AADSAS Application Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
How to Submit a Polished, Competitive Dental School Application
Applying to dental school through AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) can feel like a full-time job. Between collecting transcripts, requesting letters of recommendation, writing your personal statement, and entering hours of coursework and experiences, it’s easy to make mistakes that could hold your application back.
At Dental School Declassified, we specialize in personalized dental school advising—helping students submit applications that stand out for all the right reasons. In this guide, we’re breaking down the top AADSAS do’s and don’ts so you can avoid common pitfalls and submit a strong, professional application.
✅ DO: Start Your AADSAS Application Early
The application opens in mid-May, and the earlier you submit, the better. Dental schools use rolling admissions, meaning seats fill up as applications come in.
Early submission = better chances at interviews.
What to do:
Create your AADSAS account before the cycle opens
Gather all necessary materials (transcripts, letters, test scores) ahead of time
Aim to submit by June or early July
🎯 Pro tip: Even if your DAT isn't taken yet, you can still submit your application and have your scores forwarded later.
❌ DON’T: Undervalue the Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your chance to show why dentistry is right for you—beyond grades and scores.
Avoid:
Generic statements (“I want to help people”)
Overused anecdotes
Repeating your resume
Do instead:
Share a story that shaped your desire to become a dentist
Highlight personal growth, values, and insights
Get professional feedback before submitting
🎯 Need help crafting your statement? Our tutors can help refine your voice while keeping it 100% authentic to you.
✅ DO: Enter Coursework and Hours Accurately
AADSAS requires detailed, manual entry of every course you've taken—so accuracy is key.
Tips:
Use your official transcript (not memory or DegreeWorks)
Double-check course titles, numbers, and grades
Classify your courses carefully (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics)
🎯 Pro tip: Use AADSAS's official Coursework Entry Guide to avoid classification mistakes that can delay verification.
❌ DON’T: Wait Too Long to Ask for Letters of Recommendation
Most dental schools require 3 letters—usually:
2 science professors
1 dentist or additional faculty member
Avoid these mistakes:
Asking last-minute
Asking someone who doesn’t know you well
Forgetting to follow up
What to do:
Ask early (spring semester or earlier)
Provide your CV or resume
Send a gentle reminder a few weeks before your deadline
🎯 Bonus tip: Don’t use more than 4 letters unless required—it can overwhelm admissions committees.
✅ DO: Be Strategic with Your Experiences
The Experiences section is your chance to show how you've explored dentistry, leadership, service, and research.
Tips:
Include shadowing, dental assisting, community service, research, and leadership roles
Use action verbs and quantifiable outcomes
Reflect on what you learned, not just what you did
🎯 Pro tip: Keep descriptions short but impactful—focus on impact and insight rather than task lists.
❌ DON’T: Submit Without a Final Review
Submitting too early without a final review can lead to:
Typos in your personal statement
Incorrect course entry
Overlooked program requirements
Before you submit:
Proofread every section
Review each program’s specific requirements
Ask a mentor or advisor to double-check your app
🎯 Need expert eyes? Our advisors specialize in final application reviews with tailored feedback—perfect for students who want personalized attention beyond what big companies offer.
🦷 Work With Experts Who’ve Been There
At Dental School Declassified, we’re a team of licensed dentists and experienced educators who have personally gone through the AADSAS process—and helped others do the same through individualized, boutique advising.
Whether you need:
Help choosing schools
Feedback on your personal statement
Final application review
DAT tutoring to improve your academic profile
We’re here to guide you every step of the way—with personalized support you won’t find with larger prep companies.
📌 Final Thoughts
Your AADSAS application is your first impression—and with the right preparation, it can be a powerful one. By planning ahead, focusing on details, and avoiding the most common mistakes, you can submit with confidence.
💬 Ready to make your application stand out? Book a one-on-one strategy session with Dental School Declassified today.
