Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 18% of interviews, indicating it is highly 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 achievements, experiences with collaboration, community service, reasons for pursuing dentistry, communication skills, manual dexterity, interest in dentistry, ethical dilemmas faced, strengths and weaknesses, as well as questions about diversity, future goals, and preparation for the admissions process. Some responses suggest the interviews were in MMI format, with potential nondisclosure agreements in place due to mentions of 'MMI', 'Multiple Mini Interview', or 'non-disclosure'.
tell us about a time you had to collaborate with different types of people?
Why our school? Which schools did you apply to? How many interviews did you get so far? Did you go to any of them yet? If you got in to every single school which one would you schoose to go to?
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Maryland School of Dentistry discussed a variety of topics including diversity in healthcare, cultural competency, traits of dentists, ethical dilemmas, and preparation for dental school. The interview format may have been an MMI with a possible nondisclosure agreement, as some responses hinted at confidentiality surrounding specific questions asked.
They asked me to name something that I was proud to have accomplished and then they asked me later on another thing that I was proud to have accomplished?
they asked about an internship in high school i had w/ and fortune 500 defense contractors - hence be ready to reach back and pull up info from a long time ago!
What do you think will be the most fun and/or interesting dental procedure you will do? What’s the most interesting dental procedure you’ve witnessed?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Maryland School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, strengths and weaknesses related to dentistry, experiences with patient care, and personal attributes impacting professional roles. Several responses alluded to an MMI format or nondisclosure agreements, indicating a structured interview approach with varied and challenging scenarios.
How I would make my final decision concerning where I wanted to receive my dental education (this was tough because this was my 5th and probably last interview and I liked EVERY school I had interviewed at!)
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?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN), reviewing the school's website, practicing mock interviews, and reading interview feedback. Many also focused on understanding the school's mission and values, reflecting on personal experiences, and preparing answers to common interview questions.
I practiced in front of the mirror and called up dentists that I know to help me out with any questions. I also contacted fellow alumi from the school.
mock interview, went over my personal statement, thought about my goals/dreams, thought about how maryland fits in with those goals and what i want to do with dentistry
Really thought about what kind of person I am, what I want to do with my life, what motivations or goals I have for dentistry, what kind of dentist I want to be, etc...
By successfully completing each task that was recommended to me after the initial interview, I was able to maintain both my confidence and composure throughout the experience.
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, friendly and supportive faculty and staff, and the positive atmosphere at the school. Many highlighted the newly renovated building, early clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community service options as standout features that left a lasting positive impression. Suggestions for improvement were minimal, with applicants expressing high levels of satisfaction with their experience at the school.
The school's rich history, curriculum, they start clinical before most schools, research opportunities, and it is newly renovated.
The students and faculty were all very nice and genuine, it was obvious they loved the school and were passionate about dentistry. There was also a lot of cool technology.
Advanced facilities, the fact that they are doing their best to utilize modern technology to facilitate student's learning (media-site/recorded lectures), their commitment to serving the community (special clinics, perryville clinic)
The beauty + cleanliness of the school; the technology used in teaching material to the students; oral health-systemic health way of teaching; horizontal and vertical education; and interaction of all of the professional schools in the area.
The facilities were new. The Dean is supposed to be really great. They have a cool program called clerkships during D4 where you are doing specialty type work. It is nice for those who want to specialize. About a third of Maryland's graduates go on to specialize!
EVERYTHING!! The school itself is amazing. The facilities and technology were definitely the best I had seen (this was my fourth interview). Faculty all seemed very friendly and professional. Liked that they take the boards after year 1. Students all seemed very close and enthusiastic about the school. Annnd I really like the Baltimore area. I know a lot of people on here bash it for being sketchy but the area where the school is is really nice and safe and the inner harbor area is beautiful. The stadiums are nearby and there is all sorts of cultural activities. Sure there are some bad parts, but that goes with any city. Plus since its a smaller city, you get that urban feel without being overwhelmed by a huge city. The suburbs are only like 15 mins outside of the city so there are lots of places to go.
