University at Buffalo interview experience:
About 70 invitations went out,mostly to candidates who had given both the parts.The first day was orientation,school tour and panel interview.I was interviewed by 2 professors.They had my file with them and my interview lasted for about 40 min.It was not subject related..but mostly questions like what did you after you graduated,why UB,why you etc
The second day started at about 8.30 and went on till 4.30 continously.We were given all materials and not supposed to get anything.They give matrix bands on plastic retainers.Exam is in manikin and not bench top.We were asked to do
all the exercises.
I have been talking to people and found out that this is an awesome program.
The professors were very helpful during the interview process.Its nice that they increased the class size and have opened it to (and accepted
) international students who are not greencard holders.
Nova university:
I am writing this since I know Nova is coming up and I searched for NOva interview feedback
last year,but couldnt get any.The bench was no surprise...they asked whatever they mentioned
previously.They have a picture on the monitor,so you can always refer and see what they
want.There is also a lecture at the beginning on what they want to see in your preps,pay
attention to that.For personal interview,they asked personal questions along with case history.I
believe they give 4 cases..we have prepare a complete case history on what we want to ask
the patient.So if you have a hypertensive patient..what would you ask him?Its not just 1 line
or so..you have to prepare it in a format like "chief complaint,past dental history,past medical
history,examination findings,treatment planning,any special considerations etc"
Some professors do roleplay..so they might behave like a patient asking the doctor
questions.(be prepared for that too)
It was my first interview and I found this format really scary
Other than that,
please check last years invitation thread to know the basis of selection.Its always good to read about the school.
At USC..everyone knows so I cant add anything more other than write down what can help students before they go for the interview.Lots of us had questions whether our handpiece would work in their lab...if your handpiece is a 4 hole,it will definitely work.(brand does not matter..i got mine from ebay) For wax blocks,please order well in advance,if from the school as they might go out of stock.Or else try ebay.
By the way..we prepared for surveying and carving..but were not asked for it during the exam.On the contrary,we had 5 teeth to prep.So thats a handful.They will not provide for anything...they will not see what you got.Just go in and give your best.I hear stories that USC is not a good school...but from what I saw,the building is shining new...the area is not safe,i heard.I spoke to a current student who came on the exam day and he said that its the best program in the country and lots of patients to work on.So do your research before you go to the school...