Successful Applicants - Dental

Q: What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
A:

• Dental assisting positions at several offices
• Dental assistant training
• Dental shadowing
• Dental volunteering
• Pre-Health Research Initiative club social media manager and vice president
• Math tutoring
• Pre-Health Mentoring Initiative ambassador and mentor
• Non-dental employment
• Developmental biology theoretical research, presented poster at a conference
• Volunteering at fundraising events related to healthcare
• Volunteering at cultural clubs
• Volunteering at a family shelter
• Student admission ambassador
• America Needs You fellowship program

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: During heavy semesters, 15-20 hours.

Toward the end of my undergrad, closer to 10-15 hours.

Q: Did you use a test prep course? What resources did you use to prepare?
A: DAT Bootcamp, DAT Booster, and DAT Destroyer

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No, I felt that I was prepared to enter dental school straight out of undergrad. Also, my activities and experiences were well-rounded. Therefore, I didn’t see a need to take a gap year.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A:

I had my unique story of getting to where I am today. I used my background to write a cohesive story about how I have chosen to participate in each activity.

My DAT score and GPA were favorable to many institutions.

I had about 4000 hours of dental assisting experience at multiple offices, and this set me apart because it allowed me to see different aspects of dentistry.

Lastly, my interview performance was very good, which left a large impact on my application results.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, I focused mainly on the East Coast and public schools that offer in-state tuition to non-residents.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: 

The pre-health office carved my path toward dental school. Their support was the foundation of my success.

They hosted numerous informational sessions that helped me build my portfolio, learn more about schools, learn about the application process, prepare for interviews, etc.

Throughout these 3 years, they were always available to give me personalized advice, guide me through obtaining letters of recommendation, fulfilling committee letter requirements, preparing for interviews, filling out my AADSAS application, etc.

Kemile and Nina were very patient and amazing when it came to helping me edit my personal statement, which was one of the strengths of my application. They carefully gathered a committee letter on my behalf to help my unique journey stand out. They were beside me every single step of the way, and I firmly believe I would not have gotten into all my top choices without them.
 
Q: What advice do you have for future applicants?
A:

Attend all pre-health seminars, get in touch with the pre-health offices, and aim to get a committee letter or letter packet. Their resources are better than so many other resources out there. I can confidently say we have one of the best pre-health offices, so take advantage of this opportunity.

Do lots of research about the process, plan ahead, have plan A, B, C, and D. Don’t let one failure or one bad grade push you back. There will be so many setbacks, but it will all pay off in the end. Focus on your own story and don’t compare yourself to others. Dental schools, or any other school, will see your passion through your efforts.

When it comes to choosing a school or profession, make sure that YOU are happy with it and don’t do it for others. Sometimes progress is slow, but consistency and persistence will bring you success. Think of how far you’ve come and never forget why you started this path.

Q: What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
A: Gymnastics volunteer coach, Macaulay Dance Club, Pre-dental society, student researcher, dental assistant, peer-mentor.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: 20-25

Q: Did you use a test prep course? What resources did you use to prepare?
A: Yes, DAT Bootcamp

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: Research publications and over 1000 hours as a dental assistant.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office reviewed my AADSAS application and helped me with interview prep.

Q: What advice do you have for future applicants?
A: Submit AADSAS application early in the application cycle, do not put off studying for the PAT section of
the DAT, and get dental experience in different dental fields.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

1. Extensive dental assistant experience
2. Co-founder and President of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) of Hunter College
3. Research through the John P. McNulty Scholars Program
4. Served on the Pre-Dental Society e-board
5. Academic tutoring

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: 15-20 hours, and up to 25 hours during exam weeks.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes, I used DAT Bootcamp for a thorough content review and their numerous practice exams. Closer to my exam date, I used DAT Booster for supplemental practice tests.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I did not take a gap year. I created a yearly plan, which included courses and a DAT timeline, early on to stay on track.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: A cohesive story that unified my experiences and my long-standing commitment to the missions of the organizations I worked with.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, mainly on the East and West Coast.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The office was the backbone of my successful pre-health journey. Through freshman seminars that built my professional competencies, special programs with nearby institutions, endless opportunities through their listserv, and working closely with the advisors, I was able to build a customized pre-health path and achieve my specific goals.

The continuous support and expertise of the experienced advisors prepared me to apply as a competitive applicant to schools of my choice. I am eternally grateful for their strong commitment to our accomplishments.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: The world is your oyster! Get involved in opportunities you are passionate about and that are as unique as your personal reasons for going into dentistry. Advocate for yourself because you are your biggest cheerleader. Send the cold email to shadow a dentist and apply to all applications!

