interviews

[SHC1984]

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I hate interviews...is there any dental schools that DO NOT require an interview for admissions?
So far I heard Creighton and Southern Illinois are the only schools that DO NOT require an interview. IS that true?

 

[burton117]

1) SIU started making interviews mandatory for the 06-07 cycle.

2) From what I understand, Creighton accepts people without an interview if you have very high stats or went to Creighton undergrad.

 

[keibee82]

NYU accepts some applicants w/o an interview. But they're not necessarily the ones with high stats. I've seen people w/ low gpas and 17/18 dat admitted w/o an interview.

 

[SHC1984]

I see, thanks for the reply. Is creighton one of the more competive dental schools?? What do they consider HIGH? Is 22 on the DAT high enough to get me out of an interview??? 😀

1) SIU started making interviews mandatory for the 06-07 cycle.

2) From what I understand, Creighton accepts people without an interview if you have very high stats or went to Creighton undergrad.

 

[SHC1984]

really?? how did they get out of an interview?? alot of dental experisence??

NYU accepts some applicants w/o an interview. But they're not necessarily the ones with high stats. I've seen people w/ low gpas and 17/18 dat admitted w/o an interview.

 

[keibee82]

really?? how did they get out of an interview?? alot of dental experisence??

well i have no clue as to how they select those fortunate ones.
i know...going to NYC is fun but pretty expensive especially if you're from the west coast.

 

[jackbauer!]

I hate interviews...is there any dental schools that DO NOT require an interview for admissions?
So far I heard Creighton and Southern Illinois are the only schools that DO NOT require an interview. IS that true?

an interview is also and opportunity for YOU to interview the dental school. interviews are the only fun thing about applying. why do you hate interviews so much? personally, i wouldn't attend a school that accepted me w/o an interview..i think it's an essential part of process.

jb!🙂

 

[SHC1984]

you got into san franciso?? your stats must be HIGH!! lol...I would love to go there, I love CA so I am going to either apply there or USC. (I know UCLA is better but its hard to get into as an out of stater..)

well i have no clue as to how they select those fortunate ones.
i know...going to NYC is fun but pretty expensive especially if you're from the west coast.

 

[SHC1984]

I hate interviews b/c
1) I did bad on my interview (in my own state school) and that was the reason why I was rejected!!! I called the dean and he told me my gpa/dat was great but my interview score was LOW and therefore I am not in this year!! 🙁 I am not sure why I did bad but I think its b/c I went into the interview telling them things they want to hear like helping the poor with dental care, being in rural area, not caring about money blah blah blah... but then later on the interviewer ask me what I like most about dentistry and I told him costmetic and Orthodontics, So I guess I kind of contradicted myself there.. I know, that was really stupid.. but I really am just interested in costmeic and orthodontics and I am NOT interested at all in cavities, pulling teeth, cleaning teeth, bloody crap, etc... I want beauty, not pain!! lol.. so thats why I am rejected I think...
2) also MONEY, I hate spending so much money on hotel/airplane tickets. NO interview NO plane ticket..lol...

an interview is also and opportunity for YOU to interview the dental school. interviews are the only fun thing about applying. why do you hate interviews so much? personally, i wouldn't attend a school that accepted me w/o an interview..i think it's an essential part of process.

jb!🙂

 

[UJ007]

I hate interviews b/c
1) I did bad on my interview (in my own state school) and that was the reason why I was rejected!!! I called the dean and he told me my gpa/dat was great but my interview score was LOW and therefore I am not in this year!! 🙁 I am not sure why I did bad but I think its b/c I went into the interview telling them things they want to hear like helping the poor with dental care, being in rural area, not caring about money blah blah blah... but then later on the interviewer ask me what I like most about dentistry and I told him costmetic and Orthodontics, So I guess I kind of contradicted myself there.. I know, that was really stupid.. but I really am just interested in costmeic and orthodontics and I am NOT interested at all in cavities, pulling teeth, cleaning teeth, bloody crap, etc... I want beauty, not pain!! lol.. so thats why I am rejected I think...
2) also MONEY, I hate spending so much money on hotel/airplane tickets. NO interview NO plane ticket..lol...

