1. What are the requirements for admission to the School of Dentistry?

2. What is the process for submitting an application for Admission?

3. Does the West Virginia School of Dentistry have its own application form?

4. What is a source of information regarding dental education costs?

5. What is a source of information regarding loans and scholarships when financial assistance is deemed necessary?

6. Which undergraduate majors does the Admissions Committee prefer?

7. Apart from the required and recommended courses, what other courses would the Committee suggest?

8. Will the Admissions Committee pay particular attention to my performance in certain courses?

9. My transcript shows several withdrawals from courses. How will the Admissions Committee view this?

10. Should I repeat courses in which I did not do well, even though I passed them?

11. Should I apply as a third year applicant?

12. If I apply as a third-year applicant, will it help or hinder my chances for admission?

13. Even though rejected several times, should I continue to reapply to prove my motivation?

14. Who makes up the Admissions Committee?

15. What are the minimum cumulative grade-point averages and science averages required to get into dental school?

16. What does the Committee focus on during the application review process?

17. When should I take the Dental Admission Test?

18. How does the Committee use the Dental Admission Test scores?

19. Should I study for the Dental Admission Test?

20. Will I be interviewed as a part of the application procedure?

21. What is the basic interview procedure?

22. When does the Dental School begin interviews?

23. Does an early application and interview guarantee an early decision by the Admissions Committee?

24. Whom should I approach about recommendation letters?

25. What about recommendations from prominent persons?

26. Does a non-resident student attending West Virginia University or one of the in-state schools have a chance of being accepted by the Dental School?

27. I am not a resident of West Virginia. If I meet the requirements for residency, will my chances for acceptance be increased?

28. Do graduate students or holders of advanced degrees receive priority consideration by the Admissions Committee?

29. If I apply to both dental school and medical school, will both Admission Committees question my motivation?

30. Does the Admissions Committee place great emphasis on extra-curricular activities?

31. Is working in some health care activity considered to be important preparation for dental school by the Admissions Committee?

32. Does a denial of admissions mean that I am totally incapable of grasping the work in dental school?

33. As an out-of-state applicant is there a rule of thumb that might apply to the applicant's GPA and DAT scores?

34. I am economically disadvantaged. Should I even think about applying to dental school?

35. How is the alternate list made up?

36. Is there anything else I should consider regarding dental school?

37. Is it possible to defer admission once I've been accepted?

38. How long are DAT scores valid?

39. Is there really any hurry to get my application completed and returned at an early date?

40. What is rolling admissions?

41. Must I complete all of the required courses before I apply?

42. Does an individual who is re-applying need to submit a new application?

Question 1:

What are the requirements for admission to the School of Dentistry?

Answer:

A minimum of 3 years college course work completed in a U.S. or Canadian college or university is required. To be considered, an applicant must have documentation certifying completion of a minimum of 90 semester credit hours at the time of application.

The college work must include:

• English Composition & Rhetoric 6 hours
• Zoology or Biology (with Lab)    8 hours
• Inorganic Chemistry (with Lab)   8 hours
• Organic Chemistry (with Lab)     8 hours
• Physics (with Lab)                      8 hours

These are firm requirements regardless of undergraduate or graduate preparation.

Additional recommended course work:

• Biochemistry
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Embryology
• Genetics
• Psychology

Question 2:

What is the process for submitting an application for Admission?

Answer:

The School of Dentistry is a participant in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Applications must be accessed and submitted electronically to the application service. Explicit information and instructions are available at their website www.adea.org. The deadline for submission of the completed AADSAS application is November 1^st. This deadline is thoroughly discussed in the AADSAS application instructions and thus should be reviewed by the applicant. Since deadline dates are so important, you are strongly urged to give this part of the application procedure your strict attention. Even though the application deadline is November 1^st it is to your advantage to send in your application early because the committee begins admitting the class on December 1^st. If you have specific questions regarding West Virginia University's application process and requirements, please contact the Office of Dental Admissions at 304-293-6646 or e-mail your questions to dentaladmit@hsc.wvu.edu

Question 3:

Does the West Virginia School of Dentistry have their own application form?

Answer:

The initial application is obtained from the AADSAS at their website www.adea.org . Once the initial application has been received and reviewed by the WVU SOD Admissions Committee, secondary applications are sent to certain candidates from the WVU Health Sciences Office of Admissions & Records as the Admissions Committee specifies.

Question 4:

What is a source of information regarding dental education costs?

Answer:

West Virginia University School of Dentistry

Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center

P.O.  Box 9490 Morgantown, WV 26506-9401

Telephone: 304-293-5589

FAX: 304-293-2859

Question 5:

What is a source of information regarding loans and scholarships when financial assistance is deemed necessary?