Don't say no to yourself before a program does by not trying at the outset. Lastly, ask for help when you need it, which is a sign of courage to seek support. Build a network of advisors, mentors, friends, and family members who will be your motivators and supporters. You already have everything within you to achieve your dreams! You got this!

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

1. Dental Assistant
2. Dental Shadowing
3. Volunteer Tutor
4. PHMI Mentor
5. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
6. VNS Greeting Card Volunteer
7. Mission Nutrition Club Hunter College
8. Research Coordinator
9. APAMSA Hunter College Secretary

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Approximately 25-30 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: DAT Bootcamp.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes. I wanted to make sure that I had enough time to prepare for a strong application. Having this time allowed me to fulfill the Committee Letter requirements, focus and expand on my extracurriculars, and to relax before entering dental school.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My letters of recommendation and extracurriculars. I have a variety of extracurricular activities that are non-clinical related. On top of that, I was able to obtain a letter of recommendation from one of my volunteer supervisors.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I only applied to East Coast schools

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Attending the Pre-Health meetings since my freshman year gave me an idea of what was expected of me as a pre-health student. In addition, I have always wanted to apply with a committee letter because it ensures that my application will be strong. Ms. Nina Ledis was crucial in strengthening my application by giving valuable feedback on my personal statement, activity descriptions, secondary essays, and interviews.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Do not compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own narrative to portray.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I volunteered and assisted in different dental offices, and also attended virtual shadowing sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. On campus, I was a member of the Pre-Dental Society, and the Treasurer/Vice President of the Coptic Club. I also volunteered as a mentor for PHMI, and later became the Social Media Director. In addition, I volunteered as a Peer Teaching Assistant for General Chemistry, and worked as a Statistics tutor for DMLC. Off campus, I volunteered as a student researcher for the Mason Lab by Weill Cornell Medicine through a virtual program. Additional experiences include volunteering at my local community church and at a seniors adult day care center.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Around 30-40 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course? What resources did you use to prepare?
A: DATBooster was the main resource I used, but I also practiced questions from the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, since in-person clinical activities were suspended during the pandemic, I took one gap year to expand on my experiences in a dental setting. During my gap year, I was able to continue working as a dental assistant, gaining greater exposure to the field, along with having the opportunity to work hands-on.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I believe having competitive GPA and DAT scores, along with receiving a Committee Letter from the Pre-Health office and submitting my application early on in the cycle strengthened my position. In addition, being involved in a wide range of experiences, including around 2000 hours of dental experience, contributed to strengthening my application.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, I applied to seven schools on the East coast.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office offered multiple sessions centered around the preparation of the Committee Letter and AADSAS application. Through this, I was able to plan and prepare for the application cycle almost a year ahead! This was a great opportunity because it allowed me to submit my application within weeks of it opening. I also received assistance from the advisors to clarify portions of the application, make a school list, and proofread my personal statement, experiences, and secondary essays.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Being a pre-health student can be overwhelming but don't lose hope! Know that all the work you're putting in is towards fulfilling your future goal of being a healthcare professional, and will benefit you in one way or another.

In terms of academics, try to plan out your courses for each semester ahead to ensure completion of requirements. Make use of the mentoring program and learning centers if you need guidance with the material.

For the DAT, make sure you've spent enough time studying for the exam and go in with the mentality of NOT wanting to repeat it! And also, make sure you have spent enough time exploring your career of interest to ensure that it's the right path for you. Good luck!

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Throughout my 3.5 years at Hunter College, I was an active member, captain, and Director of Gen-K, a K-Pop Dance Cover Team. Yet, a majority of my extracurriculars were off-campus. I was a volunteer dental assistant at a pediatric dental office from high school to my sophomore year of college. I was also a volunteer and paid dental assistant in different general dentistry practices. Taking advantage of virtual shadowing programs during the pandemic, I “shadowed” various specialists: OMFS, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists, and more. Additionally, I was the marketing director for two virtual shadowing programs: Fresh Dental Shadowing and Smile Shadowers. Most of my non-clinical volunteering took place at the Bowery Mission. Lastly, I was a paid tutor for students of all ages across different subject areas.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: The difficulty of the coursework each semester dictated how many hours I studied. Science courses (biology, organic chemistry, physics) typically took 15-20 hours/week (~2-3 hours/day). Plan your study schedule ahead of time by marking down all important deadlines to give ample time to prepare and review.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used DAT Bootcamp and supplemented my studying with practice questions from DAT Booster and DAT Destroyer, along with free online resources shared by students on different forums.

