Gainesville, FL
Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit
AI Advisor
Ask questions about this school. Answers use aggregated data and are subject to error.
👋
Hi there! How can I help?
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 23% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.8
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 556 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (73%)
Negatively (18%)
No change (9%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (22%)
Good (45%)
Average (25%)
Poor (3%)
Bad (5%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally provided feedback on the interview process at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Many appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, friendly interviewers, and informative sessions. However, some expressed concerns about feeling intimidated or unwelcome during the interview, while others mentioned a lack of interest in their accomplishments.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Go gators!
-
GO GATORS
-
Start preparing roughly a week ahead. Start with making a list of questions that you expect them to ask. Then answer those questions but with bullet points, not in paragraph form. Then do a mock interview with a couple people to get advice on your answers. Make edits as necessary, and try to make your bullet points short. You eventually want to get down to a couple key words that you're memorizing per question so you have a gist of what you are going to talk about but also sound original. Also, use short anecdotes to support your answers.
-
The people and faculty were great, but the building wasn't impressive.
-
I loved the school, environment is great and the program is one of the best in the country!!!
-
In the interview, they never brought up my strong points
-
Great campus. #1 dental school in FL and top in the nation. Go gators!
-
I loved UF, I was very nervous because this was my first interview and my top choice school, but just calm down. everyone is very nice and open with their experiences at UF
-
Great school great program
-
GO GATORS!!!
-
Great program! the best in FL
-
Really fantastic program and I hope to become a part of it!
-
Seems like a good school.
-
I didn't like the seating arrangement in the office, it was uncomfortable. they are on a low couch and you are in a high computer chair. particularly uncomfortable in a skirt.
-
Great program
-
Great school, great students, great faculty, great research, and great clinical experience :)
-
The interview was much more relaxed than i thought it was going to be.
-
This was my first interview/tour so I think I will have a more accurate opinion of the school once I see other schools and can compare.
-
Toughest interview to date
-
I read on SDN where the interview process at UFCD was very intimidating, so I went in a little nervous. However, after the interview started, my nerves calmed and the interviewers seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say.
-
If you happen to have the type of interview where you feel like they don't like you or are grilling you with questions - don't back down! Schools should be enticing you to enroll, not discouraging you. I've had good interview experiences at UFCD, but others have said it was their worst interview. Don't let them get to you during your interview!
-
Even though it was open file it seemed as though they were looking at it for the first time, just asking random questions about whatever their eyes fell on (several of which were answered in my personal statement/secondary). I was interviewed by one admissions office staff member, a professor, and a third year student.
-
The interview was not as stressful as I thought it was going to be. honestly just relax and be yourself!
-
Low stress, no surprises SDN prepared me for interview questions well.
-
It was very relaxing. I think I did fairly well. The interveiwers were very comforting and they were very responsive to all of my answers. Oh, no questinos were repeated. So, I felt very relaxed. The rest was as described by others.
-
Okay. The fact that the interviewers kept smiling and nodding at EVERYTHING i had to say kinda threw me off and i skipped some of what i was going to say because their smiling and nodding led me to believe they knew what i was talking about. Such psychological warfare.
-
Overall it was laid back, there were the obvious questions-why detistry, etc. But be confident in yourself and answer honestly
-
I like UF even more than I thought I would. Oh, and the interviewers weren't mean, they just asked thought-provoking questions.
-
I had a group interview 3 - 1. I was a little nervous but all of the questions I had appropriate answers for. Just be yourself.
-
I was really impressed the entire day by what I saw. The interview was more laid back than I thought it would be.
-
The interviewers sat around you and just stared blankly at me as I answered questions. They showed no reaction whatsoever to my responses, just looked down and wrote.
-
I thought all my interviewers were very nice and all seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say, the problem was that I was stressed out and nervous and did not come across as confidant. My advice is relax!
-
Extremely good
-
Going into this interview I was fairly certain that I wanted to go to UF. After the interview there wasn't even a question about which school I wanted to go to. (I knew it was going to come down to Ohio State and UF). I hadn't been to my Ohio State inter
-
Overall the school impressed me, but the during the interview it seemed as if the interviewers were trying their hardest to make me feel unworthy of admission to uf.
-
From the moment I walked into the interview room I felt as if they were trying to belittle my accomplishments, force me to say "I don't know" and be unsure about what I know were good answers. This is an excellent school, but unlike some other excellent schools I have since interviewed at, I felt as if UFCD was doing me a favor by interviewing me, while other schools made me feel like part of their "dental family." They had very informative and open information sessions, although everyone was afraid to ask questions.
-
Lunch, tour, and people were absolutely fantastic. However, the interview was nerve-wracking and I felt as though there wasn't anything I could have said to improve their impression of my shadowing experience. I have spent a considerable amount of time voluteering at the dental school, but they didn't seem as though they felt it was relevent. Otherwise, the interview went as well as it could have with me being so unnerved.
-
It was great. Everyone was really friendly and helpful. The students seemed enthusiastic and happy to be there. I really enjoyed myself.
-
Overall good experience. Very nervous before the interview and during the first question...then relaxed and it went great!
-
Had picture taken by Sam, chatted with class president, ate lunch, took tour, listened to admissions speech, listened to financial aid speech, interviewed... It all went pretty smoothly.
-
It was painless.
-
The interviewers were so antagonistic. Everyone wants to go to UF because it's cheap and they know it. They barely listened to my answers to their questions and kept baiting me to say negative things about the other interviewees from my university that were also there that day.
-
Very profesional yet relaxed.
-
The other schools I interviewed at were more along the lines of, "so how can we help you and this is why we would like you to come to our school." UF was more like, "So why should we let you in? We are better than other schools" I disagree- I liked the other schools I interviewed at MUCH better. I also was accepted into UF but I ended up turning them down after realizing another school was best for me.
-
I thought I did well, they even photographed a denture set that I made and seemed very impressed by it. They made no mention of my 97th percentile DAT score. And unfortunately I got the thin letter in the mail last week...rejected! {Hopefully b/c I'm not a FL resident}
-
Overall, the interview experience was good. I went there with a negative image of UF because of a previous experience there and by the time I left I was feeling really good about the school.
-
Overall a pleasant experience. The interviewers were really nice but weren't listening closely to my answers. One of them asked me a question that I had previously answered.
-
It was nice, a friendly laid back atmosphere and I was able to make the interviews laugh and enjoy my presence.
-
It was a fun experience! Everyone were great with smiling faces, and very little stress involved.
-
Was pretty good overall
-
It was my first interview, and it was great. Much more relaxed than I imagined. The students were so friendly and really enthusiastic about the school.
-
The interviewers were very easy to talk to. It was in Dr. Sposetti's office (the dean). The day also included lunch, a tour, a talk by both Dr. Sposetti about admissions and a talk by Mr. Kolb about financial aid.
-
Overall good.
-
The interview was pretty relaxed and conversational. I felt at ease and just casually talked. Be thorough in your answers and be able to clarify (because they want specifics).
-
Overall it was very laid back. I had Dr Sposetti,Dr Langham, Dr Gale, and one other Dr interview me. I may have messed up a few times saying "um", but I do believe I showed all of them I was very well rounded and that it has been a life long passion of mine to become a dentist
-
The interview was very relaxed. The interviewers made me feel welcome and tried to ease into it. Overall UF ROCKS!!!
-
Very good experience. The interview was like a conversation.
-
It was more stressful than I imagined, but I think this is because I was too "laid back" in my approach. I felt like they were bored with my answers.
-
It was my first and only interview so far, so I guess it was nice, but I didn't feel too comfortable there.
-
Everyone was very nice including the Dr's who interviewed me. Overall, it was a great experience.
-
Great. I was pleased that it was very laid back. The people interviewing me were really nice and welcoming.
-
I AM CERTAIN any negative comments from this school is from one person who has way to much time on his hand and was extremely disgruntled because he didn’t get in so he/she keeps posting up negative comments these people where very nice to me, the interview was very relax full, the school was very dull true but their education is awesome.
