needs a roundabout way to get into harvard. I'm sure getting into harvard dental is much easier than harvard for business. Gotta get those connections somehow amiright?
 
Medin2017 said:
Maybe he needs a roundabout way to get into harvard. I'm sure getting into harvard dental is much easier than harvard for business. Gotta get those connections somehow amiright?
Click to expand...
Thats a part of it. Not that HBS is really that insanely difficult, but you need a lot of prestigious work experience to get in the traditional route.
 
sevensamurai said:
Harvard needs research experience. I didn’t have any and didn’t even get an interview. 28AA and about same gpa as you with tons of extracurriculars. Best of luck!
Click to expand...
Wow! That is such a high DAT score I am floored that you didn't get an interview. Absolutely crazy.

That is what I've been hearing. I am involved in some pretty cool research right now. My question is: on the AADSAS, does it ask you to specify exactly how many hours you spent on the research? Is there a recommended minimum?

Thanks!
 
akaopua said:
Thats a part of it. Not that HBS is really that insanely difficult, but you need a lot of prestigious work experience to get in the traditional route.
Click to expand...
Wait Harvard undergrad business is definitely extremely difficult to get into. Compared to any dental school or almost all med schools, undergrad ivies are way more selective
 
Medin2017 said:
Wait Harvard undergrad business is definitely extremely difficult to get into. Compared to any dental school or almost all med schools, undergrad ivies are way more selective
Click to expand...
He’s talking about grad school. And also I wouldn’t say more selective since med schools and Dental schools have smaller classes so it’s necessary to be more selective in order to fill your class accordingly. Percentage wise maybe but I think %’s they’re quite similar for Harvard
 
Do research and aim for a good DAT score (22+). As someone who got into Harvard this cycle, it is more than just grades. And for the DMD/MBA program, the MBA program does not tier to dental students by any means. You need to apply to both programs separate and get in.
 
fit2 said:
He’s talking about grad school. And also I wouldn’t say more selective since med schools and Dental schools have smaller classes so it’s necessary to be more selective in order to fill your class accordingly. Percentage wise maybe but I think %’s they’re quite similar for Harvard
Click to expand...
What “wow factor” do you have in your application? Applying to HBS, or other top schools, you’re competing against people who went to Princeton and worked in investment banking or US Naval Academy grads who later served in the SEALs. You need need something to stand out; grades and GMAT scores aren’t enough, like GPA and DAT scores largely are for dental school.

And for business school, name is everything. For dental, not so much or really at all. Which is why going to the cheapest dental school you get into is always the answer.

Big Hoss
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

matthewbernard9
What I Wish I knew for Dental School Interviews
Replies
3
Views
302
macsak
M
L
Need help - Gen Bio Pre req for Upenn
Replies
3
Views
542
JacquesVallee
JacquesVallee
S
What should I do? Need Advice
Replies
3
Views
600
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
woooooosan
When do I get the Kira invitation?
Replies
1
Views
776
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
Harvard Dental financial aid (Crimson)
Replies
0
Views
925
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
Top