u/HistoricalWeek9378

Got into an Advanced Standing program starting in January. No US cosigner, not much US credit history, on F-1/OPT. MPOWER isn't taking 2026 applications right now, so looking at Prodigy Finance, Stilt, Ascent, or whatever else worked for you.

Specifically:

1. Which lender did you use?
2. Did the lender require the school to certify the full program cost upfront, or could they fund the bootcamp/pre-D3 period before that certification happened?
3. How far in advance of your start date did you apply, and how long until funds were disbursed?
4. Did you get approved without a cosigner? If so, what helped?
5. Funds sent to you or straight to the school?
6. Anyone had a lender (I've specifically heard this about Prodigy) approve them but then not come through partway into the program? What happened and how did you handle it?
7. Any lenders that flat-out don't work for this kind of program?

Rough timelines are super helpful even if that's all you remember. Thanks!

Does anyone know what preps are usually asked in the Michigan Bench Test?

Do they ask stuff like inlays, onlays, 3/4th crown and 7/8th crowns etc?

Is anyone selling their bench test set up and acadental jaw set in LA or San Jose? Please DM me!

Does anyone know what the Michigan interview and bench test entail?
What was the MMI like last year? Was it also on KIRA? Does anyone remember the questions they asked?

Also what do they ask in the bench test? Is taking a course like Dugans worth it or not? Anyone with any info pls let me know!

How do international dentists who want to work as dental assistants in California get an X-ray license?

I see some programs require you to get your own patients. How do you arrange that?
Are there programs that provide patients for you but that is not prohibitively expensive? Please share if you have any leads especially in Los Angeles.

What do dental offices expect you to do in a working interview? Do they directly put you in as the assistant for a procedure or do they atleast walk you through their protocols first? Will I be expected to jump in right away? I’m sure every chair and office set up is different so how does it work?