Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
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 personal strengths and weaknesses, motivations for pursuing dentistry, experiences since graduation, and reasons for changing career paths or majors. Additionally, some respondents mentioned engaging in conversations about their academic backgrounds, extracurricular activities, and future goals, with a few participants experiencing a more casual interview format focused on open dialogue rather than specific questions.
They didn't ask me a specific question. It was just a conversation about my extracurriculars. Then we just continued to talk for 25 minutes. It was not stressful at all.
Do you have any questions for us? How did you prepare for the DAT? Why dentistry? Are you being pressured into dentistry (My sister and brother-in-law are both dentists)?
Students said most interesting question asked at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including hypothetical scenarios like choosing who to sit next to on a flight home, describing personal qualities, and reflecting on personal aspirations and challenges. While there were varied questions, some responses hinted at an MMI format with nondisclosure agreements in place, possibly indicating a structured interview process focused on assessing interpersonal skills and ethical decision-making.
If you could look outside the door right and anything you wish for would come true, what/who would u wanna see outside the door
A cup and a pitcher are on the table in front of me. He asks what would I do if I was suppose to make the cup for a class but I made the pitcher and failed the class.
Dr. Lippman was very friendly and knew that I was a little nervous in the beginning. He started the conversation by asking me to tell him about myself. That helped me to start out
Nothing. All very basic, predictable questions. I did hear that some students got some off the wall questions though such as "what type of furniture would you be?" or "who would you sit next to on a plane?"
It was more of a conversation. No tricky questions were asked. They just want to get to know you and see if you fit the feel of the school. Be yourself and you'll be fine.
There was nothing really interesting. They basically asked simple questions like what do u like to do, why nova, hows florida weather, tell me about school.
Students said most difficult question asked at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine discussed various topics such as explaining bad grades, sharing fears about dental school, discussing personal challenges, and justifying application decisions. While the interview format was conversational for many, some responses indicated traditional questions alongside unique prompts like choosing historical figures to sit next to on a flight home.
Nothing was difficult, just felt like a flowing conversation :) I am such an overthinker and it was totally fine
Who would I sit beside on the way home? -- I already knew they would ask this question from reading past posts. But from my response, the interviewer could tell that I already heard this question before. I don't think it was a bad thing, just showed that I had prepped for the interviewer.
Who would you like to sit next to you on your drive home (excluding any family or friends)?
I think that my answer came out the wrong way, like I was overly-competitive.
Please tell us the biggest challenge you've had to overcome in your life and how you overcame that situation. (this was a little hard for me to get out personally, but I answered honestly)
I can't really say any of the questions were necessarily "difficult" because the dean and chancellor were very open and friendly... did not seem like they were trying to put me on the spot.
^ I should've expected it, but it kinda threw me off guard and I didn't really have anything to ask.... so she asked the questions for me and answered them.
Do you think you would have done better if you had gone to a four year university, instead of a community college first and then two years in a four year university?
Being that my science background is kinda thin how will I compete in dental school with the students that have taken science courses all of their college career.
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 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 low 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 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.
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as the Student Doctor Network (SDN), reviewing their application materials, and conducting mock interviews. Suggestions included researching the school, practicing common interview questions, and engaging in conversations with current students for insights.
SDN, books, YouTube videos... all not needed. Just know the typical questions (why dentistry, strengths/weaknesses, etc.) and come up with a few questions. The interview is very laid back and conversational.
SDN, Mock Interviews (Extremely Important). Its not until you practice the real thing that you realize the little silly things you do when your under pressure.
Read a good book, relaxed the night before, slept good, and was well rested and ready for the interview. Dr. Lippman asked very simple questions. he just wanted to see who I was as a person, so no special prep needed. Just be yourself
-Looked on SDN to get a general feel for the interview.
-Reviewed my application.
-Googled some of the possible dental school interview questions and tried to answer them.
I was preparing for case presentation the most, and for the interview I just tried to form solid answers to the most common questions as ''tell us something about you'', ''why dentistry'', ''why you'', ''what's your hobby''...
SDN-answered every possible question that students reported about this school, read over personal statement and the literature about Nova, asked a lot of questions of the tour guide during an Open House visit
Had questions written down that I could ask them. Dressed up in a nice suit and tie. Shaved, but not my legs (I'm a guy). Would recommend brushing your teeth before a dental school interview :-).
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the school, including the supportive faculty, happy students, and modern facilities. The laid-back and conversational interview style, along with the emphasis on personality rather than qualifications, was also a common positive highlight mentioned by many applicants.