Answer:

West Virginia University Financial Aid Office

Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center

PO Box 9810

Morgantown, WV 26506-9810,

Telephone: 304-293-3706

Website: www.hsc.wvu.edu/fin

Question 6:

Which undergraduate majors does the Admissions Committee prefer?

Answer:

Most of the applicants to dental school have Biology or Chemistry as their undergraduate major. However, the Admissions Committee gives no particular priority to any major, providing the basic minimum science requirements for admission have been met. While preparation in the sciences is absolutely essential, the humanities reflect interests in qualities important to the professional person.

Question 7:

Apart from the required and recommended courses, what other courses would the Committee suggest?

Answer:

Having satisfied all pre-dental course requirements, the applicant is free to select those courses which hold special interest for the individual or which may strengthen an area of academic inadequacy. The Committee does recommend that the applicant complete more than the minimum of 8 hours of biology. Additional recommended courses include: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, embryology, genetics and psychology.

Question 8:

Will the Admissions Committee pay particular attention to my performance in certain courses?

Answer:

While a good grade in a very challenging course may be noted favorably, it will not be viewed as a unique indication of success in dental school. The Admissions Committee expects demonstrated academic competence in all areas of the undergraduate curriculum.

Question 9:

My transcript shows several withdrawals from courses. How will the Admissions Committee view this?

Answer:

The applicant should be prepared to explain these withdrawals. Withdrawing from a course because of illness or an accident might be considered to be legitimate reasons. On the other hand, withdrawal simply because a course turned out to be too challenging, and you did not wish to meet the challenge, may be detrimental.

Question 10:

Should I repeat courses in which I did not do well, even though I passed them?

Answer:

No, this is rarely helpful. Any student should be expected to do well in a course the second time. The Admissions Committee will not often be impressed by such action.

Question 11:

Should I apply as a third year applicant?

Answer:

The Committee strongly recommends that candidate work toward receiving their bachelor's degree. Approximately 15% of some of our dental classes are admitted with three years of college work. Applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours at the time of application. The committee is seeing a significant increase in the number of applicants with degrees. The committe also feels that the quality of preparation is as important as length of preparation.

Question 12:

If I apply as a third-year applicant, will it help or hinder my chances for admission?

Answer:

Neither. Each applicant is considered within the competitive context of all applicants for that year. As noted previously, applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours prior to application.

Question 13:

Even though rejected several times, should I continue to reapply to prove my motivation?

Answer:

Re-application without significant change in credentials in the interim is not likely to meet with success. A mature and realistic self-appraisal is usually indicated at this point. 

Question 14:

Who makes up the Admissions Committee?

Answer:

The Committee is made up of faculty from various disciplines within the School of Dentistry as well as dental students and alumni. The Admissions and Records office staff provide assistance to the Committee.

Question 15:

What are the minimum cumulative grade-point averages and science averages required to get into dental school?

Answer:

The Admissions Committee has no "cut-off" points or specific required grade-point averages. Competition at the undergraduate level has forced these numbers to a rather high plateau (3.5+). It is important to emphasize that the Committee will review transcripts with regard to consistency of performance, course loads, and the degree of difficulty of the curriculum. 

Question 16:

What does the Committee focus on during the application review process?

Answer:

There are five parameters to the admissions process which are carefully considered:

1. Academic Achievement
2. Dental Admission Test Scores
3. Recommendations
4. Dental Shadowing and Life Experiences
5. Personal Interview

For additional interview information please refer to our Applicant Data Monitored by Interviewing Team (ADMIT) form.

Question 17:

When should I take the Dental Admission Test?

Answer:

It is strongly recommended that potential applicants take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) so that scores may be submitted by November 1st of the year prior to expected enrollment (example: DAT in September 2008, Enrollment August 2009). Information concerning the time and place for DAT testing can be obtained by contacting:

DAT Program
American Dental Association
Department of Testing Services
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL  60611
1-800-621-8099 

www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/registering/asp

Question 18:

How does the Committee use the Dental Admission Test scores?

Answer:

These scores are simply used as another measure of academic preparation. The Committee expects the applicant to have shown at least average competence in the various sub-sections of the test. If a discrepancy should exist between scholastic achievement and a Dental Admission Test score, an effort will be made to determine why this discrepancy exists.

Question 19:

Should I study for the Dental Admission Test?

Answer:

Many students take the basic required courses, especially the sciences, early in their undergraduate career. Failure to review basic factual information in these courses before taking the DAT could be detrimental. No DAT review book or privately instructed short course will be the equal of a careful and systematic review of one’s own notes and textbooks.

