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University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry Interview Feedback Summary

Los Angeles, CA

Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 13% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did well.
โญ Overall Impressions โ–ผ

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 areaโ€™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.
๐Ÿ’ฌ Interview Questions โ–ผ

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools based on user responses include inquiries about the applicant's motivation for pursuing dentistry, their research experience, future goals, extracurricular activities, and unique attributes. Some interviews followed an MMI format with questions related to handling ethical dilemmas like cheating, while others were more conversational and focused on the applicant's personal experiences and aspirations. Respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement during their MMI interviews.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry discussed a variety of topics, including the use of technology in dentistry, balancing personal and professional commitments, the social aspects of dentistry, and future goals in the field. The interviews may have been in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, as some responses mentioned nondisclosure agreements, while other common themes included questions about personal experiences, career decisions, and the impact of dentistry on society.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry discussed various topics such as handling stress, personal history, and future goals. Additionally, some respondents mentioned questions related to research, leadership, and ethical scenarios, while others highlighted the friendly and laid-back interview atmosphere without traditional questions like 'why dentistry?'.
โœ… Interview Preparation and Impressions โ–ผ

How long was the interview?

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 1 person.

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 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 reviewing their application materials, practicing interview questions, seeking feedback on forums like SDN, and researching the school's website. Many also engaged in mock interviews, spoke with current students, and stayed updated on current issues in the field of dentistry.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the faculty's interest in their background, the friendly and supportive atmosphere among both faculty and students, the high specialization rates, the pass/fail grading system, the new curriculum changes, the collaborative and conversational interview process, the excellent facilities, and the location of the school. They also appreciated the emphasis on student well-being, the high board passing rates, and the opportunities for research and specialization provided by the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions related to the following themes: difficulty in finding patients for clinical practice, concerns about the school's location and traffic/parking issues, outdated facilities, long interview days, lack of organization during the interview process, lack of diversity, and high competitiveness among students. Suggestions included improving patient recruitment efforts, updating facilities, providing clearer directions, and offering better organization during interviews.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the specific location of the building for the interview, the need for hard copies of transcripts, the open file nature of the interview, and the relaxed and stress-free atmosphere. Suggestions included bringing snacks, being prepared for an essay, and allowing extra time for traffic and parking at UCLA.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed positive experiences with the UCLA dental school interview process, noting a relaxed and conversational atmosphere during their interviews with faculty and students. Many commented on the welcoming and friendly nature of the staff and faculty, as well as the strong reputation of the school in preparing students for successful dental careers. Some mentioned concerns about patient pools and facilities, but overall, UCLA was a top choice for many applicants.
  • Overall, I enjoyed the whole interview day. The other interviewees were super nice and some are attending with me. The tour guide was super helpful and had more information on the school. The student panel could've been better.
  • Be prepared, and hold the conversation
  • Love the school and will be attending!
  • During the interview, you know that UCLA is on top of it. Great faculty. Great students. You can only set yourself up to succeed by attending this school. My interviewer asked me so many times how I felt I would manage high stress that I felt as though attending UCLA would mean giving up a well-rounded life for at least 4 years. For some, that's doable. No problem. Small price to pay for success.For others, perhaps it just isn't...due to family constraints or otherwise. This was something I needed to heavily consider when making my decision.
  • Overall, great school. Facilities are older. Though the patient pool is not as strong, the clinics seemed very busy the day I toured during my interview. Strong faculty, students are friendly, but seem really exhausted. Though, UCLA will hands down prepare you for a successful dental career. Go Bruins!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested providing food or snacks during admissions events to address hunger issues and making tours student-led for a more personal experience.
๐Ÿ“ On-Site Experience โ–ผ

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.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are in state students.

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 Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

The most commonly mentioned hotel among the responses is the Claremont Hotel.

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?

No responses

All Responses

Application Cycle โ–ฟ Impression Performance Interview Location
2023-24 Negatively โ˜น๏ธ Good Virtual
2018-19 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2018-19 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2017-18 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2017-18 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2016-17 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2016-17 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2015-16 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2012-13 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2011-12 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2011-12 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Average N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2009-10 No change ๐Ÿ˜ Average N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Great N/A
2009-10 Positively ๐Ÿ™‚ Good N/A