Annoying interviewees

[DesertSonata]

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So I'm seeing this theme in my interviews. People keep asking about my DAT and GPA and in some cases about my extracurricular activities. Why does it matter? What good is it gonna do if they know? Once we've made it to the interview, it all comes down to how well you present yourself. There are even schools that do a closed file interview. So your stats won't matter at this level. Maybe I'm being too sensitive. But I just think it's annoying. Do you guys know what goes on inside "them heads"? Or if you're one of those people....WHY?!!!?!?!

 

[deleted390966]

"LOL" @the interviewees who asked such questions about GPA/DAT...

Just say, "I don't wanna tell" 😀

 

[Philippines03j]

I would say this normally makes for an awkward conversation and can be annoying to everyone around.

These students are usually just trying to "size-up" the competition. Not the best way for these students to present themselves at the interview. Generally, dental schools want students who can work together and are willing to help out.

Just be modest in your response and gracefully change the subject to something more interesting than statistics. 👍

 

[dentalWorks]

So I'm seeing this theme in my interviews. People keep asking about my DAT and GPA and in some cases about my extracurricular activities. Why does it matter? What good is it gonna do if they know? Once we've made it to the interview, it all comes down to how well you present yourself. There are even schools that do a closed file interview. So your stats won't matter at this level. Maybe I'm being too sensitive. But I just think it's annoying. Do you guys know what goes on inside "them heads"? Or if you're one of those people....WHY?!!!?!?!

I went to 5 interviews last years... I don't remember having anyone bring up the DAT/GPA deal.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I went to 5 interviews last years... I don't remember having anyone bring up the DAT/GPA deal.

Oddly enough, I haven't run into that situation either 😀

Although people do ask, "is this your first?"
"how many have you had?"

At first I answered honestly... now I just give a vague answer. Seems like the better choice.

 

[DesertSonata]

Oddly enough, I haven't run into that situation either 😀

Although people do ask, "is this your first?"
"how many have you had?"

At first I answered honestly... now I just give a vague answer. Seems like the better choice.

Yes, that too! I get asked that all the time. They're like "I have 5 interviews so far...I went to this, there, and that place, and I'm still expecting to hear back from these other places....oh how about you, how many do you have?" 😡 I'm like screw you (inside thoughts of course). Seriously, its annoying. I have quite a bunch of interviews and have good stats, but I don't want to tell people. It just puts out an impression that I never want to give. So I just lie and say "oh its my only one interview and have average GPA and DAT, I'm so lucky that I got this interview". Still, it's annoying!

You guys are lucky for those of you who have never experienced this.

 

[A6project]

if someone asked me, i would be like.. "pretty decent... (and smirk)"

if someone kept asking, the i would say.... ''welll... it was around .8?? .9?? oh ya 2.9!! DAT 15" (with a super serious face) and stare at that person's face for good 10 seconds.


some ppl need to learn manner. smh

 

[TheIceCreamTruk]

cause they are probably insecure about their own stats

 

[timwatley]

I remember feeling that way at my interviews last year. What surprised me is how many applicants seemed to be pretty cutthroat and edgy.

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

So I'm seeing this theme in my interviews. People keep asking about my DAT and GPA and in some cases about my extracurricular activities. Why does it matter? What good is it gonna do if they know? Once we've made it to the interview, it all comes down to how well you present yourself. There are even schools that do a closed file interview. So your stats won't matter at this level. Maybe I'm being too sensitive. But I just think it's annoying. Do you guys know what goes on inside "them heads"? Or if you're one of those people....WHY?!!!?!?!

You should just put your GPA and DAT scores on your name tag.
That's what I did and people would just stop asking me.

 

[Bereno]

Haha. I have attended a fair amount of interviews, and I have not had anyone ask about my DAT or GPA. If they did ask I would tell them (I think), but none have actually asked me yet, so I don't really know haha.

I have been asked if this was my first interview, and I said "no"... but that's about it lol

 

[dantemac]

I usually just talk about travel, undergrad school, research interests, etc. But if people ask me about GPA or DAT, I'll discuss it. It's just not something I feel comfortable asking about. I guess some people do, though.

 

[tayloreve]

You should just put your GPA and DAT scores on your name tag.
That's what I did and people would just stop asking me.

