Application Tips
13 articles in this category.
How Long Does AADSAS Verification Take?
AADSAS verification usually takes up to 10 business days after your application is Complete. See statuses, what delays verification, and how to submit early for Fall 2027.
August 7, 2026 · 8 min read
AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP): Who Qualifies?
ADEA FAP waives fees for 3 dental school applications (~$494 value) if AGI is ≤300% of poverty guidelines. See 2026 dates, income table, and 2027–28 planning tips.
August 7, 2026 · 9 min read
Can I Get Into Dental School With a 2.5 GPA?
A 2.5 GPA is below typical dental school ranges — but not always game over. See realistic odds, when a post-bacc helps, DAT targets on the 200–600 scale, and alternatives.
August 5, 2026 · 9 min read
AADSAS A- = 3.67: Does Science GPA Include Math?
A- = 3.67 on AADSAS (not 3.7). Math and statistics count in Science GPA — not BCP. See BCP vs Science GPA table and a worked example.
July 28, 2026 · 11 min read
When Does AADSAS Open? 2026–2027 Dental School Application Cycle Guide
When does AADSAS open for the 2026–2027 dental school cycle? Learn the typical May/June open window, why applying early matters with rolling admissions, and a week-by-week checklist so your primary is ready on day one.
July 23, 2026 · 10 min read
Dental School Waitlist: What to Do Right Now to Maximize Your Chances of Getting Off
Being waitlisted at a dental school is not a rejection — but what you do next determines whether you get in. This guide covers exactly how dental school waitlists work, what moves the needle, how to write a letter of continued interest that actually helps, and how to protect yourself while you wait.
July 3, 2026 · 11 min read
Dental School Acceptance Rates: What Are Your Real Odds of Getting In?
What are your actual chances of getting into dental school? This guide breaks down national acceptance rates, the most and least competitive programs, what separates accepted from rejected applicants with the same stats, and how to build a school list that maximizes your odds of getting in.
July 2, 2026 · 12 min read
How to Pay for Dental School (2026)
How to pay for dental school: federal loans, scholarships, grants, HPSP, and loan forgiveness — a practical plan for $200K–$400K in tuition.
July 2, 2026 · 13 min read
AADSAS Opens May 12, 2026 — Full Timeline
2026–27 cycle: AADSAS opens May 12, submit June 2, Decision Day Dec 15. Month-by-month DAT, secondaries, interviews, and Fall 2027 entry plan.
July 1, 2026 · 14 min read
Dental School Prerequisites: Required Courses
Complete dental school prerequisite list — biology, chemistry, physics, math, and more — plus AP credit rules, GPA impact, and how to plan your schedule.
July 1, 2026 · 13 min read
Dental School Letters of Recommendation: Who to Ask, How to Ask, and What Makes a Letter Actually Strong
Letters of recommendation can make or break a dental school application — yet most students ask the wrong people, ask too late, and give their recommenders nothing to work with. This guide covers exactly who to ask, when to ask, what to include in your request, and what separates a letter that helps from one that hurts.
June 30, 2026 · 12 min read
Can I Get Into Dental School With a 3.0 GPA?
Yes. A 3.0 GPA is not an automatic rejection — aim for DAT ~21–22+ (≈440–460 AA), an upward grade trend, and a realistic school list. Average accepted GPA is ~3.55.
June 30, 2026 · 13 min read
Dental Shadowing Hours: How Many You Need
Aim for 100–150 dental shadowing hours for dental school. See school ranges, how to find opportunities, what to log, and how hours work in AADSAS.
June 26, 2026 · 11 min read