 *When should I apply? Applicants generally choose to apply after their third year of undergrad. The application service (AADSAS) opens soon after the spring semester ends. Students typically take the DAT during the spring or summer after their third year while they also work on submitting their application. THE EARLIER, THE BETTER!!! Some schools begin the first round of interviews in August or early September so it is important to submit your application as soon as possible. TIP: You may also complete the application prior to taking the DAT. *Is my GPA competitive? Dental school is becoming more competitive with each passing year so a strong GPA is recommended. This, however, does not guarantee admittance into a program. Most schools are looking for well rounded individuals that can balance school, work, and a social life. The admissions staff are interested in applicants with a variety of backgrounds and talents. Be sure to convey your individuality in your personal statement and supplemental applications. *How many students are accepted each year? This number varies per school, but the average dental school class is around 80. *What does SOD stand for? SOD stands for "school of dentistry." *Do I have to complete the pre-requisites prior to applying? Most dental schools allow you to apply prior to completed the required course work. Your application will ask for the courses you will be taking during the upcoming school year. This allows schools to view your plan to complete the pre-reqs. As a precaution, it is up to the student to check with the individual institutions for their policies concerning this matter. *Do I have to shadow dentists? This is a personal decision, however, you will be asked for information concerning your shadowing experiences when you apply. It is beneficial to shadow a dentist to determine if this is the right field for you, gain knowledge and experience, build professional relationships with dentists who could possibly write one of your required recommendations for you in the future. Use your resources to become an informed pre-dent student. *Does WFU offer pre-dent mentors? Yes! Simply attend a PDSA meeting, email an executive board member, or contact Dr. Lane concerning mentor assignments. They can help with course selections, registration, volunteer opportunities, DAT questions, methods for studying, etc. *How many schools should I apply to? The number of schools a person applies to is a personal decision, however, it is important to research each school carefully. An applicant should also consider applying to both public and private institutions. Public institutions typically give preference to in-state applicants, but private institutions are not obligated to reach an in-state quota. The student should always apply to their home state school to increase their chances of acceptance.  |