Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Preparation
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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.
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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.
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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.
Application
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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 http://aadsas.adea.org/.
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The AADSAS application becomes available in mid-May.
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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.
Dental Admission Test
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No. If we receive your AADSAS application with valid DAT scores that meet our requirements, your file will enter the review process.
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Only if you indicate on your AADSAS application that you will be retaking the DAT prior to our October 15th Deadline, and if the new scores arrive prior to the October 15th Deadline.
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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.
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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.aspTake 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
Interviews
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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.
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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.
Letters of Recommendation
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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.
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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.
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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.