I highly recommend using DAT Bootcamp because their practice questions for the sciences were the most representative of the ones I saw on exam day. Additionally, their mock exams perfectly mimic the DAT (format, menu options, highlighting tools, and delays); therefore, establishing a sense of comfort and readiness during such a stressful exam. DAT Bootcamp is definitely expensive, so be on the lookout for sales/specials during the holiday season, and keep note of any discount codes shared by dental student influencers to save some money!

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No, I did not take a gap year because I was confident in my experiences and mentally prepared to start dental school. I did graduate one semester early, which gave me a bit of a breather.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My greatest strength is how all my experiences connected to reflect my goals as a future dental professional. With almost 1000 clinical hours under my belt, I not only showed my passion for dentistry, but I also showcased my ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds, compassion, creative thinking, critical thinking, ability to work on a team, and more! To have a truly strong application, you do not need to become a cookie-cutter applicant; instead, be true to your mission, goals, and values, and engage in activities that bring you joy!

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Attending all the meetings organized by the Pre-Health Office helped me understand the qualities of a strong applicant, which prepared me thoroughly for the application process. The Pre-Health listserv has also been a great resource for finding different opportunities: clinical/non-clinical experiences and presentations held by dental school admission offices and organizations. Kemile has greatly supported me on this journey by always offering honest advice, constructive feedback, and insight. During the application process, Kemile enhanced descriptions of my experiences, helped strengthen my personal statement, and reviewed critical points in my secondary essays. Thanks to the guidance and support of the Pre-Health Office, I have gained acceptance to some of the top dental schools in the country! The Pre-Health Office is there to help you succeed, so don’t be scared to come in!

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: The pre-dental journey will have its fair share of ups and downs; therefore, the most important aspect is to be resilient and reflective!

#1 advice is to actively observe and learn while shadowing/assisting/volunteering at different clinics - do not just stand near the wall to get hours! All the information you are learning (for free!) will greatly benefit your future dental education and will establish a sense of preparedness for dental school. I recommend understanding the purpose of each procedure, its steps, and the instruments’ function. If the doctor or assistant does not have time to answer your question(s), be proactive and search for the procedures/pathologies/treatments online to garner a better understanding. Moreover, evaluate patient-doctor communication and treatment planning (whether the focus is cosmetic, functionality, or financial). As a result, my application/interviews presented an in-depth understanding of the profession.

Take on different opportunities to broaden your horizons and perspectives. Put yourself out there, and don’t let rejections or ghosting stop you. Utilize all provided resources to your advantage. Start making connections early with peers, professors, and doctors. Research your dental schools early in the process to learn their mission, curriculum style, and clinical experiences. Reach out to recent graduates and current dental students at institutions of your choice to learn more about what the program entails—this will ease your decision-making.

Best of luck!

Taking my curiosity in dentistry further, while in high school, I had an opportunity to shadow a general dentist, witnessing his patients' emotions when their pain would get relieved or when they looked into the mirror after a smile makeover and started crying.

Being able to make a significant difference in patients' lives within a relatively short time, combined with the field being very much hands-on, are the main factors that drew me to dentistry.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: The bulk of my undergraduate career I spent working as a dental assistant, gaining valuable hands-on experience. In addition, I dedicated my time to various volunteer roles, including serving as an emergency department ambassador at multiple hospitals, tutoring math, and contributing as a musician volunteer.

I also volunteered as a patient care coordinator at a community health center and took on a leadership role with the Pediatric Dental Outreach in Queens. On campus, I co-founded and served as the Vice President of a cultural club, and during my gap years, I mentored freshman and sophomore students as part of the Pre-Health Mentoring Initiative (PHMI).

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: On average, I spent 30 hours on my courses per week. That's including class attendance.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used DAT Bootcamp, DAT Booster mainly for Biology, and Chad DAT Prep course for General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry only.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I took two gap years following my early college graduation to focus on preparing for the DAT and crafting my dental school application. During this time, I immersed myself in gaining deeper insights into the dental specialty I intend to pursue and worked on building a strong foundation for my residency applications. It's never too early to start thinking about what is next.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I believe the most compelling aspect of my application was how I conveyed my personal background through my extracurricular activities. I highlighted my experiences growing up as a minority and immigrant across different continents, and how these diverse experiences inspired me to serve vulnerable communities in Queens, NY.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes, I applied to dental schools from the West to East Coast. It is important to stay open to leaving your comfort zone in order to grow. Moreover, attending a school in a different city/state allows you to expand your network.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The pre-health office offers the timeline that helped me stay on track and organized, especially during my application cycle. Kemile and Nina were extremely helpful and always available. Make sure to go introduce yourself early in your college career and stay in touch with them throughout—they are there for you to succeed.