First interview so I was nervous (shaking in my boots), but everyone there was SUPER nice. The school as a whole is incredible, essentially brand new in terms of technology. It's all about the students there - pretty much the dean's goal. All of the random students I approached spoke nothing but the best of the school. NIH and JHopkins right there. Lots of opportunities. The school is grade A.
The facilities and technology really are as fabulous and state-of-the-art as everyone says...this was my 3rd interview, and my interviewers both put me so at ease, I was not nervous or stressed at all!
Everything! I loved Maryland SO MUCH! The school's curriculum is GREAT! You are in the clinic first semester of D1. They have all of the specialties right there at the school, and because they are in Baltimore they will have a diverse patient base. Baltimore itself is awesome, you can see M&T and Camden yards from a few of the buildings, and the Inner Harbor is about a 15min walk. The school is also very student friendly and is surrounded by all other professional schools e.g. Law, Med, Pharm, etc. The pre-clinic and clinic are great too, there is a CPU and monitor at every chair. Very technologically advanced. Also, Dr. Lyon. He interviewed my and was so pleasant and relaxed. The room we were in was like a sauna, but he was so cool and casual, he suggested I take my jacket off, and the interview went on from there, very conversational and easy-going. They do write down notes, so don't be taken aback if it seems like your interviewer is not paying much attention to you. Dr. Lyon still seemed extremely interested in everything I was telling him. Overall, the school is unbelievable and the day was such an enjoyable experience!
Awesome facilities, they just finished building a new student center a few blocks from the school, the students all seemed to really love the school and were happy to be there, all the staff was very nice.
Impressive facilities. Everything is brand new and state of the art. They had a whole clinic for treating special needs patients. It seemed there were endless opportunities to gain clinical experience all around the medical campus.
facilities!! recorded lectures. caring faculty. great students. the dental building is surrounded by law, medical, health buildings so i felt safe near the school.
When I arrived I was greeted by a very professional administrator, given a personalized itinerary for the day, a bottle of water, and pack of cookies. The facilities were the best that I have ever seen (even after interviewing at Midwestern and a few other newer schools). Every lecture is video recorded and posted online so that you can go back and watch any portion of it again. The faculty were very professional and inviting. They definitely maintained the proper student/faculty relationship, but they made it clear that they are there to help you.
The facilities are only ~2years old, brand new building. The sim labs are the best I've seen and you can even see live feed of the instructor's operatory from your monitor. Digital x-rays are accessible everywhere. Lectures are recorded digitally and can go on your ipod. I also really liked that they take boards after D1, so you get the hardest material over with first. They have some research opportunities and they're building a new rural clinic for seniors to do more outreach.
New building is beautiful, technology is top notch, Sim Labs are unrivaled. What impressed me the most was their unique program, opportunities for community outreach, diversity of clinical experience
the brand new building is spectacular. borderline luxurious. it would be wonderful to learn there. the lecture halls, clinics, and the online resources they provide for their students are remarkable. and mention must be made of their sim labs, which go unrivaled from what i've seen so far. they also have a brand new athletic student center which looked awesome.
the facility- a very comfortable and low-stress environment. Building designed by the same guy that designed Bill Gate's house! Faculty members seemed to be enthusiastic about teaching. Student guides are friendly and helpful (as well as other people seen in the building- everyone was friendly or at least neutral)
The new dental school building! The facilities in the old dental school impressed me a lot but the facilities of the new dental school will be awesome!
The new factility that is being built is absolutely gorgeous and it's going to be amazing when they finish it. The clinics were nice. Everyone was so incredibly friendly and ready to answer as many questions as we had.
OH MY GOD the new building is absolutely gorgeous and honestly nothing will compare to it in the country. I also loved all the faculty/ admissions staff and 4th year students I met!
The student gave us both postitve and negative aspects of the school. The staffs were very nice and were trying to impress you all the time. THE BRAND NEW BUILDING that's gonna be available during summer!!!!
