Advice from admissions officers

Academic Update: Why Is it Important?

Posted by Chonté James on August 31, 2022

A popular question students ask is how to update their ADEA AADSAS® (ADEA Associated American Dental School Application Service) application; for example, to add a grade for a class that was initially listed as planned/in progress. Students should be advised that ADEA AADSAS provides applicants the opportunity to update their coursework during two Academic Update periods, which are usually from mid-August through the end of September and then again in mid-December through the cycle end in early February each year. 

During the Academic Update period, applicants can enter grades earned for courses that were listed in the “Course Planned/In Progress” section of the application and add, delete or modify courses listed in that section. Applicants will receive notification and more detailed instructions about the Academic Update process 30 days prior to its initiation.

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Advice for Re-Applicants: Part II

Posted by Emma Hopson, M.S. on June 28, 2022

“During my time working in admissions, I have often needed to assist students who did not get into dental school the first time, but who intend to apply again,” says Emma Hopson, M.S., an Admissions Coordinator from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The second part of this article suggests tips for improving the last two sections of your application.

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Advice for Re-Applicants: Part I

Posted by Emma Hopson, M.S. on June 28, 2022

Applying to dental school can be an arduous process. If you find that you were not accepted to any dental schools during the past cycle, you’re not alone and everyone’s journey to dental school will be as unique in their experience as a snowflake is in design. Your dream is still attainable! 

Emma Hopson, M.S., an Admissions Coordinator from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, has coached many people through the re-application process. Read on to learn specific advice she’s collected over the years for each of the four core sections of the application. 

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We’re Back! 2022 Marks the Return of ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event

Posted by ADEA on March 30, 2022

When it comes to the ADEA GoDental® Recruitment Event, absence certainly made hearts grow fonder. Back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the one-day workshop and fair held on March 19 saw a flood of college students who were eager to learn more about the 50-plus dental schools in attendance and about the dental school admissions process in general, as well as network with their peers and with dental admissions officers.

This year’s event also saw two new schools among the many booths in Hall G: California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine and Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. “The ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event has been connecting aspiring dentists with dental schools and careers in dentistry for more than 10 years,” said Carolyn Booker, Ph.D., ADEA Chief of Educational Pathways.

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Stay the Course: Advice for Reapplicants

Posted by Crystal Ridgley, M.B.A. on January 28, 2022

“Applying to dental school can be an arduous process. If you find that you were not accepted to any dental schools this past cycle, you're not alone,” says Crystal Ridgley, M.B.A., University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Associate Director of Admissions and Student Engagement. “Your dream is still attainable, and I believe that you should put your best foot forward to reapplying.” Read on to learn Ms. Ridgley’s advice for those of you considering reapplying. 

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Decision Day 2020: What Can I Expect on Dec. 15?

Posted by B. Lamont Lowery, M.A. on November 19, 2020

As a result of COVID-19, ADEA and the ADEA AADSAS® (ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) Advisory Group have decided to extend the 2020-21 cycle acceptance notification date from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15. Similarly, all applicant response deadlines will be extended by two weeks.

“When extending offers, most schools will call you and send you an official letter in the mail, in addition to sending a standard email with your status change through WebAdMit,” says B. Lamont Lowery, Assistant Dean of Student Recruitment and Engagement for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. Read on to learn what additional guidance Mr. Lowery has regarding what applicants can expect on Dec. 15 and how to move forward.

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Best Interview Questions by Predental Students

Posted by ADEA on October 16, 2019
Best Interview Questions by Predental Students To help prepare for interview day, here is a list of the best questions asked by previous applicants, reported by dental school admissions officers. Make sure to be prepared with a ... See More

ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event Encourages Attendees to Pursue a Future in Dentistry

Posted by ADEA on March 29, 2019
An overflow crowd marked the beginning of the successful 2019 ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event in Chicago. Nearly 700 aspiring dental school students received tips on application and interview best practices, along with words of encouragement from ADEA leadership. Attendees were welcomed with remarks about the importance of dentistry as part of care for the whole human being. ... See More

Tips for Responsible Social Media Use

Posted by Emil Chuck, Ph.D. on September 25, 2018
Social media is often viewed as a blessing and a curse. Thoughts, photos and videos are shared instantly and widely— friends, family and complete strangers receive posts within seconds. In recent news, we’ve discovered lingering or residual effects in which ... See More