Should I Tell Schools That I Got Rejected From My First Choice?

[Double Bonded]

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Hey guys,

At interviews I'm being asked "So why go to our school if ____ School of Dentistry is right next to you?"

I'm hesitant to say that I was rejected for some reason and I'm not sure if I should just give some random reason like..."oh...I want to move out of state and I really like the structure of your curriculum" or something.

Do you guys think that I should tell schools that I got rejected from my #1? why?

 

[dantemac]

Instead of telling your interviewer what your #1 school is or how you would rank their school, just tell them their institution is a top tier school worthy of your highest consideration.

My interviewer at NYU grilled me on this, I just told her I considered NYU a top flight school and I was happy to have an interview there. I didn't lie and tell her it was my #1, and I didn't tell the truth that I'd rather go to a state school.

 

[Bereno]

I did pretty much the exact same thing as Dantemac... I just alluded that I thought their school was a solid, tip tier school. Simple as that. 👍

To answer your question though, I always told them: "I want to see the schools first hand. Its hard to tell if a school is right for me just based on the numbers. Plus, I want to see what other schools have to offer, and what it would be like to attend other schools." Hopefully it worked for me haha.

 

[Baker2010]

Hey guys,

At interviews I'm being asked "So why go to our school if ____ School of Dentistry is right next to you?"

I'm hesitant to say that I was rejected for some reason and I'm not sure if I should just give some random reason like..."oh...I want to move out of state and I really like the structure of your curriculum" or something.

Do you guys think that I should tell schools that I got rejected from my #1? why?

I wouldn't tell them you got rejected from your top choice.
I have had several interviews so far and when I prep for each one of them, I treat each one them as though they are my top choice.
When I am at interviews, if they ask, I tell them they are my top choice and I back my statement with many good reasons as to why. (if you do this, make sure you do your research well on them)

I'm not saying this is the approach that everyone should take, but I believe that schools do not want to hear they are not your top choice.
By no means am I saying that I am right here. This is just the way I feel most comfortable when approaching this situation and I am happy with the way the interviews turned out.

Good luck and I am sure you'll do well

 

[doc toothache]

Only if you are trying to impress them.

 

[Baker2010]

Only if you are trying to impress them.

Yes, and thats the goal right? To put our best foot forward!

 

[HoustonDAT]

Just say because you didn't get an interview there. It's the truth.

Adcoms aren't stupid, they know 95%+ of people will select the cheaper state school than the private school. So don't make some baloney about how you are giving the 400k school an equal look with the 140k state school.

 

[dmdluffy]

Telling them would be giving them ammunition to fling at you. Best leave it out unless directly asked, and even them, find an answer that is honest but doesn't directly say you got rejected.

 

[MrAvicii]

try to tell them... hey guys you are my #1 choice LOL

 

[dentalWorks]

Hey guys,

At interviews I'm being asked "So why go to our school if ____ School of Dentistry is right next to you?"

I'm hesitant to say that I was rejected for some reason and I'm not sure if I should just give some random reason like..."oh...I want to move out of state and I really like the structure of your curriculum" or something.

Do you guys think that I should tell schools that I got rejected from my #1? why?

Don't mean to sound rude, but thats a HORRIBLE answer (even if its the truth). It shows lack of interest toward that school (this is the LAST thing you want to give off in an interview).

Treat every school you go to like its your ONE AND ONLY.... Healthcare providers are supposed to be honest, but too much honesty can lead to too many rejections. Choose your words wisely.

 

[Lane138]

I don't think saying that you want to go out of state is a bad reason. In fact, that's my biggest reason because my state dental school is ****ty in a city that I would ever live in. Saying that you really appreciate their curriculum and distance from your home is only a lame reason if you thought so. Think harder for the real reasons then.

 

[MrAvicii]

I don't think saying that you want to go out of state is a bad reason. In fact, that's my biggest reason because my state dental school is ****ty in a city that I would ever live in. Saying that you really appreciate their curriculum and distance from your home is only a lame reason if you thought so. Think harder for the real reasons then.

agreed! tell the schools WHY you want to go there and then justify it with knowledge about the school. its like dating, do you really wanna tell a girl shes you're second choice and you're not into her LOL