Why didn't you just be honest and tell them what you think and not what you think they want to hear. I don't think any one expects you to be a saint, if your not intrested in those aspects of dentistry you shouldn't have told them that, faking sincerity is difficult. But then again maybe there are lots of rural, poor ppl who are just diying to striaghten their 3 teeth

 

[deleted100801]

i don't think being interested in the cosmetic aspects of dentistry would be a reason to get rejected

 

[Ex_EE]

Why didn't you just be honest and tell them what you think and not what you think they want to hear. I don't think any one expects you to be a saint, if your not intrested in those aspects of dentistry you shouldn't have told them that, faking sincerity is difficult. But then again maybe there are lots of rural, poor ppl who are just diying to striaghten their 3 teeth

I agree with this. It is easy for an interviewer to tell that you are faking your way through the interview. Going in telling them what they want to hear is the worst idea and approach you can possibly have. Next year just be yourself and answer questions honestly. That is really what they are looking for in the interview.

 

[purduephigam]

If you are saying you want to choose the dental school you want to attend based on who doesn't hold interviews, you are not making a wise decision.

First of all, your immaturity really comes out through your wording and your general perception of dentistry.
Second, you're trying to avoid the inevitable. If you go through life pissing and moaning about things you don't want to do, not only will you never be happy, but you'll always look for the shortcuts. Not to mention if, and this is a huge IF, if you get into Creighton or NYU, you're really depriving yourself of a potentially better atmosphere somewhere else at the cost of "I don't want to go anywhere who hold interviews."

Go ahead and waste another year rolling the dice on two schools who may accept you without an interview. My point, and I'm sorry about my bitterness, but you need to grow up. Accept the fact that dental schools are investing in you as well.

 

[SHC1984]

I am not saiding that I am scare of interviews or that I am too broke to paid for all of this, I will go to interviews if I have to and my family has plenty of money to let me do it (but I rather spend $$ on something else...) I posted this thread, to ask anyone if they know of any schools that don't require an interview, that way I can apply to them and use them as back up. (I have high stats, so hopfully they will be my back up...) So thats why I wanted those schools, its for backup in case I do bad on my interviews again this year.

If you are saying you want to choose the dental school you want to attend based on who doesn't hold interviews, you are not making a wise decision.

First of all, your immaturity really comes out through your wording and your general perception of dentistry.
Second, you're trying to avoid the inevitable. If you go through life pissing and moaning about things you don't want to do, not only will you never be happy, but you'll always look for the shortcuts. Not to mention if, and this is a huge IF, if you get into Creighton or NYU, you're really depriving yourself of a potentially better atmosphere somewhere else at the cost of "I don't want to go anywhere who hold interviews."

Go ahead and waste another year rolling the dice on two schools who may accept you without an interview. My point, and I'm sorry about my bitterness, but you need to grow up. Accept the fact that dental schools are investing in you as well.

 

[jackbauer!]

I am not saiding that I am scare of interviews or that I am too broke to paid for all of this, I will go to interviews if I have to and my family has plenty of money to let me do it (but I rather spend $$ on something else...) I posted this thread, to ask anyone if they know of any schools that don't require an interview, that way I can apply to them and use them as back up. (I have high stats, so hopfully they will be my back up...) So thats why I wanted those schools, its for backup in case I do bad on my interviews again this year.

First, spending $$ for applications/interviews is an investment. You really need to take a step back and look at the whole picture. I agree w/ purdue--you're looking at this process very immaturely.

Second, I suggest you take advantage of doing some mock interviews at your university. If that's not available to you, then pay for a mock interview. You want to walk into your interviews feeling confident....you do NOT want pre-determined answers floating around your head. trust me, my first interview went horrible b/c i made that mistake. My next 2 were as cool as the other side of the pillow b/c i was JUST MYSELF..no BS.

Best of luck, jb!🙂

 

[purduephigam]

I am not saiding that I am scare of interviews or that I am too broke to paid for all of this, I will go to interviews if I have to and my family has plenty of money to let me do it (but I rather spend $$ on something else...) I posted this thread, to ask anyone if they know of any schools that don't require an interview, that way I can apply to them and use them as back up. (I have high stats, so hopfully they will be my back up...) So thats why I wanted those schools, its for backup in case I do bad on my interviews again this year.

I can't believe someone in their right mind would actually write this. This supports my statement about you being immature about the entire situation. I was even thinking to myself while writing my response that this kid just sounds like a spoiled brat. Obviously wanting to avoid interviews because you "don't like them" just goes to show that. I'm sure you were given everything on a silver platter, but I've got news for you buddy sometimes life is about learning things the hard way. Now I know you'd rather go off spending your parents' money on cars and boats, but you need to look at this situation as an investment.

