University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
San Francisco, CA
Dental Schools | Private Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 8% 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 low 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 include inquiries about overcoming academic challenges, motivations for pursuing dentistry and choosing a specific school, handling practical exam failures, ethical scenarios like cheating, personal strengths and weaknesses, manual dexterity skills, community service experiences, and future career goals. Some responses referenced an MMI format, suggesting possible nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted a conversational and relaxed interview style focusing on getting to know the applicant on a personal level.
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What are some pros and cons of attending UoP ?
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Explain a time you struggled in school and how did you overcome it?
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Why UOP & why dentistry?
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How did you learn how to skate? (mentioned as what I do to destress)
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What would you do if you failed a practical exam multiple times? (Basically a manual dexterity exam at UOP) they want you to say you would reach out to peers for advice.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics, from personal values and career motivations to ethical dilemmas and future aspirations. While the questions varied, some respondents mentioned a joking or conversational tone, with topics including admiration for others, non-dentistry work experiences, patient retention strategies, and preferences in extracurricular activities during dental school.
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Who is someone you admire and why?
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Tell me something not in your file?
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Why did you choose dentistry?
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I saw you worked a lot of different summer/part-time jobs, how do you think these prepared you for dental school? (None were dentistry-related)
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How do you keep patients coming back to your practice?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry discussed various topics such as future goals, ethical considerations in dentistry, challenges faced in leadership roles, and reasons for choosing dentistry over medicine. The interviews were mainly conversational, with some applicants mentioning a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and the possibility of being under a nondisclosure agreement, while others found the questions straightforward and focused on personal qualities and qualifications.
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What specialties do we have? How many students are in a ds class?
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Where do you see yourself in five years?
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How do ethics play a role in dentistry?
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"Why do you think I think this is important?" Regarding an extracurricular on my application.
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None were difficult. It was mainly a conversational, getting to know you/ make sure you're a good person and qualified type of interview
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.
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.
📍 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 2-3 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 less than $100.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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sjo
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Southwest
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SFO
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OAK
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JFK
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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travel lodge
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marriot (fishermans wharf)
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marriot
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Travelodge North
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The Queen Anne
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 their interviews by reading their applications, reviewing school websites, utilizing Student Doctor Network (SDN) for feedback and sample questions, and practicing with friends or family. Several emphasized being themselves, staying relaxed, and having questions prepared for the interviewers.
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SDN
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SDN and their website
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SDN and reading my application
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Watching similar videos and mirror practicing and trying to be relax and myself
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Practice questions.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming and genuine atmosphere at the school, where everyone from staff to students made them feel like part of the 'Pacific family'. The positive interactions, supportive environment, beautiful campus, top-notch facilities, and emphasis on hands-on clinical experience were highlighted as key factors that stood out during their visit.
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everyone was so nice and welcoming and very transparent about how you did on the interview
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Everyone is so nice! They talked like I was already admitted.
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Their campus was beautiful and their sim lab was amazing too, great to socialize.
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Family mentality
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The vibe and integrity of faculties
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were most commonly concerned about the high cost of tuition and living expenses, the lack of economic diversity among students, the rushed and intense curriculum, and the limited campus facilities. Suggestions included addressing the high expenses, ensuring a more diverse student body, providing a less rushed curriculum, and enhancing campus resources.
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nothing
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The student interviewer told me they have an on campus botanist for the flowers in the building, UOP is definitely an expensive private school and it's students are not economically diverse (lots of designer brands being worn etc).
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Price
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Nothing especial
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The location that my interviewer was at for the virtual interview.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known more about the low-stress nature of the interview, the welcoming atmosphere, and the emphasis on convincing them to attend the school rather than the other way around. They also highlighted the importance of being yourself, preparing for basic practice questions, and taking advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and engage with faculty and students.
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That they give so much time to ask questions. I had a lot of questions, but I wish I had even more.
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The area around UOP can be dangerous, so stay close to the school
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How long the interview is
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I was relatively prepared as I searched the school online and went over the curriculum and their mission and vision; so nothing much left to know
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Having a general response to the basic practice questions will be sufficient. Much of the time after a response will be filled with conversation.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview process at UOP to be laid-back, informative, and friendly, with the emphasis on getting to know the school and the applicants rather than a high-stress interrogation. Positive comments highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, well-organized schedule, friendly faculty and students, and the sense of a supportive "Pacific Family." Some applicants mentioned the high cost of attendance and the need to apply early due to limited interview spots.
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Great school and I definitely felt the "family-like" vibes from my interviewers
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This school has a beautiful building and the students were very kind and hardworking. It is also a very expensive school.
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Be prepared, dress properly, appear on time, look and act professionally and more importantly, be your self and expressive.
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I really enjoyed the atmosphere and effort that UOP put into virtual interviews.
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Everything about this school is superb. I will be attending.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the admissions office's friendliness, organization, and efficiency. Applicants appreciated the accessibility and warmth of the staff members, as well as the well-structured interview process and overall positive experience.
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nothing. everyone was amazing
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I loved the Dr. Fa's talk on interview day.
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Nothing, they were great!
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Keep doing what you're doing, no complaints.
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Keep doing what you are doing!
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