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i wonder how we should carry any documents for the interview should it be file or bag ??
i wonder how we should carry any documents for the interview should it be file or bag ??
i wonder how we should carry any documents for the interview should it be file or bag ??
i wonder how we should carry any documents for the interview should it be file or bag ??
i want to share my experience with my interviews while it is still fresh. Might help some people in the future.
I really got impressed with uthscsa interview. It was the most pleasant of all. First of all, they call a very small group at a time. That means they give you all the attention you deserve. I interviewed with another 7 people. You get there and the director of the program knows you by name before you even introduce yourself. Seriously. He goes through the work of checking your picture before.
We all sit on a table with him, we get to ask all the questions we want. We get to introduce ourselves to everyone on the table. We really get very comfortable with the place and with everyone before the interview, making it a lot easier. Plus, i think the director himself gets to meet us a little better by spending more time with us.
He personally takes us on a tour around the school.
We have lunch with the current students. Get to talk to them and ask all our doubts.
Finally in the afternoon you are interviewed by 2 faculty. They get to interview only 2 or 3 candidates that day. I really think it makes a huge difference compared to certain schools that make one person interview about 10 candidates on a day.
I was asked the basic questions we expect to be asked. Just one person got dental related question. Why move to the us/ are you prepared to become a student again after being a dentist for so long/ what are your future plans/ what were your accomplishments/ how good is your patient management skills?/ what other schools did you apply?/ where do you want to go to school the most and why?/ any questions you want to ask?/ weakness and strengths?
I thought it was great the director really emphasized the importance of having a " whole package". And this is true guys. I still see so many people asking " how much did you get on your national board?" . Once you are interviewing it doesn't matter! You are all in the same level.
The day after we do 2 preps ( gold crown and mo) nduring two hours ( a lot less time compared to uop) and in a manikin head- they provide everything, including handpiece. You can take your own burs and they provide matrix band and wedges. 4 essays questions ( 2 dental related and 2 personal for english skills/personality evaluation probably), build up of the oclusal surface of a tooth with composite- just adding- removing is not allowed, you are not given a handpiece ( a model is given, so it is not hard at all. Much easier than carving).
Rolling admissions. You are a good fit you get the call on the day after. Or you hear back later, doesn't mean you are not gonna be accepted if you don't hear right away. 10 positions are offered. Cheaper for texas residents. A high rate of students are later accepted in graduate programs. Students were all very proud of the school, having some great extra curricular exposure also. Some however said you can get unlucky with a professor and be stuck with him/her for the entire years ( i guess it happens everywhere). The real down side? Well... It is texas! How can you compare texas to california and cities on the east coast? It is so damn boring and hot. But san antonio is cute, close to kind of fun austin. Plus.. 2 intense years you won't really get to go out and enjoy the place that much anyways.
Anyways. They really impressed me and did a great job. I got to ut with no expectations thinking it would be a good " back up" program if i got accepted. Left thinking it was my number one choice.
OMG. I couldn't get any more disappointed with this school.
Please I don't wanna discourage anyone to apply here. Every school is a good school and you will fulfill your dreams going there. Be happy for what you get. But I really got sad about UCLA, it was one of my favorite options until I got to the interview...
First of all. We get there for interview. They put us in a very ugly classroom. Gave me a bad impression of facilities, especially after seeing the amazing facilities of UOP and UTHSCSA. the presentation is very simple and fast. Maybe because it is on the same day of the practical exam, no one cares how simple it is because everyone is nervous. But no elaborate presentation like the other schools. No power points. some information is given, we can ask questions, but once again everyone is just worried about the exam I guess.
I was expecting to see facilities.. I was expected to talk to current students. Nah.. They didn't even bother!!!! I have no idea how the clinic is. Like I said, just saw this ugly classroom and this crazy huge old building full of corridors where I got lost.
The exam: mo, mod onlay and PFM. 4 hours total. Plenty of time. Table top.They provide everything except handpiece. You can take all your materials if you want. they give detailed explanation and pictures like UOP.They provide matrix band and wedges.
the interview: you interview with 3 faculty at the same time. they we nice. they were ok and friendly. differently than the other schools, they focus more on each aspect of your resume and question everything about it. I got kind of annoyed with that. Well, I was already annoyed with the impression I was having with the school, so keep that in mind when reading this. They question everything about your fellowships, programs, scores ( if you had a low score), your university, acomplishments... In a way that made it seem like they were trying to find something wrong instead of actually learning the good about me. On the other hand you can really get to sell yourself.
High acceptance in graduate programs after. PASS/FAIL system, some like others don't. I personally do. Apparently because it is in a fancy area they have a hard time getting patients I heard.
And that was it. seriously.
