Richard Bigham, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Stan Constantino, University of the Pacific

Melissa Friedman, Tufts University

Rosa Chaviano-Moran, Rutgers University

Sandra Bolivar, University of Southern California

Five Tips for a Successful ADEA AADSAS

Application

“Maps are essential. Planning a journey without a map is like building a house without drawings.” Mark Jenkins

“Without goals and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” Fitzhugh Dodson

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to FAIL.” Benjamin Franklin

Remember the 5 P’s! – “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”

“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” Peter Drucker

GET A PLAN!

TAKE ACTION!

a) Senior Year of High School?

b) Freshman Year of College?

c) Sophomore Year of College?

d) Junior Year of College?

e) Senior Year of College?

WHEN SHOULD YOU MAKE YOUR PLAN?

Academics GPA Goals

DAT Goals Which courses are the best to complete prior to the DAT?

What is my review and study plan?

When should I attempt the DAT for the first time? (remember 90 days for retake)

Cost – $415 (“Partial Fee Waiver”)

Prerequisites What prerequisites should I take first?

Resume of Activities (keep track!) Exploration of Dentistry

Community Service

Extracurricular Activities

Personal Development Opportunities (leadership, study abroad, research, etc.)

Awards and Accomplishments

Dental School List

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED?

AADSAS Application Deadlines

AADSAS Opens June 2, 2015

Individual School “Preference” & “Hard” Deadlines

Cost $245 for the first school plus $93 each additional school (“Fee Assistance Program”)

Individual School Application Fees $25-$100 each

Personal Statement

Letters of Recommendation

Transcripts

Supplemental Applications

Interview Mock Interview

Timing of Interviews

Travel Cost – Gas, Airline, Hotel, Clothing, Food

Acceptance National Acceptance Date = December 1st!

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED?

ADEA “Official Guide to Dental Schools” – www.adea.org

Dental School DeadlinePrerequisites

DAT / GPA Requirements& Preferences

Supplemental (yes/no)

Interview Period

Private / Public Notes

University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

University of the Pacific School of Dentistry

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

Letters of Evaluation

Personal Statement

Read questions carefully and answer honestly!

If you cannot remember …check with your school!

If you need to ask whether to disclose….DO IT!

Honesty is the best policy…

Estimate the number of hours you have spent shadowing, engaged in community service, involved in extracurricular activities, conducting research

You will be asked to elaborate in an interview.

Don’t give a reason to question your integrity!

Be your own cheerleader…but don’t exaggerate!

Most dental schools require personal interviews to assess qualities such as self-confidence, interpersonal /leadership skills and ability to overcome challenges and motivation.

This is your opportunity to impress us and to learn, see and ask questions about the school and what the program is all about.

Most interviews are either half or an all-day event. All dental schools try to make the interview-day worth your travel, time and money.

Now that you have been invited, you may have a few weeks to arrange your travel and accommodations, not to mention selecting your interview attire.

Preparing for the Interview

Start saving $$$$ early Plan interview travel and overnight arrangements accordinglyArrive with plenty of time. Purchase, borrow and/or pick out your interview clothes at least a few weeks

ahead of time.

Financial planning for travel, housing and wardrobe

Find out what format the dental school uses for their “interview day”. Many admissions directors will be happy to provide you their “interview day” schedule and general format.

Do a mock interview that matches the type of interview you're going on.

If you would like to bring supplemental materials to the interview, please check with each school regarding their policy.

It is likely that the interviewer will ask questions based on your submitted materials, so review them beforehand.

Know yourself. Explain the unique qualities that make you a good candidate. Share your interests, volunteer experiences /or activities.

The Interview

Some evaluators have a pre-determined set of questions that are required to ask every candidate; others employ a more conversational style where questions are asked spontaneously.

Common questions, “Tell me about yourself,” “Identify your greatest weakness,” and “Why are you interested in dentistry?”

Know why you want to go to dental school. Be sincere and passionate.

Follow-up. Send a thank you card (or e-mail) to the admissions director

The Interview

http://www.asdanet.org/predental/interview-tips.aspx

http://www.adea.org/GoDental/Dental_Blogs/Advice_from_admissions_officers/How_to_Prepare_for_Your_Dental_S

chool_Interview.aspx

DO Perform some research! Be prepared; get organized – Make a

plan Start early Read and follow directions Pay attention to detail Check and recheck deadlines Request letters in enough time to get

them Be prepared to discuss the weak

aspects of your application Be truthful – don’t exaggerate

Don’t expect schools to waive admissions requirements

Don’t submit a written statement with spelling or grammatical errors

Don’t take the DAT before you are prepared

Don’t be too modest – tell your story

Don’t lie or exaggerate accomplishments

Don’t become discouraged by honest feedback from advisors or counselors

DON’T

Avoid the OOPS Moment….

Social media Answering machine messages Questionable user name Email addresses Proofread

GOOD LUCK!