The tour was really nice. Before the interview, the dean came in and told us she doesn’t care about our application since we made it this far. She just want to see our personality because paper wise, we have made it this far so we pass the hard part already. She just want to know if we can hold a conversation.
how new the campus and the sim labs are. really loved that there was natural light in the sim labs as we will be spending a lot of time there. also loved that they have rain sirens
Everything really. I love how the students all seem like one big family and the faculty is so caring. They are big on community outreach. A big one for me is the early clinical preparation in the sim lab and nova starts there within the first week of classes. Plus the lab is brand new and beautiful and they are gonna be working on a new clinic. Everything about nova was perfect for me.
Overall atmosphere. It's in a beautiful location. If the interview was any indication of how dental school would be there then it would be very laid back and caring. I was also impressed with how happy all the students seemed.
school is very down to earth - the students and the staff and the interviewers. what you see is what you get - they are aware of their flaws and assets and they dont hide them
the school and how chill the interview is..They're really trying to know you. And Marriot Plantation provide free transportation 4 u, but u have to make appoint ahead.
Dr. Lippman, assistant dean of admissions, talked to the whole group before we had our individual interviews with the selected faculty. I was glad he was the one interviewing me one-on-one because I had already heard what he expected from the interview.
Dr. Lippman made us feel very comfortable. He explained that they just wanted to see our personality not drill us with questions to prove that we are worthy of going attending their school. Very relieving.
Some nice weather, but hey it's South Florida. Nice Admissions officers, the admissions process was extremely laid back, cute girls, and yes there are plenty of chairs for clinic...
I was positively impressed by how approachable the faculty and the students were. The faculty seemed very interested in helping every student to succeed. The clinical aspect of dental education at Nova is great. The location is just amazing.
This school is BEAUTIFUL. The facilities were all relatively new and very impressive. Also, everyone seemed so happy there. The students and faculty were both very friendly and accommodating.
The friendliness and genuineness of the faculty. Also how the D4's created a buddy system to help the D1's out. The relaxing atmosphere which is important when you have such serious classes and information to study.
Pretty nice facilities. Students claimed virtual reality lab (6 chairs) was fairly unique and large, but I've seen 2 others so far and both were significantly larger.
Gorgeous facilities and campus...everything is so new! Huge diversity of students, and everything is well-laid out. Dr. Lippman, the dean, was fantastic at putting us at ease and my interviewers were really friendly and helpful too!
The school's facilities are pretty top notch. Everything is new. Faculty that we came in contact with seemed really nice. Location is absolutely amazing, hands down best location I've interviewed at.
I loved the congenial and welcoming atmosphere among the faculty and students. Facilities were all new and clean. Professional environment (mostly graduate students). Early clinical experience. Large patient pool (lots of retired people).
Faculty is amazing, friendly, and inspiring. Dr. Lippman is very down to earth and just tells you as it is. Students all seemed to be happy. Any disappointment amongst students was minor. Location was great, although a little humid.
the school is AMAZING. It is not only gorgeous on a rainy day, but the facilities are high-tech, everything is new and really nice, and all of the students and faculty we meet were SO FRIENDLY. I'm really in love with this school.
-The school is brand new and the LABs are quite high tech.
-Both the students and the faculty are super nice.
-The cheap in the area seems to be quite cheap and affordable.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED the school. The location is amazing, its all shiny and new and seems like a very happy place to be at. The students were really outgoing and seemed really happy to be there. The admissions committee were amazing and really nice. I absolutely adored Ms. Zarrett and Dr. Lippman and Mr. Lehrer: couldn't have asked for anyone better! Oh, and the food was really good-the first school I actually ate at!
The facility is really great! Overall, NOVA university is awesome! Great place, and amazing facility! D-students really tell you everything about NOVA in detail.
Dr. Lippman (Dean of the Dental School, interviewer) was awesome. He explained how low-stress he wanted the day to be, and even gave us ideas of the questions they usually ask before our tour and interviews. He also added that we could put that on SDN because he WANTS people to know how low-stress the process is once you get the interview.
The students seemed to really love the school, all the faculty we met seemed very enthusiastic and laid back. They really want their students to do well.
The laid back atmosphere. The environment was very welcoming to ask questions and to see if the school was really right for you. The faculty seemed very receptive to students and willing to find the best way to teach dentistry effectively. They also cleared up the misconception that there isn't a patient pool...there's actually a waiting list. Beatiful facilities...can't beat sunny Florida weather either!
the clinics, the interviewers made me feel very comfortable, the students who gave us the tour told us frankly abt life at dental school. The front staff was verry uncooperative.
