Interviews Part III: The Actual Interview

The Interview Process
Some places had just one interview, other places I met with four or five professors on separate fifteen minute interviews, some were with just one professor, others had three professors and yet another had a professor and a current dental student.

Group interviews can take some of the pressure off but it is easy to get lost in the background. I also didn't want to seem like a gunner but maybe the school would see you as being someone who takes initiative? I would definitely say that putting someone else down is a bad idea.

With some places, it was kind of obvious the interviewers were playing good cop bad cop. I asked the other interviewees about how the interview was for them and I noticed that the two professors switched out being the good and bad cops. Some places try to rattle you and see how you do under pressure. I really didn't like this since it made me feel as though I was a mouse being put through a maze.

Some schools will be extra friendly and try to make you as comfortable as possible. They usually just want to get to know what kind of person you are and whether or not you are a good fit. Maybe I am a little paranoid but I got the feeling this also makes some people reveal too much about themselves...

Some schools had a series of rooms where you go in and a hired actor is waiting to play out some sort of scenario with you. You have a few minutes to read the scenario that is on the door (you might play a dentist, a dental student etc...) and the actor will act out the situation and rate you based on how you play it out.

Other places will put you in odd situations, with one, a group of interviewees are told to discuss something and the group is observed as you discuss.

Overall I would just say KNOW YOUR APPLICATION BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS. Anything you mention on your application can pop up in the interview. I was very surprised how much they knew about my application, even very small details I forgot I had mentioned. Also KNOW THE SCHOOL BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS. Do as much research as you can on each school: this will help you make decisions about the school and ask questions about the school: which you really should do.

I would say be prepared to say something about any weaknesses on the application. I knew that the F's and GPA I received early in my education would be an issue. I prepped a general response to it, said my peace concisely and moved on. I didn't think it was the greatest idea to dwell on it too much.

Also, I made the mistake of correcting one of the interviewers and looking at the way his face soured I could tell that I might as well write that school off. Some people may respond better to that but that was not the case here.