Kinda weird interview ending I guess??

[1800RAW]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I just had my interview at columbia, I felt the entire thing went extremely well; like a semi-intelligent conversation between two mature adults. Anyways at one point she asked me the dreaded "tell me about yourself" question....or statement rather. Kinda took me aback, I hadnt been asked that and took a few seconds to think over what to say. When she say my slight (im talking 3-4 seconds tops) hesitation, she goes "ohh I bet you didn't see that question online huh?" Just to keep things on the track they were headed, I laughed it off, and explained to her I really didn't like rehearsing Q&A before interviews, it tends to make me sound like a robot and I feel more spontaneous, energetic, and into what Im saying when I just do it on the spot vs. recall so premeditated answer. Anyways like I said, few seconds go by, I answer, she seems pleased with what she hears, opens a whole bunch of new doors for stuff to talk about blah blah blah. At the end she asks,"Now this is probably another one you havent seen online, but is there anything specific you'd like me to tell the admissions committee about yourself?" Again, I just chuckled and babbled some crap about how great I am (Im paraphrasing and exaggerating obviously), etc. She then responds "wow that was a very well thought out answer for right on the spot, Im going to present you very strongly to the admissions committee" (thats like literally word for word what she said).

I REALLY would like the opportunity to attend this school, I feel like I clicked with it alot more than I had anticipated and although its a bit pricey, I feel in my own mind that the advantages it has over other schools (however much they may or may not matter), as well as the feeling I got touring the facilities, make it worth the additional tuition.

sooooo my question before I get my hopes up is basically, has anyone had an interviewer make any kind of remarks regarding the strength with which they intend to approve your admission? If so, what was the outcome? If interviewers do make such comments, do you think are genuinely sincere or just a way to end the interview on a high note?

 

[Duriel]

Not to burst any bubbles, I was told the same thing at meharry and my dentist was told the same thing at chapel hill and we both didn't get in.

But I wish you luck, Columbia is awesome.

 

[1800RAW]

Yeah at the time I was pretty stoked, but then I got thinking maybe its just something they say to have a pleasant closing.

I dunno, thats the first time I've had an interviewer say anything to me like that before, and I feel the rest of the interview went REALLY well, just having second thoughts as to if she really meant it or not.

Thanks btw, did you apply this cycle?

 

[KillaGorilla]

I got similar comments at Columbia and UMDNJ, didn't hear back from either yet. GL

 

[1800RAW]

Yeah I guess the only thing to do is wait, I was just hoping enough people with acceptances had similar experiences (really wishful thinking, I know) so I could get an idea of if the words really had meaning.

Im sure youll have no problem getting in with your stats, if 24/25/21 doesnt land you a seat and the interview went well, somethings wrong. Mine are a little lower, 23/23/21, so I have or slightly exceed what they want, so at least I have that going for me

 

[Dew517]

People hear that all the time but it doesn't always mean you will get accepted; there are a ton of other factors at play.

Sorry to get off topic, but KillaGorilla I also interviewed at both those schools the same dates as you and have not heard back yet as well. I thought Columbia said that we would know the first week of January.

 

[Baker2010]

Yea I don't think it means much.
When I was at Temple. I was basically told I was in. Come dec 1st. The was the only school I interviewed at that I didn't hear from and still haven't heard anything yet.

 

[KillaGorilla]

@ Dew- I was waiting all week for a response. Every time something popped up in my inbox or the phone rang my heart started racing, but nothing. Maybe this week...

 

[1800RAW]

yeah when I actually thought about it, that was my gut feeling. Like someone said, theres alot of factors involved so anything goes I suppose

Im also still waiting on UMDNJ, another school I was pleasantly surprised with and glad I visited. Interview went great IMO, still no word.

 

[KillaGorilla]

@1800RAW- Congrats on stony brook. When did you get the interview?

 

[1800RAW]

thanks dude, I interviewed there Dec. 5th and heard back from them Jan 6th. Well actually I checked my phone on Jan 6 at like midnight, got a voicemail from Dr. Finch where he left his cell # and said to call him back. Probably one of the most anticipatory experiences ever, I was 99.9% sure it was an acceptance but I wanted to hear it from him directly, think it took me like 3 hours to fall asleep I was so excited lol.

Did you interview there?

 

[KillaGorilla]

thanks dude, I interviewed there Dec. 5th and heard back from them Jan 6th. Well actually I checked my phone on Jan 6 at like midnight, got a voicemail from Dr. Finch where he left his cell # and said to call him back. Probably one of the most anticipatory experiences ever, I was 99.9% sure it was an acceptance but I wanted to hear it from him directly, think it took me like 3 hours to fall asleep I was so excited lol.

Did you interview there?

I wish! I never heard back from Stony, which was disappointing to say the least. The rest of my app seems to be going ok, so I'm still happy. 🙂

 

[Dew517]

Killa - Haven't heard from Stony either. My predents profile is basically identical to yours except I applied to a few more schools. Good luck hearing back from Columbia...hopefully we will both hear back this week with some good news.