The D1's who gave the tour were very open and honest about their experiences at Nova...and they seemed to LOVE their school and the education that they were receiving.
Almost everything! First of all, everyone at Nova, students, staff, professors, all were very friendly. Several students not associated with the tour even sat down and talked to us for about 30 minutes. Current students really love it there, and they manage to have fun and learn dentistry all at the same time. Dr. Lippman was so nice! I knew from this forum that it was going to be a pleasant interview, but I never expected what actually happened. VERY conversational.
Facilities were brand new, and spectacular; the pre-clinical lab blew away everywhere else I've been so far.
Everyone loves the school and the professors so much. The interviewers seemed very interested in the students and seemed like they treated the students as colleagues rather than inferiors... ;)
The location, the technology, the positive attitudes of students, and instructors. I walked around for a little while wearing a suit and about 3.5 million people wished me good luck. Very friendly place.
Beautiful facilities, beautiful school, amazing climate, friendly professors and administration (most of which really enjoy working there), students were positive about the program and location. Location is AWESOME!!!
the facilities are awesome, the staff and faculty were very welcoming, students were very friendly and very informative, the city and weather, and lunch was the best at Nova
Almost everything! I did not know what to expect when I went there but I was happily surprised by the experience. The school is fairly new. The faculty were all extremely helpful. The interview itself was quite low-stress yet informative. I really feel like they got to know me well.
the niceness of the students. they were very welcoming throughout the entire process. everything is so new. virtual tour where first yr can play with drill. property is affordable out there. 150K will get u a condo.
Facilities are absolutely amazing. Everything is brand new and the students seem to be really happy at nova. The students are willing to help one another and the professors seem very compassionate about teaching dentistry
The atmospehere of the campus... very tropical, a lot of palm trees. The community, the faculty, the student, all very friendly. The labs looked good, everyone seemed to be very happy about working/attending Nova Dental School.
Dr. Littman said that Nova was the most applied to dental school in the nation with 2,400 applicants (around 325 are interviewed). I liked how they said that the school's facilities are at the forefront, the model that other institutions mimic. They do their best to help you succeed. Theres free tutors! You take the first pt of your boards right away...i can go on and on.. The students looked really happy and were very cool. I got notified of an acceptance really quickly, within a week!
Out of all the schools I interviewed at I really liked the set up for their sim lab-Instead of being set in rows the seats are across each other-I'd rather face other students instead of facing a monitor. I like how the school caters to their students. I love that they have a large patient pool.
The facilities. Top-notch, latest technology. The school is huge and lots of other professional schools surrounding the dental school. Very good environment. The school is also in a very good location, surburbs, easy access to everything south florida has to offer.
The facilities, student attitudes, where the program is heading! Also, I was able to interact with other Health Professions applicants (pharmacy, optometry) during my visit. We were all excited about Nova!
Applicants were commonly unimpressed by factors such as long waiting times, disorganization during interviews and tours, outdated facilities, lack of interaction with upperclassmen, unenthusiastic or negative student feedback, high tuition costs, and a lack of diversity. Suggestions included improving organization, providing more detailed information about the program and financial aid, enhancing interview experiences, involving upperclassmen in tours, and addressing concerns about facilities and student engagement.
The dean of admissions is very paranoid about COVID. She makes you sit 15ft across the table, in a mask, and it is extremely hard to talk loud while breathing in a mask. The conditions she puts you in set you up for failure. Was by far the worst interview experience. The interview was not conversational at all, she just asks you questions and doesn't genuinely try to get to know you. It's her first year as dean of admissions, so seems like she's changing up their reputation for being an easy interview.
Most of the process. They havent put any efforts to go over detail program or financial program at all. So disappointing and even Dr Lippman used the same stories at least for few years as I know. They need to improve and take more serious intervention on their interview day.
Tour was very rushed and during the lunch hour so hard to keep up and hear everything guide was saying. Don't feel like I really seen the school at all.
I was the last interviewee out of 16 people, so it was terrible having to anxiously wait hours for my interview. Even the interviewers seemed like they wanted to get it over with as it lasted only 10-15 minutes.
How ignorant Americans are. I told them that I immigrated to Canada when I was 9, and then they asked me "Did you speak English before you came to Canada? your English is very good." I didn’t travel to Florida so they could comment on my English, I felt like getting up and leaving at that point. Also, the tour was really unorganized, we were in the middle of eating when they kicked us out of the room.
