help!! anyone who knows the UCLA interview

[al]

Hey peeps

Well, I just received notice that I am going to be interviewed at UCLA. this is my top choice, and I'd really like for the interview to go well (obviously). I have some questions that I hope people who have interviewed there can help me or other interviewees with, I'd appreciate any info :

1. What's the format like? crowded with interviewees (anyone who's interviewed at UNC will know what I'm talking about) or small group? Interviews at the beginning or end of the day.etc?

2. How many people will conduct the interviews (#faculty, #student, alum, etc)? Were each 1on1?

3. Any essays to write?

4. What kinds of questions were asked? Any odd, unusual, unique, out of the ordinary questions? Typical interview questions--strengths/weaknesses, why dentistry, etc?

5. what can I do to prepare? Should I be current on any dental societal issues, research, etc?

6. Overall vibe: intimidating, relaxed, etc?

7. Do they tell you when you will be notified of their decision?

8. Any additional thoughts ?

-Thanks to all

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[Yah-E]

Hey Al,

Congrats on your invite! I can only answer one of your questions, #8 (I know nothing about UCLA):

Q: Any additional thoughts?

A: Yeah, go kick a#@ and don't let any thoughts left behind, be sure to let them know everything about your ambitions for your dental education! One thing that I learned from my one interview is to let everything out, let them know that it's a gift to have you as one of their students to carry on their tradition!

Better yet, if all fails, stand up and drop your pants and shorts during your formal interview and put your arms out and say, "look at this, how can you deny this?!" They'll love that approach! <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[ricegirl]

Hey, I can answer your questions -- in greater depth if you would like:

1. What's the format like? crowded with interviewees (anyone who's interviewed at UNC will know what I'm talking about) or small group? Interviews at the beginning or end of the day.etc?

the interview is 2 interviewers on you for about 45 mins. There is also a student interviewer during lunch who has a form to fill out about you. The 'formal' interview is held before lunch, and the student interview is held during lunch. the student interview is 2 students per interviewer.

2. How many people will conduct the interviews (#faculty, #student, alum, etc)? Were each 1on1?

I'm not sure about the exact numbers -- i had 2 profs, I think both were UCLA alums.

3. Any essays to write?

Yes, it's the first thing you do.

4. What kinds of questions were asked? Any odd, unusual, unique, out of the ordinary questions? Typical interview questions--strengths/weaknesses, why dentistry, etc?

typical interview -- very laid back. it was more of a conversation for me, they have your record and so they just want to know more about you. my interview basically talked about what i'd heard about ucla (good and bad) and tried to dispell some of the myths. also, they asked about my extra-curriculars.

5. what can I do to prepare? Should I be current on any dental societal issues, research, etc?

I'm not sure what to say about this one. I would just look over what is going on in dentistry since you're about to head into it, but no interviewer will ask you directly about it. However, my essay question did concern research.

6. Overall vibe: intimidating, relaxed, etc?

relaxed interview, a bit disorganized. a lot of waiting.

7. Do they tell you when you will be notified of their decision?

yes.

8. Any additional thoughts ?

I had a good feeling about the school, so I decided to attend! I would recommend talking to the students more (esp if you have a lot of free time -- just tell someone and then wander around).

good luck!
ricegirl

 

[jayjay]

Hey Al,
I'll be there Feb 26th..you? I can't wait...

 

[baracuda]

Hey guys,

Do you mind if I ask you what your stats are? I've been waiting for ever for an interview invite from UCLA and still no love!! Anyone know how full the class is at this time?

 

[al]

to jayjay:

I will be there on the 26th too!! I'm pretty stoked as well, better make this one count! Good luck!

To Baracuda:

I found out yesterday but not because they mailed me a letter. I actually called them to ask if my file was complete and in review, and it turns out that they were just about to give me a phone call and send out a letter. So, if I didn't coincidently call them, I wouldn't have known till a couple of days from now probably. Who knows, maybe its worth you giving that a shot, they're probably sending out their new batch of interview notices.

as for my stats:
3.089, 22/20, EC's: Autism research participation, dentist shadower/volunteer, a good number of community outreach activities, etc

Good luck!!

 

[al]

oh yeah: al [log out]
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to yah-zzz: Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely keep in mind the pants dropping approach, I'm sure that'll win them over!

to rice girl: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and giving me a heads up. Hopefully I'll see you there next year!

Good luck

 

[koreangrL]

baracuda,
i read in an earlier post that someone called ucla and they told him that they had offered 87 out of the 88 and that about half had sent in acceptances...i'm still hoping to recieve a call and i interviewed back in january! well good luck to you!
my stats are gpa: 3.68 dats: 23/20 and dental volunteer activities, research.

 

[jk5177]

This thread is good, but I don't want to know that they already filled 87 out of 88. Ignorance is bless. Ignorance is bless. Ignorance is bless. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

They emailed me on Jan 28th for interview dates, and I picked the earliest one I can find, Feb. 18th, hope that is good enough for them.