University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Interview Feedback Summary
Memphis, TN
Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 10% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.9
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 188 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 (98%)
Negatively (2%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (58%)
Good (26%)
Average (16%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally appreciated the welcoming and relaxed interview atmosphere at the school, with positive comments about the faculty members, facilities, and overall experience. Some applicants expressed concerns about potential discrepancies in interview experiences, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and authentic during the process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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It is a great school that cares very much for their students, many of the students had only positive things to say about the school and the program.
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They sold the school well, but the students sharing their negative experiences was a bit of a red flag
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N/a
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Everyone said it was very conversational and relaxed, but I had a different experience. I think it depends on who will interview you. Be prepared and don't rely on it being chill like others said
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Outstanding facilities and really down to earth people.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
15 Minutes Average
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Number:
3.8 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
43% One-on-One
57% Group Interview
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File Type:
34% Open-File
66% Closed-File
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Interview Modality:
0% Virtual
100% In-Person
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Interview Location (for In-Person):
100% At the School
0% Other Location
UTHSC-COMP interviews are an average of 15 minutes, with an average of 3.8 interviews. 43% of interviews are one-on-one, 100% are in-person, and 66% 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 applicant's motivation for pursuing dentistry, their exploration of the field, personal attributes or strengths, and interests outside of dentistry. Additionally, some respondents mentioned questions about failure, self-introduction, and reading habits. It is worth noting that some responses indicated an MMI format, which may involve a nondisclosure agreement.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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What is something not included in your application that you would like the admissions committee to know about you?
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Tell us about yourself
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Tell us about yourself and why dentistry
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Tell me a time when you failed.
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Why dentistry?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry discussed a variety of topics such as ethical dilemmas, experiences of unfair treatment, handling conflict, favorite dental procedures, unexpected aspects of dentistry, and personal characteristics like relaxation methods and book preferences. The interviews seemed to cover a range of traditional questions with some focusing on personal experiences, career motivations, and qualities relevant to dentistry, aside from a few queries about specific experiences like time spent on a nuclear submarine.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Tell me about an ethical dilemma you experienced.
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Have you ever felt you were treated unfairly, and how did you overcome?
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(regarding my app) How do i handle difficult situations with a person/customer when there is conflict?
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What's your favorite dental procedure?
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What do you do to relax. For me, after a big test like that, I would isolate myself for around 30 minutes to gather my thoughts and then go out and celebrate that we're done with it. They seemed taken aback by the thought of a person doing that and I imagine they expected "go out and party it up with the group" or something along those lines.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by reading Student Doctor Network (SDN), practicing with mock interview questions, and seeking advice from current students or alumni. Some also mentioned reviewing the school's website and practicing basic interview questions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Mock interview questions with a partner, read SDN, spoke to several current students and alumni
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SDN, practice questions, other interviews
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Read SDN, practice basic interview questions, watch videos on tips/advices
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Read the website.
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Reading SDN, www.reddit.com/r/dentalschool, and other interview prep forums
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry discussed a range of topics such as qualities of a good dental student, readiness for dental school, dislikes about dentistry, and reasons for choosing dental over medicine. While some mentioned challenges with open-ended questions like "Tell us about yourself," others found questions about strengths, weaknesses, and interests to be tough. It's worth noting that some responses indicated the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with potential nondisclosure agreements in place.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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What are three qualities of an good dental student.
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N/a
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Do you feel ready for dental school?
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Do you have any questions for me? This was the most difficult for me because I went in with around 15 questions I wanted to ask, but he answered over 12 of them before the interviews started. I was fumbling for the 3 remaining I had but it turned out alright.
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Nothing really difficult
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness, kindness, and genuine care shown by staff, faculty, and students throughout the interview process. They also highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and student-centered approach of the program, particularly praising Dr. Coleman for his personable and reassuring demeanor.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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How kind, relaxed, and friendly the staff and students were during the whole process.
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How kind and encouraging the interviewers were, as well as the director
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How friendly everyone was
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Friendly staff and faculty
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Everyone was very direct yet very relaxed. They didn't do anything to try and cause people to be anxious. The Dunn building and the dental sim labs are awesome.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were negatively impressed by various factors such as unexpected interview questions, competitive student culture, lack of personal connection during interviews, old facilities, and the location of the school in downtown Memphis. Suggestions include providing clearer expectations for interviews, fostering a more collaborative environment among students, updating facilities, and addressing safety concerns in the surrounding area.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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They asked me 14 interview questions in total, and I wasn't prepared to be asked that many. At most, I was told I would be asked 6-7.
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The ego in some students I met were surprising, as well as many students complaining their cohort's culture not being very collaborative/toxic level of competitiveness
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Nothing really
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Nothing
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I do feel that they didn't get a good look at me personally. We had our little "conversation interview" but there is so much more I wanted to say to them in order to convince them to accept me.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wish they had known that interviews may not be as 'chill' as portrayed, that it's a relaxed and low-stress environment, and that they should focus on being themselves and enjoying the experience rather than stressing out. Additionally, some applicants were surprised by the open or closed-file interview format, the number of other candidates being interviewed, and the emphasis on the school showcasing itself to the interviewee.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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That their interviews were not as "chill" as many people have told me it would be.
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It was open file when I assumed it was closed-file, and they had a recording camera facing a few feet away from me I was not prepared for
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That there wasn't much going on besides interviews, i had mine first so i sat around for 1.5-2 hours after then went on the tour
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That it was going to be so relaxed. Everyone there just wants to make sure that you know how to act in a professional environment and that you can interact.
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I wish I had known there were 9 other candidates being interviewed with me. They sat us in a large meeting room and pulled us aside one by one to interview. I was wondering how they could stretch it all into a full day and waiting on 9 other people to finish 15 minute interviews definitely took around 2 hours of the time.
🤝 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 for their work and suggested offering smaller group tours and presentations before interviews to enhance the experience. They also recommended maintaining the current level of information provided in info packets and continuing with their effective practices.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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They did great! I wish they had a smaller group of applicants, where we all got the tour and presentation before the interview.
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They were all amazing!
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Keep doing what you do.
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Nothing. An info packet was given that had plenty of information about the school and surroundings.
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N/A
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
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MEM
100% interviewees used MEM (MEM).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
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3% Airplane
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97% Automobile
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0% Train or Subway
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0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Hampton Inn (average ranking 6.5/10), with some staying at Marriot (average rating 10/10). (Top 3 displayed)
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Hampton Inn
6.5/10
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Marriot
10/10
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Marriott Downtown
10/10
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 Admissions staff personnel
Admissions staff (46%)
Faculty member (15%)
Student (38%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (93%)
Neutral (7%)
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