whats considered competitive for harvard dental school?

[coralfangs]

whats the minimum to be considered competitive?
obviously 4.0cGPA is competitive, but thats not minimum

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[dexadental]

22s or above on the DAT, 3.8 GPA or above, lots of volunteering, community service, extracurriculars, involvement in school
Anything else doesn't hurt.

 

[gator1210]

22s or above on the DAT, 3.8 GPA or above, lots of volunteering, community service, extracurriculars, involvement in school
Anything else doesn't hurt.

Columbia competitives is 22s on DAT, I would think harvard not and days would be 24s.


Low and behold, most accepted candidates have 4.0s or close it it.

They are also community leaders.

And the most important thing I have heard about applying to harvard is STANDING OUT of the rest of applicants.

Just my opinion

 

[coralfangs]

it says the average gpa is 3.7 though, theres no way that the gpa at dental is higher than the gpa at medical haha

 

[Audio]

it says the average gpa is 3.7 though, theres no way that the gpa at dental is higher than the gpa at medical haha

it is in canada at some schools. there have been years at UofT and Western where dents GPA has been higher than meds.

 

[americanpierg]

it says the average gpa is 3.7 though, theres no way that the gpa at dental is higher than the gpa at medical haha

lol ull only start a huge arguement with that statement, with predents saying dental school gpa has been higher lately and premeds saying premed gpa is always higher...although i am a predent and agree with the later. harvard's competetive is probably around low 3.7s. with school like harvard, its not merely about gpa/dat anymore, its about extra curricular activites. 4.0 and 23 wont even get u a guareentee to harvard. its kinda like a more advance version of their undergrad administration.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

Harvard is a very interesting school with a very different program, so the one criterion that will get you in or not is whether you match with the specific type of student they're looking for.

Now a lot of this indeed has to do with your stats, but there's a lot more to it...

I got an interview at the beginning of September with a 3.84 GPA, 21 on the DAT, and lots of experience/shadowing/EMTing/LORs/extracurric. Both my interviewers complimented me independently during the interviews, and then I got rejected the first week rejection letters got sent out.

I have a feeling some of it was because I made it absolutely clear that I wanted to go right into practice, maybe after a GPR, but definitely right into practice. Whatever anyone says, Harvard is very research- and academia-based. It's really important that there are a few schools like this, so I'm not criticizing or saying it's not a good place to prepare clinically, but it's definitely not for everyone. They only accept 35 into each class, so they're very selective for personality and goals. There is a mandatory research project, a VERY low-competition and laid back atmosphere (they don't want abrasive people), and a general push towards eventual research and lower clinical-based careers. You can definitely be a clinician, but don't admit that at the interview! 😉

So honestly, they may think you're an excellent candidate for d-school but just not them, and on the other hand, someone who may not feel quite right at all the other schools may get in with flying colors because they look like a "fit" to HSDM. Given, EXCELLENT scores are a must (my DAT was definitely too low), but the thing to remember about Harvard is that if you get rejected, it honestly means that they don't think you'd fit in or be happy. It's an excellent program if you do, so you'll do fine either way! 😀

 

[EmanUT]

Given the fact that Harvard has a required research project and places so much emphasis on research, how strongly do they look at Undergraduate research? Also, you say don't tell them you want to be a GPR. What if you have the thoughts of specializing. Should you tell them that?

 

[youngchubs]

Harvard is a very interesting school with a very different program, so the one criterion that will get you in or not is whether you match with the specific type of student they're looking for.

Now a lot of this indeed has to do with your stats, but there's a lot more to it...

I got an interview at the beginning of September with a 3.84 GPA, 21 on the DAT, and lots of experience/shadowing/EMTing/LORs/extracurric. Both my interviewers complimented me independently during the interviews, and then I got rejected the first week rejection letters got sent out.