My interviewer made up his mind about me right from the start. He made little effort to get to know me throughout the interview. I felt like I was being put through a conveyor belt of questions. (He even told us prior to the interview: "I can figure out who you are in 2 minutes". Sadly, I don't think he was joking.)
Same as other posts. Since D1's give the tour, its a little disorganized. They weren't sure about the timing and as a result we had to rush through our tour.
heard VERY few positive things about the school's academic program (extremely vague "our students specialize"). Mentioned great weather and atmosphere, but come on man what about your stats!! Brought up why other private schools might not be better than Nova (WHO DOES THAT?!>!>! PROFESSIONAL?). High Tuition.
That they didn't have any D-3's or D-4's speak with us at all, which makes me feel like they might be having issues with the upper classman but I could be overanalyzing too! The sim lab was newer but I have seen better at other schools and it also looked to be somewhat worn down already or just kind of dirty looking. I mean when compared to other school's new sim labs.
The weather gets some getting used to. The heat isn't that bad, but if you've never experienced 80% humidity it might get to you at first. But after couple of hours you'll get used to it.
The students who took us on the tour tried to give a positive impression of the school, but some of the students we encountered on the tour didn't have great things to say.
The tour was led by D1 students; they were really nice and outgoing, but were not able to answer some of the questions due to the fact that its only their first year.
lack of patients
the way they set up interviewing. some people waited 2 hours to get interviewed!
one of my interviewers was very cold and standoffish.
students didnt seem very pleased (seemed almost like nova was a backup)
Nothing about this experience seemed professional. One of the students giving the tour told us all she came to school to find a husband, and tried to date by networking on facebook.
Attendance is mandatory. Maybe postive or not. In fact, I took my best efforts in searching of any negative things about this school. Nothing was found.
The fact that it was given by D1s. They didn't know a lot of answers to most of our questions. If it were given by higher class students it would have been more informative.
The tour guide was a D1 and answered one of my questions incorrectly. I would have preferred to ask questions to D3 or D4 students who have been through the program longer and know more about the clinics. Also, the financial aid presentation was boring and automated.
I'm just knit-picking... but the financial aid presentation was given by a computer and projected onto a screen. Really nothing negative about the school.
Pretty much everyone's back up school. Looks like a resort. (I prefer the classical European look). Everyone there feels indifferent about the place. FL is too relaxed. Lax graduation requirements. Too hot.
students seemed disinterested. one told me he was there "just to get his license." seemed almost too low stress. shouldn't dental school be challenging?
You are assigned a few patients and must contact them for appointments. You do not have your own chair in clinics and some of the 3rd and 4th years said you sort of have to fight for a spot
The tour was kinda rushed...one of the D1's kept pressing us about how he had to get back to class, so we couldn't stop and look around very long at each stop.
The only two downsides I could think of, and I tried real hard are: Mandatory attendance and Hurricanes (not the hockey team. Apparently not too huge of a problem as long as you're prepared)
There's really no downsides to Nova if you can afford it.
We took too long eating lunch with the current dental students, so our tour was rushed in order to get back for the financial aid talk at 1pm. However, I had already toured the school twice so it didn't really bother me.
I guess the fact that there was no formal presentation or speech about the school. I didn't mind that very much though, because I don't think people really pay attention if they know they have an interview after...most people would be too nervous to pay any attention.
While honest and generally positive, the students we toured and ate lunch with seemed utterly indifferent towards the school. They said mostly positive stuff, but said it with so little enthusiasm it seemed weird.
The only thing that I was negatively surprised by was the general comments that some of the students made. They spoke about partying a little bit too much.
hardly saw any staff. everything seem to be conducted by the students except for the interviews. during my interview, one of three guys just stared at me as i gave my response to a question. what was that about? made me feel uncomfortable.
The students there kept whispering "you dont wanna come here" because the faculty is confused and keeps changing their minds on many things. They keep blaming their lack of organization on the fact that the school is still kinda new.
The tour was terrible. The students that gave the tour were unprofessional. Some of the students were too busy talking to their dental student freinds rather than the tour group! The school is overrated. I don't know how many times, people in the tour group said, "There are a lot of students in our class that shouldn't be here"
Although we all have our own chairs, I don't like the one big open room for the clinics. I was also not too impressed about the passing rate for the boards-but they seem to be going up every year.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were low-stress and conversational, the day could be long with waits between interviews, and to relax and be themselves during the process. Suggestions included being prepared for a conversational style interview, bringing a shoulder bag instead of a clutch, and being proactive in requesting an earlier interview time if needed.
