Minnesota Interviews 2011

[bluepills]

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Has anyone interviewed at Minnesota yet? I was wondering whether or not they're usually all behavioral-based questions again this year (ie. Tell me about a time when___)? The interview feedback section says it's pretty standard get-to-know-you questions, but my friends who interviewed there last year said that they got all behavioral-based.

Anyone?

 

[Golfguy]

I was wondering the same thing.

It seems also that there is a lot of construction around the campus, so be sure to give yourself extra time to get there on your interview day.

Does anyone know if there is any writing during the interview, and in general, is it customary to bring anything with you, ie. a padfolio with notepad, pen, resume, ect.?

 

[flyingforever]

Has anyone interviewed at Minnesota yet? I was wondering whether or not they're usually all behavioral-based questions again this year (ie. Tell me about a time when___)? The interview feedback section says it's pretty standard get-to-know-you questions, but my friends who interviewed there last year said that they got all behavioral-based.

Anyone?

According to a friend, they do a "closed file" interview.

 

[chippy]

I interviewed last week.

All the questions were situational, "tell me about a time when you..." They didn't even really ask me to tell them about myself. The first question was something like "Tell us why you are here." or something...I don't remember. You are interviewed by two faculty for about 45 minutes and it is completely closed file. The only thing they knew about me before i entered the room was my name.

It seemed like everyone there brought a padfolio or some kind of writing thing. I wouldn't say it was SUPER necessary. There are opportunities to take notes during some of the informational sessions, but again, not necessary.

The construction wasn't too bad at least coming from the north on 35W and 94.

 

[bluepills]

I interviewed last week.

All the questions were situational, "tell me about a time when you..." They didn't even really ask me to tell them about myself. The first question was something like "Tell us why you are here." or something...I don't remember. You are interviewed by two faculty for about 45 minutes and it is completely closed file. The only thing they knew about me before i entered the room was my name.

It seemed like everyone there brought a padfolio or some kind of writing thing. I wouldn't say it was SUPER necessary. There are opportunities to take notes during some of the informational sessions, but again, not necessary.

The construction wasn't too bad at least coming from the north on 35W and 94.

This was really helpful! Thanks! I hope it went well for you. I have a couple more question for you, if you don't mind:

1. Are the two separate interviews pretty much the same thing, just with different interviewers? Or was one open file and one closed file?
2. Did they have a list of questions? Or were they on the fly, based on your conversations with them/your answers?
3. Were you asked non-situational based questions? Like even.."why dentistry?"

 

[skier713]

I met with the admissions director this summer and she said that the interview style is very different from most schools, but it has worked for them and they probably will not change it for awhile.

On that note, I am still waiting/hoping to get an interview at MN. Does anyone know if they are still sending out invites?

 

[Golfguy]

I interviewed last week.

All the questions were situational, "tell me about a time when you..." They didn't even really ask me to tell them about myself. The first question was something like "Tell us why you are here." or something...I don't remember. You are interviewed by two faculty for about 45 minutes and it is completely closed file. The only thing they knew about me before i entered the room was my name.

It seemed like everyone there brought a padfolio or some kind of writing thing. I wouldn't say it was SUPER necessary. There are opportunities to take notes during some of the informational sessions, but again, not necessary.

The construction wasn't too bad at least coming from the north on 35W and 94.

Thanks Chippy.

Did you find the experience to be grueling, or were you comfortable throughout? And were there any other activities (other than lunch and tours)?

 

[chippy]

1. You just have one 45 minute interview with two faculty members at the same time. Sorry if I didn't specify that. All closed file.
2. They had a list of questions they HAD to get through. Before you go into the interview part of the day, they sit you all down and tell you exactly what you are going to be faced with in the interview room. The interviewers are allowed to cut you off because they HAVE to get through all the questions (for example, I didn't have a good story/answer for one of the questions so they just kept rephrasing it and then since I still couldn't come up with a specific story (as opposed to a general answer) they made up a situation and asked what I would do.) They also told us that each interviewee has the exact same questions. But yeah after you give your initial answer they will ask more questions on that topic being like "And how did that make ___ feel?" or "Did that change the way ___ acted in the future?" etc etc.
3. There were ONLY situational based questions. Except for "Do you have any questions for us?"

