shuffling off to buffalo

[dentalmom]

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scheduled interview at buffalo

any tips on interview proceedures there? did check sdn's interview section and all looks positive there. anyone know % of invitees offered at seat? how about residency? would a nj resident have a chance? any advice or info is appreciated. thanks.

 

[UBTom]

Hi,

I hope my school makes a good impression on you. 🙂

The interview will consist of two faculty who will review your file and ask you some questions. You will then have a nice lunch and have a tour of our school. Very laid-back-- I wouldn't worry.

About 20% of our class are out-of-staters. You will be competing against other out-of-state applicants for approximately 15-20 seats.

All those in our school who put out the effort to get good grades and NBDE scores will match somewhere when applying to residencies. Plenty will get their first choice, lots will get their second no problems.

Good luck!

 

[gryffindor]

Some of my classmates are actually involved in the interview and decision process for applicants this year. From what they tell me, acceptance is based on a formula. And part of that formula gives you point for being a NY State resident. However, if your stats are good and above average for our school, you'll probably earn more points in the other categories to make up for not getting the NY State resident points.

I did an interview tour last week. Some of the students were from out of state. My words of advice: don't be asking stupid questions to your interviewer about practicing in some state other than NY after graduation. I had a student ask me on the tour "How about students who take the California boards after graduation? How do they do?" Seriously, we're a NY STATE SCHOOL. We aren't preparing you to pass California boards, we could care less about the boards the state of California offers. We want our students to stay in our state, that's what Albany is paying part of our tuition for. Sorry to sound so mean, but this question really bugged me and I was just a tour guide. Imagine asking this to your interviewer. Believe it or not, my student interviewer friends have told me they get this question asked to them during interviews. This question is perfectly legit for a private school, but I think it's not smart to be asking it at a state school.

Many of our students do residency, although more are choosing to go straight to private practice. That's kinda your choice when it gets to senior year. Me, personally, I think I could go to a private practice (if I could find one nice enough to put up with me till I got used to their style) but I am currently applying to specialize and will do a GPR if it doesn't work out mainly b/c I really don't have any critical need to jump into private practice right away (age, money, commitment, family, etc). A GPR would give me a year to chill out and do some dentistry without the pressures of having to produce.

If you have any specific questions about our school, Tom or I would be happy to answer them for you.

 

[dentalmom]

thanks tom and griffin

would you have any suggestions on where to stay that is safe for a young (almost 21) female. this is for my daughter who is a little nervous about travelling alone.

 

[UBTom]

Hi Dentalmom,

Well, there is a Travelodge right across Main Street from the campus. It's within walking distance of Squire Hall (the Dental School building). The number and contact info for that motel should be in the interview packet my school mailed to you.

If your daughter wants a motel in a much nicer neighborhood, she can try the Mariott Courtyard in Amherst (4100 Sheridan Drive). It's a 10-minute cab ride from the school.

HTH!

 

[gryffindor]

Agreed about the Travelodge.

You can also try the Hampton Inn on Main Street in Williamsville. Also about 10 - 15 minutes down Main Street from the school (by cab).

The Travelodge is in a highly visible and well traveled location. I would have stayed there if I were coming to Buffalo to interview. It's really the most convenient. You can't get anywhere in the city/suburbs without a car, so if she stays any place else, count on some pricey cab rides.

 

[wise146]

UB Tom is buffalo really a low cost city
How does food, gas, movies run?

Also, is it easy finding an apartment near UB that allows pets.

Thanks.

 

[Reed1978]

Buffalo is extremely low cost!! It really depends I suppose on what you consider "low cost". I live in a place right now that allows pets, and the place runs me about $600 a month (splite between me and my roomate). My apt. is REALLY nice too!! I had a apt. last year that was $400 and allowed pets...that place too was really chill.

Food, movies, and all that are also very cheap. You really have to work the student discount angle! We have $1 movies playing all the time, and our international Tops and Wegmans grocery stores are enormous!! I personally feel that you can live very well in Buffalo for very cheap.

 

[Reed1978]

right now - gas is about $1.65 or so a gallon. a few cents more or less depending on the day and where you go.