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Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Dentistry Interview Feedback Summary

New Orleans, LA

Dental Schools | Public Non-Profit

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⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
9.3
Exceptional

Outstanding interview experience: exceptionally organized, highly professional staff, strong communication, and very low stress.

Based on 77 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 (100%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (42%)
Good (58%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants commonly shared feedback about the relaxed and structured interview process at LSU, emphasizing the importance of practicing chalk carving and being well-prepared to discuss personal experiences and motivations for pursuing dentistry. Suggestions included staying calm, being honest, and engaging with interviewers, faculty, and current students throughout the day to make a positive impression.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • Very good school
  • I arrived about 20 minutes early and waited in the administration lobby along with the other 5 interviewers. Dr. Weir came down to greet us and brought us up to our home base for the day. It is a medium sized conference room with a table that seats about 12. Dr. Weir spend about 20 minutes reviewing the different events that will take place throughout the day and goes over some financial aid information. He then briefly explain the chalk carving test, and then you begin carving chalk. Note: make sure you are well prepared for this, and be ready to overcome any discrepancies. For instance, I found that the chalk I practiced with was much easier to work with. Maybe it was older or stored in a area of high humidity. I don’t know but the chalk used during the interview was much harder and more brittle than the stuff used to practice with. When marking with the pencil on the practice chalk, a small indentation was formed from drawing my lines. Not so on the real stuff, the chalk had no give when drawing my lines. Also, the week leading up to the interview I practiced carving two pieces of chalk per day with no problem. After carving the one piece during the interview, I felt like my thumbs wanted to fall off. Next, I went on my 1-on-1 interview. This was a structured interview with 40-50 questions asked directly from a list. 90% of the questions are listed on the LSU pre-dental society website (predentlsu.com). Other questions asked included; have you ever felt guilty? Are you a perfectionist? Next, I was taken on a tour of the dental school. The faculty member giving the tour guide was very friendly and down to earth. We got to see floors 2-8, because the 1st floor and basement are under construction. don’t be afraid to ask questions. Then we had lunch with students at the dental school, one from each class level. Again, it was a relaxed atmosphere and the students were there to answer any questions. Finally, one by one we had our 3-on-1 interviews with the committee. This interview was less structured and more personalized, but still it felt relaxed. Be prepared to answer why you want to be a dentist. They may also also ask you to explain bad grades, what exposure you have had to dentistry (shadowing, working), and how you think you did on your chalk carving. Once you are done the 3-on-1 you are free to go. The main things are to stay relaxed, be honest, and practice your chalk carving.
  • LSU is a great school that not many people know about. it has top notch facilities for a very low price. it is located in a great city with great culture and everyone is amazingly friendly. geaux tigers!
  • I arrived at the school about 25 minutes early, which gave me time to introduce myself to two students who arrived before me. As the 25 minutes passed, the other 4 students arrived (7 total). Dr. Weir came out and introduced himself and started telling us all about the progress the school has made (which is evident while walking around). It didn't seem like two minutes had passed by the time we walked into the room where our chalk-carvings would take place. Dr. Weir briefly went over loan information, gave instructions on the chalk carving, and we began. I had practiced plenty of times before, which made this part a lot less stressful. Immediately following, 3 of us went on a tour while the 4 others were individually interviewed (1 on 1, structured interview). We came back from the tour and the other group left. The 1 on 1 was very structured - the professor read his questions right off the sheet he was given. There wasn't much communication between us other than his brief responses to my answers. I'm glad I prepared, though, because he asked me at least 50 questions, the vast majority of which are on the LSU Predental Society website. We returned for lunch, where 1 student from each class (D1 - D4) came and spoke with us. They answered our questions, but for the most part, they just hung out with us and told us to ''relax and be yourself.'' Once this hour was up, it was around 1:00 p.m. At this time, Dr. Weir walks in and lets us know the order in which the 3 on 1s will take place. Luckily, I was 2nd! I'd have volunteered to go first, though, because I HATE WAITING. There were only 7 of us, but I still felt bad for the last one! In no time, it was my turn and I walked into the room with the 3 interviewers. It was very businesslike, while not too stressful. This was unstructured; they asked me a couple of questions, most of which were personalized (DAT score, what I do with my free time, etc.) I expanded upon my answers and tried to bring a little bit of humor. Within no time, I was done!
  • LSU interview 3 of every 4 Fridays starting in November, until the 60 spots are filled. Up to (and usually) 8 at a time. Dr. Weir sits everyone in a room and explains how the day will go. First a 20 minute talk about how you'll pay for dental school. They've never had a student drop out due to financial need. LSU is one of the most affordable schools in the country even for out of staters. Average graduating debt is high 70s - low 80s and gets paid off within the first couple years out of school even though they are low interest loans. 35 minute chalk carving. Practice at home for this with a thin pocket knife and triple sized chalk (available from OfficeDepot.com) - picture of carving on LSU predental society is a little deceiving. Google ''LSU chalk carving'' for a better picture of the shape to carve. Took about 10 minutes just to calm down during the carving test. Students split to tour the school (all 8 spacious stories of it) and do the 1-on-1 interview before lunch. 1-on-1 interview is with a professor and as mentioned, they grill you on every question found on SDN and LSU predentals website. Lunch lasts an hour and D3s and D4s come and hang out to eat with you and answer questions. This was very valuable, interesting, and encouraging. All that remains after lunch is the 3-on-1 interview, where Dr. Weir and 2 others sit on three chairs perched around a low lying couch and talk with each person for ~20 minutes. Every else just waits in the conference room and it sucks to go last. I got the feeling that the decision had already been made in my instance, cuz my 3-on-1 was hardly 10 minutes and they didn't ask me about the weaknesses in my application like I was expecting. The 3-on-1 is open forum and they ask whatever they want unlike the 1-on-1. My 3-on-1 felt like Dr. Weir was just bragging to the other 2 guys about me, which was great except that I didn't feel as in control of the room as I had syked myself up to be. Dr. Weir is one of the best things going for the school. You really get a feeling that the professors are not there to run a dental factory, but to help the students along. No hospitality like the south.
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
40 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
3.3 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
48% One-on-One
52% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
90% Open-File
10% Closed-File

