Frequently Asked Questions
Modified May 10, 2009
- Why are you changing the application form? I have already filled out an application and I used the form from last year. I just changed the year designation on the front page. Do I have to do it over?
- Why is University of Minnesota School of Dentistry not participating in ADEA’s centralized application service for internationally trained dentists called CAPPID?
- Why should we submit E.C.E. evaluations of our transcripts? I have already had my transcripts evaluated by another service.
- Why do you not accept E.C.E. evaluations and TOEFL scores submitted directly by services?
- Is it true what I have heard that you only look at the scores and not read all transcripts and other submitted material?
- Why do you have us write the email address twice, and why do you tell us to write clearly? I always write clearly.
- Why do you have to tell us what point size we should use for our personal statement? Aren't you going a little bit too far in your requests?
- I would guess that all applicants are trying to do their very best with the application. So why all of these rules?
- Will my chances get better, if I submit my High School scores?
- What is an interview like? I know of schools that do not have interviews, so why do you want us to spend money on travel and housing?
- I sat for/took the NDB I more than five years ago. Do I need to retake that examination?
- What is the school's TOEFL institution code?
- I have left a phone message and nobody is returning my call. Why is that?
- What scores for NDB Part I and TOEFL do I need to have to be considered for an interview?
- My NDB I score is "this". Will that be enough to be accepted or should I retake it?
- I have specialty training in my home country. Will that increase my chances?
- I have specialty training from the US. Will that increase my chances?
- Are Letters of Recommendation needed?
- Is it only scores that count towards an acceptance?
- Do you have a bench test on the interview day?
- I submitted my application a while ago and I have not heard from you. What do I do now?
- Do you have a rolling enrollment or do you wait until all interviews are completed and then make a decision?
- What will the cost be?
- If I have been accepted at another school but prefer the University of Minnesota but I have not heard from you, what do I do?
- My spouse is also a dentist and is applying for your program and we want to go to the same school. Can we both be accepted the same year?
- Does the University of Minnesota offer any scholarships for PASS students?
- Can I get student loans for the Summer course?
- Why do I have to pay this money before the classes start?
- I have plans to take off between 2-3 weeks for personal reasons during the Summer session and into the Fall. Will this have any major impact on my studies at your school?
- I was not invited for an interview. I think I deserved one. Please tell me the reasons why I was rejected to help me prepare for the future.
- I have already submitted my application. When will I hear from you? What is going on?
- You ask us to put our name on the check/money order. Why do you need that? Isn’t it enough that I pay?
- Is it an advantage to submit my application early?
- I hear that you have a waiting list after interviews and admissions have been completed. Does it ever happen that anybody from the waiting list gets accepted?
- Why do you ask all these questions about work and working permit?
- Do I need to be a US citizen or be a permanent resident (Green Card holder) to apply to your PASS program.
- If I am currently on an F-1/H-1 visa and studying/working in the US, is there something I should be aware of?
- I am currently studying for a Masters degree at a US college. My program does not end until mid May. Can I still get accepted?
- Do I have any advantage as a re-applicant?
- I have just included you and others at your school in “My Circle of Friends or Twitter group” group. Wasn’t that a good idea?
- I have noticed that you use both “semesters” and “sessions”. Why is that?
- I have received an email that my application was incomplete what does that mean?
- Is there anything in particular that is most often missing?
- I did not get accepted last year and I want to reapply. Do I need to submit all documentations again?
- I submitted my application yesterday by FedEx and I have no heard from you yet, should I call you or email you to make sure you got it?
1. Why are you changing the application form? I have already filled out an application and I used the form from last year. I just changed the year designation on the front page. Do I have to do it over?
We learned from past year’s application process that we need to update the forms and also emphasize some of the information. I am sorry, but you must use this year’s form. We will not accept applications using previous years’ forms. Return to top
2. Why is University of Minnesota School of Dentistry not participating in ADEA’s centralized application service for internationally trained dentists called CAAPID?
