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.
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.
1- I know nothing about you, tell me about yourself.
2- Why did you choose dentistry?
3- What do you do to de stress?
4- What is one thing that's not on your application that you would like the admissions committee to know about?
List of Questions:
Tell me about yourself
Have your performed any research?
-What was your position in your research
Why UIC
Why do you want to be a dentist
(Other than the ones above...)
"I have chosen to do this interview blind, which means I have not looked at your application. So...tell me about yourself."
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.
Have you ever been in a situation where your morals/ ethics were challenged.
Why did you choose UIC? What does your country lack in dentistry? Questions from a passage about mandibular first pre-molar. Was also told to read the passage out loud and explain it. Had some perio instruments and a list which had a few instruments on it. Had to tick ones that were present. Few questions on this afterwards. A case was presented about a medically compromised patient. Two additional cases were presented for which I had to give the treatment plan.
Nothing really. I am an FTD. So we had two interviews. The first one was one-on-one (very friendly and lasted for a maximum of 15 minutes) and the other was two-on-one ( 1 hour of dental related questions). It was very laid back and the questions were something you can always expect in any interview. Like, why you? Why UIC? What makes a good dentist and so on?
If a cure were discovered tomorrow for all dental disease, rendering the field of dentistry obsolete, what would you want to do with your life instead?
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.
2018- Describe an ethical situation you have been faced with (personally I didn't have any ethical scenario I have been apart of and I was asked to relate it to my life other interviewees had a scenario posed for them and they responded to it which I think would be easier)
would you like to work in a large less adequate population or a small more adequate population? answer:i would not know what practice i would have, but adequate no matter what the size is. I told them that the money would always be there. never put a price on a patient's treatment. Don't let them direct your answer. stay firm with your decision!!!!
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.
By going on a tour and doing an open house before hand. Being myself, SDN, their website and YouTube videos.
Looking through SDN example and previous questions, watching tons of Youtube videos about UIC COD on their channel, and also reading them about them on their website and talking to other dental students on there.
SDN, school research on website, medical school question prep sites. There is a good list of common medical questions that Harvard puts out. http://lowell.harvard.edu/advising/pre-med/common_interview_questions.pdf
read SDN. talked to students who study there.enquired about the interview questions. know about the school and be prepared to answer questions about your future plans.
I read the student doctor network. I rehearsed with a friend who happens to be a doctor.I waited to be seated. Spoke straight to the point. no excuses.
1. Online research. I read helpful tips from university websites (St. Mary's and Berkeley, for exaxmple) and an article from www.dentalcomfortzone.com on getting into dental school and what to expect in the interview.
2. Typing out answers to potential interview questions and then reading through them out loud.
3. Performing mock interviews with my husband using potential questions from the ADEA book.
Just looked over my credentials and the extracurricular activities I was involved in. Basically your selling yourself so you’ve got to know your product.
I talked to some friends of mine who had interviewed for dental/medical school, I read the section about "Interviews" in Barron's DAT preparation book, and I looked over the UIC dental website for about 45 minutes.
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.
The interviewer's kind personality and ability to answer questions to a full extent.
I really liked how each clinic is separated, and they are all being upgraded immensely. Also I like how one can choose to take difficult cases if choosing, as well as being able to spend the majority of time in a specific clinic that you would want.
The dental school is surround by 4 hospitals which is great since you'll have tons of patients. Students were really laid back. They encourage research. They have a summer research program you can apply for, before you start dental school. Small class size.
Friendliness (Chicago is a very friendly city), the openness of the students in the Q & A sessions, and the curriculum transformation happening at the school to reflect changes in dentistry.
Students I talked to are very friendly and helpful. Everyone seem happy to be able to study there.
I love the public transportation in Chicago. You can go anywhere without a problem.
As my previous reviewer also noted, the interviews were very conversational and upbeat. I felt I was having an intellectual conversation with one of my peers rather than with some overbearing faculty member. I also agree with the previous reviewer that the Admissions Director is very candid and realistic about what is required to get into dental school and really make it as a good dentist.
The faculty's strong desire to help each student. The faculty/admission staff/dental student's positive attitude about the school and their sincerity to the interviewee.
They seemed very supportive of their students, and the students were so enthusiastic and involved with so many activities. Also, the school has a really good community outreach program.
The facilities are the best, but they aren't too bad. The students there seem really nice and honest, and overall they appear to enjoy UIC. Very down-to-earth place, I never felt stressed the entire day. Plus who else thought Ann Shorrock was a cutie???
