Downers Grove, IL
Dental Schools | Private Non-Profit
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 30% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.2
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 257 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the candidate's motivations for pursuing dentistry, their ability to handle stress and pressure, experiences with teamwork and conflict resolution, personal challenges faced, and ethical dilemmas such as stealing a loaf of bread. Some respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement as the interview format was an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on mentions of 'MMI' or 'non-disclosure'.
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Tell me about yourself, why dentistry, how you destress
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why dentistry
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Tell me about yourself and why you chose dentistry
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Do you handle solving problems better on your own or in a group setting?
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Have you ever participated in a group project? What role did you play? Tell us a time where you worked with someone, what happened, what was it?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois discussed a wide range of scenarios, such as handling criticism from a lab partner, making tough decisions, dealing with disagreements in a team setting, and even estimating the number of tennis balls in a limousine. The responses indicate a mix of ethical dilemmas, personal reflections, and situational judgment inquiries, suggesting a comprehensive evaluation process that may align with the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, possibly involving a nondisclosure agreement based on the nature of the questions referenced.
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Your lab partner criticizes you, what would you do.
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what is a new skill you learned?
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what is the hardest decision you've had to make and would you do it again.
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Tell us about a time that a practice was put into place that you did not agree with, but you had to follow and accept anyway.
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What would someone you know say you take a disagreement?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois discussed a wide range of topics including handling failure, ethical dilemmas, personal attributes, and hypothetical scenarios. Some responses indicated questions related to personal integrity, decision-making, conflict resolution, and ethical considerations, while others mentioned specific scenarios like responding to negative feedback, discussing frustrations, or evaluating ethical dilemmas. Additionally, several responses hinted at an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements due to the nature of the questions asked, particularly those related to personal values, ethics, and decision-making processes.
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You failed an exam that you studied for, what would you do? What would you do if you failed that exam again.
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What would your one wish be?
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Tell us a bout a time you received negative feedback and how you responded.
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What would you do if another student or colleague was not giving you all the required information about something or giving you the wrong information?
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Tell us a difficult situation you experienced where you showed integrity.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had a closed file interview.
Was this interview in-person or virtual?
Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Many applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) and conducting mock interviews with friends and family members. They focused on practicing common interview questions, being honest in their responses, and researching the schools thoroughly to showcase their interest and preparedness.
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SDS, friends
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sdn
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sdn feedback, prepping with family members. (if you can keep you game fac on with them you can with anyone).
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Mock interview SDN
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SDN, mock interview with my master's program, and random questions asked by my husband
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and supportiveness of the faculty and staff, the advanced technology and facilities, the hands-on clinical experience, and the absence of residency programs allowing for more opportunities for students. They also appreciated the integrated graduate schools, the emphasis on clinical skills, and the welcoming atmosphere of the campus.
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Everyone is very nice and they really care about their students.
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you get your money worth
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all graduate schools are integrated and learn from each other. You get a ton of clinical experience. Grading is unbiased. latest technology used in in sim lab
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Everyone was kind
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The amount of staff to student ratio. How the environment seemed so positive and that everyone is supporting each other. Also the fact that the school is very high in technology and that there are no residency programs (which I learned when I visited the school - it's beneficial because as students we get to take more root canal cases, do implants, and other procedures that would be prioritized to residents )
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were predominantly concerned about the high cost of tuition, the distance of the clinic from the campus, and the lack of established reputation due to being a new school. Suggestions include providing more information on patient base, improving clinic facilities, and addressing the pricing to attract potential students.
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The long interview day.
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Long interview day
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university doesn't participate in mission trips and outreach. You have to do it individually or within clubs.
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N/A
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That their clinic is about 15 minutes away from the original campus.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the long day, the amount of walking involved, the interview format, and the importance of being relaxed and conversational. Suggestions included not wearing uncomfortable shoes, familiarizing oneself with the campus layout, and being prepared for a panel interview with faculty and students.
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To eat breakfast before coming.
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To eat breakfast because interview is at the end of the day
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you will be doing a lot of walking and standing around. do not wear heels, not even office chunky heels, I had blisters.
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N/A
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Nothing.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally commented positively on the school's atmosphere, facilities, and staff, despite the high tuition costs. They appreciated the conversational interview style and the opportunity to showcase their critical thinking skills. Suggestions included reducing downtime during interviews and asking more relevant questions to assess applicants' fit for the school.
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The interview is very chill. Very nice people, just treat it like a conversation. It is a very expensive school
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Great school. Very impressive as expected given the high tuition cost.
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The school has an amazing vibe.
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Great school
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Although the school is expensive, I can feel that the school cares about its students.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office be more concise and organized in email communication regarding the interview process, improve interview scheduling to reduce downtime, and provide longer and more engaging campus tours. Overall, applicants expressed satisfaction with the admissions office and encouraged them to continue their good work.
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None
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Nothing.
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n/a
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Be concise in email for interview process e.g. day agenda, interview structure/style
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Keep it up. I was extremely impressed.
📍 On-Site Experience ▼
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Faculty member
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent between $101 and $200.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
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I flew into O'hare. That airport is chaotic.
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Midway
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O'Hare
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O'hare airport
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ORD
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
Based on the responses provided by the users, the most commonly mentioned hotel they stayed in is:
Red Roof Inn
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America stays
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Best Western
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Comfort Inn
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Crown Plaza Lombard Downers Grove
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Double Tree Inn and Suites by Hilton
How would you rate the hotel?
Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
Would you recommend the hotel?
Most respondents would recommend their hotel.
What are your comments on where you stayed?
N/A
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clean, breakfast provided.
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I stayed in a hotel that was 10 minutes from school so that I don't have to deal with Chicago traffic if i were to stay in downtown Chicago.
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