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University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry

Chicago, IL

Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 33% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ 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 reasons for choosing dentistry, experiences with de-stressing activities, ethical situations faced, strengths and weaknesses, diversity contributions, and knowledge of the curriculum. Some responses indicate an MMI format, with questions on shadowing, research, leadership roles, personal interests, and hypothetical scenarios like cheating or a world without dental diseases, potentially subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry discussed a variety of topics including ethical dilemmas, personal values not on applications, views on diversity, and hypothetical scenarios involving cheating or changes in the field. Some responses mentioned 'MMI' or 'Multiple Mini Interview', suggesting that the interview format may have included scenarios, group activities, and possibly a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry discussed various topics such as ethical dilemmas, views on diversity, personal definitions of success, and opinions on healthcare in society. Additionally, some respondents mentioned questions related to the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which may include scenarios involving ethical decision-making, while others highlighted the importance of knowing one's application thoroughly due to the closed-file nature of the interview process.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 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.
No responses

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by Admissions staff personnel

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like SDN, watching YouTube videos about the school, reviewing common interview questions, practicing answers, and researching the school's website. Mock interviews, discussions with current students/alumni, and reviewing their own application were also common strategies employed for interview preparation.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and positivity of the staff, faculty, and students at the dental school. They appreciated the supportive atmosphere, conversational interview style, and the school's commitment to continuous improvement through renovations, curriculum changes, research opportunities, and community outreach programs.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were negatively impacted by factors such as outdated facilities, limited interaction during interviews, lack of renovations in certain areas, and negative experiences with staff or current students. Suggestions included improving facilities, providing more informative interviews, and addressing issues with staff behavior to enhance the overall applicant experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wish they had known ahead of time about the format of the interviews, to review their applications beforehand, the need for preparation, the clinical orientation of the interviews, potential travel issues, and the curriculum changes at the school. They also mentioned the importance of arriving early, being prepared with questions, and being aware of the school's reputation and facilities.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally emphasized the importance of researching the school and its curriculum, preparing for the interview, being oneself, and dressing professionally. They also highlighted the friendly and welcoming nature of the admissions staff and faculty, as well as the overall positive experiences during the interview process.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants appreciate the helpful and friendly approach of the admissions office staff. Suggestions included improving response times to inquiries, providing refreshments during interviews, and maintaining consistent communication.