There are many benefits to Hunter's Pre-Health Program that most other undergraduate institutions do not offer. For example, one of our Pre-Health advisors can read the letters of recommendation that are in your Pre-Health File and let you know if they are strong or not.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Set the bar high at the beginning of any journey you are on. Yet, if you fail, do not get discouraged and try again. Science classes at Hunter are not easy, but remember that if this journey were easy, everyone would do it.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: On campus, I was a member of pre-dental society and eventually the director of volunteering for the club. I maintained active membership in this club throughout my four years. I also attended other pre-health events and workshops at Hunter. I also took part in lab research at Hunter College. Off campus, I was working at a dental office, taking part in other clinical and non-clinical volunteering. I also attended ASDA meetings and private dental workshops.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: This definitely varied for me from semester to semester. By my last two semesters, I was only studying part time and mostly doing research otherwise. During my full-time semesters, I would say about 20-30 hours/week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: No.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I did take a gap year. At the time that I was planning to begin applying, I realized that I did not fully qualify for a Committee Letter. I decided to push back my application by a cycle so that I stood a good chance of receiving a Committee Letter. I felt it would be a feature that would make my application stand out just a little bit more. I was glad that I did this as it gave me more time to strengthen some developing relationships with faculty and mentors and I got an extra two strong recommendation letters out of this additional time. In addition, I was able to stretch out my remaining coursework and have more spare time to pursue research and devote even more time to my job which was my primary source of clinical work experience. I also found it much more manageable to work on my application without the stress of balancing that with full time course work. Overall, I think taking the gap year definitely benefited me and helped me fortify my application.

One more secondary point that I think is worth considering. For some people, graduating from one school and hopping straight into the next one is a preferable trajectory and that’s great. I personally enjoyed having a brief relative break in between undergrad and dental school. Sure, I was continuing to stay involved with work and research and even some volunteering, but I did still have more personal time than I have had in a while and probably will have again in a long time. Even this personal time I was able to use quite productively to work on myself as an individual (emotional challenges, habits that I wanted to change, skills I wanted to strengthen, etc.), explore some secondary interests, and do a little traveling. I found this time to be extremely valuable. I believe it has made me feel even better prepared for graduate school and my future career.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I think the feature of my application that stood out the most was the extent of my work experience. By the time I applied, I had seven years of working as a dental and administrative assistant at a dental office under my belt, having worked with various providers and specialists. Aside from application strength value, this experience I think has been truly priceless for my future dental education and career and has given me a sense of being very well prepared for these next steps.

I don’t know if I would call my application truly exceptional but overall, I think I had a really well-balanced resume. I had good grades, a competitive DAT score, plenty of work and volunteer experience, some research experience, some club involvement, and a nice amount of miscellaneous educational experiences that just kind of demonstrated my willingness to branch out and take advantage of a variety of opportunities to learn and become more involved in the field.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office is very involved in guiding you through the Committee Letter or Letter Packet application process. The entire system is designed to have you consistently meeting with them and also spacing out the preparation of your application according to a set time-line. I found this to be very helpful. As you meet with them to go over your application and personal statement, they will answer any questions and give you tons of helpful advice. The mock interview option was also really helpful. I would say the Pre-Health Office is most certainly there for you every step of the way but you need to seek them out and be vigilant in terms of timing, deadlines, and preparation. This is something that took me some time to grasp but in retrospect I believe is super important.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A:

• Going back to the application strengths prompt, I would say, unless you have some part of your application that is just one-in-a-million remarkable, a good balance can probably take you a long way.
• There is definitely the option of forgoing a Committee Letter and maybe even a Letter Packet all together and the optimal choice will vary by individual. I personally do recommend going for the Committee Letter and keeping up with the requirements necessary to do that. It is definitely a plus to your application and it also will help you keep the entire process organized and structured and will give you more opportunities to access help from the Pre-Health Office. By the time the application opened, I was already about 90% finished with it simply because of the steps required in the Committee Letter Application Process.
• Know your application inside and out (both strengths and possible weaknesses) and be ready to discuss any part of it. Some interviews end up being more general, but some do come up that sort of pick apart your application pretty specifically.
• For interview: don’t overthink the interview. Definitely prepare, definitely study commonly asked questions, but come up with sort of mental bullet points of what you might say. If you try too hard to script an elaborate response, you may find it difficult to have an organic conversation in the moment of the interview. You may trip yourself up mid-speech trying to remember some specific bit that you practiced. Be yourself and just have a genuine conversation with your interviewer.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I swam for Hunters woman's swimming & diving team as well as working part time in a dental office and being part of a non-profit organization known as Bosniak youth of New York. I also worked as a swim coach and water safety instructor part-time.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Depending on the course I spent an average of 1-2 hours a week studying in addition to attending Office Hours for most of my classes.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: No, I used a variety of free online resources.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I completed my bachelor's degree in 3 years leaving my 4th year as a gap year. This gave me the opportunity to build more experience in the field and strengthen my applicant profile