They are very accommodating of flights. I stayed an extra night when I really didn't have to. I was nervous that it would reflect poorly on me if I would have needed to leave but it wouldn't have at all.
did not enjoy waiting for my turn to interview. bc it starts late i was very tired very early....so be proactive to request an earlier interview time if you are the type of person whose stamina diminishes quickly
I think that I was well-prepared, but I shouldn't have changed into my suit before the 4 hour drive to the interview. My shirt and pants were pretty wrinkly by the time I got there, not a big deal.
The interview is VERY laid back. Dr. Lippman is a very down to earth guy....he knows it, and he tells you at the interview (he also reads SDN!). He and the staff try to make the interview process as comfortable as possible, which they fully accomplish.
The students are now required to pass Part 1 of the National Boards the summer before their second year, unlike at other schools where the students are required to pass Part 1 of the National Boards the summer before their third year.
How beautiful Florida is. And the fact that the clinic is closed Wednesday mornings, so that if you show up early, all you can do is watch the Hygenists work.
The Comfort Suites that they advise you to stay at in their interview info packet is awesome. I rented a car, but it would have been way cheaper to take a taxi to the hotel and then use the hotel's shuttle services to get to the school and back and then to the airport again.
Nothing at all...the entire day was great and I was so impressed with everything I saw. Very laid back and there is no reason to be nervous. Just be yourself, they just want to meet you and see what you are all about.
That Nova probably has the #1 Dental School atmosphere... a very relaxing atmosphere (maybe the wondeful weather, and the resort community), compared to schools in Boston, New York or San Fransisco... where the schools requires you to live away from college, Nova students live in apartments across the street.
That they had so many applications and that the faculty does not care about the students at all. Even at the interview, Ms. Zarrett had a split personality, in front of everyone she acted interested but once she was one on one, she yawned the entire time of the interview and practically looked at her watch several times. The other ppl just stared. Im glad I got accepted elsewhere because I wouldnt come here if they paid me. They seem biased and want to accept students that they know personally regardless of their academic performances and DAT scores. While at the school and on tour, I met many students who did poorly on the DAT and had low GPAs but were accepted because they knew someone at the school. Very disgusting. The tour guide himself said how many students at their school should not be there. I wonder who is making all the decisions after all.
Where the actual meeting room was. I was walking around the health professions divison building for 20 minutes trying to find it. I would leave extra early so you don't get lost like i did.
Applicants generally found the interview at the school to be very relaxed and laid-back, with friendly staff and a positive atmosphere. Some suggested more structure or earlier interviews, while others mentioned the need for more focused questions and less reliance on file information.
The dean cares more about COVID than getting to know the applicants. I'm not sure why they are holding in-person interviews if it's going to be in such extreme conditions. They don't take into consideration the applicants at all.
Don’t over prepare and memorize your interview. If you memorize it, they’ll know. Just have a overview of what your answer will be so you won’t be surprise at a question that caught you off guard.
AMAZING school!!! Students were very happy and friendly and the faculty was great. It was such a positive atmosphere and I want to be a part of that. I'm very grateful for the opportunity for an interview. I am glad I attended, because it really made me want to attend the school.
Thought Nova's interview should be the most laid back, but I had two faculties interviewed me at the same time... and i felt like i was drilled with one question after another
They asked me about problem areas within my application, which is fair. If you have a strong application you should have no problem during the interview.
My interviewer made up his mind about me right from the start. He made little effort to get to know me throughout the interview. I felt like I was being put through a conveyor belt of questions. (He even told us prior to the interview: "I can figure out who you are in 2 minutes". Sadly, I don't think he was joking.)
The interview was very short. Maybe 15-20 mins. And like other feedbacks have said, it is very conversational. Although this helped me feel very comfortable, I didn't really have a chance to say what I wanted to say because like any conversation, its two sided. So, when I mentioned a point, the interviewer would interject and add something completely unrelated which forced me to adapt and continue on with their conversation. Our conversation ended up way off track, ultimately discussing if professional athletes deserve their high salaries. My only advice for this interview (which I know is not helpful when preparing for one) is BE YOUR SELF! You really can't fake it in this interview because the style is so laid back and natural.
I truly enjoyed the whole experience. I have interviewed at several schools prior to Nova. Nova is def on the top of my list. Very positive and friendly atmosphere. Very diverse environment. Dr. Lippman carefully reads all of the apps. He knew everything that I mentioned in my personal statement and my app. He also read the recommendation letters. He seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me as a person.
