Howard Dental School Acceptance Rate & Admission Stats

Howard Dental School Acceptance Rate & Admissions Guide

Getting into a prestigious institution like the Howard University College of Dentistry is a significant achievement. As one of the most respected dental schools in the nation, its admissions process is highly competitive. Understanding the Howard Dental School acceptance rate, along with the academic profiles of admitted students, is the first step in positioning yourself as a strong candidate.

This guide breaks down the key statistics and provides a powerful, interactive tool to help you gauge your chances.

Howard Dental Admissions Calculator

Estimate your chances based on key academic metrics.

Your Academic Profile

Overall GPA 3.50

Science GPA 3.50

DAT Academic Average 20

DAT Perceptual Ability (PAT) 20

Your Estimated Chance

0^% Admissions Score

Adjust the sliders to see your score.

GPA Strength...

DAT Strength...

Howard Dental - Class Averages Benchmark

3.61

Average Overall GPA

3.52

Average Science GPA

Average DAT AA

Howard Dental School Admissions Chance Calculator

While statistics provide a benchmark, they don’t tell your personal story. To get a better idea of where you stand, use our intelligent Admissions Chance Calculator. Input your GPA and DAT scores to receive a real-time estimate of your academic competitiveness for a spot at Howard Dental School.

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Understanding the Howard Dental School Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate is a primary indicator of a school’s selectivity. For the Howard University College of Dentistry, the acceptance rate is typically very low, often falling between 2% and 3%. In a recent cycle, out of over 3,000 applicants, only around 75-80 students were enrolled. This figure underscores the immense competition and the high caliber of students who are ultimately accepted.

To be successful, your application must not only meet the minimum requirements but exceed the averages of this competitive applicant pool.

Average GPA for Admission

A strong academic record is the foundation of a successful application. Howard’s admissions committee places significant emphasis on both your science and overall GPA.

Average Overall GPA: 3.61
Average Science GPA: 3.52

While a slightly lower GPA can be offset by other factors, applicants with GPAs below 3.4 face a much more challenging path to acceptance. Consistency and an upward trend in your grades are also viewed favorably.

Average DAT Scores

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a critical standardized metric used to assess your academic and perceptual ability. Competitive scores are essential to stand out.

Academic Average (AA): 21
Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): 20
Total Science (TS): 20

Scores above 20 in each category place you in a strong position. The admissions committee looks for well-rounded performance across all sections of the exam.

Beyond the Numbers: A Holistic Review

Howard Dental School employs a holistic review process, meaning they look at you as a whole person, not just a set of numbers. While high stats are crucial, these other factors can make or break an application:

Dental Shadowing & Experience: Extensive shadowing hours and hands-on clinical or volunteer experience demonstrate a genuine commitment to the field.
Letters of Recommendation: Strong, detailed letters from science professors and dentists you’ve shadowed provide crucial third-party validation of your skills and character.
Personal Statement: This is your chance to articulate your journey, your motivations for pursuing dentistry, and why Howard is the right fit for you.
Interviews: The interview assesses your communication skills, maturity, and understanding of the dental profession.

Tuition and Financial Considerations

Pursuing a dental education is a significant financial investment. For Howard Dental School, the estimated annual tuition and fees for non-residents are approximately $55,000 – $60,000. When factoring in living expenses, supplies, and other costs, the total annual cost can approach $90,000. Most students rely on a combination of scholarships, grants, and federal loans to finance their education.

Are You a Competitive Applicant?

Gaining admission to Howard University College of Dentistry requires a combination of exceptional academics, demonstrated passion for the field, and a compelling personal story. Use the average stats as your target and our calculator as a guide to assess your standing. Focus on building a well-rounded application that highlights not only your intellectual capacity but also your commitment to serving others through the practice of dentistry.