Interview Questions

[wannagetin09]

Hey guys Im new to sdn and need some interview help:
I have an interview in Jan. at Tennessee. Im from Arkansas and have stats of: Gpa 3.3 Scgpa 3.1 DAT: AA-19 TS-20 PAT-18 RC 23 OC-21. I know my gpa's are pretty low and am in need of a good interview to set myself apart. My gpa is low because of my freshman and sophmore year party habbits. My last 30 hours GPa is a 3.78. Any way I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers on possible interview questions and ways I can set myself apart. Honest help from those of you lucky enough to get in already would be much appreciated. As I am not a threat to you since you have your admissions ha. Thanks much

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[ramforte]

Interview questions can be different at different schools, some are harder some are easier, the best way is to check out the Interview Feedback site in this site (its link is on top of this page towards the right side) all the interview questions from all the shcools are there. That's how almost everyone here prepares for interviews. Good Luck

 

[wannagetin09]

Thanks for the link, probably should have seen that before my post ha. Any idea how heavily the last 30 hours is weighted? seems everywhere I look or ask the answer is different

 

[ramforte]

it's the total GPA that they care about for both Science and General, I'm sure they care that you've done better in your past 30 hours, but they mostly look at your total GPA , however, you DAT scores are fine so you should be ok.

 

[wannagetin09]

Thanks again, I agree the whole gpa is more important. I was an idiot in the beginning. I have made c's and b's in my easier classes and even electives. Most of my a's came in the harder chemistry and biology courses which is completely reversed. Think its ok, if asked, to inform them of why my early grades were low? Is it bad to say I partied and lived life more than the average guy in college?

 

[ramforte]

I think is better to say that it took you little longer to get used to the college life-style than to say you partied too much, you don't want them to think you are a party animal.

 

[wannagetin09]

Don't wanna lie to em tho! ha. Your right it did take me quite some time to "learn how to learn". Being spoonfed in highschool and never having to study+ college courses with 300 people+ a proffesor who could care less about you= terrible grades!

 

[Jake8]

D-schools love it when you have done well for at least two years in a row they call it the upward curve. To them it shows it took you a while to get you act together but you finally figured things out and became a better student. They can easily overlook your first two years if your second two are splendid.

 

[wannagetin09]

Much appreciated. Sorry to be a rookie at this sdn stuff. but your boy wants to get in and is sick of waiting. Guess Im preachin to the choir with this one tho

 

[Oralfixation]

My questions were:
How do you deal with stress? Answer= I try not to let much get to me and if something seems to be bothering me I pray about it. Then I have faith that God will either take care of it or give me the strength to endure it

What was the most difficult time in you life and how did you overcome this adversity? Answer= When my best friend died in a motorcycle accident and I dealt with it by praying about it. The interviewer said that is a good way of dealing with it.

Interviewer #2: What do you do for fun? Answer= I play Halo 3 with my son, or I go hunting with my son or I go fishing with my son.
Do yo play golf? Answer= No, it stresses me out so I choose not to play
What do you think you will not like about dentistry? Answer= Billing people, I will definately have to have a strong woman who does not mind billing people running my office.

They worked for me. I hear the "how do you deal with stress" and what was an adverse time in your life" questions arise alot at alot of dental schools. Good luck.

 

[Spin]

Here's a list of possible interview questions. I found them somewhere on the OSU website:


DENTAL
INTERESTS & EXPERIENCES

Why Dentistry
# Why have you chosen to pursue this profession?
# What interests you about this profession?
# What are you looking for in this profession?
# What do you have to offer the profession?
# Who or what has influenced you in this decision?
# When did you make this decision?

Knowledge of Profession
# Are you aware of the multifaceted nature of Dentistry?
# Are you aware of options in the profession?
# Are you aware of issues facing Dentistry today?

Observation Hours & Experiences
# How many hours?
# What types of practices? Any specialties?
# Have you worked as a dental hygienist, dental assistant or lab tech?
# Favorite thing you observed or highlights of your observation experience?

Hand Skills
# Do you enjoy working with your hands?
# What hobbies do you have that require hand skills?
# Any art / graphics / design background or courses?

Dental Interests & Groups
# Do you have specific interests related to Dentistry?
# Involved in pre-dental groups?
# Any leadership roles in pre-dental groups?


NON-DENTAL
INTERESTS & EXPERIENCES

Academic and Research Experience
# How would you describe your overall academic performance?
# Are you happy with your academic performance?
# Are you happy with your DAT performance?
# What has been the highlight of your academic years?
# Do you enjoy the sciences?
# Do you have any research background or experience?

If yes, what interests you in research? Describe your experiences.
# What type of learner are you?
# Describe how and where you study best.

Employment Experiences
# Describe your work ethic.
# Did you work while attending school?
# What was your first / last job?
# What was your best job? Why?
# What would your last employer say about you?
# Which job was most difficult for you? Why?

Volunteer Experiences
# Describe your volunteer experiences.
# Are you committed to any long term volunteer projects?
# Which was your most rewarding volunteer experience and why?

Probability to Serve
# Are you aware of areas in Ohio that are identified as underserved and have
been identified as having a dental health professional shortage?
# Do you have any experiences volunteering in such underserved areas?
# Did you grow up in an area that has a dental health professional shortage?
# After obtaining your DDS, where do you plan on practicing?

Organizations / Group Activities / Leadership
# What non-dental organizations or groups have you been involved with?
# Have you held any leadership positions?

General Interests / Hobbies / Music / Sports
# How do you spend your time outside of school?
# Hobbies/music/sports?
# What kind of books do you like to read?
# Tell me about a recent book you have read.
# What is your favorite book / movie / website?


PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
& LIFE EXPERIENCES

Motivation / Passion / Integrity
# What motivates you to learn?
# What motivates you to excel?
# What are you passionate about?
# How important is integrity in your daily life?

Creativity / Attention to Details / Excellence
# Are you a creative person? Give examples.
# How would you describe your creativity?
# Are you a "big picture" or "details" person?
# In academics, how do you recognize excellence?
# How can you help our College promote excellence?

Organizational Skills / Time Management Skills
# On a scale of 1 to 10, how organized are you?
# Why did you choose to take as many/few credit hours per term as you
did?
# How did you manage your time among school, work, and/or other
activities?

Strengths & Weaknesses
# What are your strengths?
# What are your weaknesses?

Responsibility / Self-Reliance / Obstacles
# What is your experience with independence?
# What is the biggest responsibility that you have ever had?
# Have you had any significant obstacles in your life? If so, what did you do
to overcome them?


INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Professional Appearance and Behavior
# What role (if any) does appearance play in a profession?
# How do you handle conflict?
# How do you handle stress?

Attitude & Enthusiasm Towards Others
# Tell us about your attitude towards others.
# Tell us about your people skills.

Teamwork Experience / Cooperative Spirit
# Do you prefer to work alone or on a team?
# What is your experience with teamwork?
# Describe the people you work with best.
# Describe the people you find most difficult to work with.
# Are you a worker bee, team leader, or both?
# How would your best friend describe you?


MISCELLANEOUS

# How are you unique?
# Since everyone is unique, what can you add to our dental class in terms
of diversity?
# What would you do if you won the lottery today?
# If you had three wishes what would they be and why?
# If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go first?
# If you were to write a book about your life, what would you title it?
# What role does humor play in your life? Can you laugh at yourself?
# What is your most embarrassing moment?
# Describe a day without stress.
# If you are stressed, what signs occur and what do you do about it?
# Why should we choose you for the Dental Class of 2011?
# After this interview what should we remember most about you?