Realize that there are nice and polite people on here who try and tell you what you want to hear, and there are people like me who don't beat around the bush and just give you the cold truth. It hurts sometimes, I know.

 

[Cyca24]

Interviewing is very important because, as noted above, it's a chance for you to see the school. My opinion changed towards a couple of the schools I interviewed at, and it's an experience that lets you realize whether or not you could really see yourself at the school and if it is the best school for you. You really can't pick a school in terms of its interview process. You say you interviewed at your state school and did poorly; is this the only school you applied to? You have to better your odds so you don't have to waste money on several rounds of applying and being picky with the schools. There are many people on this forum who applied to 10-15+ schools, and I'm sure they were realistic and not crossing their fingers anticipating an automatic acceptance. The majority of us have to suffer through the interview process, and although it can get exasperating, it is (hopefully) worth it in the end. Be yourself, be honest, and know why you're really applying to these schools.

 

[Istr8nthem]

I can't believe someone in their right mind would actually write this. This supports my statement about you being immature about the entire situation. I was even thinking to myself while writing my response that this kid just sounds like a spoiled brat. Obviously wanting to avoid interviews because you "don't like them" just goes to show that. I'm sure you were given everything on a silver platter, but I've got news for you buddy sometimes life is about learning things the hard way. Now I know you'd rather go off spending your parents' money on cars and boats, but you need to look at this situation as an investment.

Realize that there are nice and polite people on here who try and tell you what you want to hear, and there are people like me who don't beat around the bush and just give you the cold truth. It hurts sometimes, I know.

I will partially agree with this. I think that you need to be honest in your interview, but most of all, I think you need to take a step back and be honest with yourself and your reasoning for pursuing dentistry. From the little that I have read, it seems to me that your eyeballs may have been flashing $$$ symbols throughout your interview. As interviewers, we hate (yes, somewhat of a strong word) when young people come in for an interview with little grasp on the reality of dentistry. The fact of the matter is, dentistry is a messy profession. Not everything is "pretty," "clean," and "cosmetic." We hear way too many people talk about interest in orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. While this is fine and dandy, you also have to realize that orthodontics is extremely competetive and you may not acheive what it takes, and cosmetic dentistry is only solving half the problem. To say that you don't want to deal with cavities as a dentist is like a dermatologist saying they don't want to deal with zits....It's absolutely necessary and part of your professional obligation to treat people within the scope of your practice (that being a general dentist if you are applying to dental school). You WILL NOT survive dental school if you don't like "yucky" things and have no interest in taking care of cavities. fact of the matter is, dental school is the place many people who have a lot of decay come for restorative work, and you will be seeing some nasty mouths.

Now, I only state this because I interview incoming predents on a weekly basis and hear this stuff all of the time and I can say without little doubt that if you said the things you mentioned in your interview, you most definitely came across as a candidate with very unrealistic expectations about what dentistry and dental school is all about. Hope this helps a little.

 

[gryffindor]

Where to begin? 😕

1) You need to really examine why you want to go to dental school. Maybe shadow some general dentists and decide if you can see yourself doing the job. Like one of the other posters said, orthodontics is an extremely competitive specialty to get into. You have to get through dental school liking general dentistry first. And you will see your share of bloody, disgusting, icky mouths in ortho as well.

2) If you can't handle interviewing for dental school, forget ortho or any other residency in your future. The only way into any dental residency is through several rounds of interviews and by spending lots of money going to those interviews.

3) From everything you have typed in this thread, it is very readily apparent you need to gain some maturity. Interviewing is a skill that can be practiced and improved. Your career center might help you, and there are many books in bookstores about to "how to interview" with practice questions.

 

[SHC1984]

lets see, you don't even know me, yet you insist on coming into my thread to insult me.....someone you don't even know and you think I am hurt by your insults? dude, unless you got into Harvard or something, you have no right to insult me. You don't even know my Stats, (higher then yours, I'll bet you anything... ), so please don't assume you are better then someone else, until you actually KNOW the person. Insulting someone and assuming you are superior doesn't make you mature either....especially since its NOT true....

It hurts sometimes, I know.

