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Learn about requirements, competition, interview process, and crafting a standout personal statement for dentistry school. Understand the holistic approach to selection and develop key communication skills.
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Getting into Competitive SubjectsDENTISTRY Dr Simon Wood BChD Admissions Tutor Leeds Dental Institute University of Leeds Dr Duncan Wood Admissions Tutor School of Clinical Dentistry University of Sheffield
Dentistry – Typical Entry Requirements • 6+ GCSEs (inc Maths and English at Grade C; Biol and Chem or Dual Sci) • 3 A2 levels: Grades AAB (must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry) • UKCAT (most, but not all Dental Schools) Graduate qualifications are also considered (eg. 2.1(Hons) or higher in a life science.
How competitive is it? • Nationally: < 2.5 applicants for each place. (UCAS Website) • Those with predicted minimum requirements is probably less than 2 applicants per place. • What is the problem?
At Sheffield… • Over 1000 applicants for 75 places. At Leeds… • Approx 1400 applicants for 85 places (81 Home/EU; 4 International). • Therefore the selection procedure is tough and sometimes blunt.
Facts & Figures • 1000+ applicants • 300-350 interviews • 200-220 offers • 100-110 accepts • 75 meeting the requirements
Problems for Selectors • Pressure to hit targets. • If we overshoot… • If we undershoot…
Problems for Selectors • Increasing number of graduate applications • Increasing number of ‘post qualification’ applications
Problems for Selectors • Working with unreliable predicted grades (Schwartz report) • Selecting from high achievers • No AS (A1) results
Problems for Selectors • Should we concentrate on academic achievement or academic potential? • Widening Participation • Obstacles to achievement
A Holistic approach… • Difficult because: • Each student must be assessed fully, with strong, supported evidence. • Time • Weight given to each criteria
Selection for interview: • GCSE Results • Predicted A2 grades • Academic Reference • Personal Statement (non-academic achievements) • Academic Potential • UKCAT (not currently required at Leeds)
Personal Statement: • Demonstrates knowledge of profession, work experience. • Demonstrates leadership skills, team working. • Demonstrates motivation: Sports, work, voluntary work, dedicated to interest or hobby.
What makes a good Personal Statement? • Assessment of Statements.
The Interview • ~15 mins; structured. • 3 panel members. • Predetermined list of questions (motivation, social awareness, responsibility, interests). • Opportunity to ask questions • Panel scores individually and then agree an overall subjective rating for the applicant.
Motivation to study Dentistry at a particular School Understands the demands of HE Can demonstrate self motivation Explains why this School is their preferred option. Is knowledgeable about the course, school, university and city.
Communication Skills • Answers questions • Doesn’t gabble • Articulate • Engaging • Can argue when appropriate