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My excess of clinical hours really emphasized how dedicated I am to the field. My variety of extracurriculars and dedication to them also demonstrated how rounded out I was as a candidate.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The pre-health office was crucial in helping me achieve my goals. With the guidance of the pre-health advisors, I was able to strengthen pieces of my application where I was lacking early on, reducing application stress when I actually began applying. In addition, the mock interviews gave me the opportunity to practice responses to common questions that I actually encountered during my interviews. All in all, the pre-health office played a major factor in the success of my application.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Although it is difficult to be certain of your future it’s imperative to have goals and formulate a plan to achieve these goals. Utilize the resources provided by Hunter and its pre-health office to best of your ability and do not hesitate to ask questions even if you believe you may already know the answer. There will always be a few unexpected obstacles but don't let those be your reason for giving up especially before trying to sort it out with the help of mentors and the pre-health office.

Q: What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
A: During my time at Hunter College, I was fortunate to serve as a pre-health ambassador and mentor. Since freshman year, I was able to connect with students, participate in various panels, and mentor fellow peers. Additionally, I worked closely with Hunter Hillel to establish a former-Soviet Union charter within this organization. Outside of campus, I had the opportunity to shadow and assist four different dentists of varying specialties. I was a research intern at Tel Aviv University while abroad and focused on genetic research with bats. I still do ceramics and paint often; I especially enjoy acrylic painting and surrealism.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: On average, I would dedicate 15-20 hours a week for my courses. While preparing for my DAT, I allocated an additional 20 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used DAT Boot Camp and self-studied.

Q: Did you take a gap year? If so, why?
A: No.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: Other than my academic performance, my biggest strengths in my application were my balanced extracurriculars. They reflected my ability to demonstrate leadership and my passion for the work I do. My extensive hours in shadowing and assisting (~500 hours) affirm that this is the perfect profession for me. Additionally, my artistic background allowed me to practice dexterity often and provide a creative approach to problem-solving, qualities I think are very relevant in dentistry.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: I applied mainly to East Coast institutions.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office is like my family! As a first-generation student, I had a very independent education and sought them out when I began college. They guided me every step of the way through my academic journey and helped me become the organized and confident individual I am now. My advisors constructed my four-year plan, provided unconditional support, and promoted development in my skills as a student and professional. When it came time for my application and interviews, I was beyond prepared because of the dedication and insight Kemile, Veronica, and Nina gave me. I wouldn't be where I am without their encouragement and honesty.

Q: What advice do you have to others?
A: The biggest advice I can give you is to utilize your resources. Although this journey may feel overwhelming and impossible at times, just remember that your fellow peers understand and are one of your biggest allies. Do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help, especially in your courses and your professional experiences. New York City and Hunter College have endless opportunities to develop yourself academically and professionally, so don't hesitate to complete that application or send out that email.

In this process remember to do what you love because that makes you a well-rounded applicant! Every small step you take will push you closer to becoming the professional you dream to be. With organization and time management, you can accomplish everything on time. Lastly, don't forget to believe in yourself! You made it this far, so your capabilities truly are limitless.

DAT-Specific Advice:
I understand how daunting this exam feels and how challenging it is to study all the material, especially simultaneously with other courses. Given that I did not apply with a gap year, I had to study and take the DAT while taking three different science courses. So, I can assure you, it can be done. It takes a lot of self-accountability, determination, and consistency. You will not be able to study at the last minute for this exam. Just like how you must plan your courses strategically, you will need to do the same with your free time. Your time investment is an investment for your future.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: At Hunter, I was part of the Pre-Dental Society where I was President for 2 years and CMMBxHunter where I was a Social Media Ambassador for 3 years. For the Macaulay Honors Program, I was a Peer Mentor and conducted student interviews. Outside of Hunter, I was a dental assistant in general dentistry, periodontics and pediatrics throughout college. I spent some time shadowing a general dentist and orthodontist as well. I also volunteered at a soup kitchen on Long Island and volunteered as a general chemistry tutor.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: I spent an average of 10-15 hours a week studying, not including regular coursework.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I depended on both DAT Bootcamp and DAT Booster to prep for the DAT. I also supplemented my studying with DAT Destroyer questions.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I did not take a gap year.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I believe the strengths in my application were my DAT score (24AA), my extensive clinical experiences (I shadowed/assisted dentists of numerous backgrounds and specialties), my non-clinical volunteer work, and my letters of recommendation. While I never had access to my letters of recommendation, most of my interviewers mentioned how strong my recommendation letters and committee letter was.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: I did apply nationally.