 

[SHC1984]

I applied to Harvard, UNC, VCU, Alablama and Meharry. (meharry was a waste of my time, I didn't even know it was a school for disadvantage minorities until after I interview there..)
Only interested in Harvard and UNC, but need some backup schools to go along with it...

Interviewing is very important because, as noted above, it's a chance for you to see the school. My opinion changed towards a couple of the schools I interviewed at, and it's an experience that lets you realize whether or not you could really see yourself at the school and if it is the best school for you. You really can't pick a school in terms of its interview process. You say you interviewed at your state school and did poorly; is this the only school you applied to? You have to better your odds so you don't have to waste money on several rounds of applying and being picky with the schools. There are many people on this forum who applied to 10-15+ schools, and I'm sure they were realistic and not crossing their fingers anticipating an automatic acceptance. The majority of us have to suffer through the interview process, and although it can get exasperating, it is (hopefully) worth it in the end. Be yourself, be honest, and know why you're really applying to these schools.

 

[snapple59]

I hate to inform you this but you're too arrogant. With your attitude, no school is going to admit you. And there is no such thing as a backup school. You submit your application and you hope they take a look at your application. No wonder you only received one interview. You should do some research before you apply for next year. It seems like you have no clue how to present yourself to the interviewer. If the interview is your weakness, make it into your strength. Practice your interviewing skill with your peers.

 

[bruinpredent]

lets see, you don't even know me, yet you insist on coming into my thread to insult me.....someone you don't even know and you think I am hurt by your insults? dude, unless you got into Harvard or something, you have no right to insult me. You don't even know my Stats, (higher then yours, I'll bet you anything... ), so please don't assume you are better then someone else, until you actually KNOW the person. Insulting someone and assuming you are superior doesn't make you mature either....especially since its NOT true....

just...wow. ladies and gentlemen, we clearly have a genius on our hands. let us bow to his superiority.

*i am not worthy*

honestly man, get over yourself. everyone here has high stats...the only difference is that unlike you most sdners have the maturity, drive, determination, and desire to make it in the real world and earn their way into dental school

 

[Istr8nthem]

Only interested in Harvard and UNC, but need some backup schools to go along with it...

I sincerely hope that you are successful in whatever you are truly passionate about, but, that being said, you really need to pick a different way of displaying yourself in your interviews. If it is remotely close to how you have come across on this board, you wont need to worry about UNC, Harvard, or "backup schools" for that matter because no one will want you there. Take a step back and look at what you are getting yourself into and ask yourself, "can I and do I want to be a dentist for the rest of my life??" If the answer is that you only want to do clean dentistry without seeing decay, etc, I really hope you consider a different profession, because you will be doing nothing for our profession with that mentality.

Also, if you care to know what it takes to get into ortho feel free to PM me, I'll share "my stats" with you (however, I wont promise mine are better than yours, because I don't care).

 

[purduephigam]

lets see, you don't even know me, yet you insist on coming into my thread to insult me.....someone you don't even know and you think I am hurt by your insults? dude, unless you got into Harvard or something, you have no right to insult me. You don't even know my Stats, (higher then yours, I'll bet you anything... ), so please don't assume you are better then someone else, until you actually KNOW the person. Insulting someone and assuming you are superior doesn't make you mature either....especially since its NOT true....

Where or where do I begin here? I could pick you apart on this but I will save you the embarrassment as I'm sure others will chime in to flame you for your arrogance. For one, I was not insulting you. Only someone of your nature would become incredibly defensive and then resort to the "I'm-better-than-you" comments. That's like me countering that with "My dad could beat up your dad." And if you're so much better than us stat-wise, why aren't you sending your deposits to Harvard and Columbia? Oh yeah, I forgot, you don't like interviews. Like I said, I'll give it to you straight, with no intentions of insulting you, but purely to state the facts. The field of dentistry needs someone who's passionate and caring, not arrogant and rude. No one here is better than the other person. Face it, we're all over-achieving nerds (I mean this in the best way possible 🙂 ). We all, or most of us anyway, will strive to be the best clinician we can be and will stop at nothing to get there. You my friend, have some growing up to do.

 

[diane07]

In order to do well in an interview . . . you need to have basic social skills. To interact with patients, you also need to have basic social skills. Could it be that you need to work on that? I mention this because the way you present yourself seems very immature, and you don't seem to be very realistic about the field of dentistry.