LSUSD-COMP interviews are an average of 40 minutes, with an average of 3.3 interviews. 48% of interviews are one-on-one, and 10% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The responses indicate that the interview process involved a mix of one-on-one and group interviews with questions covering a wide range of topics such as reasons for choosing dentistry, handling challenging situations in the workplace, commitment to the profession, and personal characteristics like being mechanically inclined or enjoying working alone. It seems that some respondents also mentioned being provided with questions in advance for the one-on-one interviews, suggesting a structured approach to the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Dentistry discussed various topics including handling success without credit, demonstrating empathy and humility, teaching abilities, reactions to challenging situations like a child hitting their thumb, and personal interests beyond dentistry. Some responses indicated familiarity with LSU pre-dental society questions, while others mentioned unique inquiries about creativity, responsibility, and personal values, suggesting a diverse range of interview themes.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by practicing chalk carving, reviewing sample questions from SDN and LSU Pre-Dental websites, conducting mock interviews with friends, and researching the school and dentistry. Many also emphasized the importance of getting enough rest before the interview and having a clear understanding of why they want to pursue dentistry.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Louisiana State University New Orleans School of Dentistry discussed various topics, including personal purpose, empathy, and reasons for choosing dentistry. Some responses indicated a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, possibly involving a nondisclosure agreement, as specific questions were not disclosed.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by the faculty, staff, and students at the school. They appreciated the modern facilities, the sense of community, and the support provided during the interview process, which helped to alleviate nerves and create a relaxed environment. Suggestions included further emphasizing the school's strengths in terms of faculty support, advanced technology, and successful outcomes for graduates.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about ongoing construction, the point system for clinical requirements based on monetary value, and the location of the school in an iffy part of town. Suggestions were made to prioritize patient care over financial considerations, improve community service opportunities, and address the construction issues promptly.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known about the intensity of the 3-on-1 interview, with a focus on handling stressful situations and being prepared for all questions. They also mentioned the importance of researching interviewers, practicing chalk carving, and being confident in expressing their desire to become a dentist.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 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?

No responses
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
MSY

100% interviewees used MSY (MSY).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.

✈️
25% Airplane
🚗
50% Automobile
🚆
17% Train or Subway
🚲
8% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Parc St Charles (average ranking 10/10), with some staying at Marriott (average rating 10/10). (Top 2 displayed)

🏨
Parc St Charles
10/10
🏨
Marriott
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 Faculty member
Admissions staff (16%)
Faculty member (74%)
Student (11%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (100%)

All Responses

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