I have a feeling some of it was because I made it absolutely clear that I wanted to go right into practice, maybe after a GPR, but definitely right into practice. Whatever anyone says, Harvard is very research- and academia-based. It's really important that there are a few schools like this, so I'm not criticizing or saying it's not a good place to prepare clinically, but it's definitely not for everyone. They only accept 35 into each class, so they're very selective for personality and goals. There is a mandatory research project, a VERY low-competition and laid back atmosphere (they don't want abrasive people), and a general push towards eventual research and lower clinical-based careers. You can definitely be a clinician, but don't admit that at the interview! 😉

mmm i slightly disagree on just one point .. about admitting that you want to be a clinician... i flat out stated that to them in my "secondary" that you give them before you go to the interview. I said that I wanted to work with patients rather than pursue a career in academia and research, and I still got in. I would say there is some truth that they expect their students to go onto other things, most people don't end up doing GPR when they go to harvard, they tend to groom you for other things. I would say that having great scores like 3.7+ gpa and 22+ dats will definitely set you into the pool of competitive applicants, but of course that's not everything....

 

[HermeytheElf]

Given the fact that Harvard has a required research project and places so much emphasis on research, how strongly do they look at Undergraduate research? Also, you say don't tell them you want to be a GPR. What if you have the thoughts of specializing. Should you tell them that?

Having undergraduate research is an unspoken requirement for Harvard. If you haven't done any, don't bother applying. Getting published isn't required, its just icing on the cake...but they do want you to have some exposure to lab research.

 

[howui3]

also apply early.

i did not even get an interview (applied late september)

have research (1 pub as 1st author) both in undergrad and grad school. had a 3.81 grad gpa taking first year med/dent classes, and 23PAT, 21AA(22bio, 21gchem, 21ochem, 22RC, 21QR)

just having good grades and good dat scores is not enough. you gotta stand out, and apply early.

good luck.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

Having undergraduate research is an unspoken requirement for Harvard. If you haven't done any, don't bother applying. Getting published isn't required, its just icing on the cake...but they do want you to have some exposure to lab research.

Very very true...I definitely didn't meet their research requirements. And it's true I fell in love with HSDM and was a bit disappointed at my rejection, but I wouldn't have wanted to change all my priorities around in college in order to be the applicant they were looking for....looking back, I really don't think I would have fit in (and definitely would have gone if they took me). So maybe it's a good thing! Apply as you are, with everything you've done, offer no excuses, and rock the interview. They know who would be happy there and who wouldn't.

 

[EmanUT]

So research, a high GPA, good DAT scores...don't all dental schools want that?

 

[bionerd]

whats the minimum to be considered competitive?
obviously 4.0cGPA is competitive, but thats not minimum

Um, did anyone in here read the interview forums on SDN for Harvard? It seems like many people were UNIMPRESSED with the school & people. Also, I thought I read on the Dental School Guide that Harvard ave. GPA was 3.4??

 

[EyeAmCommi]

Um, did anyone in here read the interview forums on SDN for Harvard? It seems like many people were UNIMPRESSED with the school & people. Also, I thought I read on the Dental School Guide that Harvard ave. GPA was 3.4??

Naw the average GPA is 3.7 or so.

I just called the school and I can't believe they still haven't made a decision on me yet. I mean, I've gotten no word, no interview, and no rejection this late in the process. What is going on at Harvard?

 

[howui3]

Naw the average GPA is 3.7 or so.

I just called the school and I can't believe they still haven't made a decision on me yet. I mean, I've gotten no word, no interview, and no rejection this late in the process. What is going on at Harvard?

hahaha! welcome to the club.

i guess it's expensive to print the rejection letter, they do have to use the Harvard stationary

(i got love for the school though, my little sis is a sophmore there)

 

[SkiBabeUSF]

Do you think that having a sister at Harvard currently in grad school increases my chance of getting an interview and eventually getting in? She is in the College of Education and says that "yes" it will help my chances. But how much is what I wonder?
My GPA is respectable (3.5), but not a Harvard 4.0! I'm taking my DATs in August and I'm sure I'll do great. I just think that a 3.5 is not good enough to even apply there and I should save the $70 for a rainy day.

Need some opinions !!

Thanks in advance =)

 

[benfolds23]

a

 

[doctorloomis]

My friend applied to Harvard a few years ago. I remember his scores. He had 24 AA, 23 PAT, 3.94 cGPA, 3.86 sGPA, and performed key undergraduate research in cell-signalling pathways, including some reverse transcriptase enzyme analysis. His goal was not to work in the clinical setting, but to work through academia and research. He was accepted on the first round of acceptances and hasn't looked back.

