Any Interview Advice would be greatly Appreciated!

[Michelle-In-Montreal]

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Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to say what a great message board this is! I wish that I'd discovered it sooner - everyone seems incredibly supportive of each other, which is great since we all know how taxing dental school applications can be!

I have an interview coming up at the end of April at UWO (University of Western Ontario) and I was wondering if anyone had any specific advice regarding the interview process there. I have heard that they use the CDA Structured Interview, but haven't been able to find information about it anywhere. UWO is my only interview, so I'm rather nervous about it... Does anyone have any info at all about their interviews or their selection process in general? I'd really appreciate it!

Any advice on staying calm for the interview is welcome too

Michelle

 

[Doggie]

Hi Michelle,

I am not sure what type of system you are referring to.....but for the schools that I've interviewed with, they are all pretty much the same.

The most definitive question that they will ask is "why do you want to become a dentist". If you can prove to them that you want to be the best dentist in the world, you pretty much have a shot at admission. Also, what I find very helpful is to practice answering typical interview questions with a friend or family member. As long as you practice this, your answers will be very fluid and seem more sincere.

Dont be too nervous about the interview. Schools only conduct interviews when they are REALLY interested in you. They would not waste the time if they werent sure of your qualifications.

Also, whenever they ask you VERY open-ended questions such as "what would you do if you observe your classmate cheating on a test" or "what are your views regarding HMO's governing dentistry", try to give very logical responses. There are no right or wrong answers. Just make sure your responses are very well thought out.

Good luck on your interview!

Dont be too nervous.....just be yourself.

])o(j(jiE

 

[juice_cruz]

Question about an interview question...

At one of my interviews, I was asked the question "What would you do if a classmate was cheating?"

The more I think about it, the more I believe I didn't answer it "correctly". Has anyone else had this question and if so, how did you answer it.

 

[Michelle-In-Montreal]

Thanks for the reassurance

I suppose I'm nervous because I didn't apply to very many schools at all so a lot seems to be riding on this interview... I've been a bit worried about my chances for acceptance and since I know without a doubt that I'd like to become a dentist, I'd really hate to be disappointed this year and have to try again.

The type of interview I heard that UWO uses is the one formatted by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). I think that the University of British Columbia uses it too. I have a friend who interviewed at UWO two years ago and she told me that they tend to ask atypical questions? If anyone knows anything at all, please let me know!

Does anyone have any additional tips about relaxing during the interview? I want to be professional, but not sound too rigid or aloof...

 

[Henkel]

Michelle,

Since I am US resident I do not have further information about UWO. I have some insights with interviews since I had 5 of them. I also work full time and I constantly deal with business colleagues so good communication skill is a must.

First, be yourself. And show eagerness and your sincereness. But NEVER beg. As others have indicated you should do mock interviews to see how you portray to others. And ask your mock interviewer to ask tough questions so that you will be better prepared for easier (typical) questions.

I believe being Professional is not about being rigid but being polite and yet energetic and sincere.

Some observations I saw with few applicants during the interview day was that they had no clues about schools. Tuition? school setting? class size? etc. You should do extensive research about the school (School may ask why this school?) and able to give thoughtful and practical answers. Info about the school will also help you to ask intelligent questions. Some students also whine about the schools they are interviewing when no members of the school were present. That is definitely not wise.

One other thing to relax, I told myself that the whole application and interview process is just one little part of becoming good dentist and believe in myself.

Henkel

 

[Doggie]

Michelle,

One more thing about Interviews.....

Just be sure that you ask them questions as well. I know that you probably only expect them to be asking you tons of questions about yourself and your qualifications. It is also imperative that you ask them questions to show how genuinely interested you are in the school.

Do some research about the school and ask some "BS" questions about the school.
1) How helpful are the faculty in spotting troubled students?
2) In terms of board scores and faculty, how does this school compare to other cadanian dental schools?

 

[Michelle-In-Montreal]

Thanks Doggie, Henkel for the advice. I didn't make the realization that I wanted to be a dentist until the beginning of senior year. Fortunately for me, deadlines for Cdn dent schools are much later and admissions are generally not allocated on a rolling basis. Unfortunately, spaces are quite limited. I wanted to apply to US schools but after looking over all the material, I realized that I would definitely be at a disadvantage if I were to apply then, since it was already the fall. Does anyone know of any stats for incoming classes at Cdn schools?

All the advice I've been getting so far is great... Now that I know exactly what I want to do, I'm willing to give it my best shot. You guys are right in that I should be myself, hopefully they will see my motivation!

There doesn't seem to be much info out there in terms of Cdn schools... if anyone as any other info about UWO, it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[clark]

Michelle...im glad u got an interview at Western!!..Thats great news and a good friend of mine is at western now in 3rd year and hes loving it!! He's also on the interviewing committee and helps in part with devising questions to be asked in the interview. If you like I could ask him if he'll be there this year and what are typical questions asked of applicants.
I myself am only a second year student and planning to go to dental school in the next year or two, as I'm doing an honours Biochem. I was just wondering the general stats needed to get an interview at UWO? I know your thinking I could easily ask my friend but the stats were different for his entering year and I was just looking for more up to date information on admission stats.
Also whats your major and how many years have you completed thus far? Regarding the DAT, which year in university did you partake in it and what is generally considered a decent score on it (as in what DAT marks are acceptable to obtain an interview position at UWO?) Lastly, what other CNDN or US schools have you applied too?

Thanks for all your help and I look forward to hearing from you!!!!! Best of LUCK!!
regards,
CLARK

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by Michelle-In-Montreal:
Thanks Doggie, Henkel for the advice. I didn't make the realization that I wanted to be a dentist until the beginning of senior year. Fortunately for me, deadlines for Cdn dent schools are much later and admissions are generally not allocated on a rolling basis. Unfortunately, spaces are quite limited. I wanted to apply to US schools but after looking over all the material, I realized that I would definitely be at a disadvantage if I were to apply then, since it was already the fall. Does anyone know of any stats for incoming classes at Cdn schools?

All the advice I've been getting so far is great... Now that I know exactly what I want to do, I'm willing to give it my best shot. You guys are right in that I should be myself, hopefully they will see my motivation!

There doesn't seem to be much info out there in terms of Cdn schools... if anyone as any other info about UWO, it would be greatly appreciated!•