Hey guys,
Like RSXer I interviewed on Friday, September 20th as well. I met him. There was only 6 people and half of them I knew from my temple interview the day before. Dr. Emling (the dean of student admissions) was very informative and he tried to dispel the belief that UPENN was only a research institution. He also illustrated the schools philosophy and its goal toward developing dentists that want to pursue a specialty or other advanced positions in dentistry. UPENN did try to feed you, breakfast was served and will refreshed so food was always available. Also a good lunch was served. Each person had a different schedule and mine was the most different than my peers.
Everyone interviewd in the early morning and I was nervous why I was given the interview at the end of the day. However, I was prepared. My interview was with Dr. Emling and another doctor from Endodontics (I know him, but forgot his name). The interview was very relaxed and Dr. Emling seemed very impressed with my application, so much so it seemed like he was in disbelief with some of my experiences (but I had references to back up my activities). We discussed primarily my secondary which I gave very, very thorough answers. We discussed my motivation for dentistry, and all the clinical experience I had. Also, he asked about my choice of majors (neurobiology and asian languages). The language discussion was pretty interesting, since while I was waiting for Dr. Emling a D2 student came and started talking to me. He was from Afghanistan and I started to speak to him in Persian and all of a sudden Dr. Emling appeared and he was wondering what I was saying. As we walked to the elevator he was asking if I knew the student, I said no but knew his language. As we got into the meeting room, the conversation started and we just discussed all aspects of my file. It was weird, UPENN, even though an ivy league school really doesn't seem concerned with grades and DAT scores. Corky Cacas, the admission coordinator said that they want to see your human side and selecting dental students just because they can do good on the DAT and PAT wasn't enough. She said they wanted "people" not test scores.
My interview lasted a little over an hour and Dr. Emling said that the reason my interview was pushed to the end was because Corky and him agreed that it may take longer for them to interview me and put it at the end of the day so if they go over then it wouldn't affect the tour or lunch. At the end Dr. Emling did state: "I hope to see you again soon." Hopefully, everything goes all right.
UPENN interviews 330 for 96 spots. Corky said that you have a very very good chance of getting accepted if you get an interview. So keep your head high and if you get an interview make sure you know how to express yourself. They were very impressed with my English, let alone speaking 5 other languages.
So if you have a diverse application, an amicable personality and if you get an interview at PENN you have a great chance of getting accepted. Let's hope I do...DEC 1st or bust.
DesiDentist
It sounds like there's a lot ot talk about. 