This is the first year for ADEA’s Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) program. However it will not be on-line until June 8, 2009 and UMN PASS started it s application cycle on April 15, 2009. We feel that it would be very confusing for the applicants, if we changed process midstream. Applicants may also think that one system has an advantage over the other. Thus we are not participating in CAAPID 2009. Return to top
3. Why should we submit E.C.E. evaluations of our transcripts? I have already had my transcripts evaluated by another service.
We are sorry about this but we needed to have a standardized process for evaluation, and for future school accreditation purposes. The evaluation services look at the transcripts differently. Same transcript evaluated by different services may have different outcomes. Return to top
4. Why do you not accept E.C.E. evaluations and TOEFL scores submitted directly by services?
This is very much in your best interest. Numerous evaluations come in much later than the applications, are occasionally delivered to the wrong address, or may not reach us at all. We also have had applications with a different score on the application form from what is on the official evaluation document. Our decision to invite an applicant for an interview is based on submitted material. If a score is different from what is listed on the form and we do not yet have the original confusion may occur. An application is not complete unless an original E.C.E. evaluation or a notarized copy has been included with the application. You can always request more than one original from E.C.E.
You may submit a plain not notarized copy of the TOEFL score with the application. If you are called for an interview you must bring the original TOEFL report as well as all other originals. Return to top
5. Is it true what I have heard that you only look at the scores and not read all transcripts and other submitted material?
If that is what you have heard, it is NOT true. Every application is carefully read and evaluated on its own merits. Every score sheet and transcript is evaluated by Dr. Berthold (see below for High School scores). We know that scores sometimes do not tell the “full story”. We also know that on some transcripts/mark sheets there are notes indicating both strengths and weaknesses that do not show up in the GPA score or in other evaluations. It is also important to know a school’s grading scale that, in most cases, is listed on the mark sheet and sometimes on the transcript. In addition, a student’s class rank can sometimes tell a lot even if the scores seem low. All of this information is included in each candidate’s internal evaluation score. Return to top
6. Why do you have us write the email address twice, and why do you tell us to write clearly? I always write clearly.
These requests are in your best interest, since we have had many applications where both mailing and email addresses were illegible and it became a time-consuming guesswork to reach you. We also had several incorrect or old email addresses and could not contact the applicants without major trouble.
Follow up question: Does that mean that you tried to reach some of us and you did not succeed? Maybe I could have been interviewed?
Do not worry. We reached all applicants but in a few cases it was not easy to make contact. This is also the reason why we ask for a second address in the US, which should be different from yours. This has been invaluable for some of the applicants, since that was the only way we could find them.
It helps, if you let the person(s) at this second address know that we may call. We have spoken to some very surprised and suspicious friends/relatives. Return to top
7. Why do you have to tell us what point size we should use for our personal statement? Aren't you going a little bit too far in your requests?
This is also in your best interest. We have had statements written in point 8 because the applicant had many things to tell us using the small font and many words. On the other hand, we had the opposite with statements typed in point 14 and double spaced. The statements should be concise and about one page long. Personal statements that are much longer than one page will not be fully read. The statements are part of the evaluation. Because of this all applicants should follow the same guidelines. It could otherwise be unfair.
Follow up Question: This is not fair. I need more than one page to tell you about me. Now what do I do?
Part of our application process and evaluation is for you to write about an one-page personal statement that tells us the essential and most important about you. Some of the best personal statements I have read have been one page but told me more about the applicant than a five-page statement would have done. Sometimes we have received statements that obviously have been for another program, or been very similar to other statements. We like to find out who you are in your own words. It is not as difficult as you might first think. Remember that a CV and the application form will tell us the rest of the facts. So do not let the statement be a repetition of your application or CV. Return to top
8. I would guess that all applicants are trying to do their very best with the application. So why all of these rules?
Anybody can make a mistake and if we ask for some important information twice you may catch it yourself. That is also why we have included the check-off sheet. It is very easy to forget one little detail. We are only trying to make changes that will help you and be in your best interest, not to make it more difficult. Return to top
9. Will my chances get better, if I submit my High School scores?
I am sorry but those grades do not count. We will not look at High School scores even if you submit them. Return to top
10. What is an interview like? I know of schools that do not have interviews, so why do you want us to spend money on travel and housing?
