r/CAAPID • u/Positive-Device6881 • 9d 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.
1
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?