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: Both Nina and Kemile were critical to my success in applying to dental school. Nina was extremely patient when helping me revise my personal statement as I struggled to curate a statement that aligned with an application committee's standards, while also creating something that I was comfortable submitting. We worked together to create a piece that seamlessly reflected my experiences and aspirations to pursue dentistry. Additionally, Nina assisted me in properly structuring my experience descriptions by helping me decide what details to incorporate. It was because of mock interviews with the Pre-Health office that I was comfortable during the interview process. Kemile also revised my personal statement and helped me decide where to apply to dental school. The Pre-Health advisors helped me calm my nerves multiple times throughout the process. I am extremely thankful to them both as I received numerous acceptances to dental school, and now can attend my dream school!

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: My advice to prospective dental students is to be proactive from when you decide that dentistry is the right field for you. It is always beneficial to get your foot in door early with both volunteering and shadowing. Seeking opportunities early on is the best way to ensure success. It is also important to not compare yourself to other students because people with vastly different profiles are admitted into dental school. Everyone has their own journey to dentistry, and you will get there if you put in the effort. While it is important to stay on top of your coursework, DAT preparation, clinical experience, extracurriculars, and volunteer work, it is just as important to take care of your own mental health. Take breaks when needed and always put your wellbeing first.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Association for Women in Science, Macaulay Peer Mentors, Research, Dental Assistant, Dental Shadowing.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Approximately 10 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: DAT Bootcamp

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, to give myself time to have the best possible application, work in the dental field, and gain more experience.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My extensive shadowing experience both in the US and internationally, my work as a dental assistant, and my research for a dental pulp stem cell bank.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I only applied to dental schools in the Northeast.

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: They assisted me with application planning, personal statement guidance, getting ahead on gathering required materials and documents, overall guidance, and application tips.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: It's a difficult journey, but if you stay on top of your requirements and make sure to plan ahead, the process becomes much less painful. Also, GPA really matters but you can always compensate for a few Bs with a high standardized test score.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I was a member of the Pre-Dental Society throughout my four years of college. In my senior year, I became the vice-president of the club. I also was the secretary and publicity chair of the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. In addition to leadership roles, I volunteered for different organizations and events such as Give Kids a Smile, P.S. Alumni, SEEK's mentoring program, and the SHPEP Ambassador program.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: On average I would spend about 25-30 hours studying per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used DAT Bootcamp to study for the DAT.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I did take a gap year. Originally, I wanted to apply to dental school at the end of my junior year. However, at the time, I had not met the requirements to apply for a Committee Letter. I was advised to take a gap year in order to have more time to prepare a competitive application that included a Committee Letter. Not only did the Committee Letter strengthen my application, it was also a requirement for my dream school, Stony Brook.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I think my personal statement, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation were the strengths of my application. My personal statement was very honest and highlighted my passion for dentistry. I also revised it many times (thank you Ms. Ledis). The majority of my extracurriculars were related to dentistry, so I think that showed my interest in the field. Lastly, although I did not see my letters of recommendation, my strong letters impressed my interviewers and were mentioned in almost all of my interviews.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: I did apply nationally.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office is amazing! I met with Ms. Jackson beginning in my freshman year and she always advised me on what classes to take, which programs to apply to, shadowing opportunities, and help with my entire application. Similarly, Ms. Ledis and Ms. Mitchell helped me with revising my essays and providing mock interviews. The Pre-Health Advising Office guided me throughout my entire pre-dental journey and the application process, and they helped me put together a competitive application.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Believe in yourself at all times. Sometimes it's hard not to compare yourself to others or to beat yourself up when something doesn't go as planned, but never stop believing in yourself, and remind yourself why you are going into this field. Continue to work hard. It will be worth it. Also, try not to rush your application or leave it for the last minute. You will need to make revisions and edits along the way. Lastly, listen to your pre-health advisors. They know best!