I got to UCLA full of expectations. Such a prestigious school. Such an amazing place to live. Got there thinking it would be the only program I would consider trading for UTHSCSA just because I love California, cost is kind of similar and the school has a good name. But left thinking I would be crazy to do so. I had to be really dying to be in California.
These are the schools I got invited for interviews UCLA, UOP, UTHSCSA, USC
According to a dentist in California , he said that if I wanted to be in the west coast after my degree he would recommend this order:
1- UCLA
2-UTHSCSA
3-USC
4-UOP
( if UCSF was in the list he would have put it as number one)
According to HIM (again, his personal opinion) USC and specially UOP has a certain fame such as "You got into school just because you have the money to pay". I guess what he means is that having a public school diploma looks better on your wall
Also according to him , some ignorant people on the west coast would have prejudice when hearing you have a diploma from Texas
But, that is one point of view. I personally am leaning towards choosing UT. I had a great feeling and impression and I do believe in first feelings and intuition. Plus.. I have a hard time thinking about being somewhere new and having to share a house with strangers. I want to be able to live by myself.. and Texas would allow me that. I am still having a hard time deciding since UCLA name does sound good. I'll see
Like I said: it is all about your priorities!
Dr. Nehra....My stats:
NBDE1- 95
NBDE2 - 81
TOEFL- 117
GPA- 3.2
8 year experience in India
1 year observership in US
1 year dental assistance in US
Applied to- UOP, UCSF, UTHSCSA, UCLA, USC, TUFTS, LLU, UIC, BU, UPenn, UMich
IV calls- UIC, LLU, TUFTS, BU, UPenn, UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC, UTHSCSA
Alternate list- UIC, USC, UCLA
Waiting to hear from - UPenn, UTHSCSA
Acceptance - BU, UOP, UCSF
Going ahead with my DREAM SCHOOL - UOP UOP UOP
Declining offer from - BU, UCSF
Chose UOP because ... just writing it here cuz few members here on SDN sent me PM asking why m I going ahead with UOP?
My explanation:
UOP Very very friendly, Very stress free, they made every effort to make it a pleasing experience for me.
Pros about the school:
I have been applying to various schools in US since last year. I would definitely preferr UOP/UTHSCSA over UCSF/UCLA. This year, I had interview experiences at UIC, TUFTS, BU, UPenn, UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC and UMich. I got acceptance from BU, UOP, and UCSF till now.
1) UOP's state-of-the-art facilities and simulation lab with high class standard is amazing and the best ever among all schools I visited. Actually, I am from San Francisco and I have friends in both schools, so I have visited UOP & UCSF three-four times before I was interviewed. I know these schools from inside-out. UOP has all recent equipments available and it keeps all departments updated with recent advancements and technologies.
2) Friendly school
3) Every current students seemed to be satisfied with the program
4) Great alumni networking is available
5) UOP's mission is to make you the best general practioner you can be and they work on it really hard.
6) One of very rare schools providing you opportunity to learn 'INVISALIGNERS' - isn't that great and simply awesome?
7) DUAL degree programs available and actively offered (State of the art technology!)
8) They mentor you towards the Regional licensing exam you want to take .. both WREB and NREB!
9) They dont promise what they cannot do - so, no fake promises!
10) The clinical experience at Pacific truly is overwhelming and mindblowing. My senior friends in the first year (not even completed their first years) have been given 45-55 patients each within a short spam and their second year is yet to begin. So, just imagine yourself.
11) Maximum Faculty number among schools I visited so far - it really makes lots of difference,
12) competency based learning: not limited to pre-clinicals but also extends into the clinic. Clinical requirements are very demanding. If you are not in lectures, you will be in the clinic. If you are not in the clinic, you will be in the lab. So, no free time and maximum use of two year program. (Paisa vasool! - that's what my senior friends said me)
13) All students get to do specialty work - this is unique part about UOP. Even If you want to do impacted molar extractions, they will guide you; you want to RCT molar, they will guide you and let you do it; implants - they will guide you; If you want to do perio surgery, they will guide you..... SO, IT DEPENDS ON YOUR POTENTIAL till what extent you wnat to learn from them.
14) Current students I personally met, convincingly opined me that 'STRONG clinical orientation' of UOP is a major factor in their decision making. UOP has few current students like us who had acceptances in both UOP and UCSF last year and they preferred UOP just because they preferred perfection as a DDS over PG. According to them, the present era is all about dental revolution; UOP curriculum is entirely based on comprehensive patient care, I guess USC is the other school with same kind of standard but has few drawbacks, so UOP aces over USC. I don't have no plan for PG like my senior friends at UOP, so my goal is that I must know comprehensive patient management and I should be self-confident enough to treat my patients convincingly after completing DDS.
