Accepted to USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry - The Real Cost of My Dental School Application Journey as a Foreign Trained Dentist

I never grew up dreaming of studying abroad. But I was always curious. How do people manage to get an international education? What does it take to study overseas? It felt like something distant… inspiring, yes — but impossible. Too expensive. Not for people like me.

Then life did what it does best — surprised me.

I moved to the United States unexpectedly — not for school, not for work, but for love. I met someone who changed everything, and during the pandemic, I found myself living in New York City, trying to build a new life in a new country.

And it was in that strange, uncertain, and hopeful time that a question came back to me: could I become a dentist here? Not just someone who once was a dentist in Russia, but a practicing, licensed dentist in the U.S.?

It was never a burning dream. It was a slow curiosity that turned into a plan.

The First Hurdles: Exams and Documents

The first real test — emotionally and financially — was the INBDE.

I took the exam in New York, while adjusting to American life, working, and navigating everything in a second language. The exam fee was $880, and the preparation took months. I didn't take a formal prep course. I couldn't afford to. So I relied on structure, discipline, and long nights. I had to pass on the first try — and thankfully, I did.

Next came the TOEFL, also taken in NYC. The fee was around $225, and although I was confident in my English, it was still stressful to perform in a timed academic test. I used free score report slots wisely, sending my results to CAAPID and schools in advance.

Then there were the documents. I used RushTranslate for certified English translations of my diploma and supplement from Russia — around $100. I had brought my original documents with me when I moved, so I mailed them to ECE for a course-by-course evaluation — $195, plus about $50 for shipping.

By the time this stage was done, I had already spent over $2,000, and all I had to show for it was a set of test scores and a credential evaluation report. But it was a start.

Choosing the Right Schools: Strategy Over Quantity

I never wanted to apply to 20+ schools. Instead, I did deep research — reading forums, checking school missions, studying program details. And I chose seven schools that made sense for me: NYU, Rutgers, Michigan, Washington, UCLA, LLU, and USC.

I submitted my CAAPID application in March, and then completed all supplemental requirements by mid-April. Here's what that looked like financially:

• CAAPID fees: $264 for the first school + $115 for each of the other six = $954
• Supplemental application fees: About $150 per school × 7 = $1,050
• Sending test scores: $50 per score per school, 2 tests (TOEFL + INBDE), 7 schools = $700

That's over $2,700 — just to apply.

No interviews. No flights. No bench tests yet. Just fees. Documents. Waiting.

Extra Steps: CASPer & Kira Talent

Two schools required CASPer, the online situational judgment test. That added another $85 to my spreadsheet.

I also received Kira Talent video interview requests — recorded responses to behavioral questions. Thankfully, that part was free, though not easy. I remember rehearsing answers alone in my room, staring at my laptop camera, trying to sound confident and not awkward. It felt strange, but by then, nothing about this process felt normal anymore.

When the Emails Came: Interviews & Bench Tests

Eventually, it happened. I was invited to interview at four schools: LLU, NYU, Rutgers, and USC.

I still remember how it felt to see those emails. Joy. Panic. Gratitude. Pressure.

Only LLU and USC required bench tests — and each one cost around $500 to attend. That's $1,000 just to be tested on plastic teeth. But I didn't stop there.

I built my own home bench test setup. An electric motor. A DIY handpiece cooling system. Dental supplies. A makeshift simulation station. I practiced in the evenings and weekends, while working as a dental assistant during the week.

The whole setup cost me around $800, but it gave me confidence. And it made me feel like I was back in control.

Domestic Travel, Real Costs

By this point, I had moved to Texas, so all my interview travel was within the U.S. But it still added up quickly:

• Flights to California, New York, and New Jersey
• Hotels for 3–4 nights per interview
• Uber, local transport, food

Here's the breakdown:

• Flights & transport: $1,500
• Hotels: $1,200
• Meals & local travel: $600+

Total interview travel = $3,300+.

The Real Price Tag

When I look back at it all and put together the numbers I see more than $20,000 gone.

And that's not tuition. That's not health checks. That's not relocating for school. That's just to apply and only for 7 schools, not 24.

But Here's What I Got in Return

I was accepted to three schools. And now, as I write this, I'm sitting in Los Angeles, preparing to start my program at USC in just a few days — April 28.

I think back to the uncertainty I felt when I first looked up "how to become a dentist in the U.S." It all felt so overwhelming — and now, I'm here. It wasn't just the cost of money. It was the cost of time, emotion, sacrifice, effort, and belief.

Would I Do It Again? Yes. But I'd do it with strategy.

Here's what helped me:

• Applying to fewer schools, but the right ones
• Making a bench prep station at home instead of paying thousands
• Working while preparing
• Planning every expense in advance
• Trusting my ability to figure things out

This path is not easy. It's not cheap. And it's not for the faint of heart. But it's possible. If you're walking this road too, I see you. I've been you.

And I hope my story gives you one thing: perspective. Because while it costs a lot to apply, what you gain in return — if you're smart, steady, and serious — can change your life.

🎯 Ready to Save Time, Money, and Stress on Your Dental School Journey?

If you're reading this, you already know—this process is expensive, emotional, and overwhelming.

I spent over $20,000 applying to just 7 schools. And while I'm proud of the result, I also know it could have been less stressful, less confusing, and more strategic… if I had a guide like this.

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