I liked out it started out with an introduction of the school and financial aid, so it was relaxing to being with. And if you hadnt done your research it was ok because you could pick up alot from the first hour. Great tour of the facility, and paired you up with a 3rd/4th year student and let you watch them work on their patient.
The new school will be awesome, and will have the best technology around. They have a good mix of research and clinical training so if you're undecided upon the twp fields you can have a good background in both. The local seafood is wonderful, if you like crab.
The people are super nice....everyone, from the students, faculty, and staff!!! Looooooooved it. Also, the new building that is opening in 2005. The positive energy in the building....bustling campus with all the med, dent, law students.
I enjoyed the tour of the school. One other applicant and I were taken on our tour by one student. We got a lot of personal attention and had a chance to ask many qiestions. I also enjoyed observing dental student work in the clinic and interact with professors and patients. I wish every school did the same. I was very impressed by the dental students. they were very friendly, open in answering questions and professional.
Their community outreach program: They put a big emphasis on their involvement or service to the community.
Thier clinical training program is nice. It is called "Comprehensive care". It allows students to expose to a total management of pateints' care, as opposed to a system of block clinics in other schools.
The faculty, students, and staff! I love Mrs. Brown, Dr. Morgan and the Dean! They make you feel like you have already been accepted the moment you walk in and they will retire if you don't accept! Also, they will be getting new facilities soon.
Great clinical program. Lots of exposure for students.
Nice building. Transportation is great. If you are flying to BWI, I suggest taking Light Rail to get from the airport to UMB ($1.6 for about 20 min)
Students and the UM graduate campus. Students all were nice and informative. However, we did not get to meet much of the faculty. The new building for 2005 is going to be amazing. Also there Health Science library (you can watch on O's game from the top floor.) Downtown inner harbor is beautiful.
Environment was positive from students, staff(Mrs. Brown is is the best) and faculty. Clinical experience far surpasses other schools I have interviewed at. You pretty much get your own chair for clinical work, give or take a couple of times you might have to share or move. YOU GET THE SUMMER OFF BETWEEN YOUR FIRST AND SECOND YEAR!!!
The admissions staff were very friendly. The students felt they were receiving an excellent education and the fourth years felt ready to go out into a real practice. The new building is going to be great!!
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the non-conversational and unfriendly interview experience, the high out-of-state tuition costs, safety issues in the surrounding area, lack of enthusiasm from interviewers and students, and outdated facilities. Suggestions included improving interview interactions, addressing tuition costs, enhancing safety measures, increasing student engagement, and updating facilities to provide a better overall experience for applicants.
Interview was extremely non-conversational and not friendly. They must have had a mega-list of questions and were just rattling them off one after the other to fill up the 30 mins.
Students were blah...seemed like robots, and didn't sell the school well.
Clearly the student interviewer had something to prove - was told ortho wasn't real dentistry ( I had done a bit of shadowing with an orthodontist). Also was blatantly disrespected by the faculty interviewer, who asked me to tell him about my parent being deceased multiple times...
Nothing about the school impressed me negatively. However, I can see it being a change for people who are used to open space. The University is right in the middle of the city.
The person that interviewed me was kind of abrasive. They didn't really the reasons I gave for becoming a dentist (it seemed like an acceptable answer at every other school I interviewed.) They had a few odd things they were trying at the school I wasn't a big fan of. Baltimore is rough town.
Pretty ridiculous in terms of sketchiness; like something you would see in an over-dramatic episode of CSI or something. Can't venture off too far. High OOS tuition as well.
The area of Baltimore is not the greatest, but most students said they never experienced problems as long as you're walking in the right places late at night
My interviewers seemed very unprepared and uninterested in me at all. It was the last interview of the day so I'm sure they were tired. For the whole first half of the interview they thought I was an in state applicant when I was really out of state. The first 10 min. was spent grilling me with biochemistry questions just because I had taken that course. Whenever I tried to speak I would be interrupted and asked the same question a different way. Another chunk of the interview was spent asking me basic questions like "what schools have you applied to?" and "how many graduate school credits have you taken," basic info that is right there in front of them in my app. They then tried to convince me that I should get a Ph.D. because I could make good money on the lecture circuit. Overall bad experience.