Over many years we have learned that an interview is essential both for the candidate and the school. The interview is not just for us but also for you. You will get a chance to see what our school is like and what the program is all about. We try to make the interview day worth your time and money whether you will get accepted or not.
The interview is a full day’s event. All interviewees are meeting with us for a small breakfast. There is a short briefing about the day’s program. Someone is usually available all day for any private discussions and/or questions you have. Dr. Berthold then gives a 90 minutes long presentation on the program, the school, the University, and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This is followed by a short break and then the candidates are meeting with their interviewers. Each candidate will meet with Dr. Berthold and two faculty members. You will also get financial aid information by the University’s financial aid counselor.
Many of our applicants are vegetarians or have other diet restrictions. Thus you have been asked in advance what sandwich you prefer for lunch. Lunch is usually served in a conference room. This is your time to talk and none of us will disturb you. Occasionally, a 4-year student may join you. After or before lunch, a third or fourth year student will take you on a tour of the school. The tour is about 30 – 45 min long. You will have the opportunity to ask the student guide any questions you like.
Dr. Berthold meets with you again in the afternoon to discuss some more details about what was said in the morning session. He will also describe the UMN PASS Summer course (DENT6950). Sometimes, the Director for Student Affairs will meet with you before you depart.
The day starts at 8:00 in the morning and ends around 3:30. Return to top
11. I sat for/took the NDB I more than five years ago. Do I need to retake that examination?
Indeed, you should make plans to retake the examination. Return to top
12. What is the school's TOEFL institution code?
You can find the code number on the website in the application criteria section. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry’s TOEFL Institution Code is 6874. The Department code or Profession code is 38 for dentistry. The department code is the same for all schools. Return to top
13. I have left a phone message and nobody is returning my call. Why is that?
Before you call us with a question, you should study our website. The answers to most of your questions are on the website. Also, we encourage all applicants or those who only want some further information to use e-mail. Write down your questions and e-mail them. Someone will get back to you usually within 48 hours. During holidays and weekends, it may take another 24-48 hours before we can get to your e-mail and send an answer.
If you have left a phone message and nobody is returning your call, you may wonder what happened. The fact is that sometimes it is very difficult to hear the messages. Your name and your phone number are often unclear. Speak slowly and clearly repeating your name and phone number twice. Remember it is not a race who can say a phone number the fastest. We commonly have to listen to a message 3 or 4 times and we still cannot get the complete message. Hence we cannot return your call. Return to top
14. What scores for NDB Part I and TOEFL do I need to have to be considered for an interview?
This program, as well as many other similar programs, is competitive. Thus it is the applicant pool that will tell us what scores that are needed. This means that we cannot set any definitive level for NDB I scores. However, scores below 84 for NDB Part I are seldom competitive. That said, it is not only scores that count. All applications are carefully read and evaluated on their own merits.
The TOEFL iBT test (Internet based test with a spoken language section) is mandatory. You will need to have a minimal total score on the iBT test of 94, and a minimum of 20 in each one of the four sections. Please remember that your application will NOT be processed if your score is below 94 and/or 20 in any subsection.
Follow up Question: Why are you so strict with the TOEFL score?
In a recent article in the Journal of Dental Education (Lisa E. Itaya, David W. Chambers, and Patricia A. King. Analyzing the Influence of Admissions Criteria and Cultural Norms on Success in an International Dental Studies Program J Dent Educ. 2008 72: 317-328), data was discussed that stated that one of the more predictive admissions criteria for success is the TOEFL score or language skills. By being strict with the language requirement, we indicate that it is important. The better your English communication skills are, the better your chances to do well are. Return to top
15. My NDB I score is "this". Will that be enough to be accepted or should I retake it?
Please see answer to question 14. Also, since this is a competitive program the higher your score on the NDB I examination is the better it is. A higher score definitely increases your chances to be invited to an interview. But as said above, it is not only scores that count. In the name of fairness to all applicants we do not do pre-evaluations of scores and/or CVs.
