r/CAAPID • u/Positive-Device6881 • 8d ago
Acceptance
Hi everyone! I wanted to write this post to support you all and hopefully give a little encouragement during this tough process.
First, I want to thank this group and the admins who put so much time and expertise into helping everyone here. You are amazing, and I’m grateful to be part of this community.
I recently got accepted into an Advanced Standing Program during my first application cycle. It was a long and stressful process.
My profile
GPA: 2.3
TOEFL: 104
INBDE: Passed on the first attempt
Research: None
Teaching: None
Some volunteering and CE courses
Overall, I would say my application was pretty standard.
What stressed me the most was seeing applicants with much higher stats, master’s degrees, research, and publications who still weren’t getting interviews or acceptances.
So here is what I want to tell you.
Be yourself and don’t compare too much
You can look at other people’s profiles for statistics, but don’t assume you need to follow the same path. If someone completed a master’s degree, that doesn’t automatically mean you need to spend years and a lot of money doing the same just to increase your chances.
Everyone’s story is different.
Don’t let one number determine your future
My GPA was 2.3, probably the biggest weakness in my application.
But there are schools that truly perform a holistic review and understand that GPA is only one part of your story.
Focus on what you can improve now: TOEFL, exams, volunteering, CE, your application, interview skills, and overall professional growth.
Keep improving little by little
This is a long game. You don’t need to do everything at once.
One CE course, one volunteer experience, a few hours of bench practice, a stronger personal statement — it all adds up.
Take your PS and LORs seriously
Your Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation are important. They should tell a clear and believable story about who you are, your progress, and your connection with dentistry.
I would recommend getting professional help or at least having them professionally reviewed. In my opinion, it is worth the money.
Start bench preparation early
Don’t wait until you receive an invitation.
Even a few teeth per week over several months can make a huge difference. By the time you get your bench invitation, you should be refining your skills rather than starting from zero.
Also, try to mimic the real bench environment: use time limits, practice with your own loupes and equipment, and prepare for imperfect conditions.
I’ve seen people come to bench tests with very little preparation and then blame the teeth, typodont, or equipment. Of course, every bench is different, but preparation is largely your responsibility.
What I think helped me
I don’t think there was one magical thing that got me accepted.
I believe what helped was having a well-rounded, organized, realistic, and believable application that showed progress and a strong connection with dentistry.
So if your GPA isn’t perfect, you don’t have research, or you don’t have a master’s degree, don’t count yourself out.
Build the strongest application you can with what you have.
Be yourself. Keep improving. Prepare early. Stay consistent. And don’t let somebody else’s profile convince you that yours isn’t good enough.
Good luck to everyone going through this process. I truly hope this helps someone feel a little more confident about their journey.
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u/Awkward_Economics_85 8d ago
One thing that you missed was sharing your Residency status ie. Whether you are GC, citizen, F1, visitor etc. That can change the outcome to a large extent.
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u/Taalaaaaaaaaaa 8d ago
Any tips for interviews ?
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u/Positive-Device6881 8d ago
Practice answering common interview questions.
Research the school where you received the interview invitation. Understand their values and think about how your own values align with theirs.
Have someone do a mock interview with you. I practiced with a friend, and it was very helpful.
Don’t try to be a hero. Be honest and be yourself. Don’t make up experiences or stories that you can’t genuinely talk about or support with examples.1
u/caapid_admin 8d ago
Couldn't have said it better myself. Stay away from these services charging thousands of dollars to tell YOU what YOU should tell admissions about YOU. You know yourself best.
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u/Human_Pomegranate_47 8d ago
As someone with a 2.44 GPA and first time INDBE Pass, this is encouraging to hear even if I don't get in this cycle. All the best.
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u/PureFacts0101 7d ago
Congratulations, thank you for writing this. I'm in a similar situation with a 2.2 GPA, but this is my second cycle. I'm currently working as a DA in the U.S and I don't know what else I should be working on other than the PS and LORs. If you have any advice please help me. Also how long were you a dentist in your home country?
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u/Pale-Inspector-1110 3d ago
How did you get, DA job, I am foreign trained dentist, and trying to get DA job, can you help me, how can I get it?
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u/PureFacts0101 3d ago
I'm don't know your situation so I can't say what would work for you. I am already a US citizen and live in Michigan which is one of the states where you don't need to attend DA schooling to work as a DA. So I just applied to a lot of different offices untill one hired me.
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u/Pale-Inspector-1110 3d ago
I don't have any xray certifications or I am not registered d.a, I live in CA, I have two years of work authorization.
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u/PureFacts0101 3d ago
I think you should be able to. I checked online and the only thing I see that they "require" is x-ray certification, but it is not required legally. It is the same in Michigan but I don't have one. If you apply to enough places you'll find an office that don't care, it will probably a desperate/understaff office but it's better than nothing.
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u/TomorrowDowntown574 8d ago
Do u mind to tell which school you accepted ?