-
Great
-
All in all, I felt that it went quite well. During the interview, they were not trying to trip you up. One thing that was negative was the ending of my interview. When I was asked if I had any questions for them, I asked if I could know a little more about how the interviewers were involved in the school (teachers, researchers, etc.). The admissions director didn't like this question and told me that I was not there to interview them, I was here so they could learn more about me. That was the only negative part of my interview, so I hope it didn't screw my chances...
-
It was not as big a deal as I thought it would be. The panel did not give me any feedback positively or negatively during the interview. I was hoping for them to crack some smiles for some of my responses but that did not happen.
-
The interview went real well. It was very laid back despite having 3 people interviewing you. Dr. Sposetti is very nice and she pretty much leads the interview. They asked why dentstry? what do you do for fun? are you good with your hands? how does a dentist become successful? asked about my job and research experience (they were very interested in that)! and thats pretty much it. The interview was short (only 20 minutes or so) and the rest of the day was a tour, some socializing with other interviewees, lunch and 2 presentations. Although the school was not verym how do you saym aesthetically pleasing, it had some very good things about it. I really enjoyed the sim lab (the students let us use the drill and see what it is like on the simulator. I wish we could have gone into the clinics but due to HIPAA? laws they wouldnt let us. Hope this helps and good luck
-
I wouldn't do it again.
-
Have had many interviews and this one was the worst. Don't waist your time.
-
I really liked Uf, the interview was very layed back and conversational. They don't put you on the spot about anything.
-
I had a great time learning all about UF and was impressed that they have such a strong research question
-
Overall, the interviewers were very friendly, and seemed to have read my file thoroughly. It did not seem long, they asked a lot of questions, and didn't drag things on?
-
I felt they were not friendly or welcoming, but cocky. I got the impression that their mentality was "You should be lucky to go here," not "We would like for you to go here." I guess that's what you get when you interview almost every in-state applicant just to get their thirty dollars.
-
Not really impressed, patient pool doesnt seem to great. Scheduling them seems even worse. Interview went bad and they were very cold there. If it wasnt for the price i doubt i would even consider them.
-
Great overall interview. The committee was nice, and very down to earth with me. They make you understand that they aren't out to pummel you, and that they just want to get to meet you and know you better. I asked around at the lunch and apparently it is their policy to give you no idea of your status until the letter comes.
-
It was OK, I was very happy with the school and the very diverse student body. The uncertainty of not knowing whether you got in or not is awful...
-
The interview is laid back, but they don't go out of their way to really make you feel like you standout, in a sense your just a number. They come off as if they know everyone from Florida wants to go to their school because it's so cheap. If your a student at UF don't feel special that you got an interview, because they interview everyone from UF
-
I was very impressed with the school, the education seemed solid, the price is unbeatable, and the weather incredible.
-
Generally, I had a good experience. All the questions were normal expected questions. Nothing about leadership, my weak or strong points.
-
I think I had a very good time, and I feel that my visit was worth it.
-
Nice school
-
Overall, my interview experience at UF was excellent--the staff and student guides were great, and the doctors who interviewed me were very nice! If you are a Florida resident, you should not pass by the opportunity for an interview at UF!
-
What the person said just before me is exactly right. If you are ahead of the game, and are applying early AND are a Florida resident--you should have a much better experience. UF, as with most state schools, are only alowed to accept 10% from out of state. Chances are that they don't even come close to that number. My interview, as well as everyone I spoke with that day, was more like a casual conversation, with the typical dental questions. Just be yourself, have a little fun, and if you can do it right, make them laugh a little- it lightens the mood! Overall, I had a very good time.
-
Despite what most of the other comments state on this website, it's my understanding that if you are coming from out of the State of Florida or are interviewing at the end of the application cycle they are going to drill you. If you interview early in the cycle and are a Florida resident they just chit-chat with you during the interview.
-
Wasted my time, my parents money, and the paper I used to write my essay. Wish I had known all this before going down to Gainesville. What a sad visit. Nice campus, but the dental school doesn't have anything special......
-
It was more laid back than expected. The staff was nice but brutally honest. They made me feel that I needed to earn my position. They were not going to hand it to me because I had a certain GPA or certain DAT score. Oh, and to rebut a few concerns about UF's interest in only top scores. Mine were very mediocre and I was accepted.
-
Awkward, uncomfortable, demeaning. The interviewers tried to make me feel small and dumb. That's okay though, I'm going to a better school on scholarship!
-
Be prepared for anything. And have a good defense for every decision you have made in your college career.
-
I guess i had much easier time at the interview since i was from UF... but for out of state students, it seemed like the flying to Gainesville for an interview was not worth it since they were told that they have like 7% chance of getting accepted... I felt bad for the out of state people bc they looked kind of shocked... But interview itself was really good.. I was interviewd by 3 people and all three of them were nice and friendly... they were wearing just a plain polo tshirts(no suits or anything) and they were sitting down on the couch... which made the entire atmosphere more relaxed...I really enjoyed it.. i was vvery nervous becouse it was my first interview but i got a lot of confidence after this interview
-
Unbelievable. I made new friends during lunch w/ other interviewees, then had a great interview w/ Dr. Sposetti and Logan.
-
If the admissions dept treat their applicants terribly (and I am an alumni of the school) I can only imagine how they treat their students.
-
A complete waste of my time and money, the interviewers are rude, condescending, and don't care about you as a person. They look only at your scores (and will comment on them if they are not within the top 3%, no exaggeration) so that when the "Entering Class Information" is published in next year's Barron's Book, their school will look good. Plain and simple.
-
Don't waste your time.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
🕐
Length:
27 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
3 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
63% One-on-One
37% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
98% Open-File
2% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
0% Virtual
100% In-Person
🏫
Interview Location (for In-Person):
100% At the School
0% Other Location
UF-COMP interviews are an average of 27 minutes, with an average of 3 interviews. 63% of interviews are one-on-one, 100% are in-person, and 2% are closed-file. Of the in-person interviews, 100% are held at the school.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the reasons for choosing dentistry over medicine, personal qualities that would contribute to success as a dentist, experiences leading to the decision to pursue dentistry, and scenarios involving ethical dilemmas or challenges faced. Additionally, questions about future career aspirations, research and clinical experiences, academic history (such as withdrawals on transcripts), and specific skills like manual dexterity are frequently addressed in these interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Where do you see yourself in 10-20 yrs
-
If you could have your own private practice, how do you imagine it
-
Tell me about the club you created
-
Explain your favorite dental procedure.
-
Strengths and weakness
-
Tell me about a time you faced an ethical dilemma and how did you react?
-
What will you add to the program?
-
I see that you have a withdrawal on your transcript, can you please tell us about that?
-
Why dentistry and not medicine?
-
What characteristics do you have that will serve you well as a dentist?
-
Tell us about a time you failed and how you overcame it
-
How would you fit in this program?
-
Why dentistry
-
Walk me through the journey you decided to become a dentist
-
Why dentistry?
-
Why dentistry x2
-
Why Dentistry?? (multiple times, so really really think about this question and have multiple answers prepared. delve into why you think you would be successful at this career, what qualities you have that would make you a successful dentist)
-
Why dentistry, why not medical school
-
What differences did you see between a private dentist and Shands? (if you're a UF undergrad student)
-
Tell me about your research
-
What do you
-
Why dentistry? (THEY REALLY POUND THIS QUESTION! If they don't seem satisfied with your answer they'll go "Yeah ok, but why dentistry and not ___?")
-
What do you plan to do with your year off?
-
What has been the most difficult challenge that you've had in your life?
-
Why did you get your masters
-
Tell me about yourself. Why dentistry (X3). (Yeah, have a GOOD answer lol). I got in though :)
-
Of all the things you could do, why dentistry?
-
Why do you want to be a dentist?
-
Why dentistry, why UF, hobbies, Do you do research, manual dexterity
-
Why do you want to be a dentist? Tell me about the experiences you've had leading up this decision.
-
Why dentistry? where do you see yourself in 10 years?
-
Why dentistry (your path to dentistry, etc)
-
Why dentistry? Tell us about shadowing experience, research experience, volunteering experience. Tell us about your jobs in college, do you think it was positive? (yeah, this was like six different questions)
-
Access to care in florida. what can you do about it
-
What have you done to show manuel dexterity?
