For many students the application process can be a frustrating and time consuming process. However, with the right resources and preparation, applying can be just as easy as the seminar you took your freshman year. The following advice comes from people who have gone through the application process and would like to help future students handle the whole precess with ease.

AADSAS:
AADSAS is an online application service through ADEA that it used by all dental schools. The service improves each year and saves students a significant amount of time and effort. Students can send one electronic application to AADSAS and they will duplicate the materials and send them to each school. The service becomes available each year in May, typically around the 15th. The link below will take you to ADEA’s site where you can access AADSAS.

The best advantage that any student can have is to apply early. This is because most schools operate based on rolling admissions. That being said, read the following information thoroughly and prepare the necessary materials long before the application cycle begins.

The application itself consists of 16 sections which are listed in the application checklist.

Biographic Information: General Information

Parent and Family Information: Any family members that are dentists?

Secondary (High) School Information:

Colleges Attended (Transcript Matching Form): In this section look up all of the colleges and universities that you have attended, even if it was only for one class. Once you have found them all you will need to print out a matching form to give to each school. Request that schools send in the form when they send your transcripts to AADSAS. This way AADSAS knows who you are when they receive mail.

Coursework: This section can be somewhat tedious so make sure to take your time and fill out all the information for each class that you have taken. Also be sure to list any classes above the 300 level as upper division and list all relevant courses as science. There are even courses in psychology that count towards your science GPA so make sure to check before putting a class as non-science. If you are unsure, give yourself the benefit of the doubt. AADSAS will review your file before posting your GPA.

DAT Scores: Remember that you do not have to submit your DAT scores to AADSAS. If you have taken the DAT include your scores on AADSAS, however the important thing is that you send your official scores to each school through the ADA. The link to request scores is below.

Background Information: The most important part of this section is about manual dexterity. A career in dentistry demands a certain level of proficiency using both your hands. This is your opportunity to show schools that you are competent doing fine motor movements with both of your hands. Examples vary from playing an instrument to building with Legos. Find something that fits for you and remember to be honest. It is likely that you will talk about this in your interview.

Awards, Honors, Scholarships: In this section you have the opportunity to brag about yourself. Not too much though because you only have five different spaces to fill. Choose the five awards, honors, or scholarships that you think are most important.

Dentistry Experience: It is important that you have spent time shadowing dentists before you make a decision to pursue a career in dentistry. Ideally students should spend 20+ hours shadowing before they apply. The more hours the better. Remember that you need to include the number of hours that you spend with each dentist so make each visit worth your time.

Extracurricular/Volunteer/Community Service: In this section you will have 10 spaces to talk about different activities that you have been a part of. Admissions committees like to see that you have volunteered at a dental clinic or research center. It is also good to include extracurricular activities that make you unique and different from other applicants.

Work Experience (Including Military Service): It is not required that you have any work experience. However, any jobs that you have had should be included here. If you have managed to work while in school make sure to include those jobs.

Research Experience: Again, research is not required for admittance to dental school. If you have research experience it can set you apart from other applicants. Research is an important part of dentistry and there are many opportunities to get involved once you are in dental school. Past projects can also provide a good source of information to talk about in your interview. If you have done research utilize that experience to the fullest. If you haven’t, don’t sweat it. Research isn’t for everyone.

Personal Statement (Essay): This is an opportunity to tell the admissions committees all about yourself. There are many ways to approach this essay so give yourself time to figure it out. It is not a place to write about all of the information that is in the other sections of your application. Show the admissions committee that you are a unique individual with strong character through your writing. (ASDA pre-dental members can look at the forum for example essays)

Evaluators (LOE Matching Form): The best way to send in your letters of recommendation is through the Reference Letter Service provided by the University of Michigan’s career center. You can set up an account with RLS using the link below. It is best to have letter writers draft their letters immediately after you spenc the most time with them. Rather than waiting until they can send them directly to AADSAS have the RLS hold them for you. Once you open an account the letters will be available for five years.

On the AADSAS site there is a letters of evaluation matching form. Rather than giving this form to your letter writers, you will take it to the career center when you want them to submit all your letters. Once they have received them they will send one packet to AADSAS. On the site you will list the following:

Dr. University of Michigan, Reference Letter Service
Committee Letter: Yes
School/Institution: The University of Michigan

Regardless of who your letter writers are or where they are from, this is the only information that needs to be submitted electronically on AADSAS if you use RLS.

Release Statements: Simply read the statements and check the boxes.

Dental School Designations: This is where you select all the schools that you want to apply to. Remember that the more schools you apply to the more your application is going to cost. So before you go applying to 20 schools do some research and make sure they are realistic choices.

Most importantly, remember that the University of Michigan School of Dentistry produces the leaders and best. If you only want to apply to Michigan the other schools will understand.

For more information on the application process at the University of Michigan click on the link below.