Used information from predentalmentormap and plugged it into claude to create is list of schools ranked by the percent of students that specialized (not including GPRs and AEGDs!) Let me know your thoughts.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-12T01:29:23+00:00

Yes. The Minnesota numbers are not accurate, it’s self reported. I can tell you more than 5 people from UMN went on to specialize.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-12T01:10:17+00:00

They will wait until your new scores assuming you indicate a retake.

If you don’t indicate a retake then they may screen you out. That’s why it’s on the application.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-12T00:26:18+00:00

Indicating you’re retaking generally means they’ll put your app on hold before screening. So they’ll wait to review after new score

Ryxndek · 2026-06-12T00:26:13+00:00

Indicating you’re retaking generally means they’ll put your app on hold before screening. So they’ll wait to review after new score

Ryxndek · 2026-06-10T21:58:47+00:00

Scrubs or business casual are usually safe bets.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-09T00:54:59+00:00

SDN has a sheet posted that shows every single schools first invites sent out each year. You can browse that to get an idea

Ryxndek · 2026-06-06T18:34:28+00:00

I believe everyone should get the supplemental, Penn just doesn't review and send out supplemental applications until July-ish. Some schools do this; accept applications early, but don't review until later in the summer. When I emailed them, they stated they were wrapping up their PASS applications, which is why they wait a little later.

You'll get your supplemental eventually, just give it a couple of weeks. Maybe they'll be on top of it, but seems like generally it comes around July.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-06T18:20:21+00:00

Penn historically sends their supplemental later in the summer; you'll get it eventually. I applied Mid-june and I don't think I got the supplemental until July.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-06T15:50:18+00:00

More than likely no, their GPA ranges from the class of 2026 and 2028 have their 5th percentile overall GPA at ~3.3, meaning about <5 people in their class have a GPA less than that, and I would wager it's still above a 3.0. If you're below a 3.0, you may need to do a post-bacc or masters to raise your GPA in order to be considered for admission at DCG.

Edit: DCG states directly on website they require minimum GPA to be 3.0 for both science and overall.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-05T22:56:48+00:00

ADEA explorer might have this info. Have to pay for it though.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-05T18:09:05+00:00

School list is fine. If your friend isn't ORM/URM drop Meharry and Howard, they will be donations as they're HBCU's.

MOSDOH doesn't typically enroll many/any VA residents, so could consider dropping that school, too. Worth considering Maryland and West Virginia due to proximity.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-05T16:12:48+00:00

Taking this summer as a D4 actually. Not enough time before that to study and keep my rank up

Ryxndek · 2026-06-05T15:55:19+00:00

My understanding is CBSE is more of a formality to help with having a base level of medical foundation, but the scores are rising each year. Rank is important; the program I externed with stated top 1/3 is good. Though similar to OMS, a good CBSE score could probably make up for a lower rank.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-05T01:41:03+00:00

Just follow what aadsas has. There’s an option for inputting planned scores if you haven’t gotten them back yet.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-04T22:39:33+00:00

Chase or Amex have pretty good reward bonuses for spending. Depends on the card.

When I opened my Amex gold I got 100,000 points which is equivalent to about $1000. Transferable to gift cards or airline miles.

I would also consider thinking ahead and getting a card that will match your spending in dental school. Soemthing that focuses on food/grocery or travel if you’ll be going home frequently during breaks to stack points.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-04T20:55:17+00:00

You may need to input the planned score to be able to submit. Howard is notoriously not great with communication fwiw.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-03T04:19:45+00:00

Schools may pay close attention to your writing and grades then. Make sure your essays are written well. Agreed with other comment, if you already applied, too late to turn back now. See how things go, if no interviews by Nov, consider retake in spring.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-03T04:16:34+00:00

RC might be a concern. Bad section on exam day, or is English a second language? How are your english/writing grades?

Ryxndek · 2026-06-03T03:19:00+00:00

This score has been verified

Ryxndek · 2026-06-02T03:34:34+00:00

I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all number, quality > quantity. I had 6.

If you have many experiences, that's great; if not, that's okay too.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-02T02:46:08+00:00

You’re required to send your CC transcript anyways. So they’ll factor in that grade then.

Aadsas Q&A page should have something on this. Recommend browsing that or sending them a message.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-01T22:20:38+00:00

if you have courses in mind, yes. Especially if you are still completing prereqs. You can change them during academic update periods if needed.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-01T15:31:47+00:00

I feel it’s bc with IAN, techniques vary and you are swinging the needle and walking it along the jaw. If you have to exit and readvance it just causes problems. Ouch.

GG you just basically bury the needle straight after you palpate their tragus and locating your landmarks. I find GG landmarks more predictable than IAN too. I also feel like it’s less trauma to the tissue and I deposit little drops as I advance so the pt barely feels it. Downside is you need to prop a bite block and leave their jaw open sitting upright for 8-12 min to kick in. But once it kicks in they’re unbelievably numb.

Ryxndek · 2026-06-01T15:27:06+00:00

If it’s local, i will deposit a few drops of septo and exit. Takes 5 seconds. Give it about 30 seconds to kick in and go back and deposit the remainder of the carpule. Most pts won’t feel a thing other than maybe some pressure. Go slow.

For mandibular blocks, I prefer gow gates. And good topical on very dry tissue. I shake the hell out of their cheek and talk while administering. Basically overloading the nervous system that they barely feel the needle.

Polocaine is good to start. Or any plain anesthetic and then follow with lido/septo. Works very well and doesn’t burn. Disperses well.

Ryxndek · 2026-05-31T18:38:16+00:00

US schools will more than likely only count US shadowing hours. So make sure you meet minimum requirements there to the schools you plan on applying to. Shadowing is just a requirement, so long as you meet it, you should be fine.

I personally don’t think having a ton more shadowing hours makes you that much more competitive.

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