upenn interview

[priti]

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hi guys,
i had been to upenn for my interview.
that was first interview in my life.🙂
but i enjoyed it,,,,,,,,,,,they ask u general question....nothing to worry.....only worse part is tution🙁
best of luck to all who r going through the same stress...
& HAPPY DIVALI!!
priti.

 

[Meggs]

Congratulations pritie!! I hope you did good and they accept you!!

Can you give us some feedback about it? Like which questions were you asked, how many people at the interview, who interviewed you, etc. you know that kind of things one is interested in knowing. Thanks! and Good luck!

When will they let you know of the results?

 

[priti]

hi, sorry for the late reply,,
they ask u very general question....they dont ask abt ur achievements,,,they just want to know u as a person(i dont feel like it was an interview....i felt like i talk to some people...abt me ,myself)so nothing to worry...& just take care,,,dont try to impress them,,(they r smart enough !!🙂 )
they interview 10 people/day.
they told me that i will hear from them in the 1st week of nev.
miss lopez & dr peter r the main to make any decision.

 

[Meggs]

hey priti, do you happen to know if any of the candidates beign interviewed that day, scored in the 80's??

 

[priti]

Originally posted by meggs
hey priti, do you happen to know if any of the candidates beign interviewed that day, scored in the 80's??

i dont think so,,,most were in 90's....one had 94!!!😎 ,,,other had 90's....

i forget to tell one important thing....if u guys have applied there u shd b knowing that there is extra fees for the summer programme ...its $15000🙁 🙁 🙁 ....worst part is u cant get a educational loan for that....so b prepared for that..🙂

 

[dentek2]

Hi meggs,
I think you definitely will get a chance at U Penn.becoz from what I heard ,scores are only part of their reqmt,they look at candidates as a whole package.you definitely seem to meet their other reqmts like volunteering and work experience.and I am sure you are a charming person and will definitely do well in any personality test😉 GOOD LUCK and don't worry abt the scores...

 

[priti]

hi,,,pls dont missunderstant me,,,,,,i just told abt the day of my interview,,,,that doesn't mean that they just look at ur scores,,,& yeh,,,,i think ultimately by one or the anotherway ,,,,we all r going to get the liscence....🙂

 

[dentek2]

Hi preeti,
I didn't misunderstand you.I know you were mentioning the facts since meggs asked you.it is good to know what to expect before going for the interview. my post had nothing to do with what you wrote.so sorry.
I was just reassuring meggs becoz she seemed worried abt the scores .thatz all.
Thanks for the input rgding the interview,it really helped.did they ask any technical questions at all?
hope you get accepted at U Penn,best of luck.....

 

[Meggs]

Thanks priti and dentek2, you're guys are sooo nice !!! 😀

Originally posted by priti
... u shd b knowing that there is extra fees for the summer programme ...its $15000🙁 🙁 🙁 ....worst part is u cant get a educational loan for that....so b prepared for that..🙂

WHAAATTT??? That's insane!!! 15 thosand dollars for a ten week program, to teach me, among other things, English???!!!!
Hell, I already know English!! Why do they want to see my TOEFL then? What other classes do they have during that summer program?

Hey priti, what about private loans, can you get a private loan for that program?

 

[RoyalAlbatross]

Originally posted by meggs
Thanks priti and dentek2, you're guys are sooo nice !!! 😀



WHAAATTT??? That's insane!!! 15 thosand dollars for a ten week program, to teach me, among other things, English???!!!!
Hell, I already know English!! Why do they want to see my TOEFL then? What other classes do they have during that summer program?

Hey priti, what about private loans, can you get a private loan for that program?

Hey!

That $15,000 summer program (April to August) is pre-clinical course. They want you to do this so that you can cover basic dental sciences, tooth anatomy, and use the computer clinical simlab to learn how to cut tooth preps. It's because of this computer simlab that the tuition went sky high. I don't think they teach you English unless your English is truly horrilbe.

Good luck.

2ed

 

[cods]

hi ...............

wat exactly is the total fee structure in upenn for 2 years...... somboddddy plssssssssss tell........

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by secondedition
......and use the computer clinical simlab to learn how to cut tooth preps. It's because of this computer simlab that the tuition went sky high. I don't think they teach you English unless your English is truly horrilbe.

