Visiting a program

[dolfin]

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Hey everyone,

I will be visiting a graduate program, that I am interested in applying to, and will be attending with the residents for one week. During this week, I expect to interact with most of their faculty, including the chair.

Any thoughts/tips on how to give a great impression that increases the potential for an interview/acceptance? My understanding is that "personality" is their #1 priority when it comes to inviting/accepting people.

PS. I'd appreciate any specific advice, more than "just be yourself" 🙂

Thank you and good luck everyone!

 

[UVMGPR]

If personality is what they are looking for, then "Be yourself" is the best advice I can imagine. You have to know if you're a good fit with them, and them with you. If you don't feel you fit in, and act like you do, its not good for anyone.

Also- ask residents a lot of questions, and staff too. Sometimes these people have more influence than you think!

Good luck!

 

[jikooo]

Don't ask stupid questions such as - is talking call hard or is top 5% of class rank good enough to get in?
Ask smarter questions such as what range of procedures do you get to do as resident ? how do resident utilize digital dentistry (or any fancy technique in your specialty)?

Asking in depth questions and dont get in the way of patient care ( observe in operatory and ask questions/talk afterwards), is my 2 cents. You are off to a good start! good luck!!

 

[PerioDont]

One PD told me he makes sure not to interview candidates who are on their phone during their externships. Keep the phone tucked away.

Don't piss off anyone or talk too much. Don't answer questions when the residents are getting pimped even if you know them. Greet every single person with a huge smile under your mask from front desk to custodial staff, assistants, literally everyone possible.

 

[dolfin]

Thanks a lot everyone, those were helpful comments!

 

[yappy]

Be at least 10 minutes early.
Don't use your phone in sight of anyone.
Don't ask inappropriate questions in front of patients.
Have an "elevator interview" (less than 30 seconds) response to "who are you?" and "why do you want to do X specialty?".
Express gratitude at the end of the case/shift/rotation.
Practice good diction and posture.

 

[dolfin]

Be at least 10 minutes early.
Don't use your phone in sight of anyone.
Don't ask inappropriate questions in front of patients.
Have an "elevator interview" (less than 30 seconds) response to "who you are you?" and "why do you want to do X specialty?".
Express gratitude at the end of the case/shift/rotation.
Practice good diction and posture.

Thank you!

 

[Lemillion]

As some who has done externships in the past and seen other externs come through, all the previous posts are true. The other thing I can add is to bring bagels or donuts when you arrive or on your last day if it's a week long externship. It's a small token of appreciation but will make you a little more memorable.