-
Why dentistry... tell us about your extracurriculars, dental experience... the usual
-
Why UF
-
Tell us about your research.
-
Strength?
-
Why dentist?
-
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
-
With your low science GPA, how can we convince the rest of the admissions committee that you can successfully complete dental school?
-
Tell me about your research experience
-
Why do you want to be a dentist.
-
Why do you want to be a dentist? (x5 literally, it sucked)
-
Why do you want to be a dentist? Why dentistry and not medicine? What kind of things do you do with your hands? What five characteristics do you think are required to enjoy dentistry?
-
Why do you want to be a dentist
-
Why did you apply to UF?
-
Tell us about your clinical experience a little bit more.
-
What are your worst qualities?
-
Why are you here?
-
What was the last book you read?
-
Tell us about your journey up to this point. When exactly did you decide to become a dentist?
-
What are your positive and negative assets?
-
Why are you here, why do you want to be a Dentist?
-
Why u want to be a dentist
-
Why do you want to be a dentist? (be specific)
-
How did you prepare for the DAT?
-
Why do you want to be a dentist?
-
Why i want to be a dentsit?
-
Why I wanted to be a dentist
-
They asked about my research experience.
-
How did you prepare for the Dat
-
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
-
Tell me about your shadowing/dental lab experience?
-
Why dentistry?
-
Why do you want to become a dentist?
-
Of course, Why do you want to be a dentist?
-
Do you think that you would be able to handle the competition at our school?
-
How did you study for the DAT?
-
I know u were waiting for this question and we ALWAYS ask this question to all da students.... why do u want to become a dentist?
-
Why do you want to become a dentist ?
-
Nothing memorable
-
"Why do you want to be a dentist?"
-
I have been admitted and have promptly declined. I declined the following day i received admission from other schools.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting questions asked at University of Florida College of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics, including favorite procedures, future goals in dentistry, challenges faced, and personal attributes. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the variety of questions asked, with some respondents possibly being subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the unique nature of the questions posed.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Whats a procedure you like to watch, then asked me to explain the steps.
-
Besides money, what is something, if anything, you have noticed also gets in the way of seeking out dental care?
-
Talk me through your favorite procedure
-
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
-
Describe a specific procedure that you've seen
-
Pretend I am your patient. Choose a procedure, and explain why I would need it and a little about the procedure.
-
What is your Plan B if you don't get into dental school?
-
Why dentistry? hahaha
-
What's your favorite procedure
-
What made you to go to mission trips so often?
-
What is your favorite procedure?
-
You know gators eat bulldogs, right?
-
What is a procedure you like during shadowing?
-
What do I like the least in dental office
-
Name a shadowing experience that you found memorable & why.
-
What stands out in your application
-
Differences between my home country and the US regarding access to dental care.
-
Personal ones about my work
-
What do you do for your grades to be so good?
-
Asked about my research
-
Questions about my activities and involvement.
-
When they asked about my supplemental app essay.
-
What is your strongest personal attribute? nothing really out of the ordinary
-
How do you learn?
-
Will the Bucs win a game this season? (I'm from Tampa)
-
How would you define being a professional
-
None, all anticipated
-
I see here that you attended culinary school; talk about that...
-
All pretty standard
-
Why did you choose [blank] as a major?
-
Tell us about your research interests.
-
What do you do with your hands?
-
Tell me your most memorable experience during your time at __________ clinic.
-
So you work alot... do you have to support yourself?
-
No interesting questions Why UF Why Low GPA
-
What is the role of a Dentist in the community?
-
If you are accepted, what will be the most difficult thing you will face?
-
Very generic questions!
-
What was your thought process behind choosing to go on this two year program? (She was referring to the post graduate cultural course that I'm currently enrolled in in India.)
-
How have you developed your manual dexterity skills?
-
What qualities would your friends have to say about you?
-
How will you help Floridians get better access to dental care?
-
Tell me about your research experience
-
None of the questions were particularly interesting or surprising.
-
Tell us about your leadership role?
-
Is there anything else you would like us to know? (at the end of the interview)
-
What have you done lately with your hands?
-
Why dentistry?
-
What are you looking for in a dental school?
-
How do you feel about invisilign? (I said I was considering orthodontics)
-
Tell me about your fine motor skills.
-
What five characteristics do you think are required to enjoy dentistry?
-
In your dreams, 10 years from now, how do you see yourself and dentistry give back to the community?
-
Nothing particularly interesting... maybe "Tell us about your dental experiences"
-
How has your experience at UF been?
-
What do you think is the worst part about being a dentist?
-
I was applying for the FTD (Foreign Trained Dental program), not the DMD. So, the question was "What was the greatest change you have made inorder to adapt to life in the USA".
-
So why are you here?
-
Why did you move to California?
-
They asked pretty basic questions. The most interesting was probably asking what my favorite non-science class was.
-
Tell me about what you like to draw/art skills?
-
What characteristics do you think are required for enjoying dentistry?
-
What extra curricular classes did you enjoy the most?
-
Thinking back 5-10 years, what do you think the most significant thing you had experienced at that point?
-
What were your most interesting electives in college and why?
-
Would you like to be involved in increasing access to dental care and how?
-
What natural quality that you possess will be the most useful for you while studying to become a dentist?
-
What role do you think a dentist should play in the community?
-
What was your most terrifying experience as a dental assistant?
-
So, chemistry isn't your stongsuit is it?
-
Nothing really, tell us about your research.
-
If dentistry didn't exist, what else would you want to do?
-
What do you look for in a dental school?
-
What adverse challenges have you faced during your life?
-
What type of work does my father do?
-
When they asked what my inspiration was whenever sat down to draw something. I was not expecting that question.
-
If dentistry did not exist what profession would you be going after?
-
What are your dreams
-
In the dental clinics you have shadowed, what aspect of the practice influenced you the most positively?
-
Tell me a little more about one of your extracurricular activities
-
Well I liked the questions about my research experience. and that opened the door for some discussion.
-
None of the questions were even remotely interesting or even well thought out. It was like they had a list they memorized and that's all they asked.
-
Nothing really, Standard stuff.
-
What would you do if you were accepted to every other dental school except UF?
-
Just asked basic questions
-
What was the last book I read?
-
One of the interviewers asked me if I was good with computers. I told him I was pretty good. Then he asked if he brought me a computer in a box, would I try to put it together right away, or would I read the manual first. I said if it's a computer, I know how to put it together, but if it was something new to me, I'd probably read the manual first just to make sure I knew what I was doing. Then he told me that he's the type of person that would read the first few pages, and then get bored and try to figure out the rest. "Are you like me, or would you read the manual cover to cover?" I figured he wanted me to change my mind to agree with him, so I just stuck to my guns and told him I'd probably read the manual. Weird question, and I'm still not sure if I answered it correctly.
-
Why do you want to be a dentist...not...none of their questions were interesting
-
Tell me about the book in your hand. (I was reading the book while in the waiting room waiting for my interview)
-
What do you do for fun?
-
No real interesting questions as the interview was more of a conversation.
-
Why did you choose Wheaton College for your undergraduate studies.
-
They wanted to know exactly how my name is pronounced.
-
Hypothetically, you have a private dental pratice. There is existing conflict amongst your employees and it affects your practice. What are you to do?
-
What are your plans? Do you want to specialize? Why?
-
The most interesting question I was asked was my opinion of Kaplan. They were really interested in knowing my experiences with the prep course and my insights on the way they taught and prepared the student for the PAT section of the DAT
-
Where do I see myself in 10 years?
-
Where I see myself in 10 years?
-
Nothing remotely interesting. I had spoken to the admissions committee prior to my interview and was shocked with the way they treated me. Don't be fooled by Dr. Sposetti and Dr. Logan, they pretend to be compassionate, and then turn on you. They went as far as to take the things I asked them about in confidence and use that against me in the interview. Shame on them.
-
How do you feel your maturity level has changed during your time in college, and how will this effect you as a dental student?
-
No interesting questions... just condecending ones
-
All were pretty standard questions. Nothing out of the ordinary.
-
When did u come to America and how did u adjust to the changes?
-
For the most part, all of their questions seemed to target a specific area of my life and dentistry.
