Question about applicants and when they get interviews...

[iambatman]

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I know that getting an interview is the first step (or stage) to getting into dental school. But once applicants are invited for an interview, are we all on the 'same' playing field.

Are we all 'reset' to the same 'potential'? And then, is our interview the determining factor? Or is everything as a whole taken into account?

I would guess the whole application is the most important.

I don't think many people would know the answer to this question, but I was hoping somebody with experience in the application process could help me out.

I'm just curious, that is all!

Thanks.

 

[natroncb]

I know that getting an interview is the first step (or stage) to getting into dental school. But once applicants are invited for an interview, are we all on the 'same' playing field.

Are we all 'reset' to the same 'potential'? And then, is our interview the determining factor? Or is everything as a whole taken into account?

I would guess the whole application is the most important.

I don't think many people would know the answer to this question, but I was hoping somebody with experience in the application process could help me out.

I'm just curious, that is all!

Thanks.

I have browsed one schools websites and they state the candidate is ranked on a scale from 1 to 5 based on the entire application. My answer is yes and no. The playing field is closer but not even. The interview is a major factor. A top candidate could bomb the interview and a lower stats applicant could ace the interview and they may end up accepting the lower candidate. IMO. This is all speculation on my part.

 

[syn_apse]

I'll take the counterpoint argument:

The interview is not that important. They just want to make sure you are a normal person who can hold a conversation about your previous accomplishments and your future goals in life. Obviously, if you are offered an interview, they consider you to be in the top tier of applicants. But remember that schools interview lots of applicants and they are definitely not all created equal (i.e., you can have a great interview and still be rejected).

The interview is also a chance for the dental school to sell itself. They know you are applying to other schools and they want to show you what is special about their program (so make sure you do your homework).

The most important things in your application are already on paper (DAT, GPA, major, degree(s), alma mater, shadowing, community service, leadership, research, peer-reviewed publications, etc.) so you really aren't going to blow them away with anything they don't already know.

They want to know who you are and what makes you tick so relax and be yourself and you will have a great interview.

 

[iambatman]

thanks to both of you - excellent points!

i just checked out the interview feedback section - top notch stuff!

 

[PowRGnome]

I'm with syn. I actually heard a story from an admissions officer about a homeless man that applied to their program several times and finally got in, without an interview. Personally, I don't see any reason why a homeless man shouldn't be taught how to practice dentistry, especially considering the amount you can get in loans....he wouldn't have been homeless anymore. But that's not the point here. After that, they made interviews mandatory. The point of the interview really is halfway between selling the school and checking you out. A terrible interview for a good applicant could spell disaster and a great interview for a mediocre applicant could tip the scale, but you're by no means all equal when you enter the interview stage.