Insightfull UW Interview Questions

[El Salvaje]

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So these aren't questions that you will be asked at the interview in UW (there is a whole site for that) but rather on the inteview process itself. The following are questions that I considered and, as far as I know, haven't been brought to light yet.

1) I noticed that on the UWSOD website it had a breakdown of the GPAs they admitted over the past couple of years. Averaged out it was something like (20% 4-3.8)(30% 3.79-3.51)(25% 3.50-3.30)(25% 3.29-3.0) for EVERY SINGLE entering class. Now, assuming they want to maintain this distribution would that mean that candidates are only competeting with those in their GPA bracket? In other words, a person with a 4.0 isn't going to take the spot of someone with a 3.50 but just another person in their bracket? Additionally, between someone with a 4.0 and a 3.80 it just comes down to DAT, ECs and LORS since they are already in the same bracket?

2) I feel as though with open file interviews the adcomms pretty much already have their mind made up. In MW-AZ they claimed to have a "completely closed file" admissions process where thereafter they only judge your admission based on the interview. I feel as though UW and other open file schools already know whether they want you or not. Am I wrong or is there some evidence that the interview actually plays a legitimate role in the decision ON PAR with your GPA/DAT? In other words, the GPA just gets your foot in the door and its basically the interview which decides 90% of your acceptance afterwards?

3) Who is the decision ultimately up to with this school in particular? Is it a closed discussion between those who are interviewing you advocating for your admission to a seperate panel or do other people come into play (ie former employers/professors who were not LOR writers)? I'm just curious as to how many people as in theis process and whether they even have the time to conduct such an investigation. **Sidenote** I haven't done anything bad I'm just wondering is all.


Well there ya go. All intellectual and thought out responses are appreciated and I wish everyone here the best on any upcomming interviews.

 

[baseballjunkie]

So these aren't questions that you will be asked at the interview in UW (there is a whole site for that) but rather on the inteview process itself. The following are questions that I considered and, as far as I know, haven't been brought to light yet.

1) I noticed that on the UWSOD website it had a breakdown of the GPAs they admitted over the past couple of years. Averaged out it was something like (20% 4-3.8)(30% 3.79-3.51)(25% 3.50-3.30)(25% 3.29-3.0) for EVERY SINGLE entering class. Now, assuming they want to maintain this distribution would that mean that candidates are only competeting with those in their GPA bracket? In other words, a person with a 4.0 isn't going to take the spot of someone with a 3.50 but just another person in their bracket? Additionally, between someone with a 4.0 and a 3.80 it just comes down to DAT, ECs and LORS since they are already in the same bracket?

The reason why they chose applicant from other GPA brackets is to create a whole, well-rounded class. Although everyone thinks they're gonna try and specialize when they come into d school, remember only ~15% will. If you take a whole group of "4.0" gunners from undergrad, then it will create a more hostile class and nobody will work well together. I can tell you that at UW you HAVE to work together in order to thrive in the schedule. The class schedule is very demanding and helping each other out will only benefit everyone in the class.

Also, UW doesn't look at straight GPA/DAT. The committee does a great job of choosing well-rounded people, and the interview is just a part of trying to figure out the person behind the paperwork.

2) I feel as though with open file interviews the adcomms pretty much already have their mind made up. In MW-AZ they claimed to have a "completely closed file" admissions process where thereafter they only judge your admission based on the interview. I feel as though UW and other open file schools already know whether they want you or not. Am I wrong or is there some evidence that the interview actually plays a legitimate role in the decision ON PAR with your GPA/DAT? In other words, the GPA just gets your foot in the door and its basically the interview which decides 90% of your acceptance afterwards?

The interview is just going to be one of many factors in the decision. Good stats will get your foot in the door, but ultimately, it comes down to whether or not they believe you have a personality to become a good dentist and you're an effective communicator.

3) Who is the decision ultimately up to with this school in particular? Is it a closed discussion between those who are interviewing you advocating for your admission to a seperate panel or do other people come into play (ie former employers/professors who were not LOR writers)? I'm just curious as to how many people as in theis process and whether they even have the time to conduct such an investigation. **Sidenote** I haven't done anything bad I'm just wondering is all.

In the interview, always the last question they ask is, "When we go back to the committee and they ask about you, what would you want us to tell them?" Essentially, there is an admissions committee full of faculty and other staff members that make the decisions. Your interviewers will go back to the committee and discuss whether or not you are a successful candidate.


Well there ya go. All intellectual and thought out responses are appreciated and I wish everyone here the best on any upcomming interviews.

.

 

[yappy]

Should we warn past employers and volunteer coordinators that we're applying and that they should not be suprized if a school calls on our behalf and that they will be looking for a evaluation of our commitment/work ethic/ etc. ? I think it is polite to do this so people are not bombarded which is to say all the calls will come out of the blue .... I plan to apply to 10+ schools.