I agree with the other posters that IF you were accepted, you would have to deal with plenty of gross, disgusting and nasty things while in dental school and after as well.

The other posters are giving you some refreshingly HONEST advice. I think a lot of people come on here wanting warm fuzzies. While some may be happy to oblige, doing that doesn't actually help anyone. If there are posters who are older, wiser, more experienced - why not take a moment to really hear what they have to say?

 

[SHC1984]

I got three interviews. UNC, Meharry, VCU

I hate to inform you this but you're too arrogant. With your attitude, no school is going to admit you. And there is no such thing as a backup school. You submit your application and you hope they take a look at your application. No wonder you only received one interview. You should do some research before you apply for next year. It seems like you have no clue how to present yourself to the interviewer. If the interview is your weakness, make it into your strength. Practice your interviewing skill with your peers.

 

[SHC1984]

I don't mind dealing with the decay and I know I will during dental school. I just much rather be an orthodontist or work at a more high end practice where patients that come to me care about their appearance. I rather make someone beautiful then see a person that hasn't brush their teeth in ages. There are different kinds of dentists out there, some do cosmetic/ortho and aim for patients that care about their teeth and appearance a lot.

I agree with the other posters that IF you were accepted, you would have to deal with plenty of gross, disgusting and nasty things while in dental school and after as well.

 

[Ex_EE]

I need some opinions. My stats are DAT- 21AA, 22TS, 18 PAT, 22 Bio, 23 GChem, 21 OChem, 20 Math, 17 Reading Comp. GPA 4.00 Non Science and 3.85 Science.
First of all anyone recommend me taking the DAT again?? I will if its a good idea.
If NOT, then with these stats HOW MANY schools do you recommend me applying too??? Obviously If I had a DAT-30, then I will just apply to ONE school and get in. 😀 But since I am not that fortune, can anyone tell me about how many schools I should apply to so I will have a chance to get accepted next year? I would apply to all of them, but I am kind of broke right now (all those airplane tickets I will be paiding for during interviews....not cheap!), So I want to be able to save money and get into dental school. So please give me some honest opinions.
Five schools? Ten?? Anyone recommend any particular school that they know of that will take my stats?? (I don't want to apply to a school that is too good for me...) thanks everyone. 🙂

Found this in one of his previous threads. Since he is obviously the smartest person on SDN we should all be asking him what to do.
Man you need to get over it. Your stats are good but they aren't anything extraordinary. I would hazard a guess that your DAT scores are pretty average as far as SDN posters go.

 

[keibee82]

Your stats and gpas are great. But I have to say your dat score is more like an average here on sdn. There are alot of overachievers here so... 😛 But your RC and PAT is definitely not on a high scale. Especially 17 on RC could hurt your chances in many schools. Also, I just want to tell you that even if you have 30 dat and 4.0 gpas, I wouldn't recommend applying to just ONE school. Dental school is hard to get into no matter where. Just because some got into Harvard (one of the hardest to get into) doesn't mean they'll also be admitted to every other dental schools. Some may get into Harvard and get rejected from any other dental school. It all depends on how you fit in with the school. Its not like your stats are ranked by ADEA and given to dental school from top to bottom. You should really appreciate those three interview you had and make some fortune out of it. Like everyone said... there is no such thing as back up school. There are thousands of people applying to each dental schools. You bet there are bunch of people with better stats than you. Its all about your whole application and how you express yourself with your personal statement and interview.
Lastly, try to be more humble next time. These sdners are here to help each other out to reach their goals. Lets not insult or let others down. I believe great dentists are ones who really care about their patients and people, not with great stats and degree from a well known school. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SHC1984]

I am not a "he". you are right they aren't great...English is my second language and I didn't have time to study for the PAT, but I will retake it again.... this time I will spend more then 2 weeks studying...
didn't mean to sound arrogant, just piss off that I have to reapply again and people in here are judging me first...

Found this in one of his previous threads. Since he is obviously the smartest person on SDN we should all be asking him what to do.
Man you need to get over it. Your stats are good but they aren't anything extraordinary. I would hazard a guess that your DAT scores are pretty average as far as SDN posters go.

 

[PChemGrad]

USC doesnt really have a interview. you just work in a group trying to figure out a problem. you dont have a chance to say what you like about dentistry...

besides having good interview skills typically says you can interact well with other individuals. which is what dentistry is about, interacting with your patients.