From 1958 to 1963 there was a sharp decline.
Subsequently, from 1964 to 1974 a steady
increase in the applicant pool was recorded.
Since 1974, there has been a dramatic
decrease (about 50%) in the number of male
applicants. This has been reflected in the
change in the applicant/acceptance ratios from
3.0:1 to 1.2:1 over the past five years. It
seems likely that at least for the immediate
future the favorable acceptance ratio (from
the applicant's point of view) will be
maintained since the number of first-year places is
projected to remain basically
unchanged.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The applicant's overall and science grade point
averages (especially at a school where
grade inflation is not a factor) along with the
DAT scores (see below) will provide
admissions committees with the screening
factors necessary to determine if an interview
should be granted. Obviously, your college's
reputation is an important consideration in
assessing the credibility of the applicant's
GPA. During recent years, the mean GPA was
c. 3.2 (and the mean science GPA was c.
3.1).
DAT Scores
As indicated in Table 18.1, most dental schools
place considerable emphasis on the DAT
scores. However, the importance of the
individual subtest scores varies considerably, as
shown in Table 18.2.
The DAT is designed to predict capabilities in
two areas, academic and manual.
Thus in addition to the nine subtest scores,
average scores are reported in both of these
categories. The academic average represents the
average of all but the two perception
ability test (PAT) scores, while the manual
ability is summarized by the average of the
two- and three-dimensional PAT scores. Table
18.2 suggests that more importance is
given to the academic average than to the PAT
average.
Recommendations
These are usually provided by a committee
and/or the predental advisor. The recommen-
dations may be submitted in the form of a
letter incorporating faculty comments and/or
an evaluation form. This material serves to
provide a personalized evaluation that makes
your transcript more meaningful.
Recommendations can serve to enhance your chances
for admission by bringing to the admissions
committee's attention information about
your personality, motivation, and innate
abilities, as well as clarifying any uncertain
aspects relative to your
credentials.
Letters of recommendation from former employers
(especially dentists, research
laboratories, and/or dental clinics) can
provide useful information to the admissions
committee. However, personal recommendations
from your family dentist or religious
leader are not especially
meaningful.
Interview
Most dental schools require a personal
interview as part of the admission procedure.
Being granted one implies that the school is
seriously considering your application. The
interview provides an opportunity for you to
"sell yourself" as well as to explain any
discrepancies or weaknesses, and to elaborate
on your strengths. The discussion of "The
Interview" in Chapter 4 is, for the most part,
relevant to predental students as well and
should be reviewed. It also contains a list of
typical and atypical questions.
User Comments Add a comment…