Profile For Success

The purpose of Profile for Success (PFS) is to assist junior and senior level college students and recent graduates through the admissions process for dental school. Program participants will also have an opportunity to increase their knowledge of career opportunities within dentistry.

PFS targets college juniors, seniors, recent graduates, or individuals making a career transition who are on track to enter dental school the academic year following their participation. Preparation for the DAT is the main focus of this program. Participants will spend the majority of their time in test preparatory classes or facilitated study groups. In addition to test preparation, students participate in admissions workshops, simulated clinical and lab experiences, panel discussions on health disparities and lectures about various careers in dentistry. Each participant is assigned a dental student mentor, and there are formal and informal opportunities for participants to interact with faculty and staff.

Travel to and from the University of Michigan, as well as on campus housing, is provided by the program for all participants. Participants will also receive a stipend to cover living expenses.

Admission to PFS is selective and highly competitive. Candidates selected to participate in PFS are expected to fully engage in, focus on, and commit to all activities for the duration of the program.

All program participants are required to live on campus during the program. Participants are expected to commit and engage in the learning process for the duration of the program.

Attendance is required for all program activities including but not limited to: pre-clinical experiences, courses, workshops, speaker presentations, and meetings with faculty, staff, and mentors. Additionally, some weekend and evening events are required to ensure maximum benefit from the program.

As a participant, you must commit to taking advantage of the various opportunities made available to facilitate your entry into the dental professions.

To be considered complete, an application submission must include the following:

• A 2-3 paragraph essay explaining how you qualify for PFS. Any documents that can support this statement.
• A list of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, English, Sociology, and Psychology course(s) you have completed and/or in which you are currently enrolled.
• An essay (500 word minimum) addressing the questions below:
  • What exposure have you had to the field of dentistry and how has this influenced you?
  • What are your goals as a health professional?
  • How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you?
  • Explain why you want to participate in this program and why we should select you as a participant.
  • What unique skills, qualities, or life experiences would you bring to a health profession?
• A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Three letters of recommendation. Two letters should be from science instructors/professors, and the third can be from an individual of your choice.
• Official college transcripts from each institution you have attended.

Q. If I am in the Profile for Success program, will I have the opportunity to take the DAT at the end of the program?
A. No. Each student will schedule their own DAT testing date.

Q. What might a typical day be like for the Profile for Success program?
A. PFS is an intensive, all-day program. A typical day consists of test preparatory courses, speaker presentations, and workshops. Participants are in session from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend events and activities are also scheduled.

Q. Will I be responsible for travel costs to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the Program?
A. No, the program staff will make travel arrangements for out of state students. In-state students make their own travel arrangements and receive mileage reimbursement at the end of the program.

Q. Will I have to live in the residence hall for the duration of the program, even if I live close to the School of Dentistry?
A. Yes, all program participants are required to live in the residence hall for the duration of the program.

Q. Do I have to remain at the program for the full length of time? What happens if I need to start late or leave early?
A. It is the responsibility of program participants to ensure that there are no scheduling conflicts during the PFS Program. Exceptions are rarely made for a participant to begin the program late or leave the program early.

Q. How close is the School of Dentistry to the residence hall?
A. The School of Dentistry is about a 10-12 minute walk from the Hill area residence halls.

Q. What does the stipend cover?
A. The stipend covers any non-housing, program travel or meal expenses that you incur during the program. However, it is your responsibility to budget your money according to your needs during that time.

Q. Do we receive a meal plan?
A. Yes. We provide flexible funds (Blue Bucks) for each student that can be used at all U-M Dining Centers, markets and cafés. Students are responsible for budgeting their meal funds.

Dress for the PFS program is generally classroom casual. However, no torn clothing, inappropriate shirts, revealing clothing, or headgear will be allowed at anytime. Students will spend several days shadowing faculty and students in the clinics and must dress appropriately. Participants should plan to bring clothing for a variety of temperatures. Spring in Michigan can be unpredictable.

Students should plan on dressing in professional business attire for several events/activities including the “Mock Admission MMI Interviews” which are practice admission interviews.

While observing in the clinics, student dress will consist of the program-provided U-M School of Dentistry scrub top and pants. Scrubs must be worn as a set. A clean program-provided clinic coat must be worn over the top of scrubs during all patient care and laboratory activities.