Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Loma Linda, CA
Dental Schools | Private Non-Profit
Faith-Based
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 21% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
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.
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
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolved around family, spirituality, personal values, ethical dilemmas, and motivations for pursuing dentistry, with a focus on the applicant's fit with the school's mission. While specific questions varied, many respondents mentioned discussions on their relationships with God, family backgrounds, ethical scenarios, and reasons for choosing dentistry, indicating a comprehensive evaluation process likely in an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format with potential nondisclosure agreements.
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Tell me about your family (Mom, Dad, siblings)
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What is your relationship with God like?
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Why Loma Linda?
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Do you have any siblings?
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How did you become interested in dentistry?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas and personal strengths to family dynamics and religious beliefs. The interview format appears to be MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) as there were diverse questions touching on personal, ethical, and situational scenarios, indicating the possibility of a nondisclosure agreement.
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Describe an ethical dilemma you have been in and what you did to resolve it.
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What do you think the academic
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How do you think those with depression get better? (I talked about my depression in the past, so this was a natural follow up question.)
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Are you always this relaxed? Lol
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my family and their jobs
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics, including personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, academic performance, and spiritual beliefs. Some responses indicated a conversational and relaxed interview style, while others mentioned specific questions about grades, accomplishments, and reasons for choosing dentistry. Additionally, references to MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and questions related to the 7th Day Adventist Religion were noted, suggesting a structured interview process with potentially sensitive topics.
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Describe a time when someone let you down.
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Tell me about a vacation that you'll never forget.
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Tell me about yourself. (Difficult because it was so broad. Be prepared to say this succinctly and say what you WANT them to ask you questions about, because they will start asking about 1-2 minutes in.)
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Tell me about your grades.
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Why you? Was very conversational so there weren't really any "hard" questions.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 40 - 50 minutes.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had an open file interview.
Was this interview in-person or virtual?
Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
No responses
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience ▼
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent less than $100.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Ontario International Airport (ONT)
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Palm Springs
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Ontario, CA
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Ontario
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ONT
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Long Beach
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
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Sheriton
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Rodway Inn
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RedLands Inn
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My house
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Loma Linda Inn
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 is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Many applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as SDN forums, reviewing their application materials, practicing with friends or family, and researching the school's mission and values. Suggestions included practicing common interview questions, understanding personal motivations for pursuing dentistry, and familiarizing oneself with the school's philosophy and values.
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Looked up Loma Linda's most frequently asked questions on SDN and recorded myself answering them at least once.
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I made a long list of questions, reviewed my application, and read through SDN Forums.
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Read student surveys on here and practiced with my boyfriend. We also talked about what traits I should focus on as well as my core beliefs and how to talk about those if asked.
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Practiced with friends and typed out certain responses.
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SDN, LLU's thread, PMing people
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming nature of the admissions staff, faculty, and students at Loma Linda University. They appreciated the emphasis on service, early clinical experience, and the supportive community that the school provides. Suggestions for improvement were limited, with some noting the school's religious affiliation as potentially off-putting to some applicants.
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The interviewer really wanted to get to know me, she genuinely was interested in my life experience thus far as a human and not just why I wanted to be a dentist.
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It was very casual.
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Esther, the dean of admissions, impressed me with her thoughts and comments about LLU as a school and organization. To me, LLU really lives out their motto, "Our mission is to serve," and their students and faculty and staff do as well: (1) Grace is given (LLU does not charge students again if they have to repeat a quarter/year; students caught doing drugs or alcohol will be given a chance to attend AA meetings and therapy instead of being expelled immediately) (2) Service is emphasized (LLU covers 2/3 of travel expenses on missions that they have year round; local community service opportunities are there for those who want to volunteer weekly) (3) Students are supported through their struggles (financial, housing, therapy, emotional/personal, academic, addiction) (4) Students are encouraged and provided resources/support so they can become their best self
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The interviewer seemed genuinely amused by my hobbies and interests.
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Everyone is super nice!!
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about outdated facilities, lackluster campus surroundings, a focus on religion, unenthusiastic tour guides, and unprepared or distracted interviewers. Suggestions included updating facilities, providing more engaging campus tours, and ensuring interviewers are well-prepared and attentive during the process.
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Nothing, besides the fact that it was virtual (not my or the school's choice though because of COVID)
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nothing
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Nothing :)
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I did feel like I was being tested under a microscope at times.
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Facilities are kind of haunting (but they were completely empty, to be fair).
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed nature of the interview, the closed-profile interview format, the need to arrive early and be prepared for a writing prompt, as well as the emphasis on the Seventh-Day Adventist religion and the importance of asking questions during the interview. Additionally, knowing the location of the admissions office, being aware of the short essay requirement, and understanding the selection process criteria were highlighted as important factors to consider beforehand.
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How layed back the interview was. I probably stressed too much.
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That the interview would be closed profile.
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Interview structure: arrive 30 minutes early to fill out a questionnaire with a short essay question, 1-1 interview, end with student tour. I was there from 9:45 to 11:40. My appointment was 10, and I was told to arrive at 9:30 to do some "paperwork," so the time I had to fill out the essay was cut short by 15 minutes.
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Bring white-out for the writing prompt if you're prone to errors.
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It can get busy, come early to find the building, park in the right place, and get your parking validated.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally praised Loma Linda University as an excellent dental school with a positive interview experience, highlighting the supportive faculty, hands-on clinical education, and welcoming atmosphere. Some applicants mentioned concerns about the high tuition costs, limited activities in the area, and specific interview questions related to religion and family.
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Loma Linda is an excellent dental school, and if I am accepted to more than one school, it will be hard to turn down.
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Be yourself in your application process and the interview will be a breeze. Make sure you know your strengths and weaknesses. *this interview was done over zoom*
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Loved the interview. My experience has put LLU as on of my top two in terms of school vibe, faculty support, cohort, and location (so cheap compared to any other CA schools).
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Very hands on, students didn't mind chapel/religious classes, good clinical education, it's in an okay area but the school is top notch!
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The interview day impressed me very much, and makes me want to attend here as one of my top schools now. Beat all my expectations!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally appreciate the friendly and helpful staff but suggest improvements like ensuring proper cooling, easier scheduling for interviews, and enhancing the office environment. Some also suggest offering campus tours, interaction with current students, and maintaining the welcoming atmosphere.
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Nothing, very friendly.
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Great work and keep doing what you're doing :)
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AC is not cold enough
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Make it a bit easier to schedule an interview day. It took me several times calling before I finally got through
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The office itself was a little old and small, but the staff was extremely friendly and helpful!
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