Great school & program in a great area. The school is actually in Davie, a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale. It's pretty safe and easy to get around. At the same time, Ft. Lauderdale is minutes away! It really is an ideal location.
The most relaxed interview...very conversational, no scare or intimidation tactics, and amazing school. Its so expensive, but if I get in, it will definitely make my school decision a difficult one!
I can honestly say I applied to Nova as an outside school, one of those schools that you are not dying to hear back from. When I was going to the interview, I really didnt feel like it would be a major contender but after I left, my opinion totally shifted. I was really impressed by the interview, school, facilities, and location. Hopefully I get in and if I do, its going to be a way harder decision then I initially thought! Great School and great location!
The interviewers really didn't ask anything, they just kept reading off of my file. They made assumptions about me based solely on this information and every time I needed to correct them about some detail they got wrong. I felt like they made their decision even before I walked in the interview room.
The laid-back, pleasant atmosphere of the interview is a great reflection of the school as a whole (from what I've heard from current students). Professors are helpful and students aren't competitive with each other. It's definitely a place that puts you in a great position to be successful.
Nova wasn't one of my top choices before my interview. But now that I have visited the school and met with the faculty, I'm quite impressed and the school definitely moved up on my list.
The selling points of this school are the location, supposedly laid-back student body and friendly faculty. I'm sure it prepares students well clinically. However, some comments made by other students are enough to give us pause.
the day started at 11:45. there was nine of us today. first thing we did was meet with several D1s and D2s, who answered all our questions while we ate our lunch, which was pretty delicious. we then went on a tour of the school. facilities were clean and top-notch. i liked how the dental, medical, nursing, optometry, and pharmacy schools are all under one roof (there's several classes that everyone takes together, but you get tested and graded separately). at about 1:30pm, each person was taken in one-by-one into the interview, which was totally chill and conversational. at one point, my interviewers somehow came to a friendly disagreement and started making fun of each other. it was pretty hilarious. but yeah, no need to worry. there was one dude who kept on sweating profusely...didn't know if it was the heat or the nerves getting to him. the worst part was the waiting, since i was the very last person. they accept about 100, but if you interview here early, you're pretty much in. overall, awesome school.
The tour really turned me off to this school, just by the attitude these students had. One mentioned that she forgot everything on the boards as soon as it was over, and I personally would like to not forget board information when I'm done. The school has everything they need to be a great school, but the staff needs to tighten the leash on the students giving the tour. They acted unprofessional and I felt uncomfortable.
Clinically oriented school. Not research "focused" school, but they are proud of their research. Letter graded. Living in Florida will be fun! Comprehensive questions. You should include appropriate things (if not asked specifically) to improve the quality of ur answers.
Overall the school is very nice. Appearances can be deceiving, as you will hear about multiple problems with the school which at the time appeared to be true. Otherwise the school looked nice and clean, and there was a nice influx of health care field students everywhere. Florida looks like a great place to live, hurricanes and money not withstanding.
Completely at ease; they really are there to get to know you; Dr.L even came out and told us before we went in to relax and that it would be the most laid-back interview we've ever been on. It was. They're not there to trip you up.
Everyone that we saw asked what program we were there for, and wished us luck. Dr. Lippman alone made me want to go there even more. Immaculate facilities, laid-back atmosphere, FT. LAUDERDALE WEATHER. Hung out with med students new years eve, and all were as chill as everyone else I met. Awesome experience.
The school is really amazing. The health professions division is seperated from undergrad and you have your own library, cafeteria, etc. It's really new and clean. I loved the facilities and all the students seemed really happy to be there. All the rumors circulating around SDN were cleared up (not enough chairs for students, no patients, etc..)
Overall the interview went very well. It is not too early so you are fully conscious . The weather was great (if you like warm weather) and every person you came in contact with was friendly. The interviewers also made an effort to make you comfortable and it was really like a conversation with a couple questions here and there.
After the visit, NOVA is seriously one of my top choices now. They cleared up a lot of my questions and misconceptions. The area is wonderful, I definitely can see myself spending the next 4 years there.
Laid-back, low-stress. I was impressed overall with the setup, although one of our scheduled interviewing faculty was sick. This kind of threw off the schedule for the afternoon.
My overall experience was positive. They had a nice waiting room in the admissions office to lounge around and meet other interviewers (there was about 8 for the day). Lunch was good. The facilities are awesome. Interviews were conversation-like. Day started at 11:45. If you interview first you can be out by 2:30.