--Admissions Staff --> Ann Shorrock and Rosemary were very friendly
--Faculty --> The interviewers were all very pleasant. They emphasized how much they want us to succeed...that if we had any problems we should come talk to them. Faculty we met during the tour were similar. Apparently most profs are also extremely open to rescheduling exams if the students ask for it, which is a definite plus.
--Students --> There were at least ten students at lunch from all four years. They were a very diverse group, both in terms of background, ethnicity, and personality. There's no doubt you can find someone similar to yourself at UIC, whether you're the type that studies every day 'til 3am or goes out drinking during lunch breaks. Everyone was very candid...positive about the school but honest about what they didn't like.
--Vision --> Usually I find claims of "We plan to be a Top 5 dental school by 2010" to be empty (esp. for state schools), but UIC does seem to be quickly moving in the right direction. They have made many changes recently like shrinking the class size, upgrading much of the building, adding community outreach/education programs, exposing students to clinical work earlier, and having students take the NBE I after first year (which makes sense)
--Facilities --> The main lecture hall is nice and modern(complete with laptop ports), as are the specialty areas and the International DDS program (has a SIM lab). Every computer I saw was a brand new Dell, complete with large scren LCD. Overall it seems like a pleasant working/learning environment.
--Research --> UIC receives many research grants, and the students were clear that there are plenty of opportunities. If you want to do research you have only to take the initiative and aggressively pursue a position. It's not exceptionally hard.
Their faculty and staff and very postive about both the present and future state of the school. The Dean is a very dynamic individual and the students eem happy there. All records (besides x-rays) are electronic and there is one computer for every operatory chair.
Everyone was so so nice. They all kept congratualting us on making it this far. My two interviewers were so friendly and down to earth it was almost shocking that 30 minutes had passed and I hadn't been grilled at all. The new Dean (5 years at the school) is really working to improve the program, he has great insight and ideas, I love the direction he is taking the program. The students that had donuts and coffee with us were not only easy to talk to they were also very encouraging. I think most importantly everyone at the school from the admissions officers to the faculty to the students was brutally honest with us and I truly appreciate that. While they talk about the strengths of the school they didnt try to hide weakness and they didnt try to sell us they let us know we would have many options and we needed to choose what fit us best.
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.
Crumbling building. Good cop bad cop style interview. One interviewer became defensive and snappy after I asked her what sets their school apart from others.
The current dental students that came in to talk to us about the school seemed nonchalant and joked about underachieving and not going to class. I wished they would have sent some students in that were specializing in order to raise our expectations, rather than lowering them.
2nd interviewer. She asked me about science courses I had most difficulty with in undergrad and WHY they were difficult. Then she tried to convince me that because of the same reason, I would not be able to handle classes in dental school!!
The facilities are old and outdated. Some of the work stations could use a serious renovation, or at least some new countertops that don't look like hand-me-down elementary school desk tops.
The interviews were closed file, but I wished that the interviewers had SOME sort of info on me before I went in so that I wouldn't have to repeat my bio.
--Facilities --> The building is still a study in contrasts. As nice as the first lecture hall was, the second was a total dump, like something out of an inner city H.S. (cement floors, worn plastic chairs). The only restroom I used was filthy even at 9am and the auto-flusher did not work. The exterior of the building is dated. UIC is in the process of upgrading everything, but as a state school they need to do it in stages, rather than one large renovation.
--Neighborhood --> The school is in a tough area of the city. It's no worse than other municipal neighborhoods, but you do need to exercise common sense/caution to maintain safety (walk on the street side of the sidewalk, don't go out at night if female, etc.)
--Tour --> Ann walks too fast! ;-)
State funded school and the state has been cutting back the money it gives to health professional schools. This is apparent in the large tuition increase each year and the fact that they can only update and remodel small parts of the school at a time. Although the school is still much nicer then some of the SDN feedbacks make it out to be, you would be surprised when you come visit. I want to point out that this is not the schools fault but the states so I am more negatively impressed witht he state of IL then anything with the school.
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.
The interview is literally 10 questions super vague its conversational, but I didn't walk out of that room feeling like they got to know me or that I impressed them
I was the only one to get interview for that day. The fact that there were no other students with me made me a bit nervous since there are no one to distract me while waiting to be interview.