Follow-up Question: I will be in Minneapolis next week. Can I meet with you and discuss the program?
We are trying to be as fair as possible so we do not meet with any future candidates until they may get an interview. This is a public or state school so you would not be stopped, if you wanted to see the school. However, you cannot enter any of the clinical areas. Dr. Berthold will not meet with you for what we call a “pre-interview” even if you happen to be visiting the school. It would not be fair and our time does not allow this.
Follow-up Question: I have heard that no detailed NDB scores will be reported by ADA starting 2010. There will only be a reporting of PASS or FAIL. Is this true?
No. The starting date has been postponed until 2012. Return to top
16. I have specialty training in my home country. Will that increase my chances?
It does not automatically increase your chances. But there could be a situation where this education is valuable for your ranking. Return to top
17. I have specialty training from the US. Will that increase my chances?
It might increase your chances. Return to top
18. Are Letters of Recommendation needed?
We do not request Letters of Recommendation. If you already have letters, we suggest that you include them. However, they will not make a big difference. Return to top
19. Is it only scores that count towards an acceptance?
Scores (NDB PI and TOEFL), previous grades (and calculated GPA), your personal statement, and experiences in your new country and home country are the most important parts for the initial review and to be granted an interview. The interview is very important and it is mandatory to present yourself for an interview if invited. Remember that you must bring all original documents to the interview. Return to top
20. Do you have a bench test on the interview day?
No. We do not request a bench test. Return to top
21. I submitted my application a while ago and I have not heard from you. What do I do now?
We have many applications and it takes some time to review them and to discuss them in the committee. We are trying to review the applications as fast as we can and make decisions on interviews. Applications received in the April of 2009 will be reviewed and discussed by the committee in May/June. Interviews may start as early as in July 2009. Please allow us about 6-8 weeks to respond to your submitted application.
Please, see the application form and/or the website for the application dead line in 2009. Our goal is to have all responses sent out by the end of December 2009 or January 2010. Return to top
22. Do you have a rolling enrollment or do you wait until all interviews are completed and then make your decisions?
We have combination of both these processes. That means that some individuals may be offered a position earlier than others. We will not fill all positions before the end of the application period and not until after the last interview. The last member of the current Junior class that started in April 2009, was interviewed on one of the last days we had interviews. The year before the last interviewee got accepted.
Follow-up question: Does this mean that if I am in an early interview group and I am not offered admissions my chances are gone?
No your chances are not gone. Applicants that are not among the earlier admitted students will still be on the list of possible students. Look at it this way; the first groups of interviewees may be very good. That does not necessarily mean that the next groups will be as good. In this situation your application may rise to the top. As the saying is: It is not over until it is over. Many applicants can attest to this. Return to top
23. What will the cost be?
This is a short question but demands a much longer answer. All financial information that is available will be given during the interview day. However, the cost is about the same as that of similar programs across the country. We are not the most expensive program. We are actually somewhere in the middle of the schools offering advanced standing programs.
But here are some details to consider. Schools report the cost in several different ways. This is because the cost is divided in tuition, school fees, university fees, and health insurance. In addition there are costs for books, transportation and living costs. A state school is also dependant on the legislators’ budget allocation to its universities. This will have an impact on how much a university might increase the cost. We do not get this information until rather late and the University fees are not always decided on early. The cost for the Summer Course is always set a year before since it falls in the previous budget year.
A common way of reporting the cost is tuition plus “kit”. Kit is rarely, if ever, defined but usually includes instrument rental or purchase. Thus the combined tuition and “kit” cost for the Junior year of PASS Class 2010 (Summer 08, Fall 08 and Spring 09) was $69,581. In addition, there are other school and University fees. However, they rarely exceed more than a couple of thousand dollars. Health insurance is mandatory but can be waived, if a spouse has insurance that covers the student. Living cost is an individual choice that will depend on area and size of living quarters. The second year (Senior year) is usually a bit less costly since the summer tuition does not include the special Summer course.