Yes! There were other activites throughout the day. I was there for about 5 hours. We had breakfast, an orientation, interview, tour, financial aid presentation, research presentation, and finished with lunch with two D4s.

Besides the actual 45 minute interview, I found the day to be really enjoyable. I don't think I knocked it out of the park (as seen above, I struggled with a few questions), but I think I kept it together enough and gave a good enough overall view of myself to not be completely stressed out. It was definitely a difficult 45 minutes, but I left feeling relieved.

Best of luck.

 

[Tooth Monster]

I met with the admissions director this summer and she said that the interview style is very different from most schools, but it has worked for them and they probably will not change it for awhile.

On that note, I am still waiting/hoping to get an interview at MN. Does anyone know if they are still sending out invites?

I just got an invite for an interview this morning. When did you complete your application?

 

[Tooth Monster]

1. You just have one 45 minute interview with two faculty members at the same time. Sorry if I didn't specify that. All closed file.
2. They had a list of questions they HAD to get through. Before you go into the interview part of the day, they sit you all down and tell you exactly what you are going to be faced with in the interview room. The interviewers are allowed to cut you off because they HAVE to get through all the questions (for example, I didn't have a good story/answer for one of the questions so they just kept rephrasing it and then since I still couldn't come up with a specific story (as opposed to a general answer) they made up a situation and asked what I would do.) They also told us that each interviewee has the exact same questions. But yeah after you give your initial answer they will ask more questions on that topic being like "And how did that make ___ feel?" or "Did that change the way ___ acted in the future?" etc etc.
3. There were ONLY situational based questions. Except for "Do you have any questions for us?"

Yes! There were other activites throughout the day. I was there for about 5 hours. We had breakfast, an orientation, interview, tour, financial aid presentation, research presentation, and finished with lunch with two D4s.

Besides the actual 45 minute interview, I found the day to be really enjoyable. I don't think I knocked it out of the park (as seen above, I struggled with a few questions), but I think I kept it together enough and gave a good enough overall view of myself to not be completely stressed out. It was definitely a difficult 45 minutes, but I left feeling relieved.

Best of luck.

Thanks for the feedback!!! If you don't mind me asking, how did you prepare for this interview? Did you have a mock interview before?

 

[chippy]

I prepared by going through the SDN feedback and other websites online and compiled a list of typical situational interview questions. Then I came up with and practiced about 7-8 stories that I felt would cover most situations I would be asked about. Unfortunately, I was asked a few questions that didn't work with my prepared stories and I think there were more than 7-8 questions asked as well.

Other than that I didn't do too much.

 

[skier713]

I got an interview today and I'm so excited!

I need to start preparing... It's really soon!

For those who already interviewed, is there anything you would have done differently to prepare?

 

[debbiecakes]

Me too! I just got invited for an interview today 🙂 Scheduled it for Monday, October 17th! Should start preparing..

 

[amalgamgrillz]

Does anyone know what the "Meet with admissions and diversity staff" is all about? How is that different than the interview part?

 

[chippy]

amalgamgrilz, the "meeting with admissions and diversity" is basically two minutes where you talk with the receptionists and go over your file and make sure you have all your documents and stuff in and that you're on track to finish all prereqs and stuff. it was nothing basically

 

[poiu]

will be seeing you on interview day debbiecakes!

 

[HillsNayyr]

I'm currently a student at U of M dental and last year it went like this. Arrived, had a breakfast while natty lopez talked for a while, had the financial aide talk, had lunch and interviews.
As for the interviews, they will range from 30-50ish minutes depending on how chatty your interviewers are. They ask questions like "tell me about a time when a plan you had went wrong and what you did".
DON'T waste your time looking through each question people have written down in the interview feedback section, it is a complete waste of time. If you can't think of a situation in your life that meets their question really fast don't sweat it. Just calmly think about it, they're not going to rush you. If you can give intelligent responses that show some personality on your part I'm sure you'll get in.

 

[HillsNayyr]

amalgamgrilz, the "meeting with admissions and diversity" is basically two minutes where you talk with the receptionists and go over your file and make sure you have all your documents and stuff in and that you're on track to finish all prereqs and stuff. it was nothing basically

^This
If you have all your pre-req's done and have completed your application 100% you'll literally walk in a room, tell them your name, they'll say you're all set and then you go on with the rest of the day.