Did you really do that? lolol

 

[YoHomey]

I don't say anything but the darn admissions person during the introductions always brings up my background info (school name, etc.) which suggests my stats and then everyone around the table starts to look at me differently. It's like WTF. I always try to downplay it to fit in because these interviewees will probably be my future classmates.

 

[crax]

I don't say anything but the darn admissions person during the introductions always brings up my background info (school name, etc.) which suggests my stats and then everyone around the table starts to look at me differently. It's like WTF. I always try to downplay it to fit in because these interviewees will probably be my future classmates.

not sure if srs . . . . .

 

[BoxerRumble]

Oddly enough, I haven't run into that situation either 😀

Although people do ask, "is this your first?"
"how many have you had?"

At first I answered honestly... now I just give a vague answer. Seems like the better choice.

This question comes up at a few of my interviews but I think it's a good conversation starter. Then you can talk about how the interviews were, tips, suggestions, or if you both had the interviews..if they interviewed with the same people.

 

[MUSCDMD]

We talk about music and football at my interviews. You must be applying to the wrong schools.

 

[DesertSonata]

This question comes up at a few of my interviews but I think it's a good conversation starter. Then you can talk about how the interviews were, tips, suggestions, or if you both had the interviews..if they interviewed with the same people.

Do we really lack the intellect to make a simple conversation that we have to ask about someone's GPA and DAT? There's a lot of ways to start a conversation.

We talk about music and football at my interviews. You must be applying to the wrong schools.

I didn't know there were wrong and right places to apply. Believe me, I know of other people that have been asked these questions and they've also been annoyed by it. I was expecting this at top tier schools like maybe UCLA or columbia. Don't get me wrong about interviewees. I've met with some really really cool and down to earth people. I'd say my experience has been good so far, aside from those annoying few. I'm happy I got myself into dentistry. Predents are some of the nicest people I've met throughout college. I'm just surprised to see this kind of behavior during interviews.

 

[montreal1]

if someone asked me, i would be like.. "pretty decent... (and smirk)"

if someone kept asking, the i would say.... ''welll... it was around .8?? .9?? oh ya 2.9!! DAT 15" (with a super serious face) and stare at that person's face for good 10 seconds.


some ppl need to learn manner. smh

Hands down, best comment ever. If I can pull that off, I'd be pretty happy.
But seriously, it's none of my business to know other people's stats. Every one there is invited for a reason because they're competitive in some way or another. People should just believe in themselves...it makes for a more stress free life.

 

[Sakab]

You should just put your GPA and DAT scores on your name tag.

I would love to see the interviewer's reaction if someone did that.

 

[dentalWorks]

Actually guys... in dental school, undergrad GPA and DAT are trivial things (yes even if you scored a perfect 30)...

Its like sitting in a class of upper level biochemistry as a college senior and bragging about being a 4.5 GPA high school student (people will just laugh at you).

 

[dreamerndoer]

I've heard pre-dents bragging about schools that they have interviews for too.. at that point I just stood up and went to sit outside with another group of interviewees.. no need to be so competitive! I try to treat the people around me like my future classmates

 

[iralex801]

I've never had this happen to me either but people have asked me how many interviews. I think labeling these people as cutthroat is unfair because some people are just socially awkward. If someone asked me I would just answer truthfully and just assume they are trying to start a conversation. I wouldn't think further and assume they are sizing up their competition. Maybe I'm naive and always assume the best lol.

 

[sacapuntas]

My guess is that a lot of these people asking questions like that just don't know what else to talk about. They probably don't mean to sound like jackasses but just don't know how to start a natural conversation.

 

[thesituationPhD]

Asking how many interviews you have or if you've been to any other schools isn't socially awkward. its called starting a conversation..

side note but on one interview there was an interviewee who would not stop cutting off the student panel when answering his questions. Firing off questions at the most awkward times. It got worse. When talking about gross lab he asked if the cadavers we use are fresh.

I kid you not.

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

When talking about gross lab he asked if the cadavers we use are fresh.

I kid you not.

Nice.