We operate on a three-semester basis. The good part of that is that eligible students may apply for federal student loans for the Summer semester of the year they start studying. Return to top
24. If I have been accepted at another school but prefer the University of Minnesota but I have not heard from you, what do I do?
In that special situation, we suggest that you e-mail or call us and we will give you the information we have regarding your status.
Follow-up questions: What do I do if the answer is that there is no decision yet?
I always say: “Do not gamble with your future”. If you are one of the lucky ones to get accepted in a program, I would not count on something that has not yet been decided. Return to top
25. My spouse is also a dentist and is applying for your program and we want to go to the same school. Can we both be accepted the same year?
A spouse will not automatically be accepted if the other is accepted. It is a competitive program and each person will be evaluated on his/her own merits. Return to top
26. Does the University of Minnesota offer any scholarships for PASS students?
The University of Minnesota does not have any scholarships for PASS students. You might be eligible for federal student loans pending your visa status. US Citizens and Resident Aliens (permanent residents), commonly called Green Card holders, are eligible for federal student loans. Permanent residents may have to meet some additional criteria that will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the government. Return to top
27. Can I get student loans for the Summer course?
Yes, but you must eligible for federal student loans. You can apply once the summer session starts. You are matriculated with your new classmates and you take Junior didactic and some laboratory courses with them.
If you are accepted, you must pay most of the Summer education cost in advance to secure your position. These payments are spread over several months. Applicants accepted in the latter part of the process will have shorter time for these payments. Eligible students can apply for loans and be reimbursed once school has started and even before that. You get all information in the interview sessions. If you decide to accept another school’s offer, the down payment will not be reimbursed for any other reasons than personal hardship including sever illness and death in the family. Those situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Return to top
28. Why do I have to pay this money before the classes start?
We request a down payment from you to hold your seat. We have had students forfeiting several thousands of dollars when they were accepted at the school of their first choice. If a student drops out late in the process, we may not be able to replace that student. Unfortunately, if we cannot replace someone who withdraws late in the process, we may face a financial deficit. It also leads to a lot more work to finalize a class. That is why you have to submit almost the entire Summer cost over several months before classes start. Return to top
29. I have plans to take off between 2-3 weeks for personal reasons during the Summer session and into the Fall. Will this have any major impact on my studies at your school?
We strongly advice you to not make plans to take off time during the Summer session and/or during the Junior year. You will have mandatory course work and attendance. Your future of a graduation on time may be in jeopardy. In some situations, you might have to spend another session at school. We recommend that you either take care of any personal issues before you start or after you have graduated, if this is at all possible.
We are fully aware that illness and accidents may strike at any time. We also understand that you may need a personal day for private business. We will always do our best to assist you and make it as easy as possible whatever happens. Return to top
30. I was not invited for an interview. I think I deserved one. Please tell me the reasons why I was rejected to help me prepare for the future.
Unique training opportunities attract many, many applicants. We regret that we cannot possibly interview each and every applicant. We focus our interviews on the strongest candidates and we base that decision on our review of the submitted applications. We look closely at each and every application and consider a combination of factors, including GPA, TOEFL, and NDB Part I scores; personal statements; and applicants’ personal and professional experience. This thorough procedure allows for an effective admission process. We are keeping down travel and housing expenses for candidates that we deem non-competitive at this time. It is the profile of the total applicant pool that determines an individual application’s competitiveness.
We do realize that this can be disappointing and a hardship. Experience tells us, however, that each year brings new opportunities. You can increase your chances in the future by taking a critical look at your application and start working to strengthen it. Generally speaking, higher test scores increase an application’s competitiveness.
Our program’s policy is not to discuss further the specific reasons an individual candidate was not invited for an interview or was not accepted after an interview. Our criteria and a description of the process are listed on the website and on this page of FAQ's.
Follow-up question: I got a letter saying that; at this time I was not selected for an interview but my application would still be under consideration. What does this mean?
