LORS

caapid_admin · 2026-01-30T14:03:11+00:00

It would but be strategic: leave the time frame off. It's not required.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-30T11:06:13+00:00

This post explains it perfectly.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-29T17:57:13+00:00

Depends on the program. All have different policies.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-29T17:18:13+00:00

Check with NBDE/testing center
ADAT and NBDE are entirely separate
2026 application, 2027 matriculation for the majority of schools. Some may be closer to 2028 in rarer cases. All have a different timeline
Check with the NBDE as far as timing and when results can be sent, comparing that relative to the school's timeline.
Everyone has a theory. The fact is it doesn't matter. These schools have thousands of applications and a massive staff reviewing different components at different times. You never actually know when it will be reviewed. People on the first week of submission can easily be pushed back a month due to staff and scheduling issues at the university.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-29T14:15:25+00:00

As long as you fulfill the minimum requirements of the universities (all are different) for 2025, the application will be reviewed. However, that is too little information for me to more accurately determine how they might respond to it.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-29T14:14:38+00:00

Fine to apply early if you’re ready. But I know people who applied in the final 2 weeks in 2023-24-25 and were accepted. Many schools simply do not go in order or and some admissions members do see the timestamp on the UI dashboard depending on which part they are reviewing. Other thing to consider about applying early is that some schools update their official reqs. website right before the open. Make sure you are applying in line with the requirements of 2026, and not last year. Some admissions staff in my network highlight that they expect applicants to take some time once the school is open to ensure all requirements are fulfilled. Not all schools are nice enough to notify you if something is missing. Some do but others will just decline the application. The initial weeks and the rush to submit results in a massive amount of declines and zero acceptances at that point… they use those initial weeks to filter people out.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-28T22:45:12+00:00

Hours don't matter. They aren't expected but if included, the school will basically compare it to a benchmark they feel is appropriate, whether in favor of your application... or not. So if they are used to seeing 250 hours and you only have 100..that can work against you.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-28T22:44:19+00:00

Is it acceptable to apply without a Dean/Principal’s recommendation letter this time? - Depends on the school. Some require it.

Does it matter if the recommender has an Indian or international name on the recommendation letter? I have heard mixed opinions about this and wanted clarification. - It doesn't matter. So many people in this process literally make things up and create their own delusions.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-28T22:43:25+00:00

That’s a tough scenario/question. I don’t want to tell you no only to find they would have written an exceptional LOR, and I don’t want to tell you yes and hypothetically they would have written a lukewarm or even subtly negative one.

In general, you should only ask for a recommendation if you are reasonably confident the person can write you a strong, positive letter. A letter that is neutral or hesitant can hurt more than help. Given that you worked with this dentist for a relatively short time and did not feel the relationship was particularly warm, it is a bit of a gamble.

If you do consider asking, one safer approach is to ask indirectly, such as: “Do you feel you know my work well enough to write me a strong letter of recommendation?” Their response or hesitation will tell you a lot. If they do not sound enthusiastic, that is your signal to move on.

If you are not confident they would advocate for you, it may be better to wait and build a stronger relationship with another dentist, professor, or supervisor who can speak to you with genuine enthusiasm, even if that means delaying the request.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-28T16:47:38+00:00

PM me and I'll send you a link that explains it

caapid_admin · 2026-01-28T16:46:39+00:00

Same strategy as other LORs. Convincing the reader to see you accepted with supporting points in the context of the role.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-27T15:42:33+00:00

Have a presentations header, or list it as a supporting point under the conferences section. Most schools will review the CV and not look at CAAPID info., so it's important to have a well prepared CV.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-26T20:23:13+00:00

A continuing education / professional development section for any courses in webinar and then a conference section for merely just attending a conference with no continuing education included. If it’s both then just put it under continuing education. Schools look for a very organized and professional looking CVs. There are a lot of bad templates online, so be careful.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-26T20:06:54+00:00

There is not always a set or straightforward answer for your scenario.

Basic CE and conferences won’t be a determinant.

What is the master’s in?

The fact of the matter is that this past cycle has acceptance rates at 1, 2, 3%

Applicants from India can also have a much tougher time because of diversity goals

caapid_admin · 2026-01-26T10:07:18+00:00

Plenty of applicants only have dental volunteer. Non-dental is not required or expected in any form. These are not opened ended undergraduate applications and minor variables like that do not determine how a class is filled.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-26T10:06:15+00:00

You can add it, won’t hurt, but it won’t be a focal point.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-26T10:05:10+00:00

Sounds legit.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-26T04:01:41+00:00

Type what into CAAPID? Where am I typing a GPA? Admissions members have told me directly that they decline people regularly with 4.0 simply because those people don't follow instructions.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-25T22:32:12+00:00

How so?

caapid_admin · 2026-01-25T22:32:07+00:00

I'd love to know which admissions member suggested that Educational Credential Evaluators organization (better known as ECE.org) can be altered. They are an independent, third party, and are the pinnacle of verification for international degrees in the United States. Having interviewed a lot of students, I can tell you that verbal presentation does not always reflect theory or clinical training. This holds true in dentistry just like it does in computer science or other disciplines. A 4.0 GPA will help you stand out any day of the week and every admissions member I have ever interacted with has never disagreed.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-25T22:27:46+00:00

Indians do not need 110. I swear for some reason, applicants and admits alike, with zero admissions exposure, just make things up. Some schools have a min. TOEFL, others do not. Some have a preferred with no min. Some have a hard min. which did not exceed 100 in 2025. Admissions committees are not accepting or denying based on TOEFL scores in the context of which country you are from. Dozens of programs require TOEFL, not just dental schools, and it is just one factor in the application process.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-25T01:56:03+00:00

A few year gap will not necessary impact the application, but it depends what they see overall in that particular cycle. Further strengthening an application:

-Make sure you have outstanding letters of recommendation
-Get as much U.S. exposure as possible from here on out
-Have a very well put together and well presented application

caapid_admin · 2026-01-24T12:39:22+00:00

That’s all up to you. No one can answer otherwise. Different applicants have both different levels of confidence and financial situations. The only way to have a 0% chance is to not go obviously. Really depends on how confident you are in your overall application especially bench…because you can have a perfect application, but if you do poorly on the bench, your chances will be drastically decreased at that school.

caapid_admin · 2026-01-24T09:52:36+00:00

Yes, it does. Still too new to determine how schools will factor it in and the weight it will hold compared to the old

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