Do I need a bachelor’s degree?
No. However, you must complete all required courses and units listed under Admission Requirements. Approximately 98% of those accepted to UCSF have earned a bachelor’s degree before matriculation.

Does it matter what size academic load I carried in undergraduate school?
We recommend that applicants carry a full academic load (15–16 credit hours per semester) and take at least two to three science courses each term. This helps you prepare for the rigorous, full-time dental school curriculum and allows us to better evaluate your potential for academic performance.

Does it matter which undergraduate school I attend?
Generally, no. However, ensure that your college or university is regionally accredited. For more information on accredited institutions, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Must I major in biology or the sciences?
No. The choice of major is up to you. Choose a course of study that genuinely interests you. However, if you pursue a non-science major, we recommend taking additional upper-division science courses beyond the prerequisites.

Do you recommend other courses?
Courses in biology related to growth and development—such as microbiology and human anatomy—are highly recommended. Other useful courses include physiology, embryology, and histology.

What if I received less than a C– in a prerequisite course?
A grade of at least C– is required in all prerequisite courses. You must retake any prerequisite in which you earned below a C–.

How recent does my prerequisite coursework need to be?
Applicants are encouraged to apply within five years of completing their science prerequisites. Coursework older than five years may still be submitted, but it’s to your advantage to retake part or all of it, since the sciences evolve rapidly. You’re expected to have a solid command of the basic sciences upon entering dental school. Unless you’ve applied that material regularly, it’s wise to assess your retention honestly and consider retaking relevant courses.

What is a competitive grade-point average?
The average GPA for incoming students is 3.6.

Does UCSF require a minimum number of dental volunteer or shadowing hours?
No minimum is required, but we recommend at least 100 hours.

Does UCSF require research experience?
No, research experience is not required.

Does the UCSF School of Dentistry offer counseling to prospective students?
No. The School does not offer individual counseling. Prospective students should seek guidance from their undergraduate pre-health advisor.

Do I need to submit my Education Abroad Program (EAP) transcript?
Maybe. It depends on the organization hosting your program and whether your grades appear on a U.S. transcript. See our [International Coursework] (/programs/dds/international-coursework) page for detailed information.

How do I apply to dental school?
Begin the process by submitting an application through the American Dental Education Association, Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS).

Do you give preference to California residents? If I grew up in California, but I am going to school out of state, can I still apply as a California resident?
No, we do not give preference to California residents. To determine California residency requirements please visit the UCSF Registrar’s website.

How early may I apply?
The ADEA AADSAS application becomes available mid-May and may be submitted in early June.

Must I complete all required courses before I apply?
No. However, we recommend that you have completed most of the science courses prior to taking the required Dental Admission Test (DAT). All prerequisite courses must be completed by Sept. 1 of your matriculation year.

How will I know when you have received my application from the application service (ADEA AADSAS)?
We will verify receipt of your application by email; typically an ADEA AADSAS application is received at our school 4-6 weeks after you submitted the application (assuming all transcripts have also been received by ADEA AADSAS). Applicants should check their status through the ADEA AADSAS website. Please note: The Office of Admissions & Outreach does not provide application status updates via email or over the phone.

What is the deadline for applications?
The UCSF deadline is Oct.1. ADEA AADSAS applications must be electronically submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time). All transcripts, official course-by-course evaluations, letters of recommendation, and DAT scores must also be received at ADEA AADSAS by this date.

Is a supplemental application required?
No, applicants should complete the supplemental questions under the UCSF school section of the ADEA AADSAS application.

When will I be notified of acceptance?
Admissions offers are made between December and March in accordance with an agreement among dental schools.

What does “Provisional Admit” mean?
It indicates that your final admission is contingent upon (a) maintaining your GPA, (b) the receipt of your deposit, (c) the receipt of your final transcript with degree posted, and (d) other documents as required.

How much is the registration deposit?
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 will be applied toward the student's registration fees and will be required upon notice of provisional admission. Applicants who do not pay the deposit within the period stipulated will have their offer of admission rescinded.

How many letters of recommendation are required? 
Three letters are required:

• One from a science instructor (e.g., biology, chemistry, anatomy)
• One from a dentist, researcher, or mentor with whom you’ve worked
• One additional letter of your choice

Alternatively, you may submit a composite letter from a pre-professional health advisory committee. See How to Apply page.

What if my classes were large and my professors didn’t know me well? 
Schedule a meeting with your professor to discuss your experiences and career goals before requesting a letter. The strongest letters come from recommenders who know you well and can confidently support your application.

I plan to retake the DAT. Will you hold my application until the new scores arrive?
No. If your application includes valid DAT scores, it will enter review using your current scores.

When should I take the DAT?
Take the test no later than September 1 of the year before your intended entry. We recommend completing as many science courses as possible beforehand.

How should I prepare for the DAT?
Preparation resources are available on the ADA website.

What is a competitive DAT score?
The average DAT score for entering students is around 22 in both the Academic Average and Total Science sections.

How long are my DAT scores valid?
DAT scores are valid for two years from the start of the admissions cycle.

Are Canadian DAT scores acceptable?
No. All applicants must take the U.S. DAT.

How many times may I take the DAT?
The ADA allows up to three attempts. Applicants who do not achieve competitive scores after three attempts should carefully reassess their readiness for dentistry. To retake the exam beyond three times, you must submit a special request to the ADA.

If I’ve taken the DAT more than once, which scores are used?
Your most recent scores are considered, but all prior attempts are visible during the review process.

Are there certain science courses I should complete before taking the DAT?
Yes. You should complete courses in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry before taking the exam.

Is an interview required?
Yes. Interviews are by invitation only and are required for admission. Please note that an interview invitation does not guarantee acceptance.

How many applicants are interviewed?
Approximately 200 applicants are interviewed each year.

Can I sit in on classes or observe in the clinics?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer this experience.

Do you have a student housing program for applicants invited to interview?
No, housing is not provided for interviewees.