-
What are the responsibilities of the dentist to a patient?
-
How is your interest in preventative medicine going to transfer to dentistry?
-
How do I feel that my previous work in dental offices will help me in dental school?
-
What do you think the contributions of medicine will help dentistry?
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reviewing SDN feedback, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school's website, and going over their applications multiple times. Suggestions included using SDN, conducting mock interviews with friends or advisors, and practicing answers to potential questions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
SDN, bootcamp prep
-
SDN, YouTube videos, mock interview with career services
-
SDN
-
Researched prior questions
-
I used SDN
-
SDN, mock interview with friends and pre-health advisor at my school
-
Looked over my application multiple times, researched the schools website
-
I reviewed my application many times and I read SDN
-
Absolutely nothing except look here.
-
Anecdotes from SDN and from friends already in dental schools.
-
Read the Interview Feedback on SDN, reviewed the UF website
-
Internet search
-
Mock Interviews and SDN
-
SDN, reading their website
-
Read interview surveys on SDN and reviewed everything I wrote in my application
-
Reading SDN feedback.
-
Recording myself, practicing with others, etc
-
Mock interview with friends
-
Go on student doctor, look at previous questions, and think of what answers I would give.
-
Called people
-
Interview feedback, talked to students.
-
Formed answers to all possible questions I saw on here, and ones specific to my application.
-
Sdn, read schools website
-
I definitely read through my application a few times, read through my personal statement, reviewed questions posted here, and made up some questions after reviewing my app.
-
Reading the school's website, thinking about answers to possibile questions, getting to know myself better
-
Read interview feedback, reviewed my app, etc
-
Went over SDN interview feedback questions that seem to appear often
-
Practiced typical interview questions with wife, researched the school, etc.
-
SDN, previous interviews
-
SDN, mock interviews, UFCD website
-
SDN, My application, Friends
-
Prepared a list of old questions from SDN and orally constructed my answers during the 1.5 hr drive to Gainesville the morning of my interview.
-
SDN, read over AADSAS info, secondary essay, personal statement
-
Did not really prepare, i enjoy interviewing
-
Read SDN feedback and went over my application to look at areas where I thought they might pull questions
-
SDN, interview questions were the same as i saw on previous posts. School mission statement along with going over my application.
-
SDN doesn't lie.
-
Tips from dentist, sdn, reviewed questions.
-
Mock interview.
-
Had three or four people interview me, as well as practiced interview questions post here on the forum
-
Read SDN, thought of possible questions, reread personal statements
-
Studentdoctor.net - reviewed questions from other interviews
-
I read SDN interview feedback and practiced answers to what I thought were potential questions.
-
I was just myself
-
Read over the student doctor forums, talked through the questions and my answers with my dad, went over my application
-
SDN Feedback & AADSAS
-
I reviewed my application
-
I just read over all my aadsas material, thought of questions that I had for them.
-
SDN, AADSAS, UF website
-
Read over SDN, my application and the school website.
-
Read interview book, SDN, UF website, prepared answers to questions.
-
SDN, read about UF, mock interview
-
UF website, SDN, etc.
-
Read through UFCoD's website, read feedback from others, read my personal statements, went over interview questions with some students from the dental school
-
SDN, practice, practice, practice.
-
Went over AADSAS, read about the school
-
SDN, course review books, read personal statement.
-
This was my first interview, I realized that I couldn't prepare. I was just my honest self.
-
Researched UF online and SDN
-
Read SDN, read school's website, practiced possible questions.
-
SDN, Dentist I work for, looked over essays
-
Got my suit cleaned and shirt pressed. Friend helped reviewed possible questions.
-
Student Doctor and mock interview
-
Read about the school, thought about answers to possible questions
-
SDN, read about the school, looked over application
-
Read about UFCD, student network, etc
-
Reviewed my AADSAS and UF applications, UF catalog, and SDN
-
Read SDN and UF web Page
-
SDN,Dr Kanani's e-book,and dental students
-
Read sdn, think about how I would answer the questions.
-
Reviewed in my mind, read interview books
-
Read sdn, talked to friends
-
SND
-
Looked at SDN
-
Sdn, UF website, and lots of praying.
-
I practiced and read this webstie.
-
Did research on the school, read sdn comments and frequently asked qeustions
-
Sdn website and practiced with my family
-
SDN, read through my application, and talked with friends who attend UFCD.
-
Read studentdoctor.net feedback and spoke to a doctor. During my 5 hour drive to Gainesville I repeatly said out loud my answers so I would be comfortable with the how I delivered them.
-
Read SDN and the schools catalogue
-
Talked with alumni, read through this webpage.
-
Read personal statement
-
Read over my essay and SD
-
Had my friends and family ask me questions.
-
Speak to dental students that attend UF, and to students that had already had their interview at UF.
-
Didnt really prepare, thought i had it covered since it was my 3rd or 4th
-
Went over my essay and tried to plan answers to anticipated questions. (why do you want to be a dentist?.......duh)
-
Read SDN, read my app. essay over again
-
Read website, talked with current students
-
I looked over their website, as well as extensively reviewed the material I had already submitted to them.
-
Read the UF catalog, reviewed my essays
-
I read the school catalog, and read the posts on SDN.
-
I asked some friends in the dental program what to expect from the interview.
-
Talked with alumni dentists, visited the school.
-
Spoke with current dental students and reviewed website.
-
I had been to many other interviews and was confident with my ability to interview and communicate.......I think the communication problem is on the other end....
-
I read a lot of interview feedback sites and studied extensively so that I could fluidly answer any anticipated questions (e.g. Why do you want to be a dentist)
-
I had 7 previous ones... they all went smoothly... I thought I was prepared.
-
I was very familiar with UF. I also knew a few students in the CoD.
-
Going over just the simple interview questions they might ask...
-
Attended Open House @ Shands, spoke to dental students, visited G-ville beforehand, and did some research on the dental school's history.
-
Ohhh went to other schools and was successful, ANYTHING GOES WITH THESE PEOPLE
-
Talked to some friends who went there.
-
I just reviewed my applications. All the questions they asked me were directly from my personal statement and from my supplemental.
-
Read through the University of Florida Dental School catalog and did a little research on the school itself
-
Talked to several people. Classmates, friend at UFCOD
What was the most difficult question?
Students said the most difficult question asked at University of Florida College of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics, including explaining research projects, future plans to improve access to care, strengths and weaknesses, reasons for choosing dentistry, academic performance, and specific examples of commitment to dentistry. Some responses hinted at a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format due to a variety of probing questions, while others mentioned being well-prepared for standard inquiries with a few unexpected twists, such as questions about specific grades and reasons for pursuing dentistry. Some respondents also alluded to facing challenging follow-up questions seeking detailed explanations and examples.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Why UF just because I dont think they liked my answer.
-
None
-
When explaining my research project, I said "a drug that inhibits a protein involved in liver regeneration" and the interviewer asked me what the protein is and what it does. It caught me off guard at first but I believe I answered it well (it was YAP1)
-
In 10 years from now, what will you do to improve access to care in Florida?
-
"So you said watching an implant was your most interesting shadowing experience... walk us through the procedure"
-
Nothing
-
What was the hardest part of undergrad
-
What would you struggle the most once you get into dental school?
-
What is the role of a dentist serving in underserved populations or what would you do as a dentist there?
-
What is something you dislike about dentistry?
-
What will be the most challenging in dental school
-
Why did you stop shadowing after this date/what have you been doing since then?
-
Describe your manual dexterity
-
What do you consider as your biggest failure?
-
Is there anything else you'd like us to know that's not on your application?
-
Why dentistry?
-
(at the end of interview) Is there anything else you want to tell us?
-
No hard questions
-
Nothing really, all standard questions
-
Your science GPA isn't as high as some other applicants. How will you make the transition to dental school? What will you do different? (need to be specific here)
-
What do you think about access to dental care in florida?
-
How to improve access to dental care in FL
-
None, all anticipated
-
I was talking about my commitment to community volunteer efforts and how I wanted to use the fact that I would be a dentist to impact my local community, and they asked how. Does not sound hard, but they wanted specific examples - really wanted to see if I was serious.
