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University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Secondary Questions

Abbreviation: UPenn · Pennsylvania dental secondary

University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (UPenn) dental secondary for Pennsylvania applicants: 3 required prompts (5 total). How it arrives: Admissions website. Supplemental questions are submitted through the Penn Dental Medicine admissions website.

Secondary Status
● Rolling
Distribution
Admissions website
Total Questions
3 Required
Word Limit
Mixed
Last Updated
2026 Cycle
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68 Schools in Database
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📬 Distribution📋 Secondary Questions💡 Writing Tips
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Secondary Distribution
Who receives the secondary application
ℹ️
Supplemental questions are distributed via: Supplemental questions are submitted through the Penn Dental Medicine admissions website.
Timing

Most dental school secondaries arrive July–early September after AADSAS verification. Aim to submit within ~14 days.

Secondary fee

Confirm on the school's admissions page for the current cycle (applicants commonly see ~$50–$150).

This page covers University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine dental school secondary / supplemental essays — not medical school secondaries or prerequisite lists.

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Secondary Questions
5 questions total
5 Questions · Mixed
1
What ethical dilemma(s) have you encountered during your education? Please describe.
Required1000 words
2
How will you judge if you are a successful dentist? Please describe.
Required1000 words
3
What qualities of Penn Dental Medicine do you feel will help you achieve your professional goals and how? Please describe.
Required1000 words
4
Please list any additional predental experience not included in your AADSAS application (observation, dental assisting, lab work, research, etc.). Include time allotted, dates, location, and description.
Optional1000 words
5
Please use this space to add additional information regarding your application if needed.
Optional500 words
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Writing Tips for UPenn
Expert advice for this specific school
⚖️
Ethics Question — Pick a Real Dilemma: Avoid surface-level dilemmas. Choose one with genuine tension — informed consent, access vs. quality, professional relationships, academic integrity. Show nuanced thinking and a clear resolution.
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Success Definition — Be Personal: Penn wants to understand your values as a future professional. Don't give the obvious answer. Explore patient outcomes, personal fulfillment, impact on community, or contribution to the profession.
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Why Penn — Be Specific: Research Penn's unique programs, clinics, and faculty. Mention specific curriculum features, community outreach efforts, or research opportunities that align with your goals. Avoid generic answers that could apply to any school.
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Submit Early: Most schools review secondaries on a rolling basis. Submitting within 2 weeks of receiving your secondary significantly improves your interview chances.
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