What's the ideal application look like?

[chuckd1356]

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It's not totally about grades, so aside from GPA and DAT scores, what else makes a killer application?

I'm really at a loss on this one. It seems like everyone is always so concerned with their grades when there's other things they should be doing to complement that average (3.4) gpa... am I right?

For instance, my extracurriculars include Shadowing, finishing my pilots license, running a lobster roll business during the summers, freelance web design... Does this stuff matter to admissions? Or are they all about book smarts?

What have you guys done?

 

[Kneecoal]

Sure those extracurriculars matter in your app, they speak a lot about you and they're interesting. And just throwing it out there randomly, but you wouldn't happen to run the Lobster Roll in Amagansett now, would you?

They're also looking for things you might do that require manual dexterity, i.e. building models, playing the piano. Not to mention volunteer work to see how much you love your fellow man (half kidding, half not).

Since those are the 2 "bigger" things they look at when it comes to extracurriculars, maybe you oughta take up a new hobby or two before you apply 😛

 

[DrDDSman]

This is true, but when it comes down to it, DAT/GPA >>>extracurriculars.

 

[chuckd1356]

Sure those extracurriculars matter in your app, they speak a lot about you and they're interesting. And just throwing it out there randomly, but you wouldn't happen to run the Lobster Roll in Amagansett now, would you?

They're also looking for things you might do that require manual dexterity, i.e. building models, playing the piano. Not to mention volunteer work to see how much you love your fellow man (half kidding, half not).

Since those are the 2 "bigger" things they look at when it comes to extracurriculars, maybe you oughta take up a new hobby or two before you apply 😛

I also fly model nitro and electric helicopters... which requires a lot of manual dexterity. I'm not short of extras or hobbies... but will they care about these at all?

This is true, but when it comes down to it, DAT/GPA >>>extracurriculars.

I agree... But here's a possible scenario:
Two applicants, both with a 3.5 GPA, similar DAT (say 19-21), however one has a big list of extracurriculars and hobbies while one doesn't have any except say band. Assume the same impression on the interviewers.

Wouldn't the one with the extras/hobbies be a better candidate?

What did you guys have for hobbies? Do you think they influenced the schools decision in accepting/declining you?

 

[FutureDent020]

Don't put so much thought into your hobbies. They are what they are. But they will give admission committees a better idea of who you are

 

[uclaDDS101]

It's not totally about grades, so aside from GPA and DAT scores, what else makes a killer application?

I'm really at a loss on this one. It seems like everyone is always so concerned with their grades when there's other things they should be doing to complement that average (3.4) gpa... am I right?

For instance, my extracurriculars include Shadowing, finishing my pilots license, running a lobster roll business during the summers, freelance web design... Does this stuff matter to admissions? Or are they all about book smarts?

What have you guys done?

Sure it's great to have "hobbies", but you also want to participate in ECs that will highlight positive qualities that will translate into your career as a health provider.

Community service shows humanitarianism. Research shows intellectual ambition and a scientifically inquisitive nature. Participation in student organizations show interpersonal skills and leadership abilities. And work experience shows dependability and professionalism.

That doesn't mean you necessarily have to have every type of experience listed above. Do what you enjoy, but don't just do your hobbies. Demonstrate that you're willing to carry out some kind of sacrifice, whether it be through comm service or research.

This is true, but when it comes down to it, DAT/GPA >>>extracurriculars.

Ultimately, though, I have to agree with this ^. ECs don't really matter if you don't possess the scholastic fortitude required to get through the first 2 years of dental school.

 

[subdoc]

Sure it's great to have "hobbies", but you also want to participate in ECs that will highlight positive qualities that will translate into your career as a health provider.

Community service shows humanitarianism. Research shows intellectual ambition and a scientifically inquisitive nature. Participation in student organizations show interpersonal skills and leadership abilities. And work experience shows dependability and professionalism.

That doesn't mean you necessarily have to have every type of experience listed above. Do what you enjoy, but don't just do your hobbies. Demonstrate that you're willing to carry out some kind of sacrifice, whether it be through comm service or research.

👍 Excellent!

Schools weigh your app in the following order: DAT, GPA, Resume.
-DAT is numero uno since it is a "field leveler."
-GPA is second since it demonstrates you have the chops to handle the academics.
-Resume is third since it shows you aren't an idiot and have varied interests and commitment to being part of something bigger than yourself.

Best of luck on your App. Find something you love to do (be it lobster rolls, model planes, whatever...just pour yourself into it. Commitment is the key for ECAs/hobbies.