»Physical Therapy Pathway

Academic performance, GPA and DAT scores are all contributing factors to the success of your application. 

In addition, you should cultivate a variety of experiences that make you a strong candidate:

• Dental experiences.
• Community service and involvement
• Research, extracurricular, and work/life experiences.

All of these things demonstrate your readiness and motivation to pursue a career in dentistry.

Activities and extracurriculars

Get involved early in these and ramp up to have a well rounded resume by the time you apply. However, your first job is your academics. You need to maintain a strong academic foundation to be competitive.

• Clinical work. You can gain experience and learn about the field in a number of ways:
  • Dental assistant
  • Shadowing
  • Volunteering in free clinics or hospitals—particularly if you can see oral and maxillofacial surgeries and appointments.
• Community service. Give of yourself to your community. Shelters, food banks, community resource centers, after school programs. Preferably not clinically related, although in some cases there may be some crossover.
• Research. Chapman offers many opportunities for students to get involved in research as an undergrad.
• Extracurriculars. Involvement in things you’re interested in, including clubs; does not need to be clinically related. Some options: 
  • Beta Beta Beta
  • First Aid
  • Pre-Dental Society
    

 

Academics/prerequisites

These are the general courses you should take. There may be some programs that have additional or fewer requirements. Always check with the programs to confirm.

In addition to the courses below, psychology and sociology classes are recommended for the MCAT.

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