Traffic is very bad even if you are only 20 miles away. luckily i left an hour early bc i just made it in time. That was very stressful, not the interview.
That UIC is on its way to being a Top 5 Dental School! I think it is truly on its way, and I am excited to be part of it. I also wish I could have seen some statistics on the # of students invited for an interview vs. # accepted.
Make sure to prepare some questions, I also wish I had known more about the curriculum although I got lucky because they’re changing it so no one knew what was going on.
I didn't know there would be 5 other students there with me. Also, some students were confused about the picture the school requested us to bring. They want a regular picture of each student for their records, not an ID.
The e-mail I received from admissions said that I would have 2 twenty minute interviews with 2 committee members each. However, both of mine were one-on-one interviews.
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.
Do your research ob the school and its curriculum. know your strengths and weaknesses well you should be fine,
Chicago is a great city and you can't go wrong with that. The school has a great reputation in their community about reaching out to the underserved. The staff are very helpful and are there to help you.
Overall a great experience. No interrogating questions. They were selling the school to us. The question/answer session with the students was really valuable. Allow enough time to get there because there is lots of traffic.
There was too much downtime. We all showed up, got a quick introduction and then had two interviews, with a break inbetween. Then a tour and some pizza with Q&A with students. It lasted nearly 4 hours.
I was impressed with the faculty/students. They were very friendly and our tour guide showed us pretty much EVERY room in the building. The interview itself was very friendly and non-intimidating. I enjoyed the day.
The more you think back the more critical you are on yourself. Go in look them in the eye and just answer honestly and be yourself. It works, I got in.
Overall, the experience was encouraging and positive. The faculty really wants to find out if you have what it takes to make it in the real world. I think some of the snotty remarks from previous interviewees are unwarranted. I have learned it is never right to pass judgment without knowing all the facts. UIC is a great school, and the experience that UIC students will get in the clinic (being in an urban, underserved area) will far exceed any experience some kid will get in a snooty, white bread college.
For guys make sure you wear a suit, NOT just a shirt and tie, I thought about doing that but luckily I didnt. Ladies you also gotta look good too. Overall it was very laid back, One of our interviewers ws sick so we had a one-on-one session which was still very chill. Its closed file so make sure you can talk about yourelf. You go in and then they interview you then you take a tour and finally you have lunch. UIC was my first choice and I got in so just be confident and prepared.
The interview is only as stressful as you make it. If you prepare yourself, know how to act, and anticipate certain interview questions, then you'll have nothing to worry about. The admissions staff and faculty are trying to impress prospective students. The dental students all seemed to be happy with school, good price and location, but not enthusiastically happy.
Overall, I would say that Ann and her team were well preparted for the interviews and extremely helpful and warm. The school felt very laid back and always were trying to impress YOU, not the other way around.
This was not stressful at all, the interviewers genuinely have an interest in you and want to get to know you. Be confident about your responses and bring up things that are unique about your application.
UIC is a cool place. Most of the students know that because it is a state-funded institution, it won't offer some of the perks and benefits of attending a private school. Otherwise, the small class size (65) seemed to be a more or less diverse group of people from predominantly Illinois. If you're an Illinois resident, this school is definitely not a bad choice.
It was tough. I was the last one interviewed, I prepared incorrectly, and fell apart during the first interview. Everything after the interviews was fantastic, though. The lunch with the dental students was the best. Some of the applicant students were real nice,too.Also,be nice to Director Shorrock the next time you call her; she also does interviews!!
The interview experience was very good. It was informal and laid back. The stress level was very low. I was impressed with both of the people who interviewed me. They were very nice.
There were two 30-minute interviews: one with two faculty members and one with one. Both interviews were CLOSED FILE, so I have no idea why the two previous interview reports said open file (unless it varies). The questions are all canned, so if you prepare you will not have trouble with any of them. All interviewers were extremely easy-going and encouraged questions (be sure to prepare a couple). It wasn't quite a casual conversation, but it was close. Trust me, don't stress over it--this was my first interview and it was still a piece of cake.
I found the interviews (two one on one interviews 30min. each) really stressful, even though I feel I did well. It was my number one choice so thats probably why. It made me want to go there even more though. I really liked the school.
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.
I have tried to reach out three times with important questions to the admissions office, and they completely ignore all three of my emails. When we are about to pay close to $350,000 for our education, the minimum is that our questions are answered and the communication is flawless. Schools that receive three times more applications than UIC respond in a timely manner.