If your stats are strong (3.7, 22 DAT) and you have a track record of research in your undergrad days, you will find that Harvard is very much in your interests. Otherwise, apply elsewhere if you are looking for clinical work.

 

[pearlywhite]

This might get a rise out of some people but my only advice is to make sure you really want to go to Harvard for their program and not just for the name. I feel like Harvard looks great on paper because of who they attract- which is very smart applicants, but I honestly don't like their program very much- it just doesn't match with my personality and the kind of dentist I want to be. I used to think that going there would be great- because who doesn't want to get into Harrr-vardddd, but once I finally realized that I value the person that would be the patient and not just the mouth I have to say I changed my mind.
Thats my two sense, take of it what you want.

 

[Drjohnjohn]

Hello sdners!

Can you chance me? I am a little self conscious about GPA because I have seen the PreDent averages and they are a little higher than I thought harvard's average is.
My Stats:
3.7 GPA 24 DAT

4 years Research Doing honors thesis currently

Founder and Current President of a nonprofit- (40 tutors helping underprivileged middle school students pass standardized exams)

Founder and Former President of a Service Organization

Three leadership positions in our school's RC Org

200 shadowing hours

Marathon Runner and Competitive Martial Artist

on a side note I was homeless during high school and I currently am a first generation college student URM
I want to go to Harvard because it is research based.

Thank you so much SDNers!

 

[K Niner]

Hello sdners!

Can you chance me? I am a little self conscious about GPA because I have seen the PreDent averages and they are a little higher than I thought harvard's average is.
My Stats:
3.7 GPA 24 DAT

4 years Research (Cancer, Stem Cells, Psychology) Doing honors thesis currently

Founder and Current President of a nonprofit- (40 tutors helping underprivileged middle school students pass standardized exams)

Founder and Former President of our Homeless Service Organization

Three leadership positions in our school's Red Cross Org.

200 shadowing hours

Marathon Runner and Competitive Martial Artist

on a side note I was homeless during high school and I currently am a first generation college student URM (Black and Puerto Rican)

I want to go to Harvard because it is research based.

Thank you so much SDNers!

lol is this a joke? It's quite competitive, and how were you homeless during high school?

And all your other posts are about MD/PhD's and such at Harvard or Yale. Figure out what you want to do. Nobody will care, including yourself, if you go to Harvard or Yale or some other prestigious school years after you get out. You will be a physician or dentist or scientist wherever you go. You won't be happy unless you are doing what you truly want to do.

 

[Drjohnjohn]

No it is not a joke. I was living in a car for about 2 years and in a motel for the other year.

And not everyone has the luxury of knowing exactly what they want to do. I love science. I love research. That is what I have done with my college experience so why would you call it a joke? I was only asking sdn because predent users post stats a lot higher than what I have which has discouraged me from applying.

As soon as I was accepted to college, I gained stability. College provided me with a home, a community.

But thank you for chancing me anyway.

 

[K Niner]

No it is not a joke. I was living in a car for about 2 years and in a motel for the other year.

And not everyone has the luxury of knowing exactly what they want to do. I love science. I love research. That is what I have done with my college experience so why would you call it a joke? I was only asking sdn because predent users post stats a lot higher than what I have which has discouraged me from applying.

As soon as I was accepted to college, I gained stability. College provided me with a home, a community.

But thank you for chancing me anyway.

I am not saying you must know what you want to do. I am saying before you venture down a path you should be fairly confident that it is what you want to do. Shadow your career ideas, see which you like more and do that. Don't choose a career based on which elite university's program you think you have the best shot at getting in. Choose your career based on the job you would be doing, not the school that you will tell people you went to.

 

[dentalWorks]

No it is not a joke. I was living in a car for about 2 years and in a motel for the other year.

And not everyone has the luxury of knowing exactly what they want to do. I love science. I love research. That is what I have done with my college experience so why would you call it a joke? I was only asking sdn because predent users post stats a lot higher than what I have which has discouraged me from applying.

As soon as I was accepted to college, I gained stability. College provided me with a home, a community.

But thank you for chancing me anyway.

speaking of research... which part of your research lead you to conclude that 3.7 & 24 is discouraging?

