University of the Pacific Pre-Dental

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

To anybody reading,

Since applications are around the corner, I wanted to know my chances of being admitted into Pacific’s Pre-Dent program. As of right now, my weighted GPA (9-11 grade) is 3.7750 and my ACT is 25. I am really nervous about my composite score because it’s more than below their standard. Is there any chance that Pacific accepts ACT super scores (S.S 26)? Will they even consider me? Even though my score is not competitive enough to what I’ve been told, I have been exposed to shadowing a dental office since an early age (12-13 y/o). I have tons of community service, including a mission trip to a third-world country (helping out primarily in the dental department). Is there anything I can do to help my application process? What topics are too vague to write about? All in all, I want to be apart of University of the Pacific’s Pre-Dent program because I feel that they’ve already paved a career road for serious students, who are willing to work hard for the next 5/6/7 years. I am open to any tips and ideas.
Thank you for taking the time to read what’s on my mind.

Courses taken throughout 9-11th

9th (3.7143 GPA)

  • Algebra 1
  • Ancient World History (H)
  • Biology
  • P/E
  • English 9
  • Bible (NTL/NTH)
  • Tech Theatre 1

10th (3.7857 GPA)

  • Biotechnology/Forensic
  • English 10
  • Football Performance
  • Geometry (H)
  • Modern World History (H)
  • Photo 1
  • Spanish 1
  • Bible (Wisdom Lit)

11th (3.8333 GPA)

  • Algebra 2
  • American Lit
  • Chemistry
  • Football Performance
  • Life Calling/Applied Ethics
  • Spanish 2
  • US History

C.C. Summer course: Pre Calculus/Trigonometry

12th (this coming year)

  • Anatomy/Physiology
  • AP Bio
  • AP Micro Econ/AP US Govt
  • Calculus
  • Community Outreach
  • Early/Late British Lit
  • Spanish 3
  • Speech (maybe)

High school sports:
Tackle football (3 years)
Track and field (1 years)

  • Brandon C/O 2017
2

I understand that many people have told you this, but you definitely should raise your ACT score. UOP’s pre-dental program has only 60-80 incoming applicants every year so there’s quite a bit of competition in the application process. Not to scare you or anything, but predents in the five year program have chosen UOP over big name schools like Berkeley and UCLA. Use the summertime and the beginning of senior year to beef up your score. People in the program usually have higher stats than on UOP’s page. UOP accepts super scored SAT so maybe it also applies to your scenario. Other than ACT, your GPA, volunteering, ECs are EXCELLENT. Shadowing is a plus! An admissions officer can really see your dental experience in your application :slight_smile: Also for the application process, if you apply directly through UOP’s website, an essay is not required. On the other hand, you can choose to apply through Common App and use your essays to supplement your application. I applied through Common App and got in. Make sure you get some kicka** teacher recommendations and apply by Mid-November!

3

Thank you so much for your meaningful advice! I will definitely consider re-take the ACT, later this September. And I did not know about the application through their website, so thank you!

4

I have a quick question about the application for the pre dental major. Do we need to submit a letter of recommendation? Because I did call the admissions office and they said a letter of recommendation is not required to the pre dental program but would be considered through the admission process. If so, do we need to receive one from only a school advisor or teacher or are we allowed to get one from a professional health care worker?
-Katherine