Loma Linda, CA
Dental Schools | Private Non-Profit
Faith-Based
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 21% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.2
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 266 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (78%)
Negatively (7%)
No change (16%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (44%)
Good (36%)
Average (18%)
Bad (2%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally praised Loma Linda for its strong dental program, supportive faculty, and positive interview experiences. Some mentioned concerns about the high tuition, the small town location, and the emphasis on religion in the school's culture and interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Loma Linda is an excellent dental school, and if I am accepted to more than one school, it will be hard to turn down.
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Be yourself in your application process and the interview will be a breeze. Make sure you know your strengths and weaknesses. *this interview was done over zoom*
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Loved the interview. My experience has put LLU as on of my top two in terms of school vibe, faculty support, cohort, and location (so cheap compared to any other CA schools).
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Very hands on, students didn't mind chapel/religious classes, good clinical education, it's in an okay area but the school is top notch!
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The interview day impressed me very much, and makes me want to attend here as one of my top schools now. Beat all my expectations!
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
47 Minutes Average
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Number:
1.2 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
98% One-on-One
2% Group Interview
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File Type:
76% Open-File
24% Closed-File
LLUSD-COMP interviews are an average of 47 minutes, with an average of 1.2 interviews. 98% of interviews are one-on-one, and 24% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the candidate's motivation for pursuing dentistry, family background, strengths and weaknesses, religious beliefs, and involvement in church or spiritual life. Some respondents mentioned questions related to their future goals, leadership experiences, academic background, and specific experiences in dentistry, while others noted a focus on personal qualities and values. It is worth noting that some interviews may have been in an MMI format, potentially involving a nondisclosure agreement.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Why Loma Linda?
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Do you have any siblings?
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Why do you think you are a good fit for dentistry
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If I asked your family, friends, those who are closest to you, what would they say are your strengths? How about your weakest traits?
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(After telling me not to be scripted) tell me about yourself. My essay responses were not referred to.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting questions asked at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, personal strengths and weaknesses, family dynamics, religious beliefs, and responses to ethical scenarios in the dental field. The interview format appears to have been MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the diversity of questions, with some respondents mentioning non-disclosure agreements that may have limited specific question details.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Describe an ethical dilemma you have been in and what you did to resolve it.
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What do you think the academic
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How do you think those with depression get better? (I talked about my depression in the past, so this was a natural follow up question.)
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Are you always this relaxed? Lol
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My family and their jobs
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like SDN forums, practicing with peers or friends, reviewing their application materials, and researching the school's values and mission statement. Suggestions include practicing common interview questions, reflecting on personal beliefs and experiences, and familiarizing oneself with the school's philosophy and values through various resources such as the school's website and previous interview feedback.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Looked up Loma Linda's most frequently asked questions on SDN and recorded myself answering them at least once.
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I made a long list of questions, reviewed my application, and read through SDN Forums.
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Read student surveys on here and practiced with my boyfriend. We also talked about what traits I should focus on as well as my core beliefs and how to talk about those if asked.
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Practiced with friends and typed out certain responses.
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SDN, LLU's thread, PMing people
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry discussed a wide range of topics such as personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and future aspirations. The interview format may have been an MMI based on responses mentioning nondisclosure agreements, with questions including scenarios about personal letdowns, memorable vacations, and the role of dentists in society.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Describe a time when someone let you down.
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Tell me about a vacation that you'll never forget.
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Tell me about yourself. (Difficult because it was so broad. Be prepared to say this succinctly and say what you WANT them to ask you questions about, because they will start asking about 1-2 minutes in.)
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Tell me about your grades.
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Why you? Was very conversational so there weren't really any "hard" questions.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the warm and friendly nature of the admissions staff, faculty, and students at the school. They appreciated the genuine interest shown in them as individuals beyond just academic qualifications, as well as the emphasis on service, clinical experiences, and outreach opportunities provided by the institution.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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The interviewer really wanted to get to know me, she genuinely was interested in my life experience thus far as a human and not just why I wanted to be a dentist.
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It was very casual.
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Esther, the dean of admissions, impressed me with her thoughts and comments about LLU as a school and organization. To me, LLU really lives out their motto, "Our mission is to serve," and their students and faculty and staff do as well: (1) Grace is given (LLU does not charge students again if they have to repeat a quarter/year; students caught doing drugs or alcohol will be given a chance to attend AA meetings and therapy instead of being expelled immediately) (2) Service is emphasized (LLU covers 2/3 of travel expenses on missions that they have year round; local community service opportunities are there for those who want to volunteer weekly) (3) Students are supported through their struggles (financial, housing, therapy, emotional/personal, academic, addiction) (4) Students are encouraged and provided resources/support so they can become their best self
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The interviewer seemed genuinely amused by my hobbies and interests.
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Everyone is super nice!!
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the outdated facilities, lack of enthusiasm from tour guides, the remote location, being tested under pressure during interviews, and the emphasis on religion. Suggestions included updating facilities, providing more engaging tours, and being mindful of how religion is integrated into the student experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Nothing, besides the fact that it was virtual (not my or the school's choice though because of COVID)
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Nothing
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Nothing :)
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I did feel like I was being tested under a microscope at times.
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Facilities are kind of haunting (but they were completely empty, to be fair).
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Many applicants wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed interview atmosphere and the closed profile nature of the interview. They also emphasized the importance of arriving early, preparing for a short essay question, and being aware of the school's emphasis on religion in the selection process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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How layed back the interview was. I probably stressed too much.
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That the interview would be closed profile.
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Interview structure: arrive 30 minutes early to fill out a questionnaire with a short essay question, 1-1 interview, end with student tour. I was there from 9:45 to 11:40. My appointment was 10, and I was told to arrive at 9:30 to do some "paperwork," so the time I had to fill out the essay was cut short by 15 minutes.
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Bring white-out for the writing prompt if you're prone to errors.
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It can get busy, come early to find the building, park in the right place, and get your parking validated.
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
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.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Most applicants appreciated the friendly and helpful staff but suggested improvements in the scheduling process for interviews and the physical office environment, such as better air conditioning and campus tours/lunch with current students.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Nothing, very friendly.
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Great work and keep doing what you're doing :)
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AC is not cold enough
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Make it a bit easier to schedule an interview day. It took me several times calling before I finally got through
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The office itself was a little old and small, but the staff was extremely friendly and helpful!
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
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ONT
31% interviewees used ONT (ONT), with 15% using LAX (LAX) and 15% using ontario (ontario) and 8% using Ontario (Ontario) and 8% using Ontario, CA (Ontario, CA) and 8% using Palm Springs (Palm Springs) and 8% using Long Beach (Long Beach) and 8% using It was virtual so all of the stuff I said above is not true lol (It was virtual so all of the stuff I said above is not true lol).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
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37% Airplane
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59% Automobile
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0% Train or Subway
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5% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Loma Linda Inn (average ranking 8.1/10), with some staying at Sheriton (average rating 10/10). (Top 3 displayed)
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Loma Linda Inn
8.1/10
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Sheriton
10/10
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My house
10/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Faculty member (4%)
Other (9%)
Student (87%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (74%)
Neutral (26%)
All Responses
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