15) Helpful and supportive environment with higher interaction with dental faculty members and quality of teaching is simply awesome and impressive. Didnt you have an opportunity to interact with current students? If you did then probably you would not have asked me the same question, UOP believes in a team work. Believe me, this strategy works for development both as a person and as a professional. UOP already has gifted highest profile dentists to State of California in the dental profession. Im from California and would love to be headed in a righteous direction. I just want to master my skills as a general dentist. UOP certainly makes its students a perfectionist. Quality of teaching is what might be compromised at other schools.
16) Research scope is decent because UOP has all recent technologies available and we as IDS students will have access to all nearby major hospitals and patients of all varieties. UOP concentrates on CLINICAL RESEARCH which is good according to my opinion as that is what matters the most in day by day routine practice. If you dont know anything by now then major breakthroughs by UOP includes clinical research on Invisalign and the invisible braces for adults.
17) Someone asked me about the cost-factor of UCSF Vs UOP, I dont think so theres much difference between both schools. Honestly, both school expenses go over 200K and is nearly the same. I dont mind paying little money more for UOP as quality matters the most to me. I believe if I have a quality in my work and Im a perfectionist for all kind of work Im supposed to perform, I certainly can recover the little difference of money within less than a year, isnt it? Dont think much if you have no plan for PG in near future, trust me UOP will matter with a long time prospect just because of quality. Not only me but every UOP students have had the same experience. They told me the same thing.
18) UOP's location in Pacific Heights is considered to be a major advantage, particularly as a place to live while in dental school. Not so crowded!
19) I liked the concept of SCOPE program. It has got SF main dental clinic and 14 different clinics throughout the BAY area. UOP is an adventure.
20) Why we FTDs came to US? Everyone might have 100 different reasons but one common interest of all is that we all dentists want to learn recent advancements and technologies. UOP gives all opportunities without no limitations. Its entirely up to you till what extent you want to gain from the school.
21) One of the highest passing rates of WREB licensure exam on first attempt, perfect place if you want to go ahead with your future in California. They prepare the best out of us for licensure exams.
I hope it helps!
Dr. Nehra
)
@ Dear Dentistree711,
you said on the other thread ... that you are the new mom (something like that!), I guess ... we met each other during practice session at UCSF, remember I had come to you - I had a look at your tooth prep and we discussed few points together. Dunno for sure if you're the same new mom. Sorry if m wrong! Congrats!!!
can anyone give me an idea on whether u give the ideal wing preparation on the proximal wall for PFM preparations? Its whats given in Shillinburg.
Do you give the same in the bench test,, during interviews
Any comments are welcome..
thank u.
Do you know where I can find the guidelines to do PFM, 3/4, 7/8 crowns, Onlays and Inlays? I studied from Schillinburg, but I'm not sure if that's the way the schools want us to do it.
Have you decided which school are you going? I remeber you were between San Antonio and UCLA. No matter which one you decide, I'm sure that you are going to do great
Good Luck
All schools will let you know their ideal..
I did the exam at UOP, UCLA and UTHSCSA. UOP and UCLA asked for PFM and they had similar ideals od preps.
And it is different from Shillinburg :
1- no wing, the reduction creates a smooth transition between the shoulder and the lingual chamfer.
2-No beveled shoulder. It is a 120 shoulder.
I personally believe that if you are comfortable with Shillimburg you can easily do these preps. I think it requires a lot more dexterity to do a beveled shoulder and blend it with the chamfer than simply doing a shoulder!
I recommend getting the UOP international kit. It will give you the exact idea, with ilustrations on a manual and also a cast model.
You can get it online at UOP store website.
My stats:
NBDE1- 95
NBDE2 - 81
TOEFL- 117
GPA- 3.2
8 year experience in India
1 year observership in US
1 year dental assistance in US
Applied to- UOP, UCSF, UTHSCSA, UCLA, USC, TUFTS, LLU, UIC, BU, UPenn, UMich, UMN
IV calls- UIC, LLU, TUFTS, BU, UPenn, UOP, UCSF, UCLA, USC, UTHSCSA, UMN, Umich
Alternate list- UIC, USC, UCLA, Umich
Waiting to hear from - UPenn, UTHSCSA, UMN
Acceptance - BU, UOP, UCSF
Going ahead with my DREAM SCHOOL - UOP UOP UOP
Declining offer from - BU, UCSF and NOT going to WAIT for NO more schools
Chose UOP because ... just writing it here cuz few members here on SDN sent me PM asking why m I going ahead with UOP?
My explanation:
UOP Very very friendly, Very stress free, they made every effort to make it a pleasing experience for me.