The layout of the new building was somewhat confusing. Baltimore is not somewhere I'd like to live for 4 years. Security checkpoints all over the school weren't welcoming.
As I was walking to the school I passed a restaurant that had all of the windows broken out the night before. Baltimore, like any big city, has its share of crime. The school has excellent security, however. Key card controlled access and 24 hour security.
Not really any negatives, other than high out-of-state tuition and not being able to switch to in-state. I would be kind of worried about going into practice in a regular office after learning on state-of-the art equipment, student's I asked weren't sure either. Also, the financial aid presentation was way too long.
As compared to other schools, students didn't seem as close-knit. Also, students take their boards after the first year as opposed to after the second year unlike most other schools which could be a negative. Students do not have their own chairs in the operatories due to larger class size (130). Also, it was made clear that residency is not granted easily to out of state students which means higher tuition all four years.
One of the student tour guides was kind of unprofessional in her mannerisms. Also, I think it's inappropriate to be on your blackberry while students are asking you questions.
Few blocks around the medical complex are a little run-down but it's not too bad overall. Traffic gets pretty crazy sometimes and makes me a little uncomfortable (I'm a suburban person- lived in small towns/cities where pedestrians actually HAVE the right of way).
Lack of coffee shops or bakery along the stress =-(
It seems Dr Meehan thinks she owns the place. It's her first year being admission's head, so you can't expect more from her. She bragged about the Shock Trauma Center of UMB Hospital which has nothing to do with Dental School. Also entering class will start off in the old building. (turn off). The person from Financial Aid came really late too.
I was observing with a fourth year dental student in the clinic, and she proceeded to bad mouth the school. She said, under the old dean, everything was stressful, everyone was worried about failing... she said however, things are starting to change with the new dean
The city around the dental school is pretty ghetto. If you are not usd to living in a big eastcoast city it would be a switch. The cost of living is very high especially if you're looking to buy a home.
The school in old (although their new building should be completed soon), no sim labs, everything seemed archaic, students kept saying a lot of the faculty is/should be fired, it's in Baltimore
new dental school will not be open for the incoming class
Financial aid person was the one that works with nursing students and she was not sure about technicalities specific for the dental students
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed nature of the interview, the amount of walking involved, the need for comfortable shoes, the potential for stressful or rushed interviews, and the challenges of parking in the area. Suggestions included being prepared for biochem questions, researching the area surrounding the school, and considering transportation options like the light rail.
The interview was 2-on-1 with a faculty and student
it's very difficult to find parking and it's expensive to park in the garages ( the school does not validate the parking ticket or pay for interviewers to park)
Baltimore is a rough. Make sure to keep you hand on your wallet at all times and be prepared for homeless people to ask you for money on the way to the school.
That I was going to be grilled on biochem. That my interviewers were not going to ask me any questions that would tell them anything about me other than what was in my app.
You might have to sit and wait for a long time after your scheduled interview time if your interviewer isn't finished with his previous student yet. Kind of stress-inducing for us, who're waiting and sweating. Also if the faculty interviewer is rushed for time, your interview can be just 15 min. BTW, the interviewer will be writing down your evaluation as you reply to his questions, so he/she might not be making too much eye contact with you (this was a good thing for me).
your interview time depends on how rushed the interviewer is.
you can have a dental student and faculty as your interviewers.
both are required to take notes during the interview. For me, there was barely any eye contact because i think they were writing word to word what i was saying. I felt like i was a teacher giving a lecture to students!
The website doesn't do a very good job at marketing itself in respect to its technology and facilities. I did not expect to like the school as much as I did!
the public transportation from the airport takes you through some sketchy neighborhoods, as a girl I would have brought someone with me, or take a cab, I split a cab on the way back and it cost me about $20 still
The lite rail is the best way to travel (3.50 for a day pass). Take it from BWI to University/Balt. street, and walk 4 blocks west. The school of really easy to find.