 

[1800RAW]

I wish! I never heard back from Stony, which was disappointing to say the least. The rest of my app seems to be going ok, so I'm still happy. 🙂

wtf, not even an interview with your stats?? Im assuming youre a NY resident based on the schools you applied to, have you tried calling to make sure they received everything? Thats unbelievable though if they end up not giving you an interview, Ill never figure out how this whole candidate selection process works, I dont even think the ADCOMS themselves fully understand it.

 

[iralex801]

I only heard the statement, "I'm going to give you a good recommendation." at one of my schools I interviewed at and I got in. However, by reading SDN, I find out that they always say this. So it doesn't mean a guaranteed acceptance. It doesn't mean your interview went bad though. You probably did fine.

In the end your interviewer is only one person in the admissions committee. If I had to guess, at some later date, all the people in the admissions committee meet. Then at this meeting, the interviewers have to pick the top applicants that he/she interviewed and offer them admission. So if your certain interviewer interviewed a lot of top applicants, it would suck and make your chances harder to get in. Purely conjecture though lol.

 

[KillaGorilla]

wtf, not even an interview with your stats?? Im assuming youre a NY resident based on the schools you applied to, have you tried calling to make sure they received everything? Thats unbelievable though if they end up not giving you an interview, Ill never figure out how this whole candidate selection process works, I dont even think the ADCOMS themselves fully understand it.

Ya I'm from Long Island. Stony Brook takes like 8ppl so I wasn't banking on it. I have high dat scores, but others may be more "rounded." My thinking is they are not too happy with my math grades. Applying late was probably an issue also.

I would really love it if schools outlined their process in detail on their website. 😀

@ DEW- GL next week. I hope it comes Monday for both of us!

 

[1800RAW]

I only heard the statement, "I'm going to give you a good recommendation." at one of my schools I interviewed at and I got in. However, by reading SDN, I find out that they always say this. So it doesn't mean a guaranteed acceptance. It doesn't mean your interview went bad though. You probably did fine.

In the end your interviewer is only one person in the admissions committee. If I had to guess, at some later date, all the people in the admissions committee meet. Then at this meeting, the interviewers have to pick the top applicants that he/she interviewed and offer them admission. So if your certain interviewer interviewed a lot of top applicants, it would suck and make your chances harder to get in. Purely conjecture though lol.

Exactly, I should have reworded my OP. I certainly wasnt trying to gauge whether or not I would get in based on that comment, just that she felt the interview went as well as I thought it did. I know with interviews especially, people's perception of theirs/others performance can vary widely, so really what I wanted opinions on was if in other people's experiences, when an interviewer makes a comment like that, do they sincerely mean they felt the interview went very well or not.

At this point thats really all you can ask for; DAT is done, apps are out, LORs are in, just gotta have a successful interview and youve done pretty much everything you can

 

[doc toothache]

A good interviewer should make the interviewee feel like he/she is the best candidate to come along in 100 years.

 

[dantemac]

I had the EXACT same experience at VCU. The interviewer kept telling me that I "probably couldn't predict his questions from Student Doctor" and told me my responses were excellent. Haven't heard back from them.

 

[1800RAW]

A good interviewer should make the interviewee feel like he/she is the best candidate to come along in 100 years.

yeah I could see that, definitely would be good for the public image of the school

I could also equally see trying to remain as emotionless to their answers as possible so the applicants cant really get a read on what you want to hear and instead say whats truly on their minds. I dont mean being purposely cold and distant, but not acting like one of those people who, after hearing the first 4 words of the applicants answer, either say something, or give some indication or approval or disapproval and essentially "guide" the applicant to describe the answer theyre looking for.

At least that what my dad does when interviewing staff in his office. Personally if it were me I'd adopt your approach but I can understand the previous mindset.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I would really love it if schools outlined their process in detail on their website. 😀

That would be favorable for us applicants to gun for our school of choice but from the school's perspective...

Do I want someone who tailors themselves to what I'm looking for or do I want someone who has genuinely matched what I'm looking for?

 

[grb2sos]

To the OP, at the end of one of my interviews at a school I haven't heard back from since, the interviewer said "I am positive you will get in somewhere." I interpreted that as I interviewed well and had a great chance, but still no word from the school. The point is, I wonder if some interviewers try and be nice and not leave you with a sour taste in your mouth after the interview is over. I would prefer if they were just completely honest and said thanks for coming in, but I doubt you will get in here.

 

[1800RAW]

That would be favorable for us applicants to gun for our school of choice but from the school's perspective...