-
Access to care in florida
-
What can you say about microbiology and genetics?
-
Why did you choose (Microbiology) as your bachelor degree ?
-
What is your greatest strength and greatest weakness?
-
Say you're accepted, what is your first concern... Also, how do you think you'll adjust to dental school?
-
Why Low GPA
-
At your young age (19) why do you think that you are more qualified than other applicants that are older?
-
Nothing I didn't expect.
-
All the questions are listed already!
-
None. I had anticipated all of them.
-
Out of all these qualified applicants, why should we choose YOU over them?
-
Describe how your 'mentoring' has helped you grow?
-
What class would you excel at in dental school?
-
Explain in more detail why you want to be a dentist
-
None were difficult. I expected pretty much all of them (why dentistry, community service, dental experience, etc.)
-
Besides *listed my hobbies* what are your hobbies?
-
Why is your science GPA so low?
-
If you don't make it to dental school, what will you do?
-
What's our quarterback's name?
-
They asked me what types of service I had done.
-
How do you feel about the fact that most people in Florida can't afford orthodontics?
-
Why do you want to be a dentist, more specifically? (five times in a row, never satisfied with my answers)
-
None specifically.
-
No unexpected questions.
-
Why do you want to be a dentist?
-
What do you think about your DAT score?
-
Why did you get an F in class X?
-
Same as above
-
Nothing really.
-
I see you have done a lot showing your interest for dentistry, but what have you done to show that you realy want to do dentistry?
-
Why so many drops?
-
The most difficult (besides why do you want to be a dentist?) was at the end of the interview when I thought it was over they asked if there was anything else I could think of that I wanted them to know about me.
-
Why is your non-science GPA higher than your Science GPA?
-
What was something you didn't like while shadowing? (only difficult because I couldn't think of something I really didn't like)
-
Why not medicine?
-
What is your philosophy (he was referring to intentions after graduation)?
-
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you while studying to become a Dentist?
-
What is your idea of an ideal dentist?
-
What are your dreams?
-
None were hard, I had thought about all the questions they asked.
-
About my grade
-
Specifically why do you want to dentistry? (the general reasons such as love of science, working with my hands, working with people were not specific enough) and also "other than geography and tuition, why would you pick this school?"
-
So, what did you get a "X" in Biochemistry?
-
What role should a Dentist play in the community
-
Hmm... nothing to hard. They asked me why I wanted to be a dentist but I felt well prepared for that question.
-
Do you have any questions for us?
-
Why dentistry
-
None were difficult
-
What do you plan to do if you do not get into dental school?
-
I guess the obvious one --- why do you want to become a dentist? I have trouble formulating my reasons for choosing dentistry. It is just a passion.
-
Why do you want to be a dentist? This was only difficult because I had to stop from laughing because this was the question that you had to write an essay about before your interview. That immediately made me wonder if they had really read through anything in my file besides just the numbers.
-
Why i want to be a dentist.
-
Same as above =)
-
What made me so motivated to be involved and also do so well academically in my undergraduate program
-
What do you do for fun? Although, this is not a hard question, it caught me offguard, and I did not want to leave them the impression I was a party girl.
-
The same jerk asked me this: He said that according to my file, I had mentioned that I found Dentistry to be exciting. "What's so exciting about it?" he asked. Seemed like something I would have written, so I gave him a good enough honest answer. Then I went home and read over my personal statement, and saw that I had never mentioned the word "exciting" anywhere on it. I don't know what he was trying to accomplish with that trick, but I didn't appreciate it.
-
Why do you want to be a dentist, what qualities should a dentist have
-
No difficult questions at all. All were straightforward. It was more chit chat than interview.
-
What do you do for fun outside of school?
-
No difficult questions
-
None, all the questions that were asked were pretty straight forward.
-
None were difficult.
-
If you were in our position, why would we want to accept a student who is a minority, but not a minority in the medicial profession?
-
What makes your application stand out from the others?
-
What happened here, and here? (looking at my transcript)
-
None were really difficult. I felt like I had to defend every decision I had made throughout college (i.e. courses I took, major I decided on, etc.)
-
Why is ur biology grade low?
-
None were difficult. All questions were straight forward and fair.
-
If the patient had committed a heinous crime would you treat them like every other patient?
-
Difficult? Nothing, the rest of the questions were pretty mediocre, but were asked in a very non-interested manner. I had over a 3.7 and 22+ on every section and they asked me "Why would we want a student like you here? We have many applicants who demonstrate that they have somethign to offer us"
-
All the rest of them...the interviewers fire questions at you nonstop and when you take too long to answer or go into too much detail, they promptly let you know that you are taking too much time.
-
What makes you think you should be a dentist (asked in a demeaning tone)?
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere of the students, staff, and faculty at the school. They also appreciated the high board pass rates, excellent facilities, opportunities for personal growth, and the school's efforts to continually improve. Many highlighted the positive interactions during their interviews and the sense of community among students and faculty.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
The people at the school are very nice (students, admission staff). I overall had a great interview day and really enjoyed the environment.
-
The atmosphere, they make it super fun and interactive
-
The friendliness and encouraging atmosphere of students and faculty
-
The welcoming culture and q&a
-
The clinic and sim lab area
-
Everyone is so friendly!
-
The staff/students were very open and friendly. They provide some cool games and puzzles in the room that you wait for your interview in.
-
The students, staff, and faculty were very nice. Great dental program with lots of research opportunities for students.
-
The students and faculty were extremely friendly and welcoming
-
How engaged the interviewers were
-
The admissions committee, mentor program
-
All the faculty and students were very nice! They really seemed like a family.
-
Friendly students and good facilities
-
Their recruiting of OOS and the non tour guide students impressions of the school
-
The positive school spirit. A welcoming atmosphere overall. Great program with many opportunities for personal growth.
-
Friendliness of all students, quality of profesors (leaders in their respective field), family feeling, big university, college town, inside Shands, huge clinics, LATEST and Greatest technology
-
Everybody, including faculties, stuff, and students, are all very nice.
-
The overall atmosphere of the staff, students, and faculty.
-
The staff, the school, the students
-
1/2 of the class specializes. 92% of them get accepted in their top specialty program! Pretty impressive!
-
How nice the admissions people are, also the students look happy.
-
Solid program, lots of opportunities, family-like atmosphere between the students and professors, have a really nice dental clinic
-
The friendliness of staff and high board pass rate.
-
Everyone was really nice.
-
Friendly students, really chill.
-
The new clinic format.
-
The students
-
I was pleasantly suprised by the school. It was very nice.
-
The students were very open about their experiences here at UF, College of Dentistry. The best part of the day was having a chance to spend a generous amout of time talking to 2nd and 3rd year dental students!! This is even more helpful if you attended another college in Florida or if you're from out of state. They have an excellent track record for the board exams, well-rounded clinical experience, and outreach opportunities. The lunch they served that day was AWESOME!!
-
How friendly the staff and interviewers were, along with the students who gave the tour of the dental college.
-
How friendly the admissions office people and the students were
-
The DS is self-contained, nice new clinics, staff was friendly and helpful, as were the interviewers, early clinical exposure, late boards.
-
The facility tour, the friendliness of the staff and interviewers.
-
I went to UF undergrad and i wanted to stay in town.
-
Condition of lab equipment
-
The whole interview process was very well organized. Every current student that I spoke with was thrilled to be a part of UFCD.
-
Very well organize day, very friendly students, and everybody seems happy to be there!!!
-
Admissions staff, students, school pride
-
The students really seem to like being there, they've made changes to their clinic procedures so students are busy working all day, a cancellation doesn't mean they have no patients to see!
-
Tour guides willingness to let the group sit down with the high speed and low speed drills to see what its like to work in that enviornment
-
The spirit of the school is amazing and the student seemed happy.
-
100% pass rate, and the University of Florida campus. Current students were extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions.
-
100% pass rate. 83 in and 83 out. They showed us a cadvar!
-
Each student gets his own chair!! The facilities are very nice. The wheather is awesome.
-
Everyone was super nice.
-
How friendly the students are to each other, and how the faculty and students interact-like collegues
-
Passing rate for boards, clinics, students
-
The Sim's lab
-
Everyone there was extremely friendly including the people working in the admissions office, my interviewers, the tour guide, random people I saw in the hallways that helped me when I was lost.