That we would be walking around a hard hat area in the new clinic. I would have brought a brush to fix my hair and concelear for the huge red mark on my forehead from the hat.
How laid back and friendly everyone was. Nothing to worry about. Also, if you are out of state, I wish you woudln't apply (just kidding) b/c you have a pretty good shot of getting in with their current admissions percentages.
That the interview wouldnt be stressful or a grill session at all. Also there is so much to do in Baltimore and the surrounding area like D.C. and such that I wish I had more time to tour the area.
The professor who interviewed me (Dr. B)! Very nice guy, but made the interview a little more difficult than I was expecting, especially when MD stresses that this is a "friendly interview" in their letter to students. Be warned that if you have any flaw whatsoever in your application whether it be gpa, dat, etc. be prepared to explain why if you get Dr. B
Applicants generally found the interview experience to be relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of positive and negative impressions about the school. Some highlighted the impressive facilities and friendly staff, while others expressed concerns about disorganization, interviewers' attitudes, and specific aspects of the school. Many applicants emphasized the importance of being prepared for the interview and showcasing their genuine selves.
Interviewers should be more welcoming, smile, and seem more interested in the interviewee so that the interviewee can be comfortable and open up to show who they really are.
Other than that, facilities are amazing, baltimore is an exciting city with so much diversity, and I loved that the school is so dedicated in education, service, and research.
Be yourself and smile! Practice your answers ahead of time, but don't rehearse your answers. Remember to keep your interview conversation-like and talk slowly. Another thing, bring a hard copy of any current grades, even if it is an un-official copy. Good luck!
Low stress really!!!!!! Nothing to worry about. Friendly interviewers, they are not trying to put you down! They want to pull all the positive aspects from you as possible....so you can leave happy about the interview.
I thought my interview was AWFUL! First, I was the last one in my group to interview and I was started late and then I was ended early so my actual interview time was about half of what everyone else got. Second, my interviewer did not seem very interested in what I was saying and at one point told me that my answers to one of his questions seemed contradictory. I felt like I tried to lighten the mood a few times but it was still pretty stiff. Leaving the interview I was not confident at all and I was almost positive I would get rejected. Despite all of this, I loooved the school and it was definitely my top choice so I was even more disappointed in myself. But to my surprise, I got accepted on Dec 1. So interviews don't mean everything and you never know what they want!!
i loved it. my interviewers were really cool. wish we could of talked about more ridiculous topics just to get to know them better - sports, movies, tiger woods, anything really. Missed 3 connecting flights back home, stuck in ATL, but so impressed by the school that I don't even care.
Laid back! The students were helpful and willing to answer all questions. Admissions staff was very friendly and excited to show all the new technology Maryland has to offer.
after the tour, the tour guide takes the group and drops of students one by one at their interview door. I had to wait 20 minutes (very stressful 20 min..all alone) for my interviewer to finish up with his previous student. He was running late on schedule so our interview ended up being barely 15 minutes.
great school. stress-free interview. just be prepared with good answers to the basic interview questions. get dental student's email addresses and email them questions if you have any.
The school is incredible. I really don't know if there is another school in the country that has such advanced facilities. I felt pretty comfortable during the day, and the students there seemed pretty chill.
I wasn't that psyched about UMD during my interview and the tour, especially after the financial aid presentation put me to sleep. But, afterward I was very impressed by the strength of their program and the quality of the facilities/technology. I think it can compete with any of the other top schools didactically and beats them all in technology.
Interviews were two-on-one, one interviewer being a student, another a clinic professor. Open file, they asked questions based mostly on what they say in my file. The interview was very smooth, more of a dialogue than your typical question and answer style interview.
Tour guides were very friendly and answered all questions (good and bad) honestly. Interview was extremely laid back with lots of questions. Interviewers did not pressure you to answer questions if you were not sure of your response right away. Maryland is definitely on the cutting edge as far as technology.
Not overly impressed, honestly. Equipment is top-notch, I'm sure instruction is excellent, but I really didn't like the location or the building layout. I basically told them Maryland was my last choice and I didn't really want to bring my family to Baltimore. Not sure how they took THAT, but I was still accepted!
