Should You Apply to the Hardest Dental Schools to Get Into?

Understanding the Challenge

For many aspiring dentists, the allure of prestigious dental schools like Harvard, UCLA, and the University of Michigan is undeniable. These institutions offer world-class education, access to cutting-edge research, and strong alumni networks—but they also have some of the most competitive admissions processes in the country.

So, should you apply to the hardest dental schools to get into? The answer depends on your academic profile, career goals, and personal motivation. Let’s explore what makes a dental school “hard to get into,” the pros and cons of applying to top-tier programs, and how you can build a competitive edge through experiences like pre-dental internships abroad.

What Makes a Dental School "Hard to Get Into"?

Dental school admissions are selective across the board, but top schools often set the bar even higher with:

1. High average DAT scores and GPAs: 

For example, UCLA’s School of Dentistry typically admits students with DAT scores above 22 and GPAs over 3.7.

2. Low acceptance rates: 

Some programs accept less than 5% of applicants.

3. Strong emphasis on research and academic prestige: 

Institutions like Harvard and UCSF prioritize candidates who show leadership and a passion for innovation.

4. Rigorous interviews and holistic reviews: 

Top schools often assess character, communication skills, and real-world exposure to dentistry.

If you’re aiming for one of these schools, you need more than academic excellence—you need a standout story.

Benefits of Applying to Competitive Dental Schools

Even if your odds seem slim, there are compelling reasons to include top-tier schools in your application list:

1. Academic Rigor and Resources

Elite dental schools offer access to advanced clinical training, research labs, and interdisciplinary opportunities. You’ll learn from leaders in the field and use cutting-edge tools that shape the future of oral healthcare.

2. Prestige and Career Opportunities

Graduating from a highly ranked dental program can open doors to competitive residencies, faculty positions, and leadership roles. The name recognition can enhance your resume worldwide.

3. Motivation to Excel

Preparing for the toughest schools can push you to elevate your entire application—boosting your DAT score, strengthening your personal statement, and pursuing more impactful extracurriculars like a global health internship in Tanzania or Kenya through Go Elective.

Risks and Realities of Targeting Only Top-Tier Dental Schools

Of course, applying only to the hardest dental schools has its drawbacks:

1. High Rejection Rates

Even with excellent credentials, there’s no guarantee of admission. Many highly qualified students are turned away simply due to limited seats.

2. Application Costs

Applying to multiple top-tier programs can be expensive. Between AADSAS fees, DAT prep, and interview travel, the costs add up fast.

3. Time and Emotional Investment

The process is stressful. Waiting for interview invites or rejection letters from your dream schools can delay your ability to pivot toward realistic options.

4. Missed Opportunities Elsewhere

Placing all your focus on the hardest schools might cause you to overlook excellent programs with slightly lower rankings but strong clinical training, community engagement, and mentorship.

Smart Strategy: Balance Reach with Realism

A balanced dental school application list typically includes:

• Reach schools (e.g., Harvard, Columbia, UCSF): Apply if you meet the averages or have a compelling narrative.
• Target schools: Programs where your GPA and DAT are within range, and your experiences align with their mission.
• Safety schools: Accredited programs with higher acceptance rates where your stats exceed the average applicant.

You can still aim high—just don’t place all your bets on prestige alone.

Build a Competitive Edge: Clinical Internships and Real-World Experience

Whether you apply to Columbia or a smaller regional school, real-world experience in diverse dental settings can set you apart.

Participating in a pre-dental internship abroad through Go Elective allows you to:

• Shadow dentists and oral surgeons in high-volume public hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania
• Understand oral healthcare challenges in low-resource settings
• Develop cross-cultural communication skills
• Reflect on your experience in your dental school personal statement or interview

Guided hands-on exposure like this demonstrates maturity, global awareness, and a deep commitment to the profession—traits top schools are looking for.

Should You Still Apply?

In short, yes—if your academic profile is competitive and you feel genuinely called to a program’s mission, applying to one or two highly selective dental schools can be worthwhile. Just make sure to also apply to a strong mix of programs that align with your stats and values.

And no matter where you apply, make your application memorable. Use your personal statement to show what drives you. Highlight meaningful clinical exposure and be honest about what you hope to contribute to the field of dentistry.

Final Thoughts

Applying to the hardest dental schools is a bold move, but it doesn’t have to be your only strategy. Focus on creating a strong, balanced application—and supplement it with impactful experiences like a global Go Elective internship that shows your dedication to service and learning.

No matter your destination, your journey into dentistry starts with the right preparation—and the courage to dream big, backed by real-world action.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 17, 2025