Uhhh, ok. Thanks 2ed for clarifying. Although the English class thing is what they say at their website. Anyway, they should include the summer program with the tuition, so we only have to worry about 1 big loan. Thanks girl!

 

[kpat]

Hi!
I just happened to come across this site and thought I will give you all some informatio that might be helpful......I graduated from U-Penn PASS program more than 2yrs back. The interview is very informal. Everyone is very laid back and they do not consider your scores anymore once you get to the interview, all they want to know is your personalityand you as a person. They most definitely do not teach English in the summer program, although it is mainly lab couse and is pretty intense. It is not hard especially as everyone has already gone through dental school already, it is just to get back in touch for people who have been out of school/practice for a long time.......
Good Luck y'll...................

 

[DDS_FIGHT]

Hi Kpat,

I heard the average score last year at UPenn Pass program was 89.5 which would mean they are looking for people with high scores. However I think there will be people with pretty low scores also, especially if they are from under represented cultures. I heard UPenn wants diversity in the class and thats why it is advantageous if you are some one from a unique back ground.

Also can some one shed on what the total fee (including the clinical 3 month program) would be at UPenn?. And if you are from India, what are the changes of getting admission?

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by kpat
.....they do not consider your scores anymore once you get to the interview......

That's the magic word. ONCE you get to the interview. The question is, what does it takes to GET TO the interview?? Scores is what it seems that matters the most, my worst part 🙁

By the way, welcome kpat to the SDN! Great to have someone who already went to this process. So, how was your experience at UPenn. see ya...

 

[priti]

Originally posted by meggs

Hey priti, what about private loans, can you get a private loan for that program?

that is the bigest problem,,,,we can get a private loan,,,but that is not education loan,,,& u know what they said,,,if they would have make it in tution fees,,,that would b the double of what they have now...so it would have rather $30000🙁 🙁 🙁

 

[priti]

hi kpat
can u pls share ur experience at penn?
do u find the program useful,,,i mean did u learn anything new or the repetation of the same thing we already know...
thanks.
priti.

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by priti
that is the bigest problem,,,,we can get a private loan,,,but that is not education loan,,,& u know what they said,,,if they would have make it in tution fees,,,that would b the double of what they have now...so it would have rather $30000🙁 🙁 🙁

why will it double if its included in tuition?
and also, what's the difference in interest rates between educational and noneducational loans used for paying this summer program? did they talk about that in the interview?

 

[priti]

Originally posted by meggs
why will it double if its included in tuition?
and also, what's the difference in interest rates between educational and noneducational loans used for paying this summer program? did they talk about that in the interview?

they told that it is not concedered in the university fees,,,,if they make it univervsity fees,,,,then tution fees are also added to that & it would b doubled,,,,,😡
they will discuss fees,,,& financial things at the end of day...

 

[kpat]

You guys have a lot of good questions!
Yes, UPenn want diversity amongs its student population. The average score when I was in the program was lower than 89 and some under-represented countries had applicants with lower scores than 85 and they did get admission. Yes, I am from India and iI think it is more competitive for Indians and Chinese, and it is strictly my opinion.
Next question: It is ofcourse very useful to go to school here. Most of the schools in India do not teach fixed pros and unless a person has practiced they will not be experienced enough.....It also exposes one to all the insurance paper work and how it works. If some is interested in doing MS after school (like I was), it is the best thing to do as getting admission graduate programs is extremely competitive.
You all hang in there. I will not be logging in here everyday.... (pretty busy with research!!!!!)......I will log in once in a while and see if there are any questions.
Good luck,
Patil.

 

[sam3]

Kpat

thanks for your reply,you really boosted my spirit when you said that some under-reprisented ethnicities might get in penn with part-1=85% or less.I had 85% in part-1 ,and I was not planning to apply to penn at all ,cause I knew that they usually take 88% or 89% and higher.

 

[Meggs]

Thaks kpat!

Sam3, aren't you Indian? I thought you were.

What do Indians schools do in place of fixed prothodontics? I mean, will they only teach removable? just curious...

 

[sam3]

Meegs:

no I am not Indian.I am originally from syria.

