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How to Apply - DDS

Steps for AADSAS (What is AADSAS?)

  1. The AADSAS applications are available online on June 1, 2009.
  2. At the same time you submit your application online, you should request official transcripts to be sent to AADSAS.  Without your transcripts, AADSAS will not process your application.
  3. Once you submit online, it takes 4-6 weeks for the University of Michigan to receive your application from AADSAS.
  4. Currently, Michigan does not participate in the AADSAS online application status service.

Steps for the University of Michigan

  1. A $50 application fee is required.  Please send the application fee directly to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Office of Admissions Rm G226, 1011 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078  at the same time you submit your AADSAS application.  Please make your check payable to the University of Michigan.
  2. Request that official DAT scores be made available to the University of Michigan. Canadian DAT scores are also accepted.
  3. Letters of recommendation should be submitted online via AADSAS. If necessary, you may send letters directly to the School, but we prefer letters submitted through AADSAS.
  4. Once we receive the AADSAS application, application fee, letters of recommendation and official DAT scores, your application will be considered complete and ready for review.

Selection Factors

Overall, each application is carefully reviewed with special attention to scholastic achievement, character, and personality, in addition to the categories noted below.  Admission criteria are applied equally to all applicants regardless of race, sex, creed, age, or national origin.  Applications are encouraged from women, veterans, and students with diverse backgrounds.

GRADES
The cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the prerequisite science GPA are closely evaluated, as they are a strong indicator of academic success in dental school.  The Admissions Committee will examine grades for consistency, minimal repeated or withdrawn courses. A letter grade is required for all prerequisite courses.  Currently, the average GPA of our entering class is 3.5, with a science GPA of 3.3.

DENTAL ADMISSIONS TEST (DAT)
This test, given by the American Dental Association, examines several areas:  perceptual ability, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension and the survey of natural sciences (biology/general chemistry/organic chemistry).  Scores range from 0-30.  To be considered competitive, an applicant should have scores at or above 19 in all areas of the test.  More information can be found at www.ada.org.

EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES
It is expected that candidates will exhibit a confirmed interest and motivation in a dental career by participating in career-related activities such as job shadowing, community service and other volunteer opportunities.  Candidates who show a demonstrated interest in addressing health disparities or commitment to service and care for underserved communities are desirable.

A candidate’s professionalism and maturity, which are strongly considered, may be revealed by significant life experiences and accomplishments. 

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As your application is reviewed, the committee may request more information such as current semester grades or new DAT scores.  We will promptly contact you if such a request is made.

INTERVIEWS
Each year we interview approximately 300 candidates, beginning in early fall and ending in the winter semester.  Interviews are by personal invitation only.   Should you be invited, you will be asked to send official transcripts from all schools/colleges attended to us at that time.  Official transcripts are those which are sent directly from your school Registrar to our Admissions Office.  

Admissions Decisions

The earliest a candidate can expect to be notified of their acceptance is December 1.  After December 1, we follow a ‘rolling admission’, and decisions will continue until the class is full.

If offered admission, the candidate will be required to submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $1,500 to matriculate and reserve a seat in the class.  The deposit will be applied towards the first term tuition.  Matriculated students must complete a physical exam and immunization requirements before the fall semester, and are also required to attend the School’s new student orientation.

Some candidates may be offered an alternate position.  We maintain an unranked alternate list each year so that if the class falls below capacity, we may select an alternate for that seat.  In some years, a few students are moved into the class from the alternate list, while in other years, no candidates have been selected.

For candidates who are refused or not selected from the alternate list, the School will keep your application for one calendar year.  If a student reapplies, we will merge the old with the new application.

What is AADSAS?

The School of Dentistry is a member of the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), which is the national application service used by most US (and some Canadian) dental schools.  The application is only offered online and the University of Michigan's deadline is December 1.  This is the date by which your application must be received by AADSAS.  For the 2010 application cycle, our application fee is $50. Find out more at  www.adea.org