Ate some good turkey sandwiches, took a tour with a few really nice and informative students, sat thru financial aid powerpoint, had the very laid back interview, went home.
Awesome interview! The interviewers were very nice and conversational. They really seemed to encourage you to find the school that is right for you...even if it isn't Nova. The day in general was less structured than other interviews I had been on. It kind of threw me off but gave me a much better view of what kind of student the school hopes to attract. very good experience.
The student tour guides were not as informative as I would have liked, most likely because they were all in ther first year. The other students we encountered while on the tour were not very friendly nor welcoming.
I was very uncomfortable in the interview itself because the two doctors (One middle-aged woman and one elderly man) were throwing questions at me left and right; before I was finished answering one question, I had already been asked another. I was very turned off by the fact that the interviewers did not have my updated transcripts.
We waited in the office untill everyone arrived (8 total). We went up to a small room with about 6 students to ask them random questions. We then ate lunch in the same room and went on a tour of the school. We ended with the interview which was so kicked back. This school would have been my number one pick if I wasn't accepted to my in-state school.
It was so laid back, do not be nervous! You should still prepare so that you don't look like an idiot, but I ended up laughing and joking during my entire interview. It was more like hanging out with new friends than being before an intimidating panel.
I loved NOVA, I would recommend everyone to try to go there. The school is new, amazing, and the students all seem to really like it there. They told that there isn't a "competition" like attitude there and that the faculty and students work to together. I really hope that I get in to NOVA.
Got to the interview around 10:00 (45 minutes early) and chatted with some PA people interviewing while the other people interviewing for the dental program arrived. Had lunch with some D4s, then went on a tour of the school. Then it was on to personal interviews, which was a long time waiting if you weren't on of the first to go (They gave courtesy to people with travel plans)
Very easy going and laid back. Questions asked led into brief conversations. Dr. Lippman mainly asked the questions and another Dr. was there taking notes.
Very positive, The school was beautiful, the tour with the dental students was the most helpful and enjoyable, the admissions staff was extremely friendly
I did not think the interview went well until I got accepted because I was the last one to be interviewed that day, the interviewers did not ask the same questions as the rest, and it felt almost too casual during the interview. we talked a lot about hunting, fishing, and ther things I like to do. It is awesome place to live.. family or no family. I feel that one of the best indicators is by how the current students like it. every student I talked to lived it there. I interviewed 6 places and this is by far the best school.
I thought it was amazing. I was not nervous at all when it came time for the interview. I had not prepared that well and was planning on "winging it" if they asked any tough questions...but it turns out they didn't even ask anything like that. Not even "why dentistry?". Overall I thought the school was beautiful and cannot think of a better place to spend 4 years.
Overall, the school is awesome. I would love to attend this school more than any other. Everyone was really friendly and had a very positive attitude. The interviewers were great! They were not intimidating but very friendly, helpful, and insightful. The tour guide, Andy, was very good. He is the human Nova brochure. He knows anything and everything about Nova.
The tour giude was the most informative and enthusiastic person in the whole school which was very nice. Nova seems like a very neat place to spend the next four years. I walked out of the school very impressed. I would love to attend this school.
It was really nice. The tour was very thorough. They actually served us fajitas for lunch, which shocked everyone (since we're all used to getting sandwiches at these interviews). Extremely diverse student body. Interviewers were very nice and it was more conversational than a rigid interview.
Great! I just wish I hadn't said anything about doing badly in Geometry in high school and I wish I had expanded more on why I want to be a dentist. I was over-prepared for the interview which is better than being under-prepared.
I had a great experience at Nova, they jumped way up on my ist of dental schools that I want to attend. The atmosphere was great, from the lighting in the rooms, to the attitudes of the administration, this is a place that was built to help the students become great dentists. Also, they seem to attract a desirable quantity of cute girls.
Generally good. I wish they didn't make us sit there and wait for the interview at the end. I was the 2nd to last person called in and there were 2-3 45 minute interviews before me, so I ran out of things to talk with the other interviewees about. Bring a book.
My interview experience was excellent. I was not a top applicant grade wise, but my DAT was good and do well with people, so my interview went well. I enjoyed visiting Nova and seeing how nice it is. I'm a student here now and I still think its great. I enjoyed taking my National Boards Part I after my first year (passed just fine). I think that is a GREAT idea. Excellent pre-clinic lab preparation.
