UNC reception

[JessicaSimpson]

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Did anyone go to the informal reception the night before the actual interview day at UNC? What was it like? Do you have to dress up for it? TIA

 

[Joeybag]

you dont have to dress up, dont wear sweats but no suit or tie if youre a guy. basically its a chance for you to meet a few of the students in an informal context and ask them ?'s and eat pizza pretty much. its a little frustrating though b/c theres tons of interviewees and not that many dent students, so its kinda like everyone fighting to talk/kiss butt. maybe one of those students will possibly interview you the next day or vote on you in terms of admissions, though the reception thing has no bearing on your admissions or interview "grade"

 

[JessicaSimpson]

thanks.
Do most of the interviewees go to this? it sounds annoying

 

[adamlc18]

At the last interview, I would guess at least half of the interviewees showed up the night before. It's a good opprotunity to talk to current dental students and ask any questions you want. And last time, there actually were quite a few current dental students. You just have to be forward and go talk to them. I'm a D2 and came with a couple of classmates, and none of the interviewees approached us. We kept approaching the interviewees to talk to them. Obviously, we aren't going to talk to everyone that doing it that way, so if you come, just approach everyone and chat them up. Hopefully we'll see you there.

 

[twofast2s]

how many interviewees were there?

 

[adamlc18]

Too be honest...I am not sure...somewhere between 60-90. I know that is a wide range, but I am not sure any more accurately.

 

[NewNameForGoogleBot]

thanks.
Do most of the interviewees go to this? it sounds annoying

Why wouldn't you want the opportunity to check out the school, chat with a few dental students and get the lay of the land? Good grief, pull yourself away from the hotel porn for an hour and pretend to have some social skills.

 

[twofast2s]

hey guys, i was talking to few dental students yesterday (i'm an undergrad at unc) and they all strongly recommend that i come.

it's mainly b/c few of those students will be the one that has the "voting" power. although most of student interviewees don't have say in admission, they do have power to keep you out, AND they're the friends w/ the one who does have voting power.

who's w/ me on nov 5th?

AJ

 

[kimsaekyu]

hey guys, i was talking to few dental students yesterday (i'm an undergrad at unc) and they all strongly recommend that i come.

it's mainly b/c few of those students will be the one that has the "voting" power. although most of student interviewees don't have say in admission, they do have power to keep you out, AND they're the friends w/ the one who does have voting power.

who's w/ me on nov 5th?

AJ

I have an interview on nov 5th too.
7:30 a.m is too early for me, hope my alarm clock help me out...^^

gl

 

[twofast2s]

I have an interview on nov 5th too.
7:30 a.m is too early for me, hope my alarm clock help me out...^^

gl

do you go to unc undergrad?

 

[kimsaekyu]

do you go to unc undergrad?

no, NC state. how about you?

do you know how many people get an interview b/f Dec.?
They are going to make 1st selection on DEC. and 2nd one will be FEB.

If you are in State, would you mind help me out for practicing interview.

thanks a ton

 

[JessicaSimpson]

Why wouldn't you want the opportunity to check out the school, chat with a few dental students and get the lay of the land? Good grief, pull yourself away from the hotel porn for an hour and pretend to have some social skills.

because ... everyone is pretending. all that fakeness sucks.

 

[jpollei]

thanks.
Do most of the interviewees go to this? it sounds annoying

There are about 65 applicants at each interview session. Those who can come Friday night have opportunity to meet student members of the adcom as well as other current students. You'd be crazy not to.

Sounds annoying?...look at it this way. Would you want to test drive a Ferrari before you bought it? Cause that's basically what dental school at many places will cost you the equivalent of. Look at this as an extended test-drive.

Remember, interviews are a two way process. Sure every program wants to attract the best applicants, but they also expect the good applicants to pick their program apart just like programs do the applicants. Otherwise, how in the world will you know where you feel most comfortable/where you belong? "Because I'm from such and such just down the road" won't cut it. Believe it or not, it's actually pretty easy for us adcom members to filter out those applicants who really want to be involved from those who are just trying to get by. Take that for whatever you feel it worth...and look forward to seeing you on the 5th. 🙂

 

[jpollei]

because ... everyone is pretending. all that fakeness sucks.

Um, if you think it's fake you may as well not even show up. With that attitude, you probably wouldn't enjoy being in school here at UNC...which we can arrange if you'd like. The students who come on Friday and Saturday go out of their way to avail themselves to help applicants--there are plenty of other things to do on a Friday night in Chapel Hill.

If it was fake, they wouldn't waste their time. Trust me. So if it seems fake to you, don't waste your time coming Saturday either. Save us all the time.

 

[twofast2s]

jessicasimpson: fakeness does indeed sucks, but true network isn't. it's a good opportunity for people to gather for one interests; becoming a dentist. i don't expect to go out there and kiss butt, but i intend to ask questions and get to know more about dental school and get advices from dental students who were once in our shoes. but i do agree, fakeness sucks. however, i remember one of the admission staff saying, "i'll know if you're sincere or not by first five min of interview."

gl: i'm an undergrad at unc, so i have gained little bit of insight about interviews, but i don't know whether or not i'll be helpful. i'm also learning stuff as i go, and my brother is helping me out w/ the interview questions and what not, b/c he's been through the interviews b/f. too bad he's in med school and can't really be specific about dental school interview. i'll be happy to see you prior to the interview, and if you're a guy (my gf won't like having other girl sleeping in my apt, not being a sexist or pervert), i can offer you a housing on friday night if you don't want to travel early in the morning.

also to remind people who are in rtp area and will be interviewing this year, there's an impression program on saturday this week. they'll have mock interview session and opportunity to meet with some of the faculties at unc sod. i don't know when the dead line is, but if you're serious about it, let me know and i'll get to you asap.

btw, i'll be online most of the night studying, so hit me up in aim if you wan to talk about interview. i'll try to help you as much as possible and learn something from you as well.

aim sn: twofast2s

 

[JessicaSimpson]

I think test-driving and getting to know the school is very important too. I just don't think pre-acceptance reception type things give you a good sense of a school.

