Who interviewed at Iowa? What did you think?

[29DATyep]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi!
Who interviewed at Iowa? I did and absolutely loved it. I would like to meet some of my potential classmates. Is Iowa your top choice? Did you like it? Did you interview anywhere else?

What are your cons regarding Iowa?

 

[Magna Cum Latte]

I'll let you know one week from tonight. Remind me to if I forget.

 

[ddsgirl347]

i liked it a lot....i was really impressed with everything there, and I loved the city. i wasn't overly thrilled with the interview process however; it didnt seem like they really cared about getting to know more about me (which i thought was the point of the interview), as long as i could answer a few questions "correctly." Other than that-awesome school, and i know if i do get accepted, it'd be an acceptance that would be near impossible to turn down!

 

[in her drawer]

i liked it a lot....i was really impressed with everything there, and I loved the city. i wasn't overly thrilled with the interview process however; it didnt seem like they really cared about getting to know more about me (which i thought was the point of the interview), as long as i could answer a few questions "correctly." Other than that-awesome school, and i know if i do get accepted, it'd be an acceptance that would be near impossible to turn down!

I agree with you, it seemed like they should have mailed us a questionnaire instead of interviewing us. But, I will admit that I was thoroughly impressed with the school. I too would have a hard time turning them down.

 

[papichulo]

i liked it a lot....i was really impressed with everything there, and I loved the city. i wasn't overly thrilled with the interview process however; it didnt seem like they really cared about getting to know more about me (which i thought was the point of the interview), as long as i could answer a few questions "correctly." Other than that-awesome school, and i know if i do get accepted, it'd be an acceptance that would be near impossible to turn down!

My interview was forever ago (early september). I loved it as well. I posted a very similar post about a week ago regarding people's opinion about the school and the consensus was it is very good. Plus, tuition is reasonable for in-state and out-of-state residents. Cost-of-living is cheap, and the students seemed very happy to be there. The only thing was not too many people seemed to know specialty placement rates, but due to the fact Iowa scored the highest on their boards last year it couldn't be too bad. Also, I thought Dr. Chalkley was an incredible lady and I feel comfortable going to a school with her in charge. Plus, St. Louis and Chicago are within driving distance. I know you said you wanted to hear cons about the school, but they are hard to find. I guess the interview was different, especially since you do that and the tour by yourself with no other interviewees. I could easily see myself there next year!

 

[29DATyep]

Regarding the actual interview I felt the same way...the first question took me by suprise...I never thought about what my life's purpose/mission is...i had to take about thirty seconds to think about it...then i was on a roll. My interviewer spoke with me prior to the interview because she found me wondering around the bldg quite lost. In addition, I knew everything that I could find about her since they give you the name of your interviewer in your invitation. She said the questions have been the same for the past 20 years or so.

The program is great and I heard great things about their specialty program as well.

I'm psyched I can't wait to go there...I promise i'll run for class president.I want our class to be tightknit and very productive in all aspects....most of the classes are close some more than others.

 

[29DATyep]

Its probably crazy that I am already thinking that far ahead but I don't know about you...I want to finish with everyone who comes in. And i want everyone to be supportive of each other...did either of you interview anywhere else if so where?

 

[in her drawer]

Its probably crazy that I am already thinking that far ahead but I don't know about you...I want to finish with everyone who comes in. And i want everyone to be supportive of each other...did either of you interview anywhere else if so where?

That stuff can be found on PreDents.com if everyone makes an account.

 

[29DATyep]

No, I don't want statistics..Honestly, the question isn't where else...i should have been more specific...I'm just curious to know how other people felt about Iowa after attending another interview and seeing other schools.

After interviewing at a couple of other schools...Iowa's program seemed to have the biggest bang for the buck. The program seems to allow alot of early hands on experience and the students who i met are fairly happy there.

The only con for me is the location. I really enjoy the city life. So we will see.

 

[papichulo]

Its probably crazy that I am already thinking that far ahead but I don't know about you...I want to finish with everyone who comes in. And i want everyone to be supportive of each other...did either of you interview anywhere else if so where?