I was definitely impressed with the school. It is now one of my top choice school. The people (students and faculty) all seemed very positive and happy. There were only four of us interviewing so I felt that there was a more personal interaction between all of us. The interview was the most relaxing and laid back interview I've had, even though there were four interviewing me. Lunch and snacks were a royal treatment.
Great experience. This school seems to have its act together. They have been one of the top five schools for the past two years on board exams part one.
The entire day was great. The students were very friendly and answered all our questions in great detail. They are very happy to be at nova because its a great atmosphere to study dentistry in. The facilities are probably the best in the country and you are probably doing more hands-on practice than any dental student in the country.
Great School to attend, you will like what you see during the interview... definetly. The beach is close, Miami is 20 miles away, you can have fun if you can get the chance. This is what makes the school unique. The curriculum seemed normal, the usual heavy workload.
The interview was very laid back. I was only asked a total of three questions (besides the little ones that came up during conversation) and the remainder of the time was spent chatting. The questions were very simple and straight-forward. Nova exclaimed that they value student feedback and will make adjustments to their program based on the student's opinions. The provided lunch first, then lead us on a tour and then finally started the interviews after everyone was nice and full.
Pretty relaxed. Half the time you are hanging out with the current students eating lunch and taking a tour. Then its on to your interview and your free to go after that.
Excellent. Be sure to relax. If you don't believe in yourself, how do you expect them to? Be honest- they can spot lies from a mile away. They try to help you, unlike other schools who look for a reason not to pick you.
Listen to my advice- I got in. Best wishes!
Everyone was incredibly nice. The tour guide was energetic and funny. The facilities are so amazing. Fort Lauderdale can't be a more beautiful place to live. Go to South Beach and Las Olas blvd. if you want to see the perks of the area.
I loved the school. The HPD (health professions division) hosts students from 7-8 different colleges (DO, DMD, pharmacy etc), so you get to interact with a lot of mixed people. Overall, everybody seemed happy to be there. I would recommend anybody to look into this school. Its grrrrr-8! Oh yeah, you cant beat the weather/atmosphere in south Florida.
My interview was at 11:45, started by a lunch and four student were there to answer our questions. then they took us on a tour. the facility is great specially the audio visual lab. after that a person from the financial aid office talked to us, following that was the interview. I was done by 2:00.
We met at 730 am and had breakfast. We met with two students and they took us on a tour for over an hour. We then met with a financial aide specialist. Then we had our personal interviews.
I didn't like being a zoo animal. 5 people watching, staring at me during the interview??? PLEASE!!!! Two people asking questions, the other three stared!!
Pretty easy going interview. It was really more like a conversation than an interview. If you do not hear from them soon after sending in your application you should definitely call them.
Overall a great experience, I was really anxious to see Florida and I wasn't disappointed. It's a great fun place to live and spend 4 years. The school itself is great, the students are all happy and friendly, the professors seem genuinely happy to help. I think everybody is happy because they're living in South FL.
Overall, I thought the interview was a positive experience, I was accepted a week later! Be yourself, the actual interview was like a conversation with three adults. Although it was 3-on-1 group interview, but they've really made it enjoyable and non-intimidating.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should improve communication and responsiveness, provide better guidance during tours and interviews, and start the process earlier in the day to accommodate out-of-state applicants. They also appreciated the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff but highlighted the importance of being more thorough in getting to know applicants during the interview process.
Not hold in-person interviews if the dean is going to be completely paranoid the whole time rather than getting to know the applicants.
Nothing at all! Everyone was so nice and every time I call or email I get a very fast response. And for those that are traveling for the interview they ask if you have flight restrictions so you get to be seen faster. Super accommodating. Always a pleasure to be at NOVA :)
Keep doing what you're doing! Every school should have their interview like Nova! Having a relaxed, conversational interview with super friendly faculty let me be myself and show who I really am, and I think that is important so that the admissions can see if I am a right fit for the school.
I interviewed at Nova today and I have to say it was the best interview yet. I was interviewed by Dr. Keller. He was very honest about how I ranked among the current students. Also, I like his interview approach. I felt very comfortable and laughed throughout the appointment because he made me feel at ease and just be myself! The admissions dept is doing a great job! Please dont change anything!
The interviewers tell you NOT to stress out but for me I don't like how much emphasis the students and interviewers place on relaxing and being happy and not being TOO serious. It is a very serious process and the fact that they kept telling us we were too serious as a group of interviewees was a little annoying. We were all post-december 1st applicants so we obviously care a lot about our future. There is a difference between being nervous and being serious.