It really means that your application was not fully competitive at that point in the process but it was very close. There are always competitive applicants who either decline an interview or who do not proceed to further consideration. There are also those who will withdraw after being offered acceptance. Under those circumstances your application may move into the group that will be called for an interview.
However, once we send out a decline letter that application is closed for the year.
Follow-up question: If I am in this group and I have not been offered an interview, but I have not gotten a decline letter either, can I retake some exams and submit new scores before the application deadline?
We will not revaluate an application. We base our scoring and evaluation on the first application we receive. So the answer is no, we will not revaluate an application. That would not be fair to other applicants. Our time would not permit a process like that. Return to top
31. I have already submitted my application. When will I hear from you? What is going on?
We will acknowledge receipt of the application within 48 - 72 hours via email. Applications for the class starting 2010 should be submitted after April 15, 2009. We will start the evaluation in late April. The first interviews may be held as early as July 2009. If you will be invited for an interview, we will inform you at least two weeks before the interview whenever possible. Most correspondence will be via regular mail or in important situations by express mail (e.g., FedEx). We may use email in some situations. Please see also FAQ 22. Return to top
32. You ask us to put our name on the check/money order. Why do you need that?
We ask you to do this as a security mechanism. It is very common that we get checks signed by someone other than the applicant. Please, put the applicant’s name in the MEMO line at the bottom of the check, or at the top on the left side of the check. Make sure that the applicant’s name is included on the money order. Otherwise, it could be very time consuming or impossible to identify who the applicant is. Return to top
33. Is it an advantage to submit my application early?
It is always a good idea to submit your application early. We received a large portion of applications during the last 10 days of the application period. Since you know how we handle the applications and admissions process, it is clear that it is better to submit earlier than later. However, if you are taking or retaking an exam you should wait until the application is complete. See also FAQ 30 Follow-up question. Return to top
34. I hear that you have a waiting list after interviews and admissions have been completed. Does it ever happen that anybody from the waiting list gets accepted?
One might think that if you are accepted, you will never give up your seat. However, life situations change and during my years as director of a PASS program, we have had students accepted from the waiting list almost every year. Some years it can be as many as 5 applicants. Since there are more programs available today then 10 years ago many students will change their minds during the process when other options become available. See above FAQ 28. Return to top
35. Why do you ask all these questions about work and working permit?
Over the years we have had several applicants that have worked illegally in the US, even practiced dentistry without a license and on an expired visa. Each visa has its limitations and regulations. If a candidate appears for an interview and is in violation of the applicable visa regulations, we all are put in a very precarious situation.
Follow-up question: Are you some kind of immigration enforcer?
We are not but we must, as well as you, follow the laws of the country. It is that simple. Return to top
36. Do I need to be a US citizen or be a permanent resident (Green Card holder) to apply to your PASS program.
No, you do not need to have any special visa status or citizenship. Every year we have applicants with various visa situations. The University has a special office and people that are very good at helping us with visa questions. Return to top
37. If I am currently on an F-1/H-1 visa and studying/working in the US, is there something I should be aware of?
It takes time to process a change of visa status, or transfer of a visa (F-1) from one school to another. Thus you should apply as early as possible to give maximum time for the admissions process, visa request and/or a change of status or school, if you are accepted. In some situations you may have to return to your home country and request an interview at the embassy and then apply for a student visa. See FAQ 33.
Follow-up question: I am on a J-1 visa. Does the same apply for me?
It certainly does. However, there might be other visa stipulations with the J-1 visa that might make the situation difficult or even more difficult. Please, check with your current employer and/or the state department what stipulations there are between your home country and the US regarding J-1 visas. Return to top
38. I am currently studying for a Masters degree at a US college. My program does not end until mid May. Can I still get accepted?
The most important time is in the beginning of the program and that cannot be missed. Also, if you have started another program it is a good idea to finish it. A degree will always be more valuable than leaving a program without finishing it. Return to top
39. Do I have any advantage as a re-applicant?
No, you do not. We strongly urge you to take a good look at your application if you were not called for an interview, or if you did not receive an acceptance after being interviewed.