-
The facilites were nice, the students all seemed to be happy
-
Large facility, well organized, nice people, happy students, Gainesville is great, reasonable tuition, top rated school, good preparation for the board..UF is great!
-
Everything
-
The facilities and faculty. The professionalism.
-
Friendly faculty and students. Beautiful campus.
-
Everybody was very welcoming, made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Unlike some of my other interviews, at this interview I felt like they were just trying to get to know me, instead of asking me bizarre quesitons. It was just a normal conversation, I got to ask them a few questions as well. They made me feel like I had something to contribute to their school, not the other way around.
-
The students seemed close to each other and the facillities were nice, I liked that the school is connected to the hospital and med school.
-
High board scores, good research opportunities, Gainesville is fun,
-
The facilities are nice and the students appeared very enthusiastic about their school.
-
The National board scores and Florida licensure exam scores are extremely high, they have CERAC machines, lasers, they give 3 mock board exams to students. Everything really.
-
Shands, students, Dr. Sposetti, UF, and how well DMD students are prepared for boards.
-
Everything was pretty postive
-
Everything I love UF
-
It wasn't as prison-like as I had been told to expect.
-
Weather, location.
-
The ortho clinic- but doctoral students don't really spend time in there, anyway, mainly post-doctoral students.
-
The ratio of students who were able to specialize from UF(I think it was 33%)...very impressive!
-
The staff was actually more friendly than I expected because during their summer forum they came off pretty rude.
-
How nice the people were.
-
The tools and resources available to the students. The mentoring program. The facilities. All the friendly faces. And so many windows!
-
Dr. Sposetti is really nice. The students were great and helpful with questions. The school's effort to continually improve and help students. Their graduation and board passing rates. All those windows!! :)
-
How friendly everyone was, board passing rate, improvements on facilities
-
Students' enthusiasm and new renovated facilities.
-
The passing rates for national and Florida boards.
-
The Sim Lab, The friendly people, the enthusiastic students, the food.
-
The team work of dental students, all positive attitudes of students,the Sim's lab, and the fact that they are one of only two schools in USA with an implant lab.
-
UF has 1 out of 5 prosthetic labs in the country.
-
Everything... The clinics are all new... the sim lab is really nice. Best of all the faculty and staff were tremendous, not to mention the students.
-
Everything.
-
Students, renovated facilities
-
How friendly the Dr's were.
-
The tuition
-
The cheap tuition
-
The staff, especially Kristy (secretary)...the nicest secretary in the whole wide world!!
-
The price and how well UF prepares you for the exams that one must take to become a dentist in Florida.
-
How nice everyone was. The secretary is super sweet and has an excellent sense of humor which lets you become very relaxed.
-
Sim labs.
-
Friendly interview
-
The program and the student labs.
-
I enjoyed the tour of the school. The sim labs were amazing and we got to try using a drill in the sim station on the polymer teeth. All the dental students that we had contact with were incredibly nice and really seemed to like the school and have a good relationship with the faculty. Although the program is not as small as some schools (around 80 kids) it is still a good size and you really get to know everyone!! Also, the results on the national boards are incredible which tells me they do a good job preparing you especially for the difficult florida boards.
-
All the students were very friendly.
-
Lunch i guess, nothing too impressive.
-
The faculty seemed really friendly and they are doing a lot to improve the school.
-
The students seemed happy and I liked how friendly the faculty was.
-
The schools reputation and the hospital network.
-
The price
-
Nothing much, already knew most i needed to know about the school
-
Basically everything. During the interview I actually learned things I didn't know just through general chit chat. Lunch was great, simulation labs were phenomenol (generous alumni). Amazing weather. Best part....CHEAP TUITION!! (for Florida people)
-
The facilities were really nice, even though there was a lot of renovation taking place. I loved how much patient contact there is and how clinical work is always stressed.
-
Nice facilities
-
They have one of only two implant labs in the country. They also recieve the 6th most funding of all dental schools for research. They have overseas programs for credit. Great board passing rate. Simulation lab. Lots of patient practice.
-
They are trying to change the systems and the school for better.
-
The simulation labs are impressively new and clean. They expect to continue to bring in new equipment. Also, they're continuing to add more windows to the labs and classrooms.
-
The interviewers were extremely nice, and made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Sposetti is very friendly and helpful. The Sim Lab is really nice, and the students were enthusiastic about the school. I liked the atmosphere between faculty and students. Ms. Kristy Hancock was very friendly.
-
I was most impressed with their laid back, friendly demeanor. After reading all the terrible responses posted about UF on SDN, I was very much impressed with how relaxed I felt throughout my interview. Dr. Sposetti was a sweetheart! I never felt that they were out to get me in any way. They truly seemed interested in what I had to say. My experience at UF was by far, the best interview I have had!
-
Dr. Sposseti and staff were very friendly and honest about everything. She showed a slideshow, which answered many questions.
-
The simulation lab and laid back atmosphere.
-
Cheap tuition. But not huge difference to some other schools
-
I was pleased to have a portion of my interview day with just dental students. They were able to answer questions that I felt uncomfortable asking to the administration.
-
The facilities are nice, the tuition is cheap.
-
The area where the CoD is located is pretty.
-
Dean of admission, Dr. Sposetti. she was trying to make me feel relaxed and comfortable as i walked into the room.. The simulation lab is great.. Seems like all the students were very close and friendly...
-
The faculty was extremely positive and supportive. The secretary actually helped calm me down - she hooked me up with some coffee !!! I was bouncing off the walls during the interview ! Also, the school is an extremely spirited one. The Gainesville community is really involved w/ the school's activities.
-
There were some other applicants who were there that were REALLY nice, unfortunately they had nothing to do with the school............
-
NOTHING. OLD FACILITIES. DARK. CRAPPY LAY-OUT OF SHANDS. ONLY COOL THING IS THE LITTLE DISPLAY IN THE DENTAL E.R.
-
It was exciting being back at my old alma mater. The financial costs to attend a state school.
-
Everything was very organized, and the luncheon was great
-
The lunch.....
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of windows and outdated facilities at the dental school, as well as negative impressions of the interview process, including perceived disinterest and lack of engagement from interviewers. Suggestions included improving the physical environment and enhancing the interview experience to create a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for applicants.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
The interview itself felt a little harsh and less conversational than I had anticipated. After the first few questions I was really nervous because I dont think they liked any of my answers.
-
N/A
-
Nothing!
-
Facility was a bit old, but overall not that bad.
-
The facility is very old, not many windows in the building
-
Nothing
-
The number of people interviewing me
-
The dentistry building seemed kind of old
-
How quick my interview felt
-
Lunch wasn't high quality, had to eat while listening to a presentation
-
Old building
-
The students were taking mock boards at the time so not many dental students were available to talk.
-
Depressing looking building interior.
-
Location... other than the school there's not much else to the town
-
The buildings look old.
-
The uncomfortable and stressful interview.
-
Gville. Enough said.
-
The school is a bit old and dingy.
-
Gainesville isn't exactly the best place in florida to spend 4 years
-
The sim lab seemed old, especially the computers that have been there for some time. Very small windows in the sim lab.. but students should be focusing on their work anyway :)
-
The school is kinda old, but they recently renovated by installing windows in the labs
-
How spread out things are...how much time is spent in an elevator
-
Old-ish sim lab, everyone says it and it's true: no windows!, the building doesn't make you want to spend four years in it...
-
No windows.
-
Nothing.. no windows maybe
-
No facial expression, lots of staring contests, how spaced out the classes were (lots of walking, being packed into a small elevator)
-
The dean has been known to guide students toward a particular academic path (esp with regards to graduate school), and later acts as if the student made a stupid decision (even though the student had followed her advice).
-
The interview was very awkward. The three interviewers just stare at you while you're talking, no smiling or head nods... just expressionless stares. They also write down alot of what you say so there is a lot of awkward silence while they write.
-
Nothing negative - i had a lot of fun
-
The building is really ugly and there are no windows.
-
Be prepared to WAIT.
-
Nothing.
