I originally planned to use my GI Bill for the Dental Hygiene program at SJVC in California. My…read moreexperience with SJVC was wonderful from the beginning. The staff was welcoming, helpful, and made the application process clear and easy to understand and I was excited to start the program.
Unfortunately due to my husband's military obligations, I realized I would have been about halfway through the program when we would need to relocate and he would begin a deployment so I reached out to SJVC to explain my situation and they were incredibly helpful. They told me about their sister school Carrington in my home state and explained that it might be a better option because I already had a strong support system there, especially with having small children. They made it clear that I was still welcome to continue with SJVC but provided me with information about Carrington so I could decide which option worked best for my family and timeline. Because of that positive experience with SJVC, I felt really confident exploring Carrington.
After attending the information session I decided to take the leap and switch my focus to Carrington. In the beginning, everything felt promising and my communication with Donna was great, and I was able to submit my recommendation letters, fingerprint card, CPR certification, vaccine records, and other required documents. I don't think the Wonderlic exam I had taken in California transferred, so I retook it as requested. At that point, I was told that I was a strong candidate, that my score was good, and that everything looked promising. I was excited and felt that I was on the right path.
Unfortunately, the communication changed shortly afterward. A couple of days before the application deadline, I was asked to retake the test again and after that I stopped receiving communication. I called multiple times, left voicemails, and sent emails but received no response. After waiting and trying again, I eventually received a voicemail shortly before the start date informing me that I had not been selected and should try again for the next start date. The voicemail felt off as if she didn't remember who I was despite previous conversations or maybe my application just fell through the cracks.
I was still determined to pursue the program and moved to Arizona to apply again. When I asked for feedback about how I could become a stronger candidate, I did not receive any guidance. I called multiple times, left voicemails, sent text messages asking what I needed to improve, and emailed questions regarding getting a higher score on the Wonderlic, but again received no response. Donna eventually contacted me about a week before the next application deadline asking me to resubmit my letter of intent, but once again, communication stopped afterward.
At this point, I realized that switching my focus from SJVC to Carrington may not have been the right decision for me. I understand that applying to a competitive program can be stressful and that admissions staff may have many applicants to manage. Still I am very disappointed by the lack of communication and guidance throughout the process, especially after having such a positive experience with SJVC. Because the two schools are connected, I honestly expected a similar level of professionalism and support.
The final communication was even more disappointing because applicants were notified that they had not been selected through a mass email in which all recipients could see one another's email addresses. Applicants began responding to the email, meaning we could see each other's responses as well. Receiving a rejection in what is essentially a mass text felt very impersonal and, in my opinion unprofessional.
I understand that not every applicant can be accepted, and I completely respect how competitive it is. My disappointment is not being denied but the lack of communication, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. I repeatedly asked what I could do to improve my application and was unable to get an answer.
Ultimately I'll take this experience as a sign that Carrington may simply not be the right school for me. I am disappointed because I had such a positive experience with SJVC and genuinely expected a similar experience with its sister school. I have loved working in the dental field since leaving the military, and I am determined to continue pursuing a career in dental hygiene.
I apologize for such a long review but I sincerely hope that other applicants have a more positive experience with the admissions process, and I wish everyone applying the best of luck.