Question 20:

Will I be interviewed as a part of the application procedure?

Answer:

Applicants who are residents of the State of West Virginia are usually interviewed, although the Admissions Committee may elect not to interview an unrealistic applicant. Selected non-resident applicants will also be invited for an interview, depending on their academic qualifications.

Question 21:

What is the basic interview procedure?

Answer:

Members of the Admissions Committee, aided by the staff of the Office of Admissions and Records, participate in this effort. Generally, each applicant participates in a group introduction followed by a personal interview with two or more Committee members. The interview is not an inquisition. It is intended to be a two-way communication opportunity.

Question 22:

When does the Dental School begin interviews?

Answer:

Interviews usually begin in September of each year.

Question 23:

Does an early application and interview guarantee an early decision by the Admissions Committee?

Answer:

No. Even though early applicants are usually interviewed early, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) recommends that dental schools do not notify applicants either orally or in writing of provisional or final acceptance before December 1 of the academic year prior to the year of matriculation. (See the AADSAS guidelines available on the website www.adea.org). Under these circumstances, the School will make an effort to inform applicants of the decision as soon as possible. The Admissions Committee may delay the decision until spring or early summer for some applicants because of continued deliberation.

Question 24:

Whom should I approach about recommendation letters?

Answer:

The following guidelines should be observed for recommendations.

1. If a pre-professional committee or comprehensive recommendation is available at your institution, please request the committee or your advisor send it, along with your application, to the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).

2. If no such committee or comprehensive recommendation exists at your institution and your major is one of the sciences (biology, chemistry or physics), a recommendation should be obtained from each of the sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics).

3. If your major is not one of the sciences noted, please submit two recommendations from instructors in your major field and one from one of these sciences.

4. If you cannot get a recommendation from an instructor as required above, a substitute recommendation may be considered from another instructor. The reason for the substitution must be detailed.

5. Once the guidelines above have been fulfilled, up to two additional letters from instructors, community leaders, professional persons or others who know you well are acceptable. Quality rather than quantity of such letters should be of primary importance.

Note: Up to only four letters will be processed by AADSAS

Question 25:

What about recommendations from prominent persons?

Answer:

If the prominent person has had the opportunity to get to know the applicant well, the Admissions Committee will review this additional information. (Refer to the previous question concerning maximum number of additional letters of recommendation. Perfunctory letters of recommendation add little to the applicant’s credentials.

Question 26:

Does a non-resident student attending West Virginia University or one of the in-state colleges or universities have a chance of being accepted by the program?

Answer:

The Dental Admissions Committee gives preference to West Virginia residents. Non-residents attending a West Virginia college or university will be given careful review.

Question 27:

I am not a resident of West Virginia. If I meet the requirements for residency, will my chances for acceptance be increased?

Answer

As indicated earlier, in-state resident applicants are given priority. However, residency status is determined by the WVU Office of Admissions in accordance with the West Virginia Board of Governors Policy Bulletin No. 34, revised February 14, 1990, This bulletin, as well as the appropriate forms, may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records.

Question 28:

Do graduate students or holders of advanced degrees receive priority consideration by the Admissions Committee?

Answer:

The Admissions Committee will carefully review the total academic record of all applicants and will make its decision based on this review. It is possible of course, that a previous marginal undergraduate record could be strengthened by an outstanding graduate performance.

If I apply to both dental school and medical school, will both Admission Committees question my motivation?

Answer:

No specific effort is made by either Committee to learn of such dual applications despite the fact that the Office of Admissions and Records process both. Interviewers might indeed question an applicant regarding motivation of the dual application. However, the applicant will undoubtedly have a primary choice and is advised to make a realistic selection of one program.

Question 30:

Does the Admissions Committee place great emphasis on extra-curricular activities?

Answer:

The applicant who has been involved in extra-curricular activities and maintained a good academic record is often a caring and interesting person with a considerable amount of energy and manages time effectively. These characteristics should enhance chances of success in dental school. Again, the Admissions Committee is not so presumptuous to list "preferred" extra-curricular activities or to assume that one such activity has a higher priority over another.

Question 31

Is working in some health care activity considered to be important preparation for dental school by the Admissions Committee?

Answer:

Some Committee members feel that this is important; others feel less strongly about it. Most, however, would agree that while an in-depth experience in the health care field is not of itself a critical selection factor, the total absence of any communication with the dental field makes motivation more difficult to assess. The applicant should seek opportunities for observation in the dental setting, seek opportunities for observation in dental settings, discuss dentistry as a career with dentists and if available, participate in pre-dental groupcs which offer programs giving some insight into the dental profession.

Question 32:

Does a denial of admissions mean that I am totally incapable of grasping the work in dental school?