If anyone has any questions about the U I'd be happy to answer them.

 

[bhagan01]

I was wondering if you guys knew if the adea guide to dental schools is accurate in saying that UMN interviews 120 of the 738 people that apply out of state, and admits 91 (in the end due to people denying invites in 2010). So if this trend stays true, as long as we do not totally botch the interview we have around a 76% change of being accepted? I feel like the odds are too good...any one know of other numbers that contradict these?

 

[debbiecakes]

will be seeing you on interview day debbiecakes!

What time is your interview? 🙂

 

[Golfguy]

I was wondering if you guys knew if the adea guide to dental schools is accurate in saying that UMN interviews 120 of the 738 people that apply out of state, and admits 91 (in the end due to people denying invites in 2010). So if this trend stays true, as long as we do not totally botch the interview we have around a 76% change of being accepted? I feel like the odds are too good...any one know of other numbers that contradict these?

I think your number of OOS interviewed is off, is see it as being 204. Thus putting the percentage around 45% who are ultimately accepted (not enrolled).

 

[bhagan01]

I think your number of OOS interviewed is off, is see it as being 204. Thus putting the percentage around 45% who are ultimately accepted (not enrolled).

I bought the guide book because that spreadsheet (which i am assuming you are referring to) was kind of confusing. The adea guide to dental schools says that 738 oos applied 120 interviewed 91 got in...and for in-state 217 applied, 84 interviewed, and 60 were admitted. I think the 204 interviewed is the combination of oos and in-state...

I am just hoping/wishing this is still the case (this data is from the 2010 incoming class) because that means I have a good chance!

DO you know of any data for the 2011 cycle (sorry everyone but i love numbers)?

Hopefully my interview goes well on Tuesday!

 

[Golfguy]

I bought the guide book because that spreadsheet (which i am assuming you are referring to) was kind of confusing. The adea guide to dental schools says that 738 oos applied 120 interviewed 91 got in...and for in-state 217 applied, 84 interviewed, and 60 were admitted. I think the 204 interviewed is the combination of oos and in-state...

I am just hoping/wishing this is still the case (this data is from the 2010 incoming class) because that means I have a good chance!

DO you know of any data for the 2011 cycle (sorry everyone but i love numbers)?

Hopefully my interview goes well on Tuesday!

That sounds very plausible, dude, with the total being 204. I hope that's right because I enjoyed visiting the school. Their website has the recent class profile, but I didn't see a breakdown that we're looking for.

Good luck on your interview!

 

[BobLoblawDDS]

Why so few in-state applicants? Also has anyone else interviewed at UMN recently and would care to give some more feedback? It's been a year since I've faced behavioural questions. I find I'm a lot better at situational ones (ie. if you were in this situation, what would you do) rather than past behaviour ones. I just have an awful memory and it's easier for me to describe what I would do than what I have done. ><

 

[amalgamgrillz]

Why so few in-state applicants? Also has anyone else interviewed at UMN recently and would care to give some more feedback? It's been a year since I've faced behavioural questions. I find I'm a lot better at situational ones (ie. if you were in this situation, what would you do) rather than past behaviour ones. I just have an awful memory and it's easier for me to describe what I would do than what I have done. ><

UMN uses a mix of behavioral and situational. They encourage you to take your time to think about your answer and compose it well in your head. So don't be afraid to ask them if you could just take a minute to think about your answer.

Also, if you can't remember an example, you can ask to come back to it at the end. Or you can simply say "...if I did face a situation like this, this is how I would approach the situation".

Don't worry, you'll be fine. Once you prep for behavioral/situational, you'll be golden for traditional interviews. 🙂

 

[Baker2010]

UMN uses a mix of behavioral and situational. They encourage you to take your time to think about your answer and compose it well in your head. So don't be afraid to ask them if you could just take a minute to think about your answer.

Also, if you can't remember an example, you can ask to come back to it at the end. Or you can simply say "...if I did face a situation like this, this is how I would approach the situation".

