Application Process

Each year, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine enrolls in its four-year DMD program about 115 exceptional individuals, who join – and contribute to – a diverse student body committed to excellence in oral healthcare. GSDM conducts a holistic review of all aspects of candidates’ applications and selects candidates for admission on the basis of scholastic achievement, fitness and aptitude for the study of dental medicine, and other personal qualifications, experiences, and non-cognitive achievements.

AADSAS online application

Applications to GSDM go through AADSAS^®. To learn more, access the AADSAS application and resources. The AADSAS application is available in mid-May the year prior to enrollment. AADSAS application components include:

• AADSAS application form, including a personal statement
• Three letters of evaluation (two from faculty and one additional academic or personal reference), or a pre-health committee evaluation
• Official academic transcript(s); candidates who complete additional coursework after submitting their application should submit updated transcripts to AADSAS during the Academic Update periods
• Scores from the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) or the Canadian Dental Admissions Test (CDAT), taken within four years of application. Official scores must be submitted through AADSAS (DAT) or issued directly to GSDM (CDAT), but candidates may email unofficial scores to applydmd@bu.edu

GSDM application fee

Instructions on how to submit payment of the $75 GSDM application fee will be emailed to candidates after GSDM receives their AADSAS application. Candidates participating in the ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP) may request a GSDM application fee waiver.

GSDM application deadline

The AADSAS application submission deadline for GSDM is December 15, but we strongly recommend that individuals submit their applications by September.

Reapplicants

Individuals who applied during a prior admissions cycle and who wish to reapply must submit an AADSAS application for the current cycle. Reapplicants should address their efforts and accomplishments since the previous application to strengthen their preparation for dental school.

Timeline

GSDM reviews applications on a rolling basis. GSDM receives applications a few weeks after they are submitted to AADSAS, due to processing requirements. Upon GSDM’s initial review, the applicant is sent receipt confirmation and a link to the GSDM application fee payment portal.

When the application is complete and under review by the admissions committee, GSDM notifies the applicant. GSDM re-reviews applications throughout the admissions cycle, checking for new letters of evaluation, transcript updates, and DAT scores.

Interviews are conducted starting in September and running through March, although individuals are occasionally invited for interviews outside this timeframe.

Admissions decision notifications are sent from December 15 through July. If an applicant has not yet received notification of a decision, then their application is still under consideration.

Interviews

The Admissions Committee will invite a select number of applicants to interview. A personal interview is required for – but does not guarantee – admission.

DMD interviews are conducted remotely through Zoom, starting in September and running through March. As part of the interview experience, applicants will also attend sessions via Zoom with Student Affairs, current dental students, and representatives from Student Financial Services and Housing Resources.

Due to the high volume of applications, GSDM does not grant informational or informal interviews to applicants or prospective applicants.

Campus Visits

The Admissions office cannot accommodate drop-in visitors and does not arrange in-person meetings with applicants. As we are located within a healthcare facility, we cannot offer tours to prospective applicants.