 

[kpat]

Let me quickly make a correction here.....ALL SCHOOLS IN INDIA DO TEACH FIXED PROS, but, you do not get to do a lot of multiple unit brigse cases (like more than 4 or 5 unit bridge) especially because most of the schools also offer post-grad programs and the graduate students get to do big cases. Over here, if you are lucky enough to get a full mouth reconstruction case, and you treatment plan it , you get to do it! You get to restore Implants, Immediate dentures, etc, etc. If a person is going into private practice here, fixed pros is your bread and butter, so one better be comfortable with it........

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by kpat
.....you do not get to do a lot of multiple unit brigse cases (like more than 4 or 5 unit bridge) especially because most of the schools also offer post-grad programs and the graduate students get to do big cases.....

Does this happens here too?

 

[kpat]

To Meggs:
Well, That is what I meant. It does not happen here, you get to do a lot of cases, and ofcourse, you have to finish your requirements before graduation and it involves all different types of cases.
Good Luck.

 

[compudentist]

hi kpat ,
had u done any postgraduation in India ? iam just curious , coz most of people in pass program in Upenn r postgratuates .
is it true ?
thanks .

 

[kpat]

Hi Compudentist
No, I had not done any post graduation in India. And, it is not true that you need a post graduate degree. And, very few people in my class had post-grad degree. Look, I had applied to 5 schools, interviewed in three and got admission in all three schools, I am NOT bragging, but trying to encourage you all as I kinda sense a lot of pessimism as I read a lot of postings. I had just 2 yrs of work experience back home and no research experience, no work experience in the US, nothing! I have to say my GPA was good and I had good class standings back home in dental school. But, that is not the ONLY thing that will get you admission. Agreed, I applied to school back in 1999, but I had no info. as you all do and I just took my part I and applied and interviewed. Everyone wants to know what the schools, or rather the people interviewing are looking for, but no one knows that! It's a cliche, but be yourself and do not worry about your GPA, post-grad degree, research exp. (for MS), etc. BE CONFIDENT!!!!!!Hope this will get a lot of you to be positive and look at this whole process differently. I know everyone is desperate to get in school, I remember being there, but as there a lot of people wanting to get into school and few openijngs availaible makes it so much more difficult....
Good Luck.

 

[sam3]

KPAT:

Thanks a lot for all the encouragment you are giving to all of us here.As you allready said we are all here desperate to get in to school.Do you mind sharing with us your part-1 ,TOEFL,GPA scores
,and do you mined telling us what are the 5 schools you applied to ,and which one invited you for interviews????

 

[kpat]

I do not know how it would be relevant now (as I got in school almost 5 yrs. back) but I had applied to LomaLinda, UPenn, Tufts, BU and Pittsburg. Interviewed with UPenn, Lomalinda and Tufts, and got admission, chose UPenn for personal reasons.

 

[Meggs]

kpat, in your PASS class how many are you? out of those how many are Indian? what about other ethnicities or nationalities?

Thanks.

EDIT: sorry, just know I remembered that you're already done with PASS. Conjugate all my questions in the past tense. 😛

Thanks btw for cheering us up!!

 

[kpat]

Meggs,
About 20 or 21 I think, we had people from Nigeria, Jordan, India (but ofcourse ;-))..)China, Cuba, Guatemala, Russia, Poland, England, Canada, Romania, etc, (I am sure I do not have all the different countries listed here......) I am sorry, I do not remember all of them......not to worry, we had Spanish people in our class....;-))

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by kpat
....not to worry, we had Spanish people in our class....;-))

Thanks kpat. Actually I'm not worried about Hispanics present in the class or not. I was just trying to confirm Indians worries about them being discriminated agaisnt. Thanks again!

 

[kpat]

Meggs,
I do not think we are worried about being discriminated....but the competition gets tough for us.....I do not remember when and where, but I remember someone teeling me that if schools would not consider the diversity thing and just lookes at scores, the class would be full of Indians and Chinese people, and usually the average score of all the Indians in class is about over 90 and with that, there is a possibility of a person being in class with a score of about 80! So, it just makes the competition so much more tougher for us, and yes, I would be more worried about that, if I were appliying........ So, it's not really discrimination.....and it is a very strong word to be used, I think.
Take care.

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by kpat
...So, it's not really discrimination.....and it is a very strong word to be used, I think.
Take care.