Pros about the school:
I have been applying to various schools in US since last year. I would definitely preferr UOP/UTHSCSA over UCSF/UCLA. This year, I had interview experiences at UMN, UIC, TUFTS, BU, UPenn, UOP, UCSF, UCLA, UTHSCSA, USC and UMich. I got acceptance from BU, UOP, and UCSF till now.
1) UOP's state-of-the-art facilities and simulation lab with high class standard is amazing and the best ever among all schools I visited. Actually, I am from San Francisco and I have friends in both schools, so I have visited UOP & UCSF three-four times before I was interviewed. I know these schools from inside-out. UOP has all recent equipments available and it keeps all departments updated with recent advancements and technologies.
2) Friendly school
3) Every current students seemed to be satisfied with the program
4) Great alumni networking is available
5) UOP's mission is to make you the best general practioner you can be and they work on it really hard.
6) One of very rare schools providing you opportunity to learn 'INVISALIGNERS' - isn't that great and simply awesome?
7) DUAL degree programs available and actively offered (State of the art technology!)
8) They mentor you towards the Regional licensing exam you want to take .. both WREB and NREB!
9) They dont promise what they cannot do - so, no fake promises!
10) The clinical experience at Pacific truly is overwhelming and mindblowing. My senior friends in the first year (not even completed their first years) have been given 45-55 patients each within a short spam and their second year is yet to begin. So, just imagine yourself.
11) Maximum Faculty number among schools I visited so far - it really makes lots of difference,
12) competency based learning: not limited to pre-clinicals but also extends into the clinic. Clinical requirements are very demanding. If you are not in lectures, you will be in the clinic. If you are not in the clinic, you will be in the lab. So, no free time and maximum use of two year program. (Paisa vasool! - that's what my senior friends said me)
13) All students get to do specialty work - this is unique part about UOP. Even If you want to do impacted molar extractions, they will guide you; you want to RCT molar, they will guide you and let you do it; implants - they will guide you; If you want to do perio surgery, they will guide you..... SO, IT DEPENDS ON YOUR POTENTIAL till what extent you wnat to learn from them.
14) Current students I personally met, convincingly opined me that 'STRONG clinical orientation' of UOP is a major factor in their decision making. UOP has few current students like us who had acceptances in both UOP and UCSF last year and they preferred UOP just because they preferred perfection as a DDS over PG. According to them, the present era is all about dental revolution; UOP curriculum is entirely based on comprehensive patient care, I guess USC is the other school with same kind of standard but has few drawbacks, so UOP aces over USC. I don't have no plan for PG like my senior friends at UOP, so my goal is that I must know comprehensive patient management and I should be self-confident enough to treat my patients convincingly after completing DDS.
15) Helpful and supportive environment with higher interaction with dental faculty members and quality of teaching is simply awesome and impressive. Didnt you have an opportunity to interact with current students? If you did then probably you would not have asked me the same question, UOP believes in a team work. Believe me, this strategy works for development both as a person and as a professional. UOP already has gifted highest profile dentists to State of California in the dental profession. Im from California and would love to be headed in a righteous direction. I just want to master my skills as a general dentist. UOP certainly makes its students a perfectionist. Quality of teaching is what might be compromised at other schools.
16) Research scope is decent because UOP has all recent technologies available and we as IDS students will have access to all nearby major hospitals and patients of all varieties. UOP concentrates on CLINICAL RESEARCH which is good according to my opinion as that is what matters the most in day by day routine practice. If you dont know anything by now then major breakthroughs by UOP includes clinical research on Invisalign and the invisible braces for adults.
17) Someone asked me about the cost-factor of UCSF Vs UOP, I dont think so theres much difference between both schools. Honestly, both school expenses go over 200K and is nearly the same. I dont mind paying little money more for UOP as quality matters the most to me. I believe if I have a quality in my work and Im a perfectionist for all kind of work Im supposed to perform, I certainly can recover the little difference of money within less than a year, isnt it? Dont think much if you have no plan for PG in near future, trust me UOP will matter with a long time prospect just because of quality. Not only me but every UOP students have had the same experience. They told me the same thing.
18) UOP's location in Pacific Heights is considered to be a major advantage, particularly as a place to live while in dental school. Not so crowded!
19) I liked the concept of SCOPE program. It has got SF main dental clinic and 14 different clinics throughout the BAY area. UOP is an adventure.
20) Why we FTDs came to US? Everyone might have 100 different reasons but one common interest of all is that we all dentists want to learn recent advancements and technologies. UOP gives all opportunities without no limitations. Its entirely up to you till what extent you want to gain from the school.
21) One of the highest passing rates of WREB licensure exam on first attempt, perfect place if you want to go ahead with your future in California. They prepare the best out of us for licensure exams.
I hope it helps!
Dr. Nehra