Dude-I'll be your Vice President, if there is one. I would love to make the class tight and help eachother out. Here is a list of the schools I have interviewed at, or am scheduled to interview at:
Iowa, OHSU, UCSF, NOVA, Creighton, UNLV, PITT, CASE, Michigan, Ohio State, Temple, Marquette, and Louisville.
How about you?

 

[29DATyep]

Dude-I'll be your Vice President, if there is one. I would love to make the class tight and help eachother out. Here is a list of the schools I have interviewed at, or am scheduled to interview at:
Iowa, OHSU, UCSF, NOVA, Creighton, UNLV, PITT, CASE, Michigan, Ohio State, Temple, Marquette, and Louisville.
How about you?

I'll be waiting!

Hmmm....Ohio State showed me no love....they rejected me..told me it was a non resident decision.

We still have a chance to be classmates and run for Pres and Vice Pres at Iowa, Nova, and Michigan together!!!

I interviewed at Boston University. I am scheduled for Howard, Michigan, and Nova. I also applied to UNC however, I have yet to fill out that secondary application form...its a million questions...it's like an interivew on paper.

If it were between Nova and Iowa...which would you choose?

 

[papichulo]

I'll be waiting!

Hmmm....Ohio State showed me no love....they rejected me..told me it was a non resident decision.

We still have a chance to be classmates and run for Pres and Vice Pres at Iowa, Nova, and Michigan together!!!

I interviewed at Boston University. I am scheduled for Howard, Michigan, and Nova. I also applied to UNC however, I have yet to fill out that secondary application form...its a million questions...it's like an interivew on paper.

If it were between Nova and Iowa...which would you choose?

Probably Iowa. I did like NOVA. Of course I would enjoy spending 4 years in Florida more than Iowa City. And Nova is beautiful! Great school and technology. They also take their boards after the first year which I think is a plus. I also have a good buddy that is a D1 there right now who loves it. Despite all this, there was something about Iowa. Even besides the huge differences in cost-of-living and tuition, there was something about Iowa that made me feel it was right for me.

 

[29DATyep]

Ya...I got that same feeling regarding Iowa. Nova is great but it has some kinks to work out...I lived in Florida all my life so I think its time for a change..I am not sure how I will handle the cold weather...I have no clue what it feels like below 29 degrees nor do i know how to drive in the snow...so it shld be an interesting experience!

 

[29DATyep]

Side note:
I have never been to a place where the fastest you cld go is 35 mph....I thought that was pretty crazy...here in FL its a free for all and all the speed limits are the posted speed limit + 10! you won't get pulled over unless you are ten miles or more above the speed limit...ideally. Unless of course its a school zone.

 

[papichulo]

Oh yea, at NOVA it was cool that the Miami Dolphins practice right behind the school. My buddy says he always goes upon the parking garage and watches them practice. Maybe that fact alone will help you with your decision. j/k

 

[papichulo]

Side note:
I have never been to a place where the fastest you cld go is 35 mph....I thought that was pretty crazy...here in FL its a free for all and all the speed limits are the posted speed limit + 10! you won't get pulled over unless you are ten miles or more above the speed limit...ideally. Unless of course its a school zone.

I agree. It was hard to go slow because there was absolutely NO TRAFFIC! I liked that!

 

[29DATyep]

I don't care about that! :-D I've lived with them all my life...met a couple of them...one of them went to college with me and they play their real games right around the corner from my house.....so ya that isn't even a factor!🙂
Can't wait until the super bowl comes here though...its always a great time in sofla when that happens... there is alot to do down here but even more so super bowl time.

 

[in her drawer]

Side note:
I have never been to a place where the fastest you cld go is 35 mph....I thought that was pretty crazy...here in FL its a free for all and all the speed limits are the posted speed limit + 10! you won't get pulled over unless you are ten miles or more above the speed limit...ideally. Unless of course its a school zone.

I was legally driving 70 MPH on the freeway in Iowa City. That's better than the lowly 55 we have in AZ.

 

[29DATyep]

You underprivileged drivers...come to florida...drive at 80....you'll love it!!!
if you're lucky do 90 on the fla turnpike!!! but don't do 100 that can get you arrested.....i got pulled over for 98....the cop said...u know i cld arrest you for this...and i said no you can't it has to be 30 over i know the law....he didn't like me for it and added other silly violations like i didn't use my signal to pull over when he pulled me over...okay that is really off topic but hey...whatever works.....dec 1st is around the corner.

