PreHealth Spotlight: Shyrie Patel

Class year: 2016
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

I began my studying for the DAT using material recommended by many alumni now in dental school. The more time I spent studying, the more confident I felt to tackle the difficult application process.

Vitals

• Applied to dental school in 2015—deciding between top two choices, UMichigan and Penn Dental
• Six months in Peter Chien’s laboratory
• Biochem 275 TA
• National Communications Chair of Residence Hall Association
• President of Pre-Dental Society
• Dental experience: shadowed Dr. Roger Sonier and other dental professionals; volunteered at free dental clinics
• Representative for Pre-Dentals and Yankee Dental Debate Competition

Deciding to attend UMass Amherst was by far the best decision I made. My time here has allowed me to grow academically and as a person, enabling me to become a successful dental school candidate. I came into college with the drive to take advantage of all the opportunities UMass had to offer and soon found myself elected to be on the E-board for the Pre-Dental Society. I already had a basic understanding of the dental profession, but being around those with similar goals allowed me to learn more about the dental field, the application process and what it would be like to attend dental school.

Knowing the high caliber of research undertaken at UMass, I was keen to experience this for myself. Junior year I joined Peter Chien’s lab, where I found myself learning about new ways of thinking when it comes to scientific application in the real world.

I decided to apply to dental schools the summer after my junior year and found that UMass Amherst had prepared me well for this daunting process. I began my studying for the DAT using material recommended by many alumni now in dental school. The more time I spent studying, the more confident I felt to tackle the difficult application process. Looking back, the most challenging aspect was writing my personal statement. In hindsight, I would have started my personal statement well ahead of time prior to applying. This would have allowed me to spend more time on other aspects of the AADSAS application.

Attending undergraduate school in New England allowed me to take advantage of events hosted by the surrounding dental schools. This led me to acquire an appreciation of these schools, and I found myself applying predominantly to East Coast schools. But I did apply to a couple of schools farther away to increase my chances. All my choices were made by looking at the area I could see myself living in for the next four years, along with the strength of the program and its fit for me. It took a little longer than I expected to receive my first interview invite, and the wait was more stressful that I had expected. Nonetheless, after attending my first interview I felt prepared enough to go into my other interviews with confidence. My success in the interview was based on the avenues I explored during my time at UMass Amherst—they all prepared me well to speak confidently about why I felt I was a good candidate for the DMD program.

December 1 was a daunting day, for this was the first day I’d hear back from schools I had interviewed at. I was elated when I received admission offers and am deciding between my top two choices: UMichigan and Penn Dental Schools. Both schools offer excellent externship opportunities, recognized clinical training, dual-degree options, and also exciting living areas. I will be making my final decision prior to coming back for my final semester at UMass Amherst.

When I am not immersed in academic work, I spend a lot of my time playing soccer through intramurals. I also practice Indian classical dance and spend time managing several small businesses. I am also a self-proclaimed “foodie” and so spend a lot of time experiencing the fine dining New England has to offer.

Published December 2015