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.

“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.

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.