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

• Dental Assistant at private general dentist office for 1.5 years
• Dental Shadowing at NYPBM Hospital for 1 year
• Dental Shadowing at private general dentist office for 1 year
• Patient Care Volunteer for NYPBM Hospital for three months
• Volunteer for AHA Heart Walk for 2 days
• Co-President of Hunter's Pre-Dental Association for 0.5 years

(All of the above were completed throughout Undergrad. In my application, I also included other experience from high school including an architecture mentorship program, certifications and camp counselor job.)

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: When taking science courses, about 15 hours (including office hours). Assigned homework was an additional seven.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes. I relied almost entirely on DAT Bootcamp. I used DAT Destroyer problems only for the Qualitative Reasoning section. For the chemistry sections, I additionally did problems from the ACS review books (online).

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No. I was on track (with schoolwork, extracurriculars, etc.) and mentally prepared to start dental school after college. I also took summer courses, which allowed me to graduate Hunter a semester early, leaving me with a gap semester to work as a dental assistant and focus on my hobbies.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I had an upwards trend in my GPA (~3 to ~3.7) and extensive clinical experience (~500 hours dental assisting + ~500 hours volunteering/shadowing).

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: Yes.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office advisers were great in assisting me with preparation to apply and most of all in completing my applications and interviews. They significantly improved my personal statement and helped me properly organize the experiences I did and should incorporate. Mock interviews made me significantly more confident and prepared when going into interviews. They taught me to get past my nerves and structure my thoughts.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: DAT:

Based on my experience, this schedule would've worked best for me if I had to take the exam again. When referring to chapters or sections, I am referencing Bootcamp. The most important part of studying is staying focused. I would start reviewing RC and PAT to months before exam day by doing free PAT generators daily (at least 5 questions of each type, look at it as a game) and reading at least one scientific article a day (free sites like sciencedirect.com). Start studying for everything else 4 months in advance (better if you can do longer than 4 months without losing focus). Concentrate on your weak chemistry (GC or OC) section first. Since biology has a large breadth of information, review it every day, focusing on a chapter of notes every 2 days throughout the whole time (including practice questions). I forgot general chemistry almost entirely and had to relearn it so I focused on 1 section per day for about the first month (of the 4-month period) then returned to it in the pre-last month before the exam to solidify my knowledge. I focused on QR the least but it's best to do a couple of problems a day and focus on timing closer to exam day.

UNDERGRAD: I don't think my advice differs too much from that of the Pre-Health Office.

I believe you should take your undergraduate experience at your own pace (take into consideration that you should still experience some level of stress). If that means taking a gap year, then so be it. Juggling multiple sciences is extremely difficult, let alone when adding shadowing, volunteering and/or research into the mix. It is possible, but you have to be truthful with yourself and know your capabilities. You don't want to come out of the process with many regrets and you most definitely don't want to be disappointed in your career choice. You're in it for the long haul.

When it comes to the sciences, I heard many people say they're impossible. They're not. You do have to prioritize your time and be flexible in your approach to the subject and examx (notably in introductory biology). If you are planning to major in biology or chem, be ready for time-consuming classes, but don't gauge the difficulty solely based on introductory biology (it was significantly more difficult because most people, including myself, haven't experienced the multi-faceted questions).

Also keep in mind that the path that lies past your undergraduate years will not be easier. During Fall of my sophomore year, I researched when all classes were available and which were required of me and made an outline of what my future semesters would look like. It really helped me visualize and organize my future goals and how I would balance my school, volunteer and even social life.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: During my first and second years of college, I was an intern at a private dental office for a year and then worked as a dental assistant at another office. I also was a mentor to a 4th grader who attended school in Harlem and I volunteered for Meals on Wheels during my junior year. During my senior year, I volunteered at Maimonides Pediatric Dental Clinic and was also a member of USG. During my gap year, I was a 5th and 6th grade math teacher, 7th grade math tutor, part-time calligrapher, and supervisor at a gelato shop.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: It varied but it ranged from 10-20 hours a week. When I was studying for the DAT, I studied about 40-50 hours a week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes. I highly recommend DAT Bootcamp. If you want more practice on quantitative reasoning, DAT Math Destroyer is great. I also used Chad's videos for general chemistry. I highly recommend relying on multiple resources for the biology section if it is not your strongest subject.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I took a gap year because I wanted to give my full attention to my application process. I also wanted to take a break from school before heading to dental school.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I would say I had many hours of experience in the dental field, and my art experience shows my strong dexterity skills. One of my interviewers also mentioned how my committee letter was impressive. Overall, I feel like my application showed a strong narrative.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No

