June 1st signaled the start of the 2017/2018
application cycle for dental schools. This period marks the beginning of a lot
of tension and anxiety. For some, the tension ends on December 1st, when the
first batch of acceptance letters and calls start going out, while for some,
the wait will continue. What better time to discuss the steps needed for an
application than this period. I will be outlining key points that will help you
in your application.
KNOW YOUR PREREQUISITES
In general, dental schools require the same
prerequisites, which are 8 hours Biology with lab, 8 hours Physics, 8 hours
English, 8 hours General Chemistry with lab, and 8 hours Organic Chemistry with
lab. Most schools also require 3 hours of biochemistry as well. There are also
some recommended classes such as anatomy, human physiology, histology, cell
biology, genetics, pharmacology, and so on. Remember, although you should try
to get As in these classes, getting a C here and there does not rule you out from
becoming a dentist. Your desired schools will more information on their
websites.
DAT
This is one of the most important parts of your
application. Your Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is very crucial, as some schools
require you pass their set cut off mark before your application is further
processed. In my opinion, I suggest studying for the DAT should begin a year
before the desired application cycle begins. Give yourself time just in case
you do not perform well and wish to retake. Most people know of coursesaver.com
or simply put, "Chad Videos".
This is a good source material especially for the math, general
chemistry, and organic chemistry sections. Also Cliff's AP Biology is good for
the biology section. It's also wise to have many practice questions, and DAT
destroyer, DAT Achiever, and Crack the DAT are good source materials. It took
me 3 months to study and a further 1 month to do lots of mock exams. With
dedication to studying and practice, passing the DAT will be less difficult
than earlier thought.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
In my case, it took me a year to perfect my personal
statement. This does not mean it should take you that long, but you should
spend a considerable amount of time organizing it. This is a huge aspect of
your application and will be looked at intensively by schools. This is an
opportunity to sell yourself out there. Recall your achievements without
sounding cocky, talk about life experiences that made you into the person you
are today, and how it will help you in dental school. Relate everything to
dental school or dentistry. Remember that this is one way for them to actually
know you before the interview proper.
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLY EARLY!!! Like I said earlier, the application
cycle starts every June 1st. Before this date, recall all your activities,
including hours spent shadowing dentists, volunteering, research, work
activities in an outside school, extracurricular activities, and everything you
may have been involved with. Familiarize yourself with the AADSAS website by
watching YouTube videos about it. Apply to numerous schools, as this will
increase your chances of getting accepted. Remember applying to dental school
is a really expensive process, but it is a sacrifice worth taking. Don't rush
through it! A strong application requires a lot of time dedicated to it, so
take your time and make it as detailed as you can.
Finally, the wait to hear back from schools is long,
so distract yourself with something else to reduce the nervousness. Be
optimistic and you will definitely get that interview invite as soon as
possible.
Here is a link to a video of me talking more about the process
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hyBQTtEmO4
Here is a link to a video of me talking more about the process
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hyBQTtEmO4
