FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What are the average grade point and DAT scores of the most recent entering class?
A. The 2011 entering class had an average GPA of 3.4 and average DAT scores of 19.

Q. Do you require a minimum GPA?
A. NJDS receives over 2,200 applications for approximately 90 seats. Competition is therefore intense and applicants with stronger credentials will be considered for interview.

Q. I am an international dentist and want to be licensed to practice in the United States?
A. UMDNJ-NJDS has established an advanced standing program for internationally trained dentists to earn Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree.

Q. How do I obtain an application?
A. NJDS participates in a Central Application service American Association of Dental Application Service (AADSAS). You must complete this application on line www.adea.org

Q. How do I receive information and an application for the Dental Admission Test?
A. Applications and information can be obtained from the American Dental Associations website www.ada.org

Q. When should I take the DAT?
A. You are encouraged to take the exam no later then August of the year prior to the year you intend to matriculate. Interviews cannot be granted until your DAT scores are received.

Q. Is there a supplemental application?
A. The New Jersey Dental School does not use a supplemental application, however there is a $85.00 application fee made payable to UMDNJ for the processing of your application. (NO CASH ACCEPTED) The $85.00 application fee should be sent directly to the school. New Jersey Dental School Office of Admissions, Room B829 110 Bergen Street Newark, NJ 07101

Q. Where do I send my transcripts and letters of recommendation?
A. Your credentials (transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be sent to AADSAS. They are not to be sent to NJDS.

Q. What is the status of my application? Is my file complete?
A. Please contact AADSAS directly.

Q. Am I eligible for financial aid?
A. Financial assistance is awarded on the basis of "need", for detailed information please visit the Student Financial Aid website.

Q. Do you accept transfer students from other dental schools?
A. We do not accept transfer students.

Q. If I applied to the dental school last year and was rejected, do I have to reapply through AADSAS?
A. Yes, you must reapply through AADSAS and resubmit all required information.

Q. If I applied last year, do I need to resubmit my DAT scores?
A.Yes, you need to submit all requested information.

Q.Does UMDNJ-NJDS require criminal background and disciplinary action disclosure verification (Dean's Certification)?
A. Yes.  An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the both the criminal background and disciplinary action checks are completed with results deemed favorable by UMDNJ-NJDS.

Q.Do AP (advanced placement) courses count towards my science pre-dental requirements?
A. No.

Q.Do I have to complete my pre-dental requirements and take DAT in order to be considered for an interview?
A.Yes. Applicants will not be considered for an interview until all pre-dental requirements are completed and DAT taken.

Q.What is the oldest DAT scores you accept?
A.3 years prior to the admissions cycle.

Q.When should I submit my $85.00 application fee?
A. Payment should only be submitted when notification by the admissions office that your application has been processed.

Q.Does NJDS give preference to NJ residents?
A.NJDS does give some preference to NJ residents but out of state applicants are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

Q.Will I be notified once my file is complete?
A.You will only be notified if you are selected for an interview. Once your file is complete, it will be submitted to the screening committee for review. If the screening committee selects you for an interview, you will be notified electronically.

Q.Can I visit the school to speak with an admissions representative?
A.The Office of Admissions is available to assist you or provide an academic consultation if you desire. To arrange for a telephone consultation, please send an e-mail: njds-admissions-info@umdnj.edu. Tours of the dental school are only offered from September through February to those candidates invited for interviews.

Q.Is there financial aid available to dental students?
A.Financial need is not a factor in the selection of students. All accepted applicants are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office immediately to discuss aid and fill out all necessary forms. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information on aid, tuition, and fees at: (973) 972-4376

Q.Is housing available to students?
A.Yes, there is a 14-story housing residence on campus. The building houses 463 students in 233 apartments. There are studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom models. Some have views of downtown Newark and the New York City skyline. There building has a security staff on duty 24/7 and has card access entry. There is parking in the adjacent deck, laundry facilities on each floor, an outdoor terrace on the 6th floor, and a quiet study lounge. For more information, go to www.umdnj.edu/home2web/housing/index.htm.

In addition, a significant number of NJDS students find housing in the many apartments located off-campus.

Q. If I am invited for an interview and/or bench test, are there hotels nearby where I can stay?
A.Yes, see the links below.

LINKS

Hilton Gateway Hotel

Marriott Courtyard - Newark Liberty International Airport

Ramada Inn

The Robert Treat Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites Newark Riverwalk Spring

Hill Suites by Marriott - ask for the "UMDNJ" rate