Q: How did Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health advisors were extremely helpful in assisting me with my personal statement and experiences. They gave me great advice during advising sessions and mock interviews.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Do not rush to apply. Make sure you have years of dental experience, such as volunteering or working as a dental assistant. Don't give up, even if you got a few bad grades here and there; prove to admissions committees that your grades alone do not define you and show them by doing well on the DAT. Make sure you get your letters of recommendations early and consistently meet with the pre-health advisors.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: Some of my extracurriculars include volunteering in the Mount Sinai C.A.R.E. program, shadowing dentists, assisting at various dental clinics, attending dental seminars, and working as a research associate at NYU Department of Biomaterials.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: For me, the average was 4-5 hours per week for each course I found to be more manageable. More demanding courses such as Biology, Organic Chemistry, Physiology and Biochemistry, I would say 20+ hours a week per course.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes, I used the well-known DAT Destroyer as well as DAT Bootcamp. To help with PAT, I installed phone apps with PAT questions.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: Yes, I took a gap year because I felt like I needed a stronger foundation in biological sciences (Chemistry major). The extra year allowed me to focus on building my application to be a more well-rounded applicant and improve on the GPA.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: The shining points in my application were the DAT Score (26), the strength of the letters of recommendation and the personal statement.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I did not.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: By providing me with an abundance of resources such as: volunteering opportunities, research opportunities, job offers, pre-health seminars, tutoring and so much more. If you haven't, please sign up for the listserv to get emails relating to pre-health and see a pre-health advisor at least once each semester in addition to opening a pre-health file.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: It is okay to be unsure of what you want to do or if the health field is right for you. Attend seminars, volunteer and shadow to find out what's right for you. Once you have obtained your goal and have a good vision of what you want to be, motivation and persistence comes naturally. Just remember that the pre-health process examines your determination to press forward. If it is something you truly want, nothing should ever hold you back. Best of luck.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

• Shadow Dentist and worked as a dental assistant
• Volunteer at Metropolitan Hospital
• Volunteer with the New Life Community Health Center
• Research Associate at NYU College of Dentistry
• Volunteer with the Bringing Smiles program at NYU College of Dentistry

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: About 30 hours per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I used the Orgoman Prep Course, and DAT Destroyer bootcamp.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: The strengths in my application were the letters of recommendation that were compiled in my committee letter, and my personal statement.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I only apply to schools in New York, and New Jersey.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office supported me throughout my time in Hunter by advising on what steps I should take become a stronger applicant. The advisors were always willing to answer my questions and guided me on what I had to do to make my application for dental school stronger. The pre-health also provided me with resources through their workshops that helped me be successful during my time at Hunter and will continue to be essential for me through Dental School and beyond.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: My advice to prospective pre-dental students who are thinking of applying to dental school is to be proactive in regards to the application process and of the things you can do to strengthen your application. Even though it is important to submit your application as early as possible, it is better to submit a strong, well-prepared application a little later in the cycle, than a weak application at the beginning of it. In addition, it is important to keep a record and stay organized with the extracurricular activities that you are involved in, because once the application cycle starts having all of your extracurriculars in order helps with the application and also during the interview period. Overall, if dentistry is your passion, you just have to be persistent and continue to work hard to achieve your goals. Good Luck!

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A:

• I shadowed various dentists over the 4 years, as well as worked as a front desk secretary and volunteered as a dental assistant
• I was Research Associate at the Brooklyn Hospital Center
• I conducted my own research with Professor Christopher Gilbert and I presented the research at the 2018 Hunter College Undergraduate Fair
• I was a Child Life Outpatient Volunteer at New York Presbyterian
• I taught Ballroom and Latin American dance
• Choreographed and organized the annual show

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: I spent an average of 15-20 hours studying per week.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: I went to MCAT King for extra help in chemistry. I mostly used DAT Bootcamp and DAT Destroyer for test prep.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No, I did not take a GAP year.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I've had many experiences in the dental field, and I am confident that this is the profession for me.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: I applied mostly in the tri-state area.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Advising Office helped me a lot by meticulously going over all my drafts of my Personal Statement, Works and Experiences, and doing mock interviews to make sure I had the best application I could have. In addition, I met with them every semester to make sure I was on the right track. They were always available to give advice on anything that was on my mind.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Don't give up and work hard! Create an individual study plan that utilizes all your strengths as a student and stick with it. Go to the Pre-Health Advising Office at least once a semester to make sure you are on the right track, and see if there is anything you can add to your application to become a more competitive applicant.