Oh, I'm not the one who came up with it. I just got it from some other threads (present and past) where Indians were complaining about the matter. I wouldn't have used it, if they didn't came up with it first. And yes, it is a rather non pleasant word to read. Thanks.

 

[Henna]

Originally posted by meggs
I wouldn't have used it, if they didn't came up with it first.

Reminds me of my childhood.

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by Henna


Reminds me of my childhood.

😀 Yeahh, I thought of that when I was writing it, but at the moment didn't think of any other way to express it. 😀 😛

 

[dentek2]

Hi all,
Back from the U Penn interview.I think 2nd edition has explained the process very well.it went the same way.started with an introduction by Dr.Naty lopez,followed by a video clipping abt the school[talk by Dr.Berthold who is a senior faculty member now and came to UPenn as an international student 25 yrs back] he explained everything we need to know abt the PASS program and the school in general.
Then came the interview,1 on 1 with 3 people.Qtns were general not technical at all.let me give egs:your goals,how do you take criticism, manage stress, personal interests,living in U.S ,work experience in U.S -that was the common qtn everybody asked.
1 thing that was asked of us before the interview was not to give prepared expected answers.
then came lunch ,school tour ,financial info and qtn/ans session.
talked to a few PASS students at lunch,all were real friendly and gave a lot of insight abt the program.
Impression: a very organised interview session.
I was understandably nervous as it was my first interview.could think of fabulous answers once the interview was over😀 but not during the process.It takes me time to express myself effectively and anxiety ruins the effect.so my advice is to be as calm as you can🙂 not easy ,I know.
there were 8 applicants that day,5 indians ,that too girls.
out of 8 most were working ,and 1 is doing masters!!so frankly I felt like I don't have a chance!!! but taking the advice of SDNers won't be pessimistic and will move on...
1 more thing to add,Dr.Naty Lopez explained the selection process as follows:
selections are conducted in 3 sessions ,7 weeks each.ina week 2 days of interviews.after the first session they will have a ad com meeting in which the first 1/3 of class will be selected [around 10 people]and the acceptance letters will be sent.same happens for the next 2 sessions of 7 weeks.as of now ,first session ended the week before last,second session ends in december 2nd week and the 3rd one in feb I supose.so I guess they interview abt 300-350 people out of the 650 or more applicants.
hope I have expained everything and bored everyone to death🙂

 

[chanchalpari]

thanx dentek,
ur interview feedback is indeed a great help..i am interviewing at upenn after 2 days..and after reading everyones results my morale is in my boots...atleast now i have a brief idea as to what to look forward to at the interview...🙂
we have to move on..and you never know when lady luck smiles at u...

 

[dentek2]

Hi
don't be dejected ,Chanchalpuri.my goal was not to make anyone depressed,sorry if I did that,I guess I am not an optimistic person🙁 shoul change that....
always keep your hope high.you never know what Ad com looks for in a candidate.I was just reading kpat's posts and it seems he/she got in inspite of not having U.S experience.those posts alone should keep eveyones hopes high.I think the rqts vary from person to person and they look at you as a whole package .think only about all you have achieved and not abt what you haven't .in the end it only matters to give your best.....
so be cheerful and DON"T approach the interview with a loser attitude. make yourself believe you will prove everyone wrong and will definitely get an admission🙂 self confidence will get you a long way.....so CHEER UP!!!!ALL THE BEST FOR THE INTERVIEW!!!BE YOUR BEST!!!!

 

[doctor2002]

Hi Dentek2,

I have my interview at UPeen next week,I was wondering if they will ask any questions regaurding health issues and current affairs.

Thank you.

 

[chanchalpari]

hi dentek,
i wasn't sarcastic or something..i sincerely thought the information u gave was great..so dont apologise for anything...what i meant was now i have an exact picture of how the day is going to be.....will surely write my experience too once i am back.
thanx..🙂

 

[compudentist]

hi kpat ,
thanks for ur encouragement ,and sorry for the delayed reply .

