Academic Preparation

Q. Do I need a bachelors degree?

A. No. However you will need to finish all requied courses/units specified under admission requirements. For your information, 98% of those accepted at UCSF have completed a bachelors degree. A degree is strongly recommended because it provides you with a broad, liberal education. A degree also provides you with a major field of study.

Q. Does it matter what size academic load I carried in undergraduate school?

A. We recommend that applicants carry a full academic load (15-16 credits hours) per semester and suggest taking a minimum of 3-4 science courses each term. This gives you a chance to preview what is in store for you in dental school (i.e., a full course load which cannot be taken part time). At the same time, it gives us the opportunity to better evaluate your chances of success in dental school.

Q. Does it matter which undergraduate school I attend?

A. Generally, no. However, be certain that the college or university is accredited. The limit on community college education is two years (64 semester hours), after which you need to transfer to a four-year school.

Q. Must I major in Biology or the sciences?

A. No. The choice of a major is yours. Choose a course of study of interest to you. Keep in mind that our faculty does not assume that you have had courses other than those required. It is true that those students who have an extensive science background have an easier time with the dental school basic sciences than non-science majors.

Q. In addition to the required undergraduate courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English), what other courses are suggested?

A. Any course in Biology related to growth and development such as Comparative Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology or Histology. Psychology and Human Behavior are very helpful when dealing with dental patients. Also, courses in business, such as Marketing, will help prepare for private practice. Some students enjoy courses in sculpture to ensure good hand-eye coordination.

Q. What if a grade(s) of less than "C" is received in a prerequisite course?

A. You should repeat the course with a goal of achieving at least a B or take an upper level course in the same discipline, and do well. Follow the advice of your advisor when choosing between these alternatives.

Q. Is there a minimum grade point average I must attain? If not, why not?

A. Yes California residents must have at least a 2.70 GPA overall and in the sciences in order to be elegible to apply. All other applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA overall and in the sciences in order to be eligible to apply.

Q. Does the UCSF School of Dentistry offer counseling to prospective students?

A. No. Unfortunately, the School does not have sufficient staff resources to offer this service. Prospective students should seek advice from the academic counseling staff at their undergraduate institution, or visit www.assist.org for information on the transferability of course credits to the UC system.

Application

Q. How do I apply to dental school?

A. Begin the process by submitting an application through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). This application is Web-based and may be accessed at aadsas.adea.org.

Q. How early may I apply?

A. The AADSAS application becomes available in mid-May.

Q. Must I complete all required courses before I apply?

A. No. However, you should have completed most of the science courses prior to taking the required Dental Admission Test (DAT). All required courses must be completed by the end of the Spring term of the year you wish to enroll.

Q. How will I know when you have received my application from the application service (AADSAS)?

A. The School will verify receipt of your application by mail; typically, an AADSAS is received at our school four weeks after you applied.

Students can check their application status through the Web address given to applicants by AADSAS. Please note: the office of admissions does not provide application status information over the phone.

Q. What is the deadline for applications?

A. To apply to UCSF, AADSAS applications must be electronically submitted no later than 12:00 AM (EST) on October 15th.

Q. Whom do I make the check out to? Can I send it in before you receive the AADSAS application?

A. Do not send anything to UCSF until you hear from us. Our receipt of your AADSAS application initiates the the application process. If you meet our minimum eligibility requirements you will be sent information on how to submit a secondary application with the required fees.

Q. Is a supplemental application required?

A. Yes. If you meet our minimum elegibility requirements you will need to submit a Secondary Application. Instructions for submitting this application will only be sent to elegible applicants.

Q. When will I be notified of acceptance?

A. After your application is complete and you have been interviewed, the Admissions Committee makes its decision. By agreement among dental schools, acceptances will not be issued before December 1st of the year proceeding the year of anticipated entry. Applicants are notified of their acceptance after our Admissions Committee meets during the months of December through March.