 

[YoHomey]

Asking how many interviews you have or if you've been to any other schools isn't socially awkward. its called starting a conversation..

side note but on one interview there was an interviewee who would not stop cutting off the student panel when answering his questions. Firing off questions at the most awkward times. It got worse. When talking about gross lab he asked if the cadavers we use are fresh.

I kid you not.

No action on the Pharmacy board, huh?

 

[YoHomey]

Nice.

My classmate who had an interview recently at Pacific said the tour guide took them into the anatomy lab where there were a bunch of cadavers and the guide, without hesitation and with bravado, uncovered one of them so all the interviewees could see. He said everyone was like WTF lol as this was just before lunch haha.

 

[thesituationPhD]

I was pharmacy long ago my friend..just never changed the title i guess

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

My classmate who had an interview recently at Pacific said the tour guide took them into the anatomy lab where there were a bunch of cadavers and the guide, without hesitation and with bravado, uncovered one of them so all the interviewees could see. He said everyone was like WTF lol as this was just before lunch haha.

Rigor mortis action happening? The gals must have loved that.

 

[YoHomey]

Rigor mortis action happening? The gals must have loved that.

 

[wizi]

Asking how many interviews you have or if you've been to any other schools isn't socially awkward. its called starting a conversation..

side note but on one interview there was an interviewee who would not stop cutting off the student panel when answering his questions. Firing off questions at the most awkward times. It got worse. When talking about gross lab he asked if the cadavers we use are fresh.

I kid you not.

I agree with this.

Sometimes people need a conversation starter. Don't read too much into it guys.

 

[Baker2010]

I agree with this.

Sometimes people need a conversation starter. Don't read too much into it guys.

I have had people ask me this at several interviews, and i do not interpret it as them being awkward.

 

[AndrewNJ]

I agree with this.

Sometimes people need a conversation starter. Don't read too much into it guys.

But its sort of like starting a conversation with someone by asking how much money they make. I would lump this into the category of being impolite.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

It's be a very normal topic of conversation at every single one of my interviews. It's fine because it has always been phrased as "how have your other interviews been so far? where have you been? where else are you going?"

It's all been done with a helpful intention - we share our experiences so we have a heads up on what to expect at future interviews.

It's not a big deal.

 

[sacapuntas]

It's be a very normal topic of conversation at every single one of my interviews. It's fine because it has always been phrased as "how have your other interviews been so far? where have you been? where else are you going?"

It's all been done with a helpful intention - we share our experiences so we have a heads up on what to expect at future interviews.

It's not a big deal.

So you're talking about interviews exclusively it sounds like.

What seems strange is talking about DAT/GPA.

Other interviews seem far more appropriate if conversed correctly.

 

[amanda9717]

But its sort of like starting a conversation with someone by asking how much money they make. I would lump this into the category of being impolite.

Haha you took the words right out of my mouth! I have no problem with someone asking about other my other interviews. I think that it's fun hearing about other people's experiences with this whole process.

However, asking about GPA/ DAT is definitely obnoxious. Right or wrong, it just makes you seem like a gunner..

 

[A6project]

I always ask first where you guys from.. which undergraduate they go to ....
Or I just say, "are you guys nervous?" and smile.

It is always a good way to start a conversation. At the interview, we talked about the state where the school is at, weather, people, etccc Sometimes conversations about where you have been interviewed are brought up but not for a while. But never DAT or GPA.

Asking DAT, GPA is kinda impolite i think especially when you don't know them well. Plus, i feel like you are not being compared with anyone at the interview. The interviewer wanna see your personality and characters, and you interview the school if it is the right school for you. (unless it is a group interview lol)

Personally I wouldn't be concerned about the guy (GPA4.0 & AA25) sitting next to me. I am usually concerned about being too nervous, demonstrating who I am at the interview, and delivering my punch lines or something makes me unique as a candidate.

 

[dantemac]

I think it can be argued both ways as polite and impolite. In any case, make sure the conversation topic is mutual. If the other person/people don't want to discuss it, then don't. Otherwise go right ahead if you need to know those types of things.

 

[YoHomey]

Actually at my last interview while we were waiting for the day to start, people started talking about SDN and certain characters on here. Dentalworks, MrAvicil, CedarZ were among the ones who were mentioned lol.

