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University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Ann Arbor, MI

Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

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 pertain to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), where respondents may be subject to a nondisclosure agreement. These questions typically focus on ethical scenarios, personal application highlights, qualities of a good dentist, ethical dilemmas in dentistry, future goals in dentistry, and reasons for choosing a specific school like the University of Michigan.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Michigan School of Dentistry discussed various scenarios and ethical dilemmas. The interview format seemed to be an MMI with multiple thought-provoking questions, including those related to ethics in dentistry, HIV testing, loyalty programs for patients, and the impact of cosmetic dentistry on the profession. Respondents hinted at a nondisclosure agreement due to the mention of MMI and not disclosing specific questions.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Michigan School of Dentistry discussed MMI scenarios, ethics of recertification, and patient confidentiality. Respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the questions, which included ethical dilemmas, insurance-related scenarios, and hands-on practical challenges.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 7+ hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

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 reviewing ethical principles, reading about current dental topics, and utilizing resources like SDN, school websites, and mock interviews. They also emphasized the importance of being up-to-date on healthcare issues and the school's programs, as well as seeking feedback from current students and alumni.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were consistently impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere of the faculty and students at the University of Michigan dental school. They appreciated the emphasis on clinical experience, advanced facilities and technology, opportunities for research, and the pride in the school's history and strong reputation. The campus and city of Ann Arbor were highlighted as appealing aspects, along with the innovative curriculum and the responsiveness of the school to student needs and concerns.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about long presentations, overly competitive atmosphere, lack of personal interaction, outdated facilities, high out-of-state tuition, and rushed or impersonal interview processes. Suggestions include improving facilities, fostering a more welcoming environment, providing more hands-on experiences, reducing tuition costs for out-of-state students, and enhancing the interview experience to allow for more meaningful interactions.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the lack of personal questions in the interview, the need to arrive early due to building construction, and the unexpectedly relaxed and laid-back nature of the MMI process. Suggestions included being prepared for lengthy presentations, bringing warm clothing for the cold weather, and not overpreparing for personal questions.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at the University of Michigan to be less stressful than expected, with the virtual format and MMI style being particularly appreciated. Some expressed concerns about the length of the day, the crowded presentations, and mixed feedback on the effectiveness of the MMI format in truly getting to know the applicants.
  • good overall
  • I think this was my favorite type of interview and was actually a lot less stressful than I thought it would be. I was able to stay home and do it virtually, so I didn't have to worry about traffic.
  • not a bad experience but no typical questions like why dentistry or why this school.
  • Not impressed by the "#1 dental school"
  • Perfect school for me.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office focus on getting to know the individual beyond academic abilities, provide more exposure to clinical experiences, and ensure a friendly and welcoming environment during interactions with prospective students. They also mentioned the importance of balancing presentations with ample time for tours and suggested more extensive tours to showcase the clinic and simulation labs.