The day was well planned out, they try and make you really relaxed with a powerpoint presentation about the school and financial aid, and you also have a personalized schedule of your day- everyone starts the same, then I had free time where you speak with students, then my interview, then lunch, then a tour. The interview was not stressful, but I've heard it depends on who you get, the students were so friendly and the facility is brand new and would probably be one of the nicest facilities to learn in
Very good experience. I live very close to Baltimore, so I am familiar with the area and the school's reputation. I do recommend looking more at the city if you are not from around here. That way you can get a better feel if it is right for you.
orientation lecture for 45 min, financial aid review for 30 min, interview with one student and one faculty member for 30 min, lunch for approx 20 min, tour for 30 min, technology lecture for 20 min, wrap-up for 15 min
My interviewers (one student, one professor) weren't overly friendly but they didn't make me feel stressed and nervous either. It was strange that the professor wasn't a D.D.S!!!
My interviewers (one student, one professor) weren't overly friendly but they didn't make me feel stressed and nervous either. They just read their questions and took some notes. No curve balls here.
The interview was very laid back, the student and doctor kept making jokes and were just having a good time. They didn't even get through the whole sheet of questions and we ran out of time.
I did not have a traditional interview at UMB, but I was very impressed with their facilities, so I wanted to post this to let everyone know. I was invited to an afternoon reception which did not include any actual interview. We were given presentations about the school, had lunch with faculty and students and were given a tour by students. The new facilities are absolutely unparalleled by ANY other school, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. They just opened in September 06. The day was super laid back and very convincing. I have my heart set on another school, but they made a very convincing case for a very successful future for the school.
This was my first interview and I'd say it went relatively well. The sitting position was a little awkard since they put me in between the two interviewers in a row where I can really only face one person at a time, but otherwise, it was a good interview.
The facilites at UMB will be second to none after the new building is up and running. There was so much light coming in from the outside. Seeing was so much more appealing than spending the first two years in the basement. The students who took us through tours and spoke with us about their experiences at the school were all helpful and enthusiastic.
It was a great day and time and effort well spent. I want to attend this school hands down! My interview was thorough and informative. The tour took my breath away. And the people were chill and really interested in getting to know you.
Overall, a very pleasant day. The interview was conducted by a faculty member and fourth year dental student. The student asked the more difficult questions
I had a great time... the student that interviews you totally makes it feel confortable and chill...i think i would have been super nervous if there was no student interviewer. the interview was really organized and they try hard for you to have a good time. Good luck and don't be nervous!!!
The staffs were really nice to you, and you were free to ask anything you want. Dr. Morgan, my interviewer, was very nice and was willing to listen to what you had to say. During the clinic time, I was talking to this patient for most of the time. She let me believe that the school is very important to the Baltimore area, and she definitely enjoyed paying her visits here at the clinic. The school has a great historical background, and the inner harbor area is beautiful. However, the tuition is kind of higher than I expected. So good luck guys!!!!
I had been to Baltimore before, so I knew that the school was located near the stadium where the Orioles play. Am kinda disturbed by how disorganized this school is. This school was among the last schools to contact me (submitted ADASAS in Aug., had 5 interviews & 4 acceptances by the time I heard from this school in late Jan). I don't check my e-mail often, but I found my supplemental application request sent to my e-mail, instead of by US mail. Thus I missed it for a week or two. Afterwards, I got a phone call before 7:30AM to schedule an interview. After accepting at that time (I was groggy), & cancelling my interview by phone a week before my interview, my parents got a phone call the day of my presumed interview wondering where I was. I am not happy with this school. God forbid I went to this school & I needed some important information (ie. federal aid, tuition payment, graduation notice) and I did not receive it on time or was not informed at all by mail, I would be extremely pissed & screwed.
This was a very easy interview. Extremely laid back. If you are stressing out about it, do not worry at all! It is more of a conversation than an interview.