 

[tayloreve]

Actually at my last interview while we were waiting for the day to start, people started talking about SDN and certain characters on here. Dentalworks, MrAvicil, CedarZ were among the ones who were mentioned lol.

That is strange. Lol.


I haven't met a single soul who has heard of SDN yet -_-

 

[UltimateHombre]

It's all been done with a helpful intention - we share our experiences so we have a heads up on what to expect at future interviews.

It's not a big deal.

I wonder how appropriate talking about other interviews and schools is, while at a different interview?

From what i have been told, the interview is going on all day and you never know who is listening/watching you. But i could be totally wrong as i did not apply this year and have not interviewed at dschool before.

 

[iralex801]

I don't think people should ask how many interviews or whats your GPA/DAT to a complete stranger. A person with high scores and multiple interviews is going to be comfortable to answer. A person who has the opposite will be uncomfortable. Don't ask questions to people that might potentially make them feel uncomfortable. Another example is what did you get on the test after you receive your exams in undergrad. That being said, at most of my interviews people discussed what interviews people have had. I guess that is acceptable just uncomfortable for some. There is absolutely no justification to ask for GPA/DAT. Why the hell do you care lol.

I usually start off with where is everyone from. Then, if someone lived in the state of the school I'm interview at, I ask them how they like it and what are fun things to do around here. I try to not talk about anything academic related. It's just like college where some students just can't stop talking about academics. It's boring.

 

[jeffity]

I wonder how appropriate talking about other interviews and schools is, while at a different interview?

From what i have been told, the interview is going on all day and you never know who is listening/watching you. But i could be totally wrong as i did not apply this year and have not interviewed at dschool before.

I do cringe a little when I hear people boldly rattle off all their interview schools or what dream school they are waiting to hear from. Maybe it's not the most terrible thing, but it's a little tacky. At least keep your voice down or keep it out of the hallways. I've heard Pacific come up at every interview so far. Apparently it's everyone's dream school or something.

I didn't expect as much time alone with just other interviewees. It's interesting to see how fast the guard comes down. Politics. Offensive religious chatter. That's all fun stuff. My favorite were 2 guys who sat pecking on their phones for about 30 minutes straight while the other dozen of us went about our casual chatter. No one was watching us (that we know of), but that's just stupid.

 

[dmdluffy]

I don't think it's the worse topic to start a conversation off on but IMO there are definitely better ones to break the ice

 

[YoHomey]

That is strange. Lol.


I haven't met a single soul who has heard of SDN yet -_-

That's because you live in Louisiana. Everyone I met (predents at my school and interviewees) know about SDN and I live in a mainstream metropolitan area.

 

[MuskieMan33]

I would find this very annoying! Not that it has happened to me, but it happens in my undergrad courses and its always someone I don't know at all (but knows were in the same course). I don't mind if my friends ask, or if the individual I don't know starts the conversation off with something other than "How'd you do on that test?"

I know they are just trying to compare themselves to the class, so I usually try to make them feel good about themselves and just tell them I didn't do well at all. That way they think they did better than "the dentist" in their class. I find it annoying when people consider pre-dent students as "dentists" too. I haven't graduated from dental school yet, let alone been accepted to one!! Don't call me that!!

 

[NguyenDDS]

I never ask anyone those type of questions since I know it can annoy some. I don't have any great stats to brag about, but I don't mind if someone asks me 🙂 Ask me any question. I already have my stats on predents attached to my SDN name, so to me.. it's the same thing as telling others about it in person if they ask IMO. It's there to help people.

 

[BoxerRumble]

Do we really lack the intellect to make a simple conversation that we have to ask about someone's GPA and DAT? There's a lot of ways to start a conversation.



I didn't know there were wrong and right places to apply. Believe me, I know of other people that have been asked these questions and they've also been annoyed by it. I was expecting this at top tier schools like maybe UCLA or columbia. Don't get me wrong about interviewees. I've met with some really really cool and down to earth people. I'd say my experience has been good so far, aside from those annoying few. I'm happy I got myself into dentistry. Predents are some of the nicest people I've met throughout college. I'm just surprised to see this kind of behavior during interviews.

I was referring to if people have interviewed anywhere else, not what their stats are.

 

[321931]

Just tell them you have a ~3.0/17 DAT and watch the awkwardness ensue.