University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
San Francisco, CA
Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 10% 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 the applicant's motivation for pursuing dentistry, experiences with research, community service, and leadership, as well as their ability to handle ethical dilemmas and their future goals in the field. While some responses indicated a variety of questions, the presence of Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format questions and references to nondisclosure agreements suggest a structured interview process with a focus on diverse aspects of the applicant's background and suitability for dental school.
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How did studying xyz at xyz college prepare you for dental school?
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How does xyz hobby relate to dentistry?
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Tell me about yourself, why dentistry?
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Tell me about yourself
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What is the best part about being a dentist?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry discussed various topics including dealing with patient affordability, ethical dilemmas, personal stress management, reasons for choosing dentistry over medicine, and the qualities dentists should possess. The interview format may have involved MMI based on certain responses mentioning scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and nondisclosure agreements.
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Why do you think there is so much anxiety towards healthcare
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When have you put others before yourself?
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What do you do to destress?
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Do you want to specialize?
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How would you handle a situation in which your patient couldn't afford the best treatment in your treatment plan? What would you do if they got upset about it?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, future goals, reasons for choosing dentistry, and personal attributes. Many responses referenced questions related to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format, nondisclosure agreements, and specific dates for experiences, while some highlighted standard dental interview questions like ethical dilemmas, personal strengths and weaknesses, and community involvement.
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None
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For the essay question response to a quote, I gave a very personal response and did not mention dentistry or science really at all as I felt it did not answer the prompt well.
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N/A
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Why do you think you're a good fit for UCSF?
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Standard questions.
🤝 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 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 a closed 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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San Fran International Airport
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SMF
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SFO
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OAK
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LAX
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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carls' hotel(super close)
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The Queen Anne
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The Metro Hotel
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The Carl Street Hotel
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Renaissance Parc 55 in Downtown
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?
The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants on how they prepared for the interview include utilizing Student Doctor Network (SDN) resources, reviewing their application materials (such as personal statement and secondary application), conducting mock interviews, visiting the school website, and seeking advice from current students or alumni. Many emphasized the importance of being oneself, staying relaxed, and focusing on genuinely connecting with the interviewers rather than memorizing answers.
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SDN, writing down experiences and values/what I enjoyed about dentistry
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SDN, read over my application
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SDN and their webinars
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SDN and dental student friends.
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Very well
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the organization, friendliness of staff and faculty, research opportunities, pass/fail system, beautiful campus, location in San Francisco, and the enthusiasm of students and faculty. Many also highlighted the school's facilities, the positive atmosphere, and the focus on community service and clinical training. Suggestions included more emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, and further enhancing opportunities for research and joint programs.
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Conversational, genuine
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They were extremely organized and helpful
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City of SF! Attitude of faculty, staffs, and students. Research opportunities. Curriculum.
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Friendliness of people around.
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Location, clinical opportunities, opportunities
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the outdated facilities and technology at UCSF, the lack of interaction with students, disorganization during the interview day, and a focus on research over clinical experience. Suggestions included improving facilities, enhancing student engagement, and streamlining the interview process to provide a better overall experience for applicants.
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I was confused as to whether my first interviewer was the professor or the student, so I let him introduce himself to figure it out. Might have been awkward if I asked the student professor questions and vice versa.
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cold weather. expensive housing.
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The students I talked to said that they had no personal experience placing implants, which made me concerned that more complex cases are not available to D4s.
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Nothing at all
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Nothing really.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known about the relaxed and conversational nature of the interview, the unexpected writing sample at the end of the day, the opportunity to ask questions, and the importance of comfortable shoes due to a lot of walking on campus. They also recommended attending webinars, being prepared for cold weather in the evenings, and being aware of the varying interview formats and scheduling.
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That there would be no chance to ask questions
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It is a very relaxed conversational interview. Also go to all their webinars, they are insightful.
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It gets very cold at night. Plan a trip around SF!
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There was a short writing sample at the end of the day asking for your interpretation of a quote (quote changes with each day, and they ask for about half a page to a page of writing, giving you 30 min). I also wish I would have known that an option financial aid presentation would follow the interview day -- I would have liked to stay for that but could not as I had already scheduled a shuttle to take me to the airport.
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Writing prompt at the end of the interview.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally praised UCSF for its reputation, opportunities, and friendly staff and students. Common feedback included appreciation for the low-stress interviews, the balance between research and clinical training, and the welcoming atmosphere, although some concerns were raised about the interview process organization and facilities.
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This was a great low stress interview, wish we had a tour in person, but with COVID that is difficult
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<3
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Overall, I really loved the school... close call for me between UCSF and UOP if I were to be accepted!
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Awesome school! Relax and be yourself, if you interview here they really want you (they don't interview that many applicants).
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I can definitely see why this school is one of the top schools in the country. They have the campus, the staff, and the reputation to support that claim.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally suggested that the admissions office clarify the order of student and faculty interviews and ensure clear communication. They also praised the friendly staff, delicious food, and suggested a raise for Bob McKenzie for his exceptional kindness.
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Be clear on which interview is first for the student vs faculty interview.
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Nothing, they had everything under control and made it fun
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Do not be nervous, staffs are super nice. I was impressed by delicious food and nice people there.
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Bob McKenzie should get a raise. Nicest guy in the world
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