Interview Question

[spider367]

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So I had a quick question regarding on how to best answer a question during an interview regarding my gpa. I went to a somewgat easy college for my first two years and then transferred to a more prestigious college for my final 2 years. However, my gpa ended up dropping an entire point from 3.8 to a 2.8. I know for a fact that is going to come up and I'm not sure how to address it. I didn't go crazy and party or simply not care at the second school. I truthfully just found the material much harder. How would you suggest addressing this? Thanks!

Also, my AA DAT is a 20 which should show I can handle the science material, no?

 

[amalgamgrillz]

So I had a quick question regarding on how to best answer a question during an interview regarding my gpa. I went to a somewgat easy college for my first two years and then transferred to a more prestigious college for my final 2 years. However, my gpa ended up dropping an entire point from 3.8 to a 2.8. I know for a fact that is going to come up and I'm not sure how to address it. I didn't go crazy and party or simply not care at the second school. I truthfully just found the material much harder. How would you suggest addressing this? Thanks!

Also, my AA DAT is a 20 which should show I can handle the science material, no?

There's only one way to answer it: truthfully. If you found this material hard, dental school is going to be your worst nightmare, because you have harder material and more of it. A 20AA doesn't make up for a downward trend/2.8 GPA.

 

[dantemac]

Just be very general. Say that although your GPA does not reflect it, you still felt like you had a grasp on the material and you studied equally as hard. Tell them you make no excuses for the drop but you still feel ready for dental school.

 

[DentalGunner]

Just be very general. Say that although your GPA does not reflect it, you still felt like you had a grasp on the material and you studied equally as hard. Tell them you make no excuses for the drop but you still feel ready for dental school.

Feeling like you have a grasp on the material and then doing poorly is absolutely concerning. Imagine being in dental school, feeling like you understand the content, then failing your boards...that's inexcusable that you don't know when to change up your study habits or when to ask for help.

This is dental school; it's not enough to just 'feel ready'. Do a course-intensive master's program, spank out a 4.0 and SHOW them that you're capable of handling the material.

 

[spider367]

If I'm being completely honest, I didn't really have to work that hard at the first school to get a 3.8 and I probably carried that habit to the second school. What I don't want to do is start making excuses during the interview though.

 

[spider367]

Advice? Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[DentalGunner]

If I'm being completely honest, I didn't really have to work that hard at the first school to get a 3.8 and I probably carried that habit to the second school. What I don't want to do is start making excuses during the interview though.

Props for the honesty. I think you should stick with it. Literally put yourself in their position, as an admissions officer: what would YOU ask an applicant who struggled with school? What would you want to know, so that they gain your trust about their chances of success in dental school?

Once you have those questions, I'm sure you'll come up with the answers you're looking for.

 

[YoHomey]

Not trying to sound mean, but just calling it as it is. I'm surprised you would get interviews as that substantial drop off indicates that the GPA from the easy school was inflated, and your true academic ability at a school where most applicants would come from is subpar. There are a lot of applicants who transfer to a harder school and can maintain a high GPA.

 

[dantemac]

If I'm being completely honest, I didn't really have to work that hard at the first school to get a 3.8 and I probably carried that habit to the second school. What I don't want to do is start making excuses during the interview though.

Well, I rescind my original advice. You underestimated the workload from a harder institution and that decision came back to hurt you.

 

[BobLoblawDDS]

Tell them the truth. You didn't exercise enough foresight or preparation in studying at your new school and your grades suffered as a result. More importantly, talk about how you learned from the experience and how it won't be repeated. They already gave you the interview, which means they're at least mostly okay with your grade drop, as long as you can show that it hasn't reduced you to uncompetitiveness. Focus on the positives: now, you're more cautious, realistic, and you have the foresight and ability to work hard and benefit from a rigorous curriculum.