Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
Philadelphia, PA
Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 27% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 conflicts with authority figures, motivations for pursuing dentistry, strengths and weaknesses, experiences in shadowing, and reasons for choosing a specific school like Temple University. Respondents who experienced an MMI format interview may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement, with questions focusing on personal reflections, teamwork, and situational judgments.
-
An obstacle you had to face to continue your journey to dentistry. It could be personal or academic.
-
Tell me about a conflict with an authority figure.
-
What is your favorite dental instrument?
-
Name a time you had a conflict with an authority figure.
-
Name four dental specialities.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry discussed various topics including procedures observed, favorite dental instruments, misconceptions, ethical scenarios, personality descriptions, uniqueness compared to other applicants, and memorable experiences. These questions suggest a focus on candidates' experiences, perspectives, ethics, and individuality during the interview process.
-
What procedures have you observed or assisted with?
-
Name your favorite dental instruments.
-
What do people get wrong about you?
-
The ethical question that was presented
-
What is a misconception about you
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry discussed various topics, including procedures observed, conflicts with authority figures, application shortcomings, ethics, personal improvement efforts, and self-reflection beyond application details. Some responses also indicated challenging questions related to justifying one's candidacy over others.
-
Pick one procedure that you saw and what you learned/ didn't expect from it?
-
Name a time you had a conflict with an authority figure.
-
what do you think is the most shortcoming in your application
-
The ethical question
-
What are you working on to better yourself
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 15 minutes or less.
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.
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 Admissions staff personnel
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?
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 Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
-
Phili
-
Philadelphia International
-
PHL
-
PHI
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
-
forgot, i know it was in the Temple campus
-
Society Hill Hotel
-
PHL
-
Marriott--Residence Inn
-
Homewood Suites - 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 is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as average.
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?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by using resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN), watching YouTube videos, reviewing the school's website, and practicing mock interviews to anticipate questions. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of showcasing their personality and understanding their motivation for pursuing dentistry.
-
SND questions
-
SDN, youtube videos, reddit
-
SDN
-
SDN, reddit, school website, reread my application, mock interview
-
I practiced answering questions I thought they might ask.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the interview, the conversational nature of interactions, the modern facilities, the strong clinical exposure, and the enthusiasm of faculty and students towards the school. Many also appreciated the school's connection to the health campus, the focus on clinical experience, and the ongoing renovations to improve the facilities.
-
It was casual.
-
friendly alumni interviewer
-
it was very relaxed, open, and fun. Very conversational we were even joking around and laughing regarding some things we agreed on. I felt very comfortable.
-
It felt more like a conversation rather than an interview, considering it was held on zoom due to COVID
-
The environment at the dental school is amazing, the students and professors walking around are all so nice, the admissions directors are so welcoming and approachable, and the dental school is very modern and nice.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about limited time for questions, lack of enthusiasm from the interviewer, and issues with the interview setting or facilities. Suggestions include allowing more time for questions, ensuring interviewers show enthusiasm, and addressing any ongoing renovations or improvements to the facilities.
-
Not enough time to ask all the questions. They also did not ask the basic tell me about yourself and why dentistry question.
-
The interviewer didn't seem enthusiastic.
-
Nothing other than I do wish the interview was longer because he couldn't allow questions because they wanted to discuss the open house which is fine but I wish I could have asked some questions.
-
Nothing
-
none
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were alumni interviews, that there would be a quiz at the beginning, and that the interview process was more relaxed than expected. They also mentioned the importance of expressing themselves within a short timeframe and the opportunity to interact with interviewers during lunch.
-
It was an alumni interview, rather than someone from admissions. I asked about the program and they didn't have much to say about it because they graduated 20+ years ago.
-
nothing
-
They will give every interviewee a “quiz” with two ethical multiple choice questions at the beginning of the day.
-
That the interviewers (two of them total but you only interviewed with one or the other) would be in the room at lunch with you. You had the opportunity to speak with them before the actual one-on-one interview.
-
That you have 3 minutes to express yourself. BUT-- you don't have to use the full 3 minutes, end whenever you feel like you have said what you need to.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview process at Temple University to be short, informal, and relaxed, with a focus on understanding the school's mission and how they fit in. They also appreciated the school's responsiveness, clinical exposure opportunities, and enthusiastic staff.
-
Overall, a good experience if you've practiced.
-
The interview is very short and informal, but still prepare for it if you get anxious about interviews.
-
When preparing, understand what Temple is about and talk about how you fit into this picture, and how it will relate to your future as a dentist.
-
Temple is a really great school! They've been hosting open houses through zoom after candidates have been interviewed.
-
Temple is really great. They do an awesome job of answering questions and making you feel relaxed throughout the day. The actual interview portion itself was very relaxed too. Obviously its nerve-wracking going into it, but as soon as you start to have conversation with your interviewer your heart stops racing and you feel pretty comfortable. Also, the current students who toured us gave their genuine opinions on everything you would ask. They were super helpful and willing to talk about anything.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally found the admissions office to be friendly, stress-free, and well-organized. Some suggested being more specific about feedback timelines, providing food, or making the process more transparent, but overall the experience was positive.
-
Nothing
-
Nothing really! I wish they could be a little bit more specific on when we will hear feedback but they are as honest as possible with explaining how many more seats they need to fill and what the timeline of hearing back looks like due to having every single member on the admissions committee weigh in on someone's acceptance.
-
None-- really enjoyed them. They are unorthodox, but extremely friendly and provide a stress free day.
-
Serve food
-
nothing different than any other
Success!
School has been added to your favorites.