Q. What does "Provisional Admit" mean?

A. It indicates that your final admission is contingent upon (a) maintaining your GPA, (b) the receipt of your deposit, (c) the receipt of your final transcript with degree posted, and (d) other documents as required.

Q. What happens if the class is filled before a decision has been made about me? Am I eliminated for that year?

A. The Admissions Committee works extremely hard to select the best individuals to be members of a class. However, some individuals choose not to attend our school. The Admissions Committee compiles an alternate pool to select other individuals, if space opens.

Dental Admission Test

Q. When should I take the DAT?

A. No later than September 15 of the year preceding the anticipated date of entry. You may take the test earlier if required courses in Chemistry and Biology have been completed. Taking the test early gives you the opportunity to retake the test if necessary.

Q. How should I prepare for the DAT?

A. Sample examination questions are included in the registration booklet.

To receive a registration booklet, contact:

Dental Admission Testing Program
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
(800) 621-8099
http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp

Take the sample test with a clock to become familiar with the timed aspect of the examination. Commercial preparatory books are also available through most university bookstores. Commercial preparatory courses exist, but they may be expensive. Consult dental students or applicants about their experiences regarding these courses before registering. Look at books in the library (Psychology section) on Test and Measurements to get an insight in the construction of standardized tests. You can obtain old exam packages from:

American Association of Dental Schools
1-800-353-2237
E-mail: aadsas.status@aads.jhu.edu

Q. What is the minimum acceptable DAT Score?

A. All applicants must have Minimum DAT scores of 17 in the PAT, Total Science and Academic Average.

Q. How long will you keep my scores?

A. Scores are good for two years only.

Q. Are Canadian DAT scores acceptable?

A. Yes. However, US DAT scores are not acceptable at Canadian schools. This is primarily because the US test does not have the chalk carving, a dexterity component required in Canada. A Canadian applicant intending to apply to dental schools on both sides of the border should take the Canadian DAT.

Q. How many times may I take the DAT ?

A. We recommend no more than three attempts. An applicant who fails to achieve acceptable scores in three attempts should seriously consider their suitability for dentistry.

Q. Are there courses I should complete before taking the DAT?

A YES. The DAT contains sections on Biology, General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry that require a substantial knowledge base. Physics is not required for the DAT. The Perceptual Ability Test requires extensive practice.

Letters of Recommendation

Q. How many letters of recommendation are required?

A. Three letters of recommendation are required, one of which must be from a science instructors (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy). See Application Procedures for additional details.

Q. Although three letters are required, what do I do if my classes were large and the professors did not know me well?

A. Make an appointment to talk to the professors to ask for letters of recommendation. Use your appointment to discuss your experience and your career goals with the professor. Request supplemental letters from humanities professors and/or teaching assistants. The most important part of any letter is an indication that the writer knows you reasonably well and supports your application.

Q. Must letters be originals, or will you accept photocopies?

A. The preferred method for submitting recommendations is through the electronic recommendation service offered through AADSAS. Paper letters must be originals on letterhead and should be submitted through AADSAS. Do not submit letters directly to UCSF.

Interviews

Q. Is an interview required of all applicants?

A. An interview is required for admission; however, the interview does not guarantee that an applicant will be offered a place in the class. Interviews are by invitation to applicants being seriously considered for admission.

Q. Who will interview me?

A. Usually a faculty member and a dental student will interview you. You are encouraged to bring questions for your interview. We want this to be a two-way conversation. It is not intended to be a stressful situation.

Q. How should I dress for the interview?

A. Professional or casual business attire is appropriate. Jeans, shirts without ties, shorts or skirts above the knees, tennis shoes, etc. are not appropriate. You must remember that this is a professional environment and dress accordingly.

Q. How are students selected to fill the class?

A. Selection is based upon academic performance, DAT scores, personal characteristics, leadership experience, community awareness, and potential for success as determined by letters of recommendation and the personal interview.