New Orleans, LA
Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit
Application Cycle: 2009-10
💬 Interview Questions
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
How have you shown your commitment to dentistry?
What was the most interesting question?
What was the last thing you made with your hands?
What was the most difficult question?
Give me an example of when you have shown empathy.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions
How long was the interview?
25 minutes
How did the interview impress you?
Positively 🙂
How many people interviewed you?
3
What was the stress level of the interview?
6 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?
Open file
Where did the interview take place?
At the school
How did you prepare for the interview?
Read up as much about the school and dentistry as possible; practiced carving chalk.
What impressed you positively?
The school is fairly up-to-date as far as facilities are concerned. The students seemed generally very happy at LSU and were proud of their school.
What impressed you negatively?
The school itself is located inbetween a good part of New Orleans (by City Park) and a BAD part of town (about half-a-mile from a project). Tread softly grasshopper.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
It's not as hard as you think it's going to be. The interviewers were all pleasant people.
What are your general comments?
Well, this interview experience is pretty dated (five years ago). But judging from the previous interviewees' recent experiences it hasn't changed much. Dr. Weir is still the king of admissions and his word has the most weight. You impress him, you impress the committee, bottom-line. However, don't BS anybody...they are well-versed in being able to weed out the truly interested vs. the "I just want to be a doctor" applicant.
Chalk-carving is important, but even if you break the chalk or just get a 6/10, that's really a minor component. Some people didn't who interviewed and got in never touched a 7-buffalo knife or a triple-sized chalk in their life before that day. Be sure you are able to get your message across as to your sincerity and passion for dentistry...that will carry you further than any perfect chalk carving.
The personal profile interview where they ask you pre-determined questions (that they ask of everyone) isn't a test of how fast you can answer a question...rather they want to see how you think on your feet. These questions aren't your everyday interview questions, and they do allow you to answer the question at a later time after you have some time to think it over. This isn't Final Jeopardy!
The three-on-one interview is just you, Dr. Weir and two other admissions committee people in his office. It's really not intimidating...be prepared to defend grades if you think you need to, but always be honest. Hey, if you F'ed up, you F'ed up; say so, let them know it won't happen again (and give them an example) and move on.
If you are fortunate enough to get an interview, seize the moment. This is your opportunity to shine. They feel you are qualified academically to handle dental school...now you've got to show them you are a quality person that they want in their program and in the profession.
📍 On-Site Experience
Who was the tour given by?
Faculty member
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