Faux Pas Interview Questions

[edkNARF]

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An important factor in my dental school is the mean NBDE scores of that school. It is my understanding that this is a major factor in determining if one gets into a competitive specialty program. I was hoping that this information is given out in the interviews. I was hoping to ask this at the interview if it is not offered, but I understand this is a major interview faux pas. Would anybody be willing to share other issues that one should steer clear of during interviews?

Also, could some of you guys/gals post "no-no" answers to common questions asked at interviews.

Thanks.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I don't think asking for NBDE averages is as much the problem as the way in which you ask it.

 

[DrTacoElf]

I dunno I personally thing your NBDE scores rest in Your hands, not so much the school. 😎

 

[aphistis]

I dunno I personally thing your NBDE scores rest in Your hands, not so much the school. 😎

Ladies & gents, we have a winner. 👍

 

[edkNARF]

I dunno I personally thing your NBDE scores rest in Your hands, not so much the school. 😎

For the most part you are correct, but I am sure that some schools do a better job preparing students for the test than others.

 

[Halitosis]

An important factor in my dental school is the mean NBDE scores of that school. It is my understanding that this is a major factor in determining if one gets into a competitive specialty program. I was hoping that this information is given out in the interviews. I was hoping to ask this at the interview if it is not offered, but I understand this is a major interview faux pas. Would anybody be willing to share other issues that one should steer clear of during interviews?

Also, could some of you guys/gals post "no-no" answers to common questions asked at interviews.

Thanks.

why is asking about the school's avg nbde score a faux pas? they can know your stats....why can't you know theirs?

 

[trypmo]

why is asking about the school's avg nbde score a faux pas? they can know your stats....why can't you know theirs?

It's just that it might put them on the defensive, I think. The propriety of the question is totally dependent on the type of interviewer you get. Not sure how likely it would be to get someone who would be defensive about board scores on behalf of their school, but personally, I wouldn't take the risk.

But then again, I'm slightly paranoid. 🙂

 

[doc_dent]

I think the interview is a time for you to interview the school as well as the school to interview you. Asking intelligent questions shows that you have done your research and know what you want out of school. If a school does not answer your questions about certain stats it only shows that they are lacking in that area. The student can only be as good as the resources they have to learn from. Having said that I think the school you go to plays a major role in getting accepted into specialty programs.

 

[Sprgrover]

I think the interview is a time for you to interview the school as well as the school to interview you. Asking intelligent questions shows that you have done your research and know what you want out of school...

Beautiful response! Everyone should keep in mind that where ever you go you'll be there for four years and a lot more goes into an education than lectures and labs. For example, having faculty take pride in the institution makes a huge difference in how material is presented and to a certain degree how I accept it. Furthermore I don't want to be one of those dentists that shudders when he/she mentions their alma matter. Asking questions that deal with topics beyond the curriculum is a good idea to gauge how well of a fit a school is for you. To what degree are faculty members available for students and their questions? In what ways does the school promote a sense of community? Assuming the interviewer is a dentist, why did he/she direct their career into dentistry (i.e. is teaching a passion, or are they looking for a 'safe' environment from the 'real' world)?

 

[aphistis]

This is absolutely right. Too many people are so nervous about making the school like them that they forget to find out whether they like the school. Kudos!