Los Angeles, CA
Dental Schools | Private Non-Profit
Application Cycle: 2009-10
💬 Interview Questions
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
PBL interview structure: They will give you a storyline over 3 pages. Each page will contain more information than the last and your group's task is to evaluate each page and just discuss ideas. It is very simple and straight forward. There is very little you can do to prepare. My only advise is to BE YOURSELF! I can't stress that enough. Just enjoy.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions
How long was the interview?
45 minutes
How did the interview impress you?
Positively 🙂
How many people interviewed you?
2
What was the stress level of the interview?
2 out of 10
0 = Low Stress, 10 = High Stress
What was the style of the interview?
In a group
What type of interview was it?
Closed file
Where did the interview take place?
At the school
How did you prepare for the interview?
read SDN, spoke w/ friends, USC website, google'd-PBL
What impressed you positively?
School's PBL program is impressive. For the first time I have seen a school focus on what is important instead of cramming mounds of information into a brain that will soon forget it anyways. PBL allows students the space to pick up and actively learn material by researching on their own and then coming together to share ideas. It's very similar to what engineering students go through and in my personal opinion an excellent way to learn.
What impressed you negatively?
Not enough current students seemed to have the openness and courtesy/personalities to speak with the interviewees to ask them how their day is going, if they have any questions, or if they like the school. I have seen this a lot at other schools and I think it makes a huge impression on those interviewing when they can relate to the current student body.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
The day was pretty long and I wish I had gotten more sleep.
What are your general comments?
Great. The atmosphere at USC (the dental school being on the main campus) is a plus 10!!! You will be on a great and integrated- very exciting college campus, so its NOT like your doomed to some dark dungeon in a building away from the rest of the school. The program seemed great, administration people were really nice (obviously), and LA is just bustling. So, it seems like a great place to be. Also, the PBL program eases you into the workload of a dental education, so that your not hit hard with mounds of work the very first year. Great interaction between faculty and students in classes. Each group of 8 students has one faculty mentor to guide them. So its a great atmosphere. Also, the dental building being in the heart of CALIFORNIA, is very bright and airy because of the many windows- adding a happy environment.
📍 On-Site Experience
Who was the tour given by?
Admissions staff
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