And about the "annoying" comment ... it was specifically referring to what someone else wrote about ass-licking prospectives. Because that annoys me! Who doesn't get annoyed at that? And be annoyed about having to be one yourself.

 

[grtuck]

As one of many students that take admissions to UNC seriously, I go out to these friday night socials because I want to tell those of you that are interviewing what my experience has been thus far (I'm a 4th year student). Like Adam said that hardest part is that we usually have to initiate the conversation with many of the applicants. Of course I don't mind picking out some of the people and breaking into their conversation, but it is cool when someone walks up to me to introduce themselves. I do wish more of us (dental students) would wear our nametags so it was easier to "spot" us across the room. Hey Jason, how about some blank nametags we can write our name on? Just make it happen for us (please 🙂 ).

Seriously, go and ask lots of questions, and get to know some people, as it will only help you to know as much about the school as possible when you are deciding which school to attend.

Oh, hey JessicaSimpson, how/why did you pick your name? That is pretty cool.

Lates,
Gary

 

[twofast2s]

hey gary, i'm AJ. i think i met you on friday at NCMOM. i was the one who was assisting clarence toward the end of the day.
are you going to be there on friday?
looking forward to see you again

 

[grtuck]

Hey AJ!

Ya, it's me 🙂

Unfortunately I will be in Houston interviewing for their Orthodontics residency from Wednesday until Saturday. I would show up for sure otherwise.

Later,
Gary

 

[jpollei]

I think test-driving and getting to know the school is very important too. I just don't think pre-acceptance reception type things give you a good sense of a school.

And about the "annoying" comment ... it was specifically referring to what someone else wrote about ass-licking prospectives. Because that annoys me! Who doesn't get annoyed at that? And be annoyed about having to be one yourself.

Entitled to your opinion. Let me throw in a thought...two ortho program interviews I attended last week (UW and Baylor, who are both regarded generally as top 5 programs) both had receptions for applicants to meet the residents. And the time spent with the residents is what I believe will ultimately decide what schools I rank where on my list. Just saying that it has a place...

Sure butt-kissing sucks. And everyone can see through. So don't kiss butt--instead, take advantage of an opportunity to be genuine when afforded...you're not going to get that kind of time to have questions answered in that relaxed of a setting at anytime during the actual interview.

 

[JessicaSimpson]

I'll be honest and say that UNC is not my first choice school, mainly because of location, not anything else. But yeah, if you're all so uptight, maybe I really won't like it. Did you all really, truly, deep down feel excited and happy about all the interview things you had to do as an applicant? Especially when you're being judged at them? I think it's ok to feel the way I do and admit it (at least anonymously 😛 ). When I show up at this do, I will be wearing my best eager-beaver attitude, obviously.

 

[jpollei]

I'll be honest and say that UNC is not my first choice school, mainly because of location, not anything else. But yeah, if you're all so uptight, maybe I really won't like it. Did you all really, truly, deep down feel excited and happy about all the interview things you had to do as an applicant? Especially when you're being judged at them? I think it's ok to feel the way I do and admit it (at least anonymously 😛 ). When I show up at this do, I will be wearing my best eager-beaver attitude, obviously.

Well, only applied to five schools and felt I wanted to do ortho before I ever started. So I chose a DDS program where I could treat ortho cases as a DS (among other things). I would say uptight is probably the antithesis of our program... if anything we have it dare I say too easy (no lab work, few late nights, LOTS of socializing, etc) compared to many programs. My classmates and I spend a lot of time pursuing other interests. And I enjoyed interviews (maybe since I only had five to go to) cause it gave me a chance to find out about other people and programs if nothing else.

But your honest and candor is appreciated. Who knows, maybe your opinion and outlook will be a bit different after the 5th. 🙂

 

[twofast2s]

hey gary,

coo man.. best of luck.. and wish me luck as well!

 

[JessicaSimpson]

Well, only applied to five schools and felt I wanted to do ortho before I ever started. So I chose a DDS program where I could treat ortho cases as a DS (among other things). I would say uptight is probably the antithesis of our program... if anything we have it dare I say too easy (no lab work, few late nights, LOTS of socializing, etc) compared to many programs. My classmates and I spend a lot of time pursuing other interests. And I enjoyed interviews (maybe since I only had five to go to) cause it gave me a chance to find out about other people and programs if nothing else.

But your honest and candor is appreciated. Who knows, maybe your opinion and outlook will be a bit different after the 5th. 🙂

I'm actually not as down on interview stuff as it may have sounded. I'm as curious about UNC as the next person.

Is it true the ortho is hard to get into unless you "know" someone? I'm not really sure what this means, myself, but I heard it at one of the schools.

 

[jpollei]

Is it true the ortho is hard to get into unless you "know" someone? I'm not really sure what this means, myself, but I heard it at one of the schools.

Yep, unfortunately...you'll see soon enough.