Don't worry, you'll be fine. Once you prep for behavioral/situational, you'll be golden for traditional interviews. 🙂

Is it just me or is amalgam actually being nice to ppl now??
i'm wondering what happened

 

[BobLoblawDDS]

UMN uses a mix of behavioral and situational. They encourage you to take your time to think about your answer and compose it well in your head. So don't be afraid to ask them if you could just take a minute to think about your answer.

Also, if you can't remember an example, you can ask to come back to it at the end. Or you can simply say "...if I did face a situation like this, this is how I would approach the situation".

Don't worry, you'll be fine. Once you prep for behavioral/situational, you'll be golden for traditional interviews. 🙂

I didn't see UMN in your Pre-Dents. Did you interview there this cycle?

I was under the impression that the behavioural questions given were rather open-ended and general, ie. "Tell me of a time you made a plan but it didn't follow through," so I think I'd best simply answer the question rather than dance around it.

Also I didn't know they asked situational questions. Can anyone confirm this? I'm talking about questions like, "You are fearing that your roommate is becoming excessively stressed and overworked. You approach him about it but he tells you that he is fine. However, one morning you see him pouring himself a rum and orange juice. What do you do?"

I've already undergone some situational/behavioural interviews but they were last year; it's been a while.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

I didn't see UMN in your Pre-Dents. Did you interview there this cycle?

I was under the impression that the behavioural questions given were rather open-ended and general, ie. "Tell me of a time you made a plan but it didn't follow through," so I think I'd best simply answer the question rather than dance around it.

Also I didn't know they asked situational questions. Can anyone confirm this? I'm talking about questions like, "You are fearing that your roommate is becoming excessively stressed and overworked. You approach him about it but he tells you that he is fine. However, one morning you see him pouring himself a rum and orange juice. What do you do?"

I've already undergone some situational/behavioural interviews but they were last year; it's been a while.

Sorry, I forgot to add UMN on there. Your two interviewers have a list of questions from different categories...but they change it up and personalize it. Majority of my questions were behavioral, but for some, my interviewer would just freestyle and say something like "so you're having a really bad week, and now your friend needs help, and your professors are just giving you even more work. How would you deal with that situation"

I think they're pretty much the same style, because ideally you'd provide them with an example of when you did that, too.

@baker - haha, i'm only an a*shole 70% of the time. Just wait a couple minutes lol.

 

[BobLoblawDDS]

Sorry, I forgot to add UMN on there. Your two interviewers have a list of questions from different categories...but they change it up and personalize it. Majority of my questions were behavioral, but for some, my interviewer would just freestyle and say something like "so you're having a really bad week, and now your friend needs help, and your professors are just giving you even more work. How would you deal with that situation"

I think they're pretty much the same style, because ideally you'd provide them with an example of when you did that, too.

@baker - haha, i'm only an a*shole 70% of the time. Just wait a couple minutes lol.

Hmm, okay, I'm hoping I get some situational questions, since I can really think through those and talk about a lot of things that I WOULD or would PREFER to do, since I have far more to say about that than what I've actually done in practice. Real life is a lot stickier than a hypothetical situation. 😳

Thanks for the advice, amalgam!

 

[BobLoblawDDS]

I was looking through Minnesota's FAQ page and I noticed that it's presumably outdated (despite saying "Updated February 2011")... I'm assuming the dexterity/motor skills assessment thing is no longer part of the interview process?

 

[sohuyetnuong]

I had the interview last week at UMN. They used different format from other schools though.
1. All students receive the same set of questions. Fair! U're gonna see them flip through pages a lot of time because they have to follow the guidlines.
2. Completely closed-file. Interviewers are those who have never read ur application. So they will not bring ur resume into the room at all.
3. All behavioral- based questions. Tell me about a time when you .... how did you deal with it, what is the result?
4. It's ok to ask them give you some time to think. I did for 3 questions and thought for a few seconds. u're gonna be amazed at how fast your brain works to scan through your history.
5. If no example came up in your mind, it's ok to ask them to go to the next question and go back to that question later.

My interview took 1 hour. Really surprised when they told me "time's up" and I saw them still had the last page unfinished.
Hope it helps!

 

[Toothshucker]

I was looking through Minnesota's FAQ page and I noticed that it's presumably outdated (despite saying "Updated February 2011")... I'm assuming the dexterity/motor skills assessment thing is no longer part of the interview process?

Correct, for my interview date at least.