Ucla

[Topher]

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HI ALL!

I have an interview coming up at UCLA... I know it is late in the game. Does anyone know if the class has been filled yet and if they are interviewing for wait list folks?

For those who have interviewed there, what was the day like? Was it formal? Panel interview or 1:1? Did they ask standard questions or were there 'out of the ordinary' questions?

I am a NY state resident, so if anyone could share with me their experiences with UCLA and help me out, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!!

topher

 

[hopefully]

I had to write an essay. I think the question was about an ethical dilemna dentists may face, but they change questions. I then interviewed with 2 faculty at the same time who were very kind. We got measured for scrubs, lab coats, gloves and got a tour. During lunch we had a student interviewer. It was very casual and it was more of Q & A, but know that the student interviewer does not write anything down during the interview, but after submits his/her experience with you. Overall, there was a lot of waiting. My day was from 7:15am to around 1:30pm, I think. I got standard questions. You may be asked about the essay your wrote. Everyone was really nice, but be aware that not all the interviewers will be the same. Be confident and enjoy your trip to sunny SoCal.

Best wishes,
Hopefully

 

[Topher]

Thanks Hopefully, I definitely will enjoy my stay in sunny CA.. being that we are in the middle of an ice storm here in NY. One more question, is it a blind interview or do they have the files in front of them?

Ok.. I lied.. two questions.... do you know how the essay is used in the admissions process? How much weight is placed on it or is it just an 'interviewing tool'?

Thanks for your reply!

Topher

 

[juan7677]

I don't think the essay weighs too heavily. They just want to know if you can express yourself in coherent words. I remember my question was pretty easy, "Why do you want to be a dentists?" But other people got more difficult questions. If you feel that you did poorly on the essay portion, don't sweat it. Just do well in the interview. That's much more important.

 

[hopefully]

Your interviewer(s) will most likely look over your application before the interview and have it in front to refer to. Like Juan said, don't sweat too much about the essay because it's the interview that is much more important. It's just a tool for them to get to know you. What worked for me was not rushing to write the essay, but giving myself a few minutes to think and organize in my head how I wanted to approach the question. It's a timed essay and I forgot how long, but you will know exactly how much time you have so you can pace yourself.

 

[Topher]

thanks again for your input. I know UCLA uses a pass/no pass system of grading.. and they have a decent rate of graduates going into specialties.. what else can you tell me about the school itself? LA?

 

[dentisttobe]

Since this is a later stage in the process, the interview will be weighed most heavily, as opposed to the earlier interviews, which were basically formalities. You, just like everyone else, have the numbers to attend UCLA. Therefore, the interview and the essay will be weighed heavily in the adcom's decision. I know this because I have heard of others who interviewed there a month ago and are still waiting for responses.

dentisttobe

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dentisttobe
UCLA School of Dentistry Class of 2007