Answer:

No, a denial of admission does not mean that an applicant has undesirable personal characteristics, which would make him or her unworthy of being a good dentist. Normally a denial of admission simply means that using the parameters in the selection process, the Admissions Committee feels that other candidates are more qualified for consideration in that given year.

Question 33:

As an out-of-state applicant is there a rule of thumb that might apply to the applicant's GPA and DAT scores?

Answer:

Non-resident applicants should generally have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above and an average score on the Academic and PAT sections of the DAT of at least 17. However, these are not absolute minimums and all persons having a strong interest in the West Virginia University School of Dentistry are encouraged to apply.

Question 34:

I am economically disadvantaged. Should I even think about applying to dental school?

Answer:

Yes. Economically disadvantaged students, and students from groups underrepresented in the dental profession (especially West Virginia residents) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Question 35:

How is the alternate list made up?

Answer:

The alternate list (waitlist) is comprised of a group of applicants who will be considered in the event of a vacancy in the class. It is made up of those candidates whom the Committee feels are qualified applicants but of a lesser priority rating for admission in the competitive context of other applicants.

Question 36:

Is there anything else I should consider regarding dental school?

Answer:

A candidate for the DDS degree must have abilities and skills of five varieties: 1)observation, 2)communication, 3)motor, 4)intellectual, conceptual, integrative, quantitative, 5)behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some disabilities in certain areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. (For further details consult the WVU School of Dentistry Technical Standards Document available in the School of Dentistry, Office of Dental Admissions.)

Question 37:

Is it possible to defer admission once I've been accepted?

Answer:

No, the WVU SOD will not defer admissions to the D.D.S. program.

Question 38:

How long are DAT scores valid?

Answer:

DAT scores are valid for 5 years

Question 39:

Is there really any hurry to get my application completed and returned at an early date?

Answer:

Interviews usually start in September and decisions on candidates are made at early dates since notification of admittance to the dental school program can be formalized and announced to a successful candidate on December 1st. Approximately 75% of the available positions are awarded on December 1st. This means that applicants who apply later in the admission cycle may not be reviewed by the Committee until after December 1st and consequently must compete for the remaining available positions. It is advantageous to get your application completed and submitted as soon as possible. NOTE: It is important to realize that admission to the West Virginia University School of Dentistry is based on a number of factors. Admission is not based solely on the Overall GPA or the Science GPA. It is not based solely on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Even though these three areas are very important and weigh heavily in the decisions of the Admissions Committee, there are six other areas to come into consideration when candidates are evaluated before final decisions on admittance are made. These six areas are:

1. The candidate’s interview with two or more members of the Admissions Committee.
2. The recommendations that the Admissions Committee receives on behalf of the applicant. (Details of this procedure are covered previously.)
3. Dental shadowing or work experience, knowledge of the field of dentistry, life experience and reasons for the applicant’s pursuit of a career in dentistry are considered.
4. Credits and performance in upper level science courses beyond the minimums set forward in the beginning of this document are considered.
5. Improvement shown by candidates over their career in undergraduate studies is also considered. (Some candidates start slow with very average grades during early semesters and then show considerable improvement in later semesters.)
6. Performance on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

The Admissions Committee uses and follows explicitly the information provided in this publication when evaluating each applicant and making final decisions on individual acceptances and the composition of incoming classes. Admission decisions are based on this very complete collection of data, letters, and interviews. It must be understood that GPA and DAT scores are considered carefully and possibly signify an individual’s capacity to handle the very difficult dental school curriculum.

Question 40:

What is rolling admissions?

Answer:

Rolling admissions at WVU SOD means the Admissions Committee makes decisions on a rolling basis, beginning Dec. 1 and ending when the class is finalized.

Question 41:

Must I complete all of the required courses before I apply?

Answer:

No, but the majority of the course work should be completed before applying. As indicated earlier, applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours prior to application.

Question 42:

Does an individual who is re-applying need to submit a new application?

Answer:

Yes. All applicants whether first time or re-applying, must submit a new application through AADSAS.

The WVU School of Dentistry Admissions Committee uses and follows explicitly the information provided in this publication when evaluating each applicant and making final decisions on individual acceptances and the composition of incoming classes. Admission decisions are based on this very complete collection of data, letters, and interviews. It must be repeated that no one area is more important than any other except that GPA’s and DAT scores are considered carefully and possibly signify an individual’s capacity to handle the very difficult dental school curriculum.

As a state supported school, The West Virginia University School of Dentistry gives first consideration to West Virginia residents providing they can meet the admission standards necessary to succeed in the dental curriculum. Non-residents with strong West Virginia ties also receive consideration.