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University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine

San Juan, PR

Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit

Going on an interview at UPR-SDM? Add your feedback to help others!
⭐ 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 low 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?

Applicants commonly reported being asked about the main causes of death in Puerto Rico's adult population, describing their hobbies and interests, and discussing activities that involve hand skills during medical school interviews. These questions suggest a focus on public health knowledge, personal interests, and motor skills assessment in the interview process.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine discussed applicants' current activities and hobbies that require hand skills.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine discussed did not pose significant challenges according to respondents.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a in a group interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had a closed 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 Faculty member

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 2-3 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.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used San Juan International Airport (SJU)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

How would you rate the hotel?

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

Would you recommend the 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?

✅ 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?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by researching the school, studying relevant articles, getting involved in work and community activities to reduce stress, and relying on prayer for support and guidance.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were impressed by the calm and welcoming demeanor of the interviewers, creating a relaxed and conversational atmosphere during the interview process. This positive experience made candidates feel comfortable and valued during the interaction.

What impressed you negatively?

The majority of applicants did not have any negative impressions to share, as they found their interview experience positive overall.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wish they had known that the interview would be more easy-going than expected, leading them to overprepare. This feedback suggests that future applicants should focus on being well-prepared but also stay calm and not stress excessively about the interview process.

What are your general comments?

Applicants commonly expressed the importance of focusing on showcasing their personality and attitude during interviews, rather than solely on their academic scores, as interview panels are looking to get to know them personally. Many emphasized that the interview is an opportunity to demonstrate why they are the best fit for the position and that GPA and test scores may not be a central focus during the interview process.
  • If you are called for an interview, it means they already saw your DAT scores and GPA and want to get to know you more. Most people feel like they will have to justify these in the interview if they don't have high scores. The interview panel just wants to know you personally. They will NOT ask for GPA or scores, at least at my interview they didn't! They already agree with your DAT and GPA if they are calling you for an interview. Your attitude and personality have to shine in your interview! Your interview is your final chance to prove them that you are one of the best!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should improve communication by providing more timely updates on the selection process, as there is often a delay in receiving acceptance or denial notifications.