Dear Admissions Committee,
I had the great pleasure of being interviewed by your institution on February 2, 2017. I am grateful to be waitlisted and be considered for a spot in the class of 2021. I am writing this follow-up letter to justify my reasons for seeking admission at your prestigious school and update you of my recent endeavors in hopes that I may be given the opportunity to move forward with my application.
The interview day at _____________ School of Dentistry was full of fun and excitement, which gave me a good glimpse of what to expect as a dental school student in the next four years. I was impressed to learn about the School’s connections, both local and global, from the introduction of Mr. __________ . I am well aware that being a part of a well-connected institution would open up opportunities to network with the best minds in the field and gain allies who could support me in advancing my academic and professional goals.
Moreover, I also had a taste of the rigorous, hands-on approach of the dental program, which bolstered my desire to gain acceptance to the School. I engaged and interacted with fellow applicants in a problem-based learning (PBL) case study. All applicants were thinking strategically, sharing their ideas, and listening to other people’s opinions in order to formulate the best solution. I was convinced of the benefits of PBL over traditional learning because the former resembles professional dental practice, which provides efficient and effective service to patients. After the PBL exposure, I was certain that attending _____________ School of Dentistry would not only provide me the necessary clinical knowledge and experience but would also prepare me to work in a professional group environment, become a thoughtful leader for my staff, and a competent dental practitioner for my patients.
Another asset of USC that has captured my interest is its strong emphasis on outreach program. I recognize that these enriching programs would offer me the opportunity to give back to the community while obtaining necessary clinical experience. It would be a meaningful, impactful experience to take part in a program that would enable me to use my skills and talents to help my community, particularly the less privileged segments of our society. I would integrate this social awareness and service orientation to inform my future dental practice.
After my interview, my enthusiasm to pursue dental school only grew stronger as evidenced by the endeavors in which I engaged thereafter. Although I have been working as a dental assistant since [month year], only after my interview did I have the confidence to speak my mind, contribute to addressing patients’ needs, put to heart the dynamics of a successful dental practice. Additionally, I enrolled in multiple science classes to prepare myself for science-related courses in dental school. I received an A in Anatomy during the fall semester, and I am currently taking Microbiology and Biochemistry, which I am hoping to ace as well. I have also given back to my community by volunteering at Friendship Circle where I work with children with disabilities. Through this volunteer work, I have been able to hone my ability to communicate and engage with people from various backgrounds and with varying personalities and capabilities, which would certainly support me in my dental practice in the future.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to work alongside Dr. _____________, an alumnus of the USC dental school. Dr. ___________constantly praised the School of Dentistry for its passionate instructors and excellent resources. We had long conversations about the School, and he encouraged me to attend USC dental school. Assisting ____________, who is the best dentist in [name of clinic/hospital], enabled me to see and experience the quality of dentists USC produces. Thus, it inspired me to attend ______________School of Dentistry and aspire to become one of the best dentists someday.
The ____________ School of Dentistry is my top choice for dental school. It has everything I am looking for in a dental school. I would love nothing more than to be part of the incoming class. Given the opportunity, I would make the most out of my time at the School and achieve my goal of becoming an effective, caring, and patient-centric dentist. It would be a great honor and privilege to attend this school. Thank you so much, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]