Do I want someone who tailors themselves to what I'm looking for or do I want someone who has genuinely matched what I'm looking for?

yeah its kind of a slippery slope. On one hand, the way it is now, you basically follow the universal cookie cutter routine of reading through the ADEA guide, earning the appropriate grades, doing well on the DAT, getting some clinical exposure so you know what youre getting into and thats about it for practically every school. But when it comes down to differentiating schools between one another, I feel like its tough to formulate an educated conclusion without actually spending some time there, however ******ed that sounds. I remember some dude posted on here, had like a 3.7+GPA, 22-23 DAT, shadowing, the works. WHen he emailed the admissions office of a school he should have easily gotten into, they gave him some bull**** about how he looked nervous during his interview or something and thats why he got rejected. Obviously thats BS, its much more plausible that he just wasnt a good "fit" based on the past, present, and anticipated future students but didn't want to come right out and say that. It definitely would be nice if each individual school took a little time to briefly describe the type of students that typically comprise their classes, that way people know if they shouldn't make a 2000mile trip for an interview even though theyre socially competent, have the GPA, DAT scores, etc. but know from reading that description that they simply arent the type of person that school is looking for, regardless of academics.

To the OP, at the end of one of my interviews at a school I haven't heard back from since, the interviewer said "I am positive you will get in somewhere." I interpreted that as I interviewed well and had a great chance, but still no word from the school. The point is, I wonder if some interviewers try and be nice and not leave you with a sour taste in your mouth after the interview is over. I would prefer if they were just completely honest and said thanks for coming in, but I doubt you will get in here.

yeah, that or just say nothing at all. Everyone is stressed out enough as it is, the last thing people want is to get their hopes up cause of a comment an interviewer made only to get the rejection letter a month later. oh well, we'll see what happens, its over and done with, no use getting obsessed over it. Ill let everyone know what ends up happening, hopefully itll be good news.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

To the OP, at the end of one of my interviews at a school I haven't heard back from since, the interviewer said "I am positive you will get in somewhere." I interpreted that as I interviewed well and had a great chance, but still no word from the school. The point is, I wonder if some interviewers try and be nice and not leave you with a sour taste in your mouth after the interview is over. I would prefer if they were just completely honest and said thanks for coming in, but I doubt you will get in here.

That's equivalent to when a girl you like, tells you that youll make a great boyfriend...

 

[Bereno]

yeah its kind of a slippery slope. On one hand, the way it is now, you basically follow the universal cookie cutter routine of reading through the ADEA guide, earning the appropriate grades, doing well on the DAT, getting some clinical exposure so you know what youre getting into and thats about it for practically every school. But when it comes down to differentiating schools between one another, I feel like its tough to formulate an educated conclusion without actually spending some time there, however ******ed that sounds. I remember some dude posted on here, had like a 3.7+GPA, 22-23 DAT, shadowing, the works. WHen he emailed the admissions office of a school he should have easily gotten into, they gave him some bull**** about how he looked nervous during his interview or something and thats why he got rejected. Obviously thats BS, its much more plausible that he just wasnt a good "fit" based on the past, present, and anticipated future students but didn't want to come right out and say that. It definitely would be nice if each individual school took a little time to briefly describe the type of students that typically comprise their classes, that way people know if they shouldn't make a 2000mile trip for an interview even though theyre socially competent, have the GPA, DAT scores, etc. but know from reading that description that they simply arent the type of person that school is looking for, regardless of academics.

lol

Anyway, like others have said, you have no clue how your interview went no matter what the interviewer says. Don't read too much into it.

 

[frd88]

lol

Anyway, like others have said, you have no clue how your interview went no matter what the interviewer says. Don't read too much into it.

Agreed, selections are very unpredictable, best bet is to do your best and try not to think at all about it afterwards. But, that is easier said than done. Also, I don't think that the interviewer is the only one making the decision in a lot of cases. There are so many people who you could rub the wrong way throughout the entire day that might prevent you from getting an acceptance. I look at it like a mine field, lol. Some things you don't even have control over though.

 

[invictusx]

1800RAW, I interviewed at Columbia on Friday as well. What was your name?

Hahaha, I turned down Stonybrook two days before 2012 so.. I may have opened a spot for one of you guys here!

 

[invictusx]

That's equivalent to when a girl you like, tells you that youll make a great boyfriend...

Touche. Except that the schools that told me that they wanted me to strongly consider their school did take me. Right, JOoa0ky? LOL UMDNJ, that is all I have to say to you. LOLOL. Nothing beats us.

 

[1800RAW]

1800RAW, I interviewed at Columbia on Friday as well. What was your name?

Hahaha, I turned down Stonybrook two days before 2012 so.. I may have opened a spot for one of you guys here!

Oh really? My name's Anthony, were you the guy from Potsdam? Seemed like there were only 2-3 new yorkers there. Im really bad with names lol, now that I think about it, I dont remember anyone's name from Friday haha.

thats crazy you turned down SB, but with your stats Im sure youll end up where you wanna go. I put a deposit down there just to have a seat secured and originally it was my #1 choice, but after the columbia interview, it may have edged out SB slightly. itll definitely be a tough decision to make, assuming I get the opportunity to make it.