How to answer this interview question? (tough!!!)

[BingDent]

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"If you were accepted to our school, would you go here?"

I think this would be a tough question because if you apply to several schools, chances are that THAT particular school would not be your top choice...😛

Any ideas on how to answer it ?

 

[ddstothecor]

Well, you could go one of two ways:

1) You could say absolutely, and state what makes the school's program that's interviewing you tops in your mind. Or...

2) You could be honest, and say that you will weigh all of your options carefully, but point out what sticks in your mind about the school that your currently interviewing with.

Really, it depends on how you feel about the school, and whether or not you have other options available to you.
I would definately say it's probably easier to be honest and positive. By all means, if you love the school, make sure that if given the chance, that you make that clear, though.

Whatever you do, don't say, "Nah, I don't think this schools the place for me." What if it's your only option?

Oh well, now you've heard from the people who give me advice and float on my shoulder like in the movies. Only, I have a whole team of advice-givers up there. Usually, there's not enough room for all of them, so I listen to the voices in my head a lot too, but I guess that's another story.

 

[vishal_k32801]

If you apply to say 10 schools, does each school know where
else this candidate has applied?

I think one can honestly express his views ...if you like the
school (faculty, facility, other students, town etc) during your
interview then tell them that you liked the school based on
above facts and so would accept the offer....

 

[BingDent]

Vishal, I think each school would know all the schools you applied to, since you report it in the AADSAS. But again, i'm not sure....but I guess it doesn't really matter, they would expect each candidates to apply about 7-8 schools.

If the school ask this question and it happens to be your top choice, the this question is real easy...just "absolutely".

But I'm afraid that my non-first choice school asking this question. i don't think it would sound good if I said, "While your school got good stuff, but i need to wait from xyz school because ...."

Thanks ddstothecor for your reply, and quote: "whether or not you have other options available to you." I think I wouldn't even go to the interview if I have better options, namely getting acceptances from more preferred schools. So it's just that uncertainty and that you want to get acceptance from as many school as possible, who knows, that school might be your ONLY chance....

So the best way is to lie and say "this school is my first choice and I'd love to come here?

 

[ddstothecor]

Originally posted by vishal_k32801
If you apply to say 10 schools, does each school know where
else this candidate has applied?

The schools aren't dumb. Yes, some people may only apply to a handful of schools, but a majority of people apply to many schools.

IMHO, I don't think it points unfavorably to you if you let them know you've applied to several schools: It shows interest, fortitude, and sincerity. I believe it will let them know that you're a serious applicant.

Still, there are some people who apply to, and know that they're qualified for their first choice, and will be able to go with that option. Not all of us are in that situation, and the schools you apply to are well aware of that fact.

As far as specifically whether they can document each and every school you've applied to, I don't know. I do know that on the AADSAS application that they did send my information on the printout with all of the schools where my application was sent. I guess, you could call down there, and ask if they send out that information to the other schools as well; otherwise the schools would have to obtain their information on applicant profiles from an intercollegiate network - one that I don't know exists. The FBI and KGB still are in operation, so maybe applicant profiling occurs too.

See, there I go again....
I'll be having this conversation with myself for hours to come.

 

[ItsGavinC]

The best way to answer it is to be honest AND confident:

"I'd have to weigh the pros of this school with the pros of the other schools I'm accepted to."

 

[ddstothecor]

Originally posted by bingpredent


So the best way is to lie and say "this school is my first choice and I'd love to come here?

It's not really lying because as a dental student to be, you will go anywhere where you are accepted. Just be sure to have a few good reasons as to why you think that a particular school is a good option.

You do bring up a good point, though. I remember at my NYU interview (a school I wasn't too fond of), that I didn't hesitate to let the interviewee know that I'd for sure pick-up and move to Manhattan in a heartbeat. The fact remains: if NYU was my only option, you'd better believe I'd be writing this response from an island rather than a tropical wonderland. I wonder if he caught on. NYU didn't even bother sending me an acceptance.

It's best to be yourself. Just be positive.