I don't mean to sound like an ass, but perhaps you shoulda done your homework before posting. 3.7 with 24 is extremely competitive at ANY dental school (yes even your beloved Harvard)

 

[dantemac]

Harvard is a very interesting school with a very different program, so the one criterion that will get you in or not is whether you match with the specific type of student they're looking for.

Now a lot of this indeed has to do with your stats, but there's a lot more to it...

I got an interview at the beginning of September with a 3.84 GPA, 21 on the DAT, and lots of experience/shadowing/EMTing/LORs/extracurric. Both my interviewers complimented me independently during the interviews, and then I got rejected the first week rejection letters got sent out.

I have a feeling some of it was because I made it absolutely clear that I wanted to go right into practice, maybe after a GPR, but definitely right into practice. Whatever anyone says, Harvard is very research- and academia-based. It's really important that there are a few schools like this, so I'm not criticizing or saying it's not a good place to prepare clinically, but it's definitely not for everyone. They only accept 35 into each class, so they're very selective for personality and goals. There is a mandatory research project, a VERY low-competition and laid back atmosphere (they don't want abrasive people), and a general push towards eventual research and lower clinical-based careers. You can definitely be a clinician, but don't admit that at the interview! 😉

So honestly, they may think you're an excellent candidate for d-school but just not them, and on the other hand, someone who may not feel quite right at all the other schools may get in with flying colors because they look like a "fit" to HSDM. Given, EXCELLENT scores are a must (my DAT was definitely too low), but the thing to remember about Harvard is that if you get rejected, it honestly means that they don't think you'd fit in or be happy. It's an excellent program if you do, so you'll do fine either way! 😀

I feel like this probably hits closest to the mark. I know a kid who got into Harvard from my graduating class, and all my friends joke because he was NOT the smartest tool in the shed. It was good research projects** and killer recommendations that got him in.

On that note, I worked a GPR in Philadelphia for one summer and the attending doctors and practice managers rated the dentists on their manual skills and people skills. The lone Harvard dentist and the Penn doctors scored some of the lowest. The supervisors even joked to me that they could not place an amalgam correctly. These schools are definitely academia/research based. If you want clinical experience and excellent practice skills, consider if it's worth paying for the name.

 

[dantemac]

I should note that I was an intern assisting the GPR students*

 

[mr24]

I am not saying you must know what you want to do. I am saying before you venture down a path you should be fairly confident that it is what you want to do. Shadow your career ideas, see which you like more and do that. Don't choose a career based on which elite university's program you think you have the best shot at getting in. Choose your career based on the job you would be doing, not the school that you will tell people you went to.

Not everyone that goes into dentistry will only be happy doing dentistry. I could see myself doing a few different thing besides dentistry, but obviously I pursued dentistry anyway. I think people on sdn are so dental crazy that even a thought of doing something else makes people sick. if you want Harvard and the dental path will get you there (which it will with those stats) then do it.

 

[yappy]

I agree with everything you said but that last statement. It is not wise to do a degree or persue a profession because of the school you will attend or because you'll enjoy the educational process. Those things are factors but in the end you will be doing a job like dentistry for a long time because of the high cost of entry.

I think the first priority should be the job itself after graduation.

Not everyone that goes into dentistry will only be happy doing dentistry. I could see myself doing a few different thing besides dentistry, but obviously I pursued dentistry anyway. I think people on sdn are so dental crazy that even a thought of doing something else makes people sick. if you want Harvard and the dental path will get you there (which it will with those stats) then do it.

 

[Drjohnjohn]

The reason I made a big switch to applying to dental school was because of the experiences I had shadowing dentists. I found it more appealing than the shadowing of physicians. My undergraduate career has been research based and I would like to continue doing research in the area of dental medicine. Harvard is my top choice and that is because I would love to move back to Boston, my birthplace. Harvard and BU are my two top choices, and my state school, UCLA, and Penn are my others. I am not going straight to dental school though as I am competing for a fulbright ETA at the moment.

Just wanted to know my chances, not obsessing over it. I would happily go to any research based dental school. The physician lifestyle wasn't something I wanted that is why I made a switch.

 

[Drjohnjohn]

Oh and thank you for all of the replies I appreciate it. PreDent scares me I am going to stay away from it.