I thought it was great, and when people told me it was a relaxed interview I didnt believe them 100%, but trust me it was so relaxed I thought I could sit there and chat with them for hours, take off my shoes and kick back. The interviews are with one faculty and one student, so you get to hear both sides, which I thought was good.
It went well, considering I was accepted 2 days later =o)
The day started off with an hour long brag-fest about the school (impressing but boring), then a presentation about financial aid, then a personal interview, observation in the clinic, and lunch with dental students. Extremely chill, could not have been a more laid back interview.
I came at 8:30 and saw a presentation about the school and about financial aid. I had my interview and then went down to the clinic to sit with a third year student. We then got a tour and had lunch. Its a longer day than most schools, but very informative.
The moment I walked into the admissions office, I felt like I was already a part of the school. The dean of admissions and the rest of the admissions staff went out of their way to accommodate all of our needs and make the visit enjoyable. The one-on-one time with the student in the clinic was a nice touch. Plus, the new school is going to be sweet (digital radiography, state of the art sim labs, etc).
Maryland is a good school, and will be fantastic school once the new school is finished. All new equipment and state of the art everything will be great. The interview starts with an introduction to the school and then a financial aide overview, and finally with a tour of the school and then the interview. Overall it was well organized and the dental student all looked happy to be there.
The day started off with the new director of admissions giving a painfully dry, hour long, powerpoint presentation on the school and how lobsters aren't found in the bay, just blue crabs. The cornerstone of her arguement for UM was that is was the first dental school and therefore that fact should imbue it's students with special skills or something. Then a financial aid advisor came in (she handled undergraduate aid)and proceeded to talk at length about FAFSA and warned us not to get into debt. After this a few of the applicants were lead downstairs to the clinics and were paired with third and fourth year students. This was actually nice because it allowed for some interaction with a student and see what clinical life at the school is like. The interview itself was conducted by a faculty member and a disinterested student whom, it became apparent, hadn't read my file (which contained many of the answers to his petty questions). Both of them were negative in their approach to me and my candidacy, attacked the other schools I was applying to, and repeatedly questioned my motive for pursuing dentistry. I felt as if I were facing felony charges or pleading for my soul before the Spanish Inquisition. Needless to say I was not impressed with the facilities, the staff, and the students.
I was so impressed. This was my first interview and I'm so happy it was, because it was really LAID BACK and comfortable and actually, believe it or not, FUN! It's more like the school wants to get you to want to go there, not have you convince them to take you. What's great is that everyone is honest with you...the students will straight up tell you what they like and don't like about the school. I'm sold!!!
The interview started with a question, "Tell me about yourself," and as I told them about myself, they asked me A LOT OF questions that were related with what I said. They really wanted to learn about me, and my motivation for dentistry (not in a superficial level at all). I liked it and appreciated it.
The interview was more along the lines of a conversation, rather then a question and answer session. We talked about everything from dentistry to baseball and finally to brownies of all things.
My experience at the school was excellent. The faculty and Dean were so nice. The interview was laid back and the interviewers were never critical or disinterested. The only negative thing I could say is that they have made my decision that much harder!
This is a FRIENDLY interview. This point is even emphasised in their interview invitation, and it's true. I got the impression that they just wanted to get to know me better and clarify anything in my application. Overall a great experience.
I was too nervous in my first interview. Personally it is not because of the faculty members but my own lack of experience. There are a few things that I should've said, but I didnt. Just to be calm and work through it. I guess their "friendly" style isnt that friendly afterall. Do expect anything.
Easy stress free interview. The UM Graduate campus is great. A centralized campus in an inner city without being too overwhelming. Looks like there is the potential for a great graduate social life among all the professional schools. Also inner harbor is great. It's within a half-mile of a bad area, but if your use to a city....no sweat.
Was very positive and laid back. If city life is new to you or something you are not interested in, then this school isn't for you, but if you are looking for city life Baltimore is a fun town.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should improve communication by being more informative and transparent about the process, provide timely updates on application status, and ensure consistency in interview processes. Additionally, some applicants mentioned the need for better food options and more efficient scheduling to enhance the overall experience.
