Interview updates?

Hey what's up?
I havet an interviews from Columbia and Upenn in near future.. I would like to have some feedback from those of you who went to interviews...

thanks

 

I had my first interview last week (Sept. 14th) at UofL and it was fantastic! 2 thirty-minute interviews (1-on-1) with ADCOM members, then an exit interview where they tell you how you did.

Everything was VERY laid back (at least in my case - but it may be because I did my undergrad here and therefore am already familiar with the school). Faculty and staff were great. They quickly made us feel relaxed. Current students had nothing but praise for the school and program.

I am interviewing at UPenn on Oct. 12, so I would love to hear any feedback from those of you who have already interviewed there.

Thanks!

 

I'm very interested in the U of L also. What type of questions did they ask, general any curveballs? Any info would be great. thanks

 

Hi everyone,

I just interviewed on the 21st at Temple and everything went great!! If you have an interview lined up there, don't be nervous. The day went very smoothly. First, the director of admissions, Mark Lombard, tells you all about the school and it's philosophy. There is a short essay to write. He's very nice and informative. That lasts about an hour or so. Then he gives you the grand tour of the school - very nice facility. Students, patients, faculty all seem happy. Then you have lunch with students who are also very informative and seem very pleased with the school. Then there is a formal interview with one or two profs and a group of about five to six students. The questions were very straightforward and predictable. The prof who interviewed us gave us immediate feedback too. He said he would be pleased to have each of us as his student and would let the committee know that! The day concludes with a description of financial aid and scholarships. Overall it was a very pleasant experience.

 

hi, MsPurtell

would you share some of the interview essay topic? thanks

snowman

 

Sure snowman. My essay question was - should an HIV+ dentist feel obligated to tell a patient his/her HIV+ status? Why?. I noticed the questions a few other people got. One was - what was your most memorable day? Another was - what should happen to students caught cheating on exams?

Those are the ones I saw. Hope that helps.

 

hi,MsPurtell

thanks for the info about temple interview, and it is very helpful!

good luck w/ your other interview!

snowman

 

Hello MsPurtell,
Just a few more questions about Temple...Did the admissions commitee review your grades/DAT scores with you? Did they drop any hints regarding your chances? Do you know how many students are interviewed vs. class size?
Also, did they really try to sell their Informatics grad program?
My interview there is coming up and I'm anxious to do well. I really want to go to a school that has a strong clinical emphasis. I do a pretty mean Bill Cosby impression...I understand he graduated from Temple...should I do it for the admissions commitee to help my chances?
(that's a joke)
I read your other post about BU. I interviewed there 2 years ago and it was all very pleasant and simple. One word of advice: do NOT rock back and forth in your chair when the dean is giving her introductory speech. She nearly ripped one of the student's head off for this. It was quite disconcerting to hear somone get yelled at during an interview.
I was asked 2 questions during my one-on-one: " What was the happiest moment of you life?" (a bit odd to ask that.....) and " How do you deal with stress?", and then I was told that I was basically in as long as I took the DATs on time (which I didn't...oops). The rest of the time they give you the grand tour. hope that helps.

 

Hi goodstuff,

Thanks for the heads up on the dean at BU - she sounds a bit testy!! I can't believe you were asked only two questions on your one-on-one!!! How can that be? It must've taken two minutes. Those are easy questions!

At Temple, the interviewer only had access to our names, undergrad school, and the essay we had written that morning. He basically told us he was evaluating us based on our professional appearance, oral communication skills, confidence, "how you present yourself" kind of things. He made it clear to us that we were called for an interview so early because we are the "cream of the crop" and let us know that he'd be happy to have each of us as his student. He said he'd make that clear to the adcom. I took that as a "you're in if all else in your file checks out". Regarding odds - I believe they interview about 500 and admit 250. Also, they made no mention of the informatics program.

I don't blame you for wanting to do well at the Temple interview. They make it clear that they emphasize clinical skills to an enormous extent - you'll be seeing and doing things that other dental students have little or no exposure to. Third and fourth year students function as dentists. They were sure to tell us that their program is not for everyone - but I really think it suits my type of personality.

Margaret

 

bVmp!

l3T chA05 Re1gN!