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University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry

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 mixed with a moderate 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 include inquiries about handling academic integrity issues, personal failures, global events' impacts, motivations for pursuing dentistry, extracurricular activities, research experiences, future career goals, and study habits adjustments for dental school. Some respondents mentioned being asked about MMI format, unique extracurriculars, essay content, and potential nondisclosure agreements during their interviews.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics from the impact of HMOs on dentistry to personal motivations for pursuing dentistry. The interviews appeared to cover both personal and professional aspects, with some respondents mentioning questions about family background and future career aspirations.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry discussed various topics, including handling stress, personal statements, research experience, leadership, and future goals. Some respondents also mentioned being asked about their qualifications for specific roles, patient relationships, and their motivations for pursuing dentistry, with a mix of personal and academic inquiries.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 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.

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?

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.

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 reviewing their applications, practicing common interview questions, utilizing SDN feedback, and researching the school's website. Suggestions include reviewing personal statements, mock interview sessions, staying informed on current healthcare topics, and seeking advice from friends or previous interviewees.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the faculty's knowledge of their application during the interview, the friendly and supportive atmosphere among students and faculty, high specialization rates, pass/fail grading system, curriculum structure, research opportunities, and the campus location. Many highlighted the positive interactions with faculty and students, the collaborative and supportive environment, and the ongoing improvements to the curriculum and facilities.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of patient pool, outdated facilities, long interview day, high level of competitiveness among students, and challenges with parking and traffic. Suggestions included improving patient recruitment efforts, updating facilities, providing clearer directions for interviews, and addressing the issue of competitiveness among students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed that they wished they had known about specific logistical details such as the location of the building, the need for hard copies of transcripts, and the requirement for an essay. They also highlighted the relaxed and stress-free nature of the interview process, the lack of lunch provided, and the importance of being prepared for specific questions during the interview.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at UCLA to be enjoyable and stress-free, with friendly interviewers and a relaxed atmosphere. They appreciated the welcoming staff, informative presentations, and opportunities to interact with current students. Some mentioned concerns about the patient pool, facilities, and the demanding curriculum, but overall expressed a strong interest in attending UCLA due to its reputation and preparation for a successful dental career.
  • 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 that the admissions office should provide food or snacks during the interview process to address hunger concerns, and also consider making the campus tour student-led for a more personalized experience.