Good evening Predents...I apologize again for my absence. I know you're all stressed with school and the future and so, I'm going to try to make myself more available to you. As summer is approaching, so is the application cycle. The cycle opens on June 2, 2014!!! Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the date: 1. Start considering which professor you want to have write your recommendation letter. When you do, ask them if they are willing to write you a recommendation letter for dental school. Be sure to give them a deadline (about 6 - 8 weeks), as writing a letter of rec is time consuming. Plus, they are doing you a favor. 2. Start writing your personal statement. A strong personal statement doesn't happen over night. It takes weeks, maybe even months to prepare. A personal statement addresses three questions: - Why do you want to be a dentist? - What experiences have prepared you for a career in dentistry? - What qualities/abilities do you have that will help you be a good dentist? Be aware that you're going to write many different drafts and many different versions of this statement. Be honest and concise...no need to be wordy. Once you're happy with the results, have a professional proofreader review it. It's important to demonstrate professionalism and respect for the application process and the people involved. 3. Check this link for some tips on the application process: http://www.adea.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=23272 So Predents, start addressing these three points in your spare time. You can find more info reading about AADSAS and the application requirements here: http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Applicants/Pages/default.aspx I'm here to help but you are going to have to put in some effort if you want to get in. So take the initiative. Cheers, Elnaz