 

[Smile4Meg]

Hey Guys! I'm new to SDN but I came across this thread and thought I'd make an addition🙂 I interviewed at Iowa and loved it as well. I agree with the interview seeming rather impersonal compared to others, but as a resident of the midwest let me tell you one of the best reasons to come here is the friendliness of the people! Only a few more weeks until we find out--can't wait! Best of luck to you all!

 

[hsama]

Glad to see this thread! I hear ya about the feeling thing--I have it, too. I think most people there are down-to-earth, have a strong work ethic, sense of humor, and are genuine. The best part of the interview is before and after the official recorded questions, where you can have genuine conversation/address real questions. I did have a friend who got a dry, serious interviewer, though, who only read the questions, and didn't seem to want to be there. That'd bite. Anyway, I've interviewed at Buffalo, where I got the same good, down-to earth feeling, and students seemed really happy there; and NYU, where I was impressed with their program and liked the idea of plastinates (whole cadavers are so time consuming). I still have to interview at Nova and BU yet. Each school has some real advantages. Anyway, cons at Iowa: yeah, what others said and Oh...yeah...winter! There are mild winters but Holy Bejeebers some years it's so flippin cold you start to believe there's a God even if you didn't before, because, for what other purpose would we be subjected to this HIDEOUS -I'M -NOT -KIDDING -YOUR - FACE-IS-FROZE -SHUT- COLD ---than to entertain some Creator who is rolling on the floor dying laughing at the ice cycles hanging from our eyes and noses? (Not even kidding.) But then, in some sick, sado-masachistic way...it makes you appreciate the other seasons so much. Like the guy who bangs his head on the wall because it feels so good to stop!

 

[hsama]

Hey Guys! I'm new to SDN but I came across this thread and thought I'd make an addition🙂 I interviewed at Iowa and loved it as well. I agree with the interview seeming rather impersonal compared to others, but as a resident of the midwest let me tell you one of the best reasons to come here is the friendliness of the people! Only a few more weeks until we find out--can't wait! Best of luck to you all!

Welcome, Smile. 🙂

 

[29DATyep]

LOL...u're funny hsama!

 

[hsama]

LOL...u're funny hsama!

OK, you got my vote.

 

[in her drawer]

OK, you got my vote.

Haha, he bought your vote rather easily. 😛

 

[hsama]

Haha, he bought your vote rather easily. 😛

Yeah, that was shameless and one-sided, I admit, but I didn't find your name on the ticket. Sorry 29DATyep. Appreciating a sense of humor is high on my issues list...especially when it's MY sense of humor. But if we all ended up at Iowa and Drawer ran, you'd really have to have your ducks in a row because Drawer's an expert on BOTH of the major global issues: Funny AND Cute.

 

[29DATyep]

LOL...you know what.....we will see :-D Drawer has soo many schools to choose from so i don't know where Drawer will go so you might be stuck with me after all :-D and you will have to put up with my sense of humor and me laughing at all your jokes :-D And the cute thing isn't even an issue...I'm gorgeous! I love being around beautiful people so hopefully both of you are "cute"

 

[hsama]

LOL...you know what.....we will see :-D Drawer has soo many schools to choose from so i don't know where Drawer will go so you might be stuck with me after all :-D and you will have to put up with my sense of humor and me laughing at all your jokes :-D And the cute thing isn't even an issue...I'm gorgeous! I love being around beautiful people so hopefully both of you are "cute"

Oh you mean you personally are cute. Didn't you know...everyone on SDN is "ridiculously good looking." I don’t mean to brag but I’ve even been told I have a face for radio. But seriously, by cute and ducks-in-a-row, I meant:

http://www.comegetyousome.com/images/kitty duck.jpg

http://www.lverose.com/littleones/images/everafter/miniduckling.JPG

http://www.innocentenglish.com/cute-animals/dogchicken.JPG

 

[in her drawer]

 

[hsama]

IHD delivers again!

