Los Angeles, CA
Dental Schools | Private Non-Profit
Application Cycle: 2009-10
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions
How long was the interview?
50 minutes
How did the interview impress you?
Negatively ☹️
What was the stress level of the interview?
2 out of 10
0 = Low Stress, 10 = High Stress
Where did the interview take place?
At the school
What impressed you positively?
The diversity, homeless clinics, a few technological perks...
What impressed you negatively?
The cost!! Learning is nearly 100% PBL and independent-study. Very few students from USC Dental get into a residency program.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
That the interview day would actually go on until 3:30-4 pm (Most schools let you leave early). Bummer.
What are your general comments?
Initially, I considered USC as my "back-up" school. After talking to the students, spending an hour in an actual PBL session and listening to the financial aid counselor crack a few jokes about the $300,000 debt I would accrue, I realized that I was in desperate need of another back-up school. At lunch, after enduring a long wait in the kitchen smoke, I had the opportunity to speak to 2 dental students. Afterwards, one pulled me aside, looked me sternly in the face and said "You can go here. But if I were you, I would go to a cheaper school." When we joined the other applicants, she continued to talk about how happy she was at USC. Hmm, contradictory? Or perhaps happiness doesn't equate to money. Yeah. Haha, I know.
The interview wasn't actually an interview. You're placed in a group of 8-10 people and given a scenario, divided into 4 scenes. The plot is not dental nor medical related. In fact, its pretty ridiculous. I'm not sure if I gave the best impression as I was so dissuaded by the curriculum and cost, I literally wanted to run away. So, I think I came off silly and blase.
Although this didn't occur during the interview, I thought I should share something from someone in the admissions committee. So, I have this "connection" who is on USC admissions. Although he is currently on the admissions board, he told me that, based on my stats and background, I would not gain anything from USC. He actually told me to go to UCLA instead. Keep in mind, this guy is looking out for my best interest. He's not someone who would point me in the wrong direction out of spite. In any case, now I know why suggested UCLA over USC.
📍 On-Site Experience
Who was the tour given by?
Admissions staff
Success!
School has been added to your favorites.