To the OP:
You've unintentionally created another Hate Harvard thread.
Many people on SDN cringe when you mention Harvard because Harvard has the reputation of being a "bad" school if you want to do general dentistry. But, statistically speaking, it is a great school if you'd like to specialize. Harvard's students consistently do well on Part I of the boards, which is one criteria used when applying for specialization. It's important to realize that a good school is a personal label. It seems like most people on SDN (at least most of the people who voice their opinions) are anti-Harvard but I encourage to you to not be influenced by others about Harvard or any other school because you will receive a biases opinion (and mine is no exception!). If you are interested in research (it's a requirement at Harvard), perhaps specialization, living in a big city, etc. then Harvard may be a good school for you. I, personally, really care about research (have 5 years of experience -- it's my full-time job) and that's why I applied to Harvard and other "good research schools" like Minnesota and UCSF. In a nutshell, what I'm trying to say is, every school out there appeals to somebody. It is my perception that Arizona (
as an example) many not attract the majority of research addicts (because when looking at its website and pamphlet, I couldn't find anything about research), and Harvard (
as an example) isn't going to attract the majority of general dentist enthusiasts. But, with that said, I believe you can make any school work for you. (For example, research during the summers if you're at AZ or do a general practice residency if you go to Harvard). There are a lot of great schools out there and you just have to shop around to figure out which ones you're compatible with. Like the program JavadiCavity mentions which AZ peeps go to outside clinics, Minnesota does that, too. In fact, it's a requirement to participate in 3 "outreach" programs, and I'm sure many other schools have similar opportunities.
Uffa da, that's a bit of a tanget. But in regard to you question about HS transcript, I had 2 schools (Buffalo and Harvard) request them. My first impression was that the Committee was looking for consistency. That's just my theory. I doubt your HS transcript will make or break you, but it will definitely look favorable if you did well in HS and then did well in college as opposed to do well in HS and then slack in college, or vice versa. I will certainly inquire about that during my interview, because I am curious about that as well. I meant to ask when at Buffalo, but I just forgot.
To be continued. . .