 

[K Niner]

Not everyone that goes into dentistry will only be happy doing dentistry. I could see myself doing a few different thing besides dentistry, but obviously I pursued dentistry anyway. I think people on sdn are so dental crazy that even a thought of doing something else makes people sick. if you want Harvard and the dental path will get you there (which it will with those stats) then do it.

I never said anything to this sort. I also am interested in others fields such as medicine and engineering, but I decided I liked dentistry more, which is why I am pursuing it. Although I do agree some people on SDN think that if you switch to dentistry from anything else, especially pre-med, then you have committed a cardinal sin.

And like Yappy, I think the school you go to, while it might be fun/exciting/powerful/whatever, is only a school. You need to do something that you like for the MANY years you will be doing it. So, all I am saying is basing a career off a particular school interest is foolish, and that you should base your decision for a career on just that, THE CAREER itself.

Also, to the OP, you can do research afterwards or work in any academic institution after going to ANY school. You seem to be looking at dental schools and medical schools predominantly. So graduating from any of those, all of which will offer some research opportunities in school, will afford you the ability to work/do research at any university or institution. You don't need to go to these more famous adn prestigious institutions to have a career in research. So choose your career first, then choose your school. Nothing wrong with wanting to go to Harvard either, just don't switch your career for that sole purpose.

 

[mr24]

I never said anything to this sort. I also am interested in others fields such as medicine and engineering, but I decided I liked dentistry more, which is why I am pursuing it. Although I do agree some people on SDN think that if you switch to dentistry from anything else, especially pre-med, then you have committed a cardinal sin.

And like Yappy, I think the school you go to, while it might be fun/exciting/powerful/whatever, is only a school. You need to do something that you like for the MANY years you will be doing it. So, all I am saying is basing a career off a particular school interest is foolish, and that you should base your decision for a career on just that, THE CAREER itself.

Also, to the OP, you can do research afterwards or work in any academic institution after going to ANY school. You seem to be looking at dental schools and medical schools predominantly. So graduating from any of those, all of which will offer some research opportunities in school, will afford you the ability to work/do research at any university or institution. You don't need to go to these more famous adn prestigious institutions to have a career in research. So choose your career first, then choose your school. Nothing wrong with wanting to go to Harvard either, just don't switch your career for that sole purpose.

I said some people, not you.

 

[dentalWorks]

The reason I made a big switch to applying to dental school was because of the experiences I had shadowing dentists. I found it more appealing than the shadowing of physicians. My undergraduate career has been research based and I would like to continue doing research in the area of dental medicine. Harvard is my top choice and that is because I would love to move back to Boston, my birthplace. Harvard and BU are my two top choices, and my state school, UCLA, and Penn are my others. I am not going straight to dental school though as I am competing for a fulbright ETA at the moment.

Just wanted to know my chances, not obsessing over it. I would happily go to any research based dental school. The physician lifestyle wasn't something I wanted that is why I made a switch.

Im confused... Are you looking to be a researcher or a clinician after dental school?

 

[K Niner]

Im confused... Are you looking to be a researcher or a clinician after dental school?

Interesting point, if you want to do research, why don't you get a Phd?

@mr24, you quoted me. I assumed your statement after the quote had to do with, well, me.

 

[Drjohnjohn]

Academic Dentistry. And just because I was pre-med does not mean I am switching my career (one I don't have) just to go to Harvard. I enjoyed the work of dentists more and I want to do dental science, not medicine. I am done with pre-med and will not be applying to medical schools.

After Dental School, I want to work in an academic setting doing research and teaching at a dental school.

I specifically want to go to Dental School because of the options it gives me after graduation. The PhD would definitely be more research oriented, but the DMD would host way more options.

 

[dentalWorks]

Academic Dentistry. And just because I was pre-med does not mean I am switching my career (one I don't have) just to go to Harvard. I enjoyed the work of dentists more and I want to do dental science, not medicine. I am done with pre-med and will not be applying to medical schools.

After Dental School, I want to work in an academic setting doing research and teaching at a dental school.

I specifically want to go to Dental School because of the options it gives me after graduation. The PhD would definitely be more research oriented, but the DMD would host way more options.

This is just my opinion... but if you want academics + research, isn't MD/PhD a better option? I imagine healthcare research (drugs) is a huge target amongst pharmaceutical giants where a degree in MD/PhD is preferred over DMD.