portfolio

[djeffreyt]

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Hey SDN,

My prehealth advisor tells us to make a portfolio to bring with us on dental school interviews. Generally, she tells us to collect pictures of things we've done pertaining to dentistry, or other things that we are proud of have done, and also include awards and certificates. Put it all together into some kind of portfolio and bring it to the interview as a way to show and talk about things you've done.

I was wondering...have any of you who have already gotten into dental schools used portfolios at interviews? Did anyone here make a portfolio of some kind? Di you end up using it much at interviews?

Also, what are your takes on portfolios...personally I think it's a little cheesy...like high-schoolish, but I made one up anyway and now I'm not sure if I even want to take it. I feel like if I took it, and the interviewer saw it, they would feel obligated to ask about it and then obligated to look at it even if they didn't want to or weren't interested at all. I would hate to bore my interviewer or make them think I'm some kind of childish kid who takes his awards and certificates everywhere.

 

[ryan85]

i personally think that it's kinda nerdy, but i know some one that did some thing along the same line. he took an impression of teeth that he made in a workshop and showed it to his interviewer. if you ask me, talking about your experience should convey to the interviewer that you did all the things you did. hence, you don't really need to take stuff with you and show off.

 

[Revelde]

At least we are not going to a design school.

 

[Ething]

I know someone who works on an admissions committee and they told me that some times people bring in pictures of their artwork etc. She said its nice when they do that but it really makes no difference in the admissions process.

 

[GoDucks69]

It doesnt really sound like something you should do, but you have to distinguish yourself from other applicants so it might be a good idea. Good luck.

 

[fancymylotus]

I was thinking about bringing an article from a magazine at dental school X that I'm in...but I dunno if I should be bringing it to schools other than the school whose magazine it was. Hrmph.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

I don't think I would recommend it. They should know about all your activities and interests from your AADSAS or secondaries, and anything you feel got missed in those two you can certainly bring up at the interview.

A HUGE part of the interview is to evaluate your personality and just establish a conversation with you....I don't know if they'd be that interested in awards (on AADSAS), artwork/sculpture/dental work (everyone learns somehow; they're just interested in seeing if they feel you can handle the overall cefurriculum.)

Also, I agree that it's a tad nerdy, which may not look good for self-confidence, and it may show that you'd rather show them something than answer questions and discuss your merits and awesomeness.

You wanted to hear from past interviewees, and I didn't bring one and got into all the schools I applied to but one. Hence my two cents.

 

[djeffreyt]

thnks...I'm still thinking about it, buut I definitely lean towards not taking it. frankly...I also think it's girlie...like keeping a scrapbook.

 

[DentalBoarder]

I personally don't think that kind of portfolio is necessary... AT ALL.

Hey SDN,

My prehealth advisor tells us to make a portfolio to bring with us on dental school interviews. Generally, she tells us to collect pictures of things we've done pertaining to dentistry, or other things that we are proud of have done, and also include awards and certificates. Put it all together into some kind of portfolio and bring it to the interview as a way to show and talk about things you've done.

I was wondering...have any of you who have already gotten into dental schools used portfolios at interviews? Did anyone here make a portfolio of some kind? Di you end up using it much at interviews?

Also, what are your takes on portfolios...personally I think it's a little cheesy...like high-schoolish, but I made one up anyway and now I'm not sure if I even want to take it. I feel like if I took it, and the interviewer saw it, they would feel obligated to ask about it and then obligated to look at it even if they didn't want to or weren't interested at all. I would hate to bore my interviewer or make them think I'm some kind of childish kid who takes his awards and certificates everywhere.

 

[DentalBoarder]

Let's not offend our female SDN family members. =)

thnks...I'm still thinking about it, buut I definitely lean towards not taking it. frankly...I also think it's girlie...like keeping a scrapbook.

 

[djeffreyt]

not trying to offend the firls outright. But I can't recall the last time I saw a guy put together a scrap book of pictures and momentos.

On the other hand, I've seen hundreds of flowered up, construction papered, hyper colored scrap books that my gfs have made. So frankly...I feel girlie everytime i try putting a portfolio together...and then I stop doing it.

Anyways, I'm not going to use it. ALl the schools I have interviews with still are conversational interviews rather than hardcore ones...and a portfolio seems even less appropriate in that setting.

jeff

 

[I'mFillingFine]

ALl the schools I have interviews with still are conversational interviews rather than hardcore ones...and a portfolio seems even less appropriate in that setting.

jeff

Don't forget, ALL your interviews are "hardcore." Just because your interviewers stay quiet and let you chat away, or just because you have actual conversations with them instead of question/answer, it doesn't mean they are evaluating you any less seriously. If anything, the casual settings may be looked at with the most scrutiny since this is how you are when you are "yourself", and is the best data for them to make a decision.

Just to keep in mind!

 

[lifeisgood]

Since I filled out my application, I have designed and built a 6' x 60' redwood fence enclosing a patio in my front yard. I also designed and installed all of the landscaping including stone pavers and a small retaining wall. Personally, I think it looks sick and it shows that I have a creative side. It also demonstrates that I am capable of working with my hands (albeit on a much larger scale). I plan on bringing a small book of photos of my artwork and pictures of my project.

I don't think it's nerdy at all. I guess it all depends on the content of your "portfolio". I plan on leaving the awards and everything else already in my app at home.