You should look at your application as if you were on the admissions committee for a competitive program and you had to make the often very hard decisions. We strongly urge you to improve your application and that can be done in many ways. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why is my application (and/or interview) not competitive?
- Is my NDB PI score good enough?
- Could my TOEFL score be better?
- Did I fully understand the interviewer?
- Did I answer the interviewer’s questions, or did I just say what I had prepared to say?
- What have I done since I came to the US?
- What will make me stand out above the others?
- Is my personal statement telling about me or does it make me look like all other applicants?
- What can I do to make my application look neater and better?
- Do I have additional credentials since my last application?
It is important that an application looks neat and is well prepared. Your application is a reflection of you, the applicant, for a profession where neatness and details are important. Do not submit an application where your handwriting is not clearly readable. Type the application or print neatly. Follow the instructions. Don’t scratch out some writing and add something else. Start all over instead.
Do not cut and paste your statement from other documents using different fonts or font sizes. When you write your statement, always use the checking and grammar functions on your word processor. Make sure it is set for English spell checking.
There are a few things you should not do: Do not call us or email us and request that we re-evaluate your application, do not call any of the interviewers and tell them that you are much better than they think. Finally, do not request reasons and explanations for why you were not interviewed/accepted. Our policy is that we will not do this for anyone. Also, we will not preview any applications or CVs. And do not just show up to argue your case. Return to top
Follow-up question: I have been told that if I do not mark that I am a re-applicant, you will not find out and my chances might be different.
Don’t get fooled. We will find out. We keep very good records. Return to top
40. I have just suggested including you and others at your school in “My Circle of Friends” or in a “Twitter” group. Wasn’t that a good idea?
No. That is not a good idea. We cannot be part of anything like that. It is inappropriate and not appreciated. Be sure of removing our email addresses, if you submit several addresses to any Internet service of this nature. Return to top
41. I have noticed that you use both “semesters” and “sessions”. Why is that?
Our curriculum and academic periods do not stretch across the traditional health institutions’ two-semester boundaries. We use the word sessions sometimes synonymously with semester. We have three semesters, Summer, Fall, and Spring. However, you will still have traditional vacation breaks in the summer and at the end of the year. Return to top
42. I have received an email stating that my application was incomplete what does that mean?
We receive many incomplete applications and we will notify you if it is incomplete. You need to submit the missing documents or information immediately. We will not wait for weeks. We do not want you think that this is a way to be able to retake an exam and later submit a better score (See also FAQ 30).
If the scores on the application form do not match the submitted documentation or documentation submitted a week after you having received the notification that your application is incomplete, the application will not be processed. We will not return incomplete applications even if you never submit the requested information. To keep complete records we will archive those applications with all other applications after a year.
43. Is there anything in particular that is most often missing?
Yes. We need both sides of the TOEFL form. The backside is often missing.
Certificates of internships are also often missing. Some countries with a 4-year dental education have a mandatory one-year internship (houseman ship) before a final diploma will be granted. Other countries will grant a diploma even if an internship has not been completed. Applicants with a 4-year education need to show proof of completion of an internship after graduation. A year’s private practice is not acceptable.
We do not accept provisional diplomas. Return to top
44. I did not get accepted last year and I want to reapply. Do I need to submit all documentations again?
This question is not easy to answer. In the past, you only had to send in the current year’s application form, anything in addition to what you had already submitted such as new scores, additional work experience etc, and the application fee.
If we will be joining CAAPID in the future (see FAQ #2) you would need to follow those instructions and resubmit everything asked for. Return to top
45. I submitted my application yesterday by FedEx and I have no heard from you yet, should I call you or email you to make sure you got it?
No. You should not call or email us until after 72 hours, if you have not heard from us before then. We will contact you and let you know that your application has been received before 72 hours after we received it. Also you have a tracking number so you can look up on the Internet exactly when it got here. Return to top
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