-
Nothing really. Inexpensive school with a good sim lab, great weather, happy students...what NOT to like?
-
NO windows, just in one lab
-
I can't think of anything.
-
I went in with a positive attitude - nothing appeared negative
-
There was nothing that negatively impressed me. The whole day was great!
-
The interviewers were very hard to get a read on.
-
I was concerned by the difficulty getting a chair in the clinics to get enough experience. You are assigned to groups and each group gets x number of chairs in each clinic to use. You have to talk amongst the group to see who gets each chair and when. What if your patient doesn't show? What if they need a specific order of work and you can't get a chair in the clinic? Some other schools asssign each student a chair that they can always count on to be able to work at. Scheduling and getting enough practice seems difficult at UF. Thats the impression I got from some students I talked to, but most had nothing but positive to say. Also I may be misinformed so ask around and find out for yourself! Everyone was very nice!
-
Nothing- probably no windowssss
-
No windows. Hospital atmosphere since it joins Shands Hospital.
-
Nothing. Everything was great.
-
The lack of parking and bus system
-
Very competitive feeling atmosphere; lunch was mediocre; I did not feel very "welcomed" and appreciated by UFCD which I did at other schools; NO WINDOWS!
-
Interviewers seemed tired after a long day and were dismissive of my responses.
-
Nothing. I love UF!!!
-
Some of the faculty.
-
Nothing negative
-
It seems like it's really hard to get a chair.
-
None.
-
Parking, facilities (clinic and overall), location - the location of the dental school is in a hospital and also the city is really boring, lunch really wasn't a lunch. No student lounge, medical library is very lacking, sim lab design sucks.
-
The clinics are not up-to-date...it is a state school so one should expect that.
-
Some of the labs they work in looked really run down and one of them was actually in the basement- how depressing! Also, Gainesville just did not seem like a very fun town overall.
-
Gainesville
-
Nothing that stood out in particular.
-
No windows in building
-
Nothing really
-
Felt a little rushed at the end of the interview.
-
Lack of interaction with current dental students. They should have had at least a couple of dental students from each year join the interviewees for lunch and even the tour.
-
I liked everything
-
I didn't like the way they set up the interviews... My interview was in the morning, and I got to the admissions office, and it was just me waiting for my interview. There's not like a nice welcome from everyone. Also, you don't meet any of the other faculty except for the 3 ppl that interview you
-
NOthing....they've started putting in windows
-
Nothing really.
-
Students and faculty seemed very egocentric and competitive
-
How much competition there was between the students at UF. Also, during the tour one of the students acted like he was coughing and while he did this he said, "Go to Nova, not UF." This really shocked me and made me wonder what was going on...
-
The lunch...
-
Well, yes, it's true that the school isn't the prettiest and lacks windows. (But who cares, I'd be stoked spending half as much as people going to prettier schools.)
-
They interview most of the Florida resident applicants. Getting an interview is not something big.
-
The length of the interview day (5 hrs)! ladies, wear comfortable shoes!
-
The whole bottom floor of the dental school is under construction and there arent many windows in the dental wing of the school due to budget cuts back in the 1970's. But they are renovating and windows are being added in the near future.
-
Although the students were friendly, many of them I had to wonder why they had been accepted. Some of the students who led my tour may have had high grades, but had no common sense and not a lot of personality. I know I wouldn't let some of them work on me! It was also painfully obvious that UFCD very much favors certain races over others.
-
Facilities aren't all that great, Students didn't seem very happy to be there, tour by students stunk, no student lounge to relax during breaks, or at least i didn't see one, overall seemed like a very stressful place to study dentistry.
-
Gainesville. Seems they have a problem finding patients which makes it hard on fourth years especially.
-
The building was old and needed to be updated
-
The location, Gainesville is a small town, and they do not have a large patient pool compared to many of the other schools.
-
None of the students seemed to really enjoy their time at UF, compared to other schools I visited.
-
Lots, the interview itself was horrible. They just sat there and stared at me as if they were wishing i would stop talking. Very awkward silences and repeating of my answers. Not many chances to sit with eveyone together as a group...lunch sucked.
-
Lecture halls looked a bit lackluster, which surprised me because the dental school is one of the youngest in the country.
-
I was somewhat apprehensive with the people interviewing me... I dont know.. they looked bored, no matter what I said. I was also slightly discouraged by the fact that Dr. Sposetti, throughout the day, kept looking at her watch
-
I get the impression that the 3rd and 4th year students are stressed. The have only a limited number of chairs and the scheduling process is a nightmare.
-
I'd say the dated technology associated with the simulation lab.
-
Gainesville is a very small city. However, the school is really nice and the weather is great. Although the city is small, it seemed like a nice place to live. People seemed to be friendly.
-
I didn't feel much of a faculty /student relationship.
-
Nothing! I love UF!!!!
-
Nothing, they are working on impoving many aspects of the school.
-
The interview seating was difficult. You can't look at all the interviewers at once. You have to constantly turn to face them.
-
Everything. The Admissions committee turned me off immediately. The secretaries inability to file (among other things), the fact the Dental school doesn't shy away from the fact that the Faculty is split (yes, they prided themselves in telling me that during my interview). The lackluster dental building. I talked to many current first years and all them relayed the same thing to me: They were most unhappy, and wished they had gone else where. In addition they were kind enough to tell me that the class doesn't get along, with them or the faculty. What a problem!
-
They are doing a lot of construction in the college of dentistry. But that is nothing major.
-
Students seemed unhappy. The only positive thing they could talk about was the price of tuition. The faculty and the dean of admissions were rude and laughed at the interviewers answers to the questions.
-
Pretty much everything. These people know that Florida residents are dying to go to their school for the simple fact that it is cheap and, consequently, they act accordingly. The school is also a complete mess under construction and I don't care what they say, it is like a dungeon and those are poor excuses for windows.
-
CITY... quite boring
-
The wait...I was the last person interviewed and was sitting impatiently for roughly an hour and change outside the interview room !! This definitely made me start sweating bullets.
-
Where to start? the dental school was kinda lack luster. they made gainesville sound like this really hip happenin' place, but its nothing like that. also besides the firing squad like questioning, they didn't even pretned to be interested. At the end they asked if i had any questions and when i started the dean cut me off saying "we're running out time and there are other applicant who we want to give ample chance to. Thanks for coming" they didnt even stand to shake my hand.....it was really embarassing.
-
THE HOSPITAL, THE STAFF, THE AREA, THE INTERVIEWERS (ESP THE DEAN OF ADMISSIONS............MEAN MEAN MEAN LADY)
-
The small patient pool. Also I was supposed to be interviewed by 3 people. After 10 min the third person didn’t show up and so they started without him. The dean of admissions yawned like 3 times during the interview. She did not even seem the least bit interested in what I had to say. Although she was all smiles during the group presentation she did not smile at all throughout the interview. I felt she was cold and a little condescending. The other interviewer was much nicer and seemed to listen to what I had to say.
-
They fire questions at you nonstop, and you can instantly tell they don't care anything about your answers, they are just interested in your scores
-
Where to begin. The secretary is awful. The dean of admission is fickle and two-faced. There are 3 people who interview you and sometimes they can be flat out rude. The faculty is split. There aren't enough patients, and you have to fight for a chair.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Most applicants wished they had known ahead of time about the specific format of the interview, including the number of interviewers and the emphasis on the question 'Why dentistry?'. They also mentioned the importance of arriving early, wearing comfortable shoes, and being prepared for potential surprises during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Just that its a hard interview and don't be stressed if it feels a little impersonal.
-
They just want to know YOU as a human
-
To bring a change of shoes for the tour
-
The interview is less of a discussion and more like firing questions.
-
I wish I knew how many people would be interviewing me
-
I got there 20 min before my interview and they were ready for me hahaha. Ready to interview.
-
The interview isn't as bad as SDN makes it out to be
-
You will walk about an hour so wear comfortable shoes.
-
They ask you "why dentistry" very often in different ways
-
That molar bear is a dentists favorite animal
-
To arrive 15-30 minutes before the stated check in time. You may get lost...
