After having decided where and when to apply, your next step
is to obtain application forms from the various schools that
you've selected. Call the admissions offices around January (a
year and a half before you're planning to attend), and have them
put you on their mailing lists. Also check the school's Web
site.
Most dental school applications are completed throught the
AADSAS, but if you're applying to other schools, make sure you've
received all the applications by April. Once the applications
begin arriving, you'll notice one thing quickly: No two
applications are exactly alike. But despite their differences,
most follow a general pattern with variations on the same kinds
of questions.
A Marketing Tool
When it comes to applying to dental school, think of yourself as
"the product." Your application is your marketing document.
Marketing yourself doesn't mean that you should lie or
embellish the facts. It simply means that you need to make a
lucid and convincing presentation. Everything on your application
should contribute to an overall picture of yourself that clearly
demonstrates that you belong in the class and will make a solid
contribution to the learning of your peers. Sell yourself. Your
application should be as clear as possible, typed or very neatly
printed. Use your full name on everything, even the little cards
and other trappings that schools often request.