 

[dentek2]

chanchalpuri,
I was just responding to the statement "your morale is in your boots" after reading the posts.I know you weren't being sarcastic🙂 just trying to boost your morale,ok!!no need to explain...
doctor2002,
they didn't ask any qtns rgding health or current issues to me

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by dentek2
1 more thing to add,Dr.Naty Lopez explained the selection process as follows:
selections are conducted in 3 sessions ,7 weeks each.ina week 2 days of interviews.after the first session they will have a ad com meeting in which the first 1/3 of class will be selected [around 10 people]and the acceptance letters will be sent.same happens for the next 2 sessions of 7 weeks.as of now ,first session ended the week before last,second session ends in december 2nd week and the 3rd one in feb I supose....

Thanks dentek2, your feedback was fenomenal!!!

I'm glad you posted how the selection process works, because now I think I know what's going on with my app. Last Friday I called UPenn, and this girl named Kathy (or so I beleive), told me that my app was reviewed, but no desicion was taken. And she told me that just in that moment it will go under review again. She said to call within 2 weeks.

So I guess, my app maybe was reviewed in the 1st session, came out w/out desicion, and maybe they decided to give it a second chance on the 2nd session.

Do you know if the 7 weeks in seach session, include the time used to interview people reviewed during that session?

Thanks again dentek2,

 

[dentek2]

Hi meggs,
Thank you,Glad to know my feedback was a help🙂
Rgding the selection process:what I meant was the the Applicants are Interviewed in 3 groups.so I guess the applications will also be processsed during that time.anyway they will be reviewing the applications till all the 3 sessions have enough candidates.so I think even who apply close to the deadline has a fair chance since they will be interviewed for the last session amd that group has also around 10 acceptances[the last 1/3 seats].thatz good,right?
admission committee will meet at the end of each 7 weeks after all the interviews for that group is over and decide on acceptances.
So I am sure you will get your interview call soon since they haven't rejected you during the review process🙂 and with your experience you will do well ....

 

[chanchalpari]

hi all,
i am back from the upenn interview..it was pretty much the same as dentek said..what is most important is keeping your presence of mind..and have a valid explanation for the statements you make....being yourself and speaking the truth really helps..unless your are a good liar...😉...like dentek said its only after the interview that i could think of some real good answers..being my first interview i couldnot help being nervous..
questions asked were standard..which other schools have u applied to?,strengths,weakness.other than dentistry what else do u like to do?how do u feel about coming to upenn to study when your husband will stay back home.where do u see yourself 6 years from now..about united states..how many years have i stayed here..
i dont really know what the adcoms are looking for..but having a good interview really helps u boost ur morales.even though i blew this one ..it has been as a learning experience and i think i will be much better and much more confident for my next interview..
good luck guys....🙂

 

[Meggs]

Originally posted by chanchalpari
..and have a valid explanation for the statements you make....being yourself and speaking the truth really helps..unless your are a good liar...😉....

Congrats for your interview chachalpari!. I keep reading this same comment from people who already interviewed. What type of questions will they make in order to find out if you're telling the truth? I mean about the contents of your application, will they make questions, like to 'set you up' to see if you bite it? Kind of like police interrogatories.? 😀

even though i blew this one ..

Why do you feel this way? 🙁

 

[chanchalpari]

hi meggs,
Congrats for your interview chachalpari!. I keep reading this same comment from people who already interviewed. What type of questions will they make in order to find out if you're telling the truth? I mean about the contents of your application, will they make questions, like to 'set you up' to see if you bite it? Kind of like police interrogatories.? 😀 [/B] [/B]
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questions will be pretty general like i mentioned earlier..but every word counts..for eg:if u talk of a certain weakness..next question to come up is ..why do u think it is your weakness...they are smart enough to understand ..if u are saying things just for the sake of saying something..or u really mean it..and if u are lying u for sure wont be able to support ur statements...

Why do you feel this way? 🙁 [/B][/QUOTE]
--------------------------------------
after the interview i wasn't too satisfied..i think i could have done much better...u normally get a chance to ask anything u wish to know about the school...i was so nervous that i ended up asking the same question twice..which was pretty embarassing..and i dont think such things are appreciated... 🙁[

 

[Sanju]

hi all,
i had posted my upenn application on the 20th of october. whenever i call upenn they tell me that my application is under review. how long does upenn take to review applns? also my part 1 score is 88 ,gpa is 2.53, and toefl is 287. are these credentials good enough to get a call from upenn. i am pretty anxious.

thanx.