-
Whatever time is on your interview invite is what time your interview is (not when everyone gets there) and to have a lot of answers prepared for Why Dentistry? because I felt like I was repeating the same thing over and over probably because this was my first interview
-
Nothing
-
That the interviewers is not as bad as everybody says.
-
There were going to be 5 interviewers. In my interview group, the earlier interviewees had only 1-2 interviewers and later interviewees had more.
-
That it was a panel of four interviewers
-
They were giving quiche for lunch (which I don't like)
-
You have time to kill after you interview. Bring something to entertain yourself with. Make sure you look good for your interview because the picture they take on the interview day is the picture they will use for everything if you decide to attend.
-
This was my first interview and my first trip to a school, so I was a bit intimidated by the process, but reading the school's site answered everything I needed to know.
-
If you get an interview after 2 o'clock bring a book, because the tour and lunch and financial aid workshop all ends at 2. My interview was at 4...
-
I wish that I didn't stress so much about the interview. It was my first one though, so you can't blame me... However, everyone at the admissions office was very kind and personable!! The interview was a basic question, answer, question, answer format. No trick questions. It's IMPORTANT to remain calm and be yourself.
-
Pantyhose would make my feet slip out of my shoes...had to make a mad dash to walgreens an hour before the interview!
-
How relaxed the setting was, I feel that I prepared as if it was going to be a question and answer session but it was more like a conversation with 4 other people.
-
How stressful the interview was going to be
-
That the male to female ratio is about 0.4 (well I knew that before, but most people don't). If this continues, there may be a social movement toward equal rights for males!
-
The dental students they send in to eat lunch with you, answer questions, and take you on a tour may also be one of your interviewers!
-
No suprises
-
The interviewers do not really look at you when you are answering a question. I was taken aback by the lack of facial expressions. No one nodded or even smiled to my comments. Just be prepared to talk.
-
This was my secondtime applying here, so I pretty much knew everything that a general applicant would be required to and would find out during the interview.
-
Mmm...it freaked me out that my chair was positioned a bit higher than my three interviewers. Threw me completely off.
-
RELAX!!!!!
-
I still don't know if my interviewers saw my personal or secondary statements. Oh, and you have to be very specific by what you mean - they will ask you to elaborate.
-
I was already pretty well prepared
-
There was nothing that really surprised me or caught me off guard.
-
Where exactly I was supposed to be going
-
Comfortable shoes and don't lose your nametag....You are supposed to wear it during the interview. Bring water and something to read while you wait.
-
WEST PARKING WEST PARKING WEST PARKING NOT East!
-
N/A
-
Nothing.
-
Already knew a lot about the school.
-
That they put so much into specific expectations for GP shadowing.
-
Relax, the faculty is generally friendly.
-
Not too many surprises... but after i would finish answering the questions... they interviewers would kind of just stare and me or their clipboard and not say anything for a minute or so. Kinda weird
-
The class is really competitive with eachother and the doctors encourage it. It seems like a really negative atmosphere.
-
The people there are very nice, and there is no need to stress out !
-
Wear comfy shoes.
-
Ask the secretary what the names of the people interviewing you are before you go in there...it would've been nice to introduce yourself with "Goodmorning Mrs. Sposetti, my name is _____"
-
There is not always parking available in the garage so get there well ahead of time.
-
The dental school building isn't that easy to find.
-
That I was supposed to park on the West Side instead of the East side...
-
How relaxing the interview would be.
-
Nothing really.
-
Ladies should definitely wear comfortable shoes.
-
Nothing surprised me.
-
Can't think of anything
-
HOw relaxed it was... there was no pressure, just be yourself, they like that.
-
They really frown on you if you dont have much research experience
-
That Gainesville really isn't as bad or boring as people made it seem before I went.
-
WEAR MORE COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!
-
They are not trying to get you during the interview or trip you up.
-
I really didn't run into any surprises along the way. I would suggest bringing a book or something to read. I had a 9:30 interview (they are short) and had an hour and a half to kill before lunch.
-
I wish I had known that ALL UFCD cares about are your scores--that's all. They only interview as many people as they do because they have to. They have already made an acceptance decision about you before you ever get there. Also, most students they accept went to undergraduate at UF. I also learned that at undergraduate at UF they advise students to major in food and nutrition so that they can have excellent grades, but no real scientific background.
-
That all the interviewing students didnt have a joint meeting, except for the slide show that i had seen about 2 times before in open houses.
-
The whole day in general is good, but on the lengthy side. You really learn a lot about the school and the dental profession in general there, but they can probably condense it some.
-
How nice the school really is.
-
Student to chair ratio
-
Very conversational interview which quickly jumps from one thing to another. You never realy have a chance to finish your thoughts on one subject before they rush to another.
-
I wish I knew earlier I had to wait 3 hours between my interview time and the luncheon so I could prepare something to bring to fill the time.
-
The chances of accetance are very low for out-of-state students.
-
I had already gone to several Open houses at UF, so I totally knew what to expect from the school and the dental program.
-
Although this kind of a thing is somewhat stressful, at UF they try and make it as pleasant as possible (if you are a Florida resident).
-
That it was going to be a laid back interview.
-
Being from Florida, and coming back for my interview from Boston I thought they would embrace the fact that I had much to offer. Apparently, what I have to offer isn't as important as the things I couldn't offer. They were very keen to point out all my deficiencies (I guess having a high GPA and DAT scores is a bad thing...). Oddly enough, UCLA, Columbia and Harvard all were very keen on me. Who needs UF?
-
Nothing really. I was pretty prepared.
-
They were interviewing about 24 people per day for 2 open spots.
-
That having an interview doesn't mean much. I had one section of my DAT that was average and they told me to take it again or I wouldn't even be considered. Who wants to study for the DAT in two months? I also really felt sorry for the people from out of state. They have pretty much no chance of getting in and unfortunately, they wasted money and time to be told so.
-
Nothing. I was already pretty familiar w/ the school and their objectives.
-
What happened to southern hospitality? My buddy there spoke about the faculty being super cool but i guess what happens in undergrad and medschool dont transfer over to the dental school.........anyways back to Boston:)
-
How awful the school is, and how much i wish they were straight forward. Waste of time and money. They are not worth visiting.
-
I took an accelerated Organic Chemistry/Biochem course at UF. I was assured by the head of the chem dept that the credits would be accepted by virtually all dental,vet and medical schools. At the interview the dean of admissions at UF said that the class could not count towards both prereqs. She suggested I take summer classes to fulfill 2 credits for Organic Chem or take another Biochem class. To add insult to injury she said she personally knew the head of the chemistry dept and knew first-hand about the fine program he teaches.
-
I paid around $700 for airfare, hotel stay, and food, and they proceeded to tell me that they weren't even going to consider accepting me unless my DAT scores were better. Why couldn't they have bothered to tell me that before I flew down there?
-
Wish i had known their policy on the requirements. The previous dean had made it clear that certain courses were acceptable, but now they aren't. Shocking that there is a lack of standard. UF selects those with the scores and not much else. Even if you have a great personality and have a couple of bad grades, you might not get in.
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
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.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally praised the admissions office staff for being nice, helpful, and understanding, with some suggesting no changes are needed due to the excellent job they are doing.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Woman at the front desk was very nice and helpful.
-
None!
-
Nice work!
-
N/a
-
None cool people
-
None. Everyone was really nice and understanding.
-
No suggestions - they were great!
-
Admissions staff is doing an EXCELLENT job - don't change a thing. However, it may be wise for the d
-
I thought it was great!
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
✈️
GNV
33% interviewees used GNV (GNV), with 17% using MIA (MIA) and 17% using N/A (N/A) and 17% using Gainesville airport (Gainesville airport) and 17% using orlando (orlando).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
✈️
8% Airplane
🚗
85% Automobile
🚆
3% Train or Subway
🚲
4% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Paramount (average ranking 5.7/10), with some staying at Hampton Inn (average rating 9/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Paramount
5.7/10
🏨
Hampton Inn
9/10
🏨
Drury Inn
9/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (2%)
Faculty member (2%)
Student (97%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (91%)
Neutral (9%)
All Responses
Loading responses...
No responses found.
| Application Cycle ▿ | Impression | Performance | Interview Location |
|---|
Success!
School has been added to your favorites.