The competition for an advanced standing DDS/DMD program is fierce and the admissions committees will be looking all all aspects of your profile. It's important to start building your profile early during your international dental degree:
Grades/Marks
Extracurricular Activities
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Grades/Marks
- You need to get the highest possible grades in your international dental school to remain competitive. Eventually, your foreign grades will be converted to the American system by a company called ECE.
- In America, grades are calculated to give a grade point average (GPA). The highest possible GPA is a 4.0 and the lowest is 0.0. Generally, letter grades (A, B, C, D) are given for any particular class or course. Each of these letter grades will have a numerical equivalent, for example A=4.0 B=3.0 and D=2.0. For example, if you get an A in Orthodontics and a B in Oral Surgery, your GPA will be a 3.5.
- Your goal is to have at least an equivalent of a 3.0 GPA after your foreign grades are converted. (see Step 2: ECE Evaluation)
- Collect as many honors, distinctions, and gold medals as you can- these will all boost your application
- Do NOT fail any classes. Failing or being detained/held back from any courses will have a strong negative impact on your application
- Keep in mind that if you do have a low GPA it is NOT the end of the world! In reality, an international GPA doesn't mean THAT much to the admissions committees because it is difficult for them to evaluate the scope and difficulty of courses you took abroad! There is nothing in this process that makes or breaks your profile except for constant effort-- so keep it up!
Extracurricular Activities
- The admissions committees will look at a lot more than just your grades. They want students who are more than just book worms. It's important to diversify your profile and show who you really are with activities beyond the books
- Social work, teaching, volunteering, sports, clubs, leadership activities are all great supplements to your application
- See Step 6: CV-- there I have outlined the things you need to do outside of class to become an ideal candidate.
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