Admissions FAQ's
To assist you in navigating the application process and understanding our guidelines, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This section provides detailed answers on many topics including eligibility, requirements, submission deadlines, and general policy. Reviewing these FAQs is highly recommended.
Major and GPA FAQ
Does majoring in Biology or Chemistry improve my chances of being accepted into dental school?
- No. While many of our students choose majors such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, many others do not.
- We recognize that students from various academic backgrounds (e.g., physiology, neuroscience, health sciences) often complete advanced science coursework. Therefore, our admissions committee considers your entire academic record.
- There is no required undergraduate major for admission. However, because our curriculum is academically rigorous and science-focused, we encourage applicants who are not science majors to take additional upper-level science courses beyond the prerequisites.
I’m pursuing a non-science major. Do many applicants come from a similar background?
- Although the majority of our students major in the sciences, we also admit students from diverse academic backgrounds who have followed a variety of paths to enrollment.
- Applicants are encouraged to choose a major that aligns with their interests. However, those who do not pursue a science major are strongly encouraged to take additional coursework in biology and chemistry beyond the minimum requirements, as the admissions committee looks for strong, consistent performance in upper-level science courses.
What GPA is required to be considered for admission?
- You must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a minimum 3.0 Science GPA, as calculated by ADEA AADSAS, for admission consideration.
- Exceptions to the undergraduate minimum GPA's are given to all applicants who have completed the equivalent of two semesters of full-time graduate coursework.
- Our admissions committee considers a minimum of 18 completed graduate credit hours as meeting the equivalent of two full-time semesters of graduate coursework.
- Note: If you are enrolled in a post-baccalaureate or post-graduate program that involves taking undergraduate-level coursework, AADSAS will not classify that as graduate coursework.
- Note: AADSAS calculates your undergraduate and graduate courses separately.
- If you have any questions about whether a specific course will be verified at the undergraduate or graduate level, please consult AADSAS support directly at 617-612-2045.
- No other exceptions will be made to our GPA minimum requirement.
What GPA do I need to be considered competitive?
- The fall 2024 incoming student overall GPA was 3.70
- The fall 2024 incoming student total science GPA was 3.64
- Important: Candidates who do not meet these specific metrics will still be considered, as our admitted students have a wide range of GPAs, including those with 4.0s and 3.0s.
- Historical average GPAs can be found in the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s Survey of Dental Education.
How does AADSAS calculate my overall and science GPAs?
When considering my grades to meet GPA minimums for admission requirements, do you look at grading with +/- grades, or without +/- grades?
- We only consider AADSAS grading with +/- grades.
I repeated a course for a higher grade, does your school average both grades into my GPA?
- We receive all grades directly from AADSAS, the centralized application service. AADSAS will show both grades, and both will become part of your overall GPA.
Should I repeat courses in which I did not do well, even though I passed them?
- No, this is generally not helpful. Students are typically expected to perform well if they retake a course, and the Admissions Committee usually does not view repeating a course as particularly impressive.
I have an overall and/or science GPA of 2.99. Since this is just below your minimum, am I still eligible for consideration?
- No. Both your overall GPA and science GPA must be 3.0 or higher, as reported in the AADSAS portal, by the application deadline.
- Applications that do not meet these minimums by the deadline will not be considered. The only exception is for applicants who have completed the equivalent of two full-time semesters of graduate coursework (18 graduate credit hours).
- We cannot make any other exceptions to the minimum GPA requirements.
I did not meet the minimum GPA requirements for consideration. Would enrolling in a master’s or post-baccalaureate program help strengthen my application?
- If your GPA does not meet our minimum requirements for consideration, we encourage you to carefully evaluate whether dentistry is the right career path, as our curriculum relies heavily on a strong science foundation.
- When deciding between a master’s degree and a post-baccalaureate program, we generally recommend pursuing a master’s degree. This way, if dental school does not work out, you will still have earned a graduate degree.
- We also encourage candidates to select a program that advances their overall educational and professional goals, regardless of whether they are admitted to our DDS program.
I did not meet your minimum GPA requirements. Would taking additional undergraduate courses or completing a master’s degree help strengthen my application?
- When deciding between pursuing a master’s degree or taking additional undergraduate courses, we generally recommend a master’s degree. This approach ensures that, even if dental school does not work out, the candidate will still have a graduate degree.
Can I take courses at multiple colleges or universities and have them considered for admission?
- Yes, you may take courses at more than one college or university and have them considered for admission.
- When submitting your application, be sure to send all academic transcripts directly to AADSAS.
- Important: Do not send transcripts to our admissions office, as they will not be reviewed. All transcripts must be submitted through AADSAS.
Does the admissions committee place special emphasis on the GPA for my last 60 credit hours?
- No, we do not give special emphasis to the GPA for your last 60 credit hours.
- Our admissions committee uses a holistic review process, considering your entire academic record rather than giving extra weight to any specific portion of your undergraduate coursework.