 

[29DATyep]

I know!! I can't compete!! :-D Drawer you are going to have to teach me how to be more like you so i can snag 'em the way you do!! :-D

HSAMA...i think Drawer has my vote tooo :-D

 

[bevzi]

U Of Iowa Is An Awesome School. The Interview Process Was Not As Stressful As U Of Florida. Great School Overall And Lots Of Clinicals To Do. Big Plus.

 

[Magna Cum Latte]

Ok... i'm in.

Well not accepted, but "in" in the sense that I freakin fell in love with that place and got that same feeling that everyone else here is talking about.

I've been to Iowa City once before. It was a night before a football game and the city went off. The pedestrian mall is one crazy place to be Friday night. And everyone there is so ridiculously nice!!!!

Prior to this interview, I thought I knew exactly where I wanted to go. But then Iowa had to come along and confuse me. If i get accepted to Iowa, it would definitely be a difficult acceptance to turn down. I guess it would really come down to a question of the extra cost of out of state tuition. Oh wait, Iowa already thought of that and offers a good number of out of state students $30,000 and $60,000 scholarships. Touche Iowa... you've won this round.

Also, I am well aware that there is no official ranking system for dental schools. However, I keep hearing that Iowa is a "top 3" or "top 5" school. So where is this coming from? I think I read in this thread that their school has one of the highest averages on part I of the boards... is this correct? What other similar achievements would make people unofficially consider it one of the top three schools in the nation (besides the # of students involved in research)? What are some of the sources I can use to confirm this school's greatness (excluding their website)?

 

[29DATyep]

I hear you about the city and the scholarship...Iowa makes it very hard to realistically financially consider other out of state schools.....And I'm from florida...i'm not use to people being so darn nice!

My sources(being dentist, professors, advisors) have told me that Iowa produces some of the most competent dentist, they have a top notch clinical program, and as you already know research.

I know a couple of dentist who worked at Iowa. They all say Iowa has a great program and that it would be a great experience to attend UIowa.

A professor at Iowa who also taught at Nova and found out Nova was my first choice...talked me right into making Iowa my first choice....Everyone is so enthusiastic about Iowa's program. I have yet to hear bad things about the actual program at Iowa.

Think about this....a dental student loved Iowa sooo much that she stayed to specialize and teach at Iowa....that's how much students fall in love with Iowa.

 

[papichulo]

Ok... i'm in.

Well not accepted, but "in" in the sense that I freakin fell in love with that place and got that same feeling that everyone else here is talking about.

I've been to Iowa City once before. It was a night before a football game and the city went off. The pedestrian mall is one crazy place to be Friday night. And everyone there is so ridiculously nice!!!!

Prior to this interview, I thought I knew exactly where I wanted to go. But then Iowa had to come along and confuse me. If i get accepted to Iowa, it would definitely be a difficult acceptance to turn down. I guess it would really come down to a question of the extra cost of out of state tuition. Oh wait, Iowa already thought of that and offers a good number of out of state students $30,000 and $60,000 scholarships. Touche Iowa... you've won this round.

Also, I am well aware that there is no official ranking system for dental schools. However, I keep hearing that Iowa is a "top 3" or "top 5" school. So where is this coming from? I think I read in this thread that their school has one of the highest averages on part I of the boards... is this correct? What other similar achievements would make people unofficially consider it one of the top three schools in the nation (besides the # of students involved in research)? What are some of the sources I can use to confirm this school's greatness (excluding their website)?

Here are some facts I know:

They do consistently place in the top 5 schools on the Boards I. Last year they were # 1!!!

They are one of only two schools in the nation that provide advanced education in all dental specialties

Your third year you do rotations and spend 5 weeks in each of the specialties, giving you experience in each field.

You get your own operatory!

Plenty of research opportunities if you so desire.

All of this, plus cheap tuition and low cost of living, equals one great school.

PS-All this talk about dental school ranking is soooo arbitrary and quite frankly is always in the eyes of the beholder. However, if it helps you sleep at night, the last dental school ranking was done in 1997 by U.S. News Top 12, and they ranked Iowa 3rd behind San Antonio and UNC.

 

[papichulo]

Hey 29DATyep,

Do you by chance remember if they use digital x-rays at the school? My interview was quite some time ago and I can't remember. Thanks!