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.
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Very good school
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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I arrived at the dental school for 8:30. There was only two applicants including myself, and Dr. Weir gave an orientation in the dean's conference room. Then he gave us a tour of the LSU South Campus and brought us back for the chalk carving. We were given one piece of chalk, flimsy ruler, pencil, buffalo knife and a sheet with the measurements on how to carve the chalk. A digital clock was set at 1:00 and we had 35 min to carve (the measurements are on the LSU pre-dent website). We were allowed to cleanup in the bathroom then our interviews started. I waited an hour for the first applicant to finish the interview. My interview lasted about 30 minutes. I was free to go :) The whole interview was shortened due to the hurricane...usually there's a 1-on-1 interview where they ask 50 predetermined questions (again, on the pre-dent website) then the 3-on-1 afterward. Dr. Weir and two other admissions officers were my interviewers. They asked me all the 50 "personality questions" in the 3-on-1. Be prepared to also defend your weaknesses afterward like your DAT scores, gpa, dropped classes, etc. The interview was very relaxed. Just be yourself and honest. You will be prepared if you know those questions on the website.
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The interview took place on the South Campus on GSRI road. Started at 10:30 and lasted till about 1:30. Started with the chalk carving. Then everybody went to do their 1-on-1 interviews which lasted for about 1 hour. After that, we took turns with the 3-on-1 interview. This lasted about 15-25 minutes depending on how many questions you had. Each of them asks one or two questions and then they turn it to you to ask questions. It felt a little intimidating because there are three of them just staring you down, but of course Dr. Weir tries to make it fun and relaxing.
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The interview process in Baton Rouge was really short compared to if it had been in New Orleans. It started at 9, Dr Weir came to get the 4 of us and we went to the chalk carving room. There he went over school info, the committee members interviewing us on the one on one and then about the chalk. Chalk carving lasted 35 min. You have a about a 5 min break and then the one on ones start. They are very relaxing and you end up talking more than doing the questions. Then for the 3 on 1, whoever got out of their 1 on 1 first gets to do the 3 on 1 first and so on. I was last but I only had to wait about an hour, so it was about 1 when I left the interview.
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Basically, know that the interview is not very stressful, so go in there confident and have fun with it. You will have a chalk carving to start, 1 on 1 interview, and then a 3 on 1 interview to finish. The 1 on 1 is a series of questions which serves almost more as a conversation starter and you converse for about 40 minutes. The 3 on 1 is with the Dean of admissions and two other respected faculty. They will each ask about 1 question to you and only lasts 15 minutes. It was an easy day and was enjoyable to be there.
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I got there around 8 (I think) and waited for everyone in my group to show up. Dr. Weir comes in, we do the chalk carving. No one talked to us about finanical aid- she was out of town that day. That's the one thing that I wish we would have gone into more detail about. Then half of us went on the tour and half went to the 1-on-1. I went on the tour. We got back and then went on our 1-on-1s. The lady who did mine was super nice. My 1-on-1 lasted only about 25 minutes-partly because I already knew the questions and partly because we got along so well. Then I got to go back to the room to wait for everyone else. We ate lunch and talked to current students. Then we had our 3-on-1. I went 3rd and had to wait about 30 minutes. Not bad. The 3-on-1 was the most nerve racking just because you don't know what they are going to ask. It lasted about 10 minutes and then I was free to go.
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Make sure you ask questions and seem interested throughout the process. You are constantly being evaluated except when the students come in for lunch- they're really only there to eat ( most of them anyway). The one-on-one interview carres a lot of weight so have an idea what you are going to say. Be yourself, Dr. Wier and his staff can def smell B.S.
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The interview was not bad at all. I think everyone who is going should definitely pratice a lot of chalk carving. You will find it extremely helpful during the actual carving. Be humble at all times. I was also asked what are some of the specializing fields there are for dentistry? Hehe you can find those answers on the LSUSD site. So prepare to ask questions during the tour, during the interviews, and during lunch with the current students. After all, the experience was pretty nice for me. So good luck you guys.
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I arrived a few minutes early (8:15 am) and waited at the couches in front of the admissions office. This gave me a chance to meet the other 7 candidates and allowed me time to relax. Everyone is a little nervous at first, naturally. However, it quickly dissipates. At 8:30, Dr. Weir strolls in with a big smile and is pretty cheery for the morning. First, he takes all of you to a medium sized room with a table for 8 and gives a 20 minute introduction to what you will be doing that day, and then someone discusses professional student loan information. Then, you dive right into the chalk carving. Hopefully, you have practiced and can do it fast, because you take much more time when you are nervous. You have 35 minutes - I used 34.5 minutes. Dr. Weir periodically pops in the room to check on you and remind you how much time is left (although you have a big clock). Everyone is give a sheet to collect chalk, a pencil, ruler, chalk, knife (sharpened), a previous chalk carve to compare yours to (rated 8 or better). That's the hardest part of the interview. Then, you write your name on the bottom and they are collected. Next, 4 of you will go with a random faculty member for your personality profile. It's a 1 on 1 interview using pre-selected, structured questions that may seem wierd. They are to see if you are being honest and how you think on your feet. Most of them are below. Also, you may be asked about anything in your application. So defend your grade(s), but be honest. If you messed up, you messed up. Just let them know you learned from it, and took school more seriously after that, or whatever the case. Meanwhile, the other 4 candidates are on a tour of the school. It's fun, but you're thinking about your previous interview or your next interview to really enjoy the tour.
Then, you all are given lunch back in the room. The room is sort of your base. They serve yummy fried shrimp, roast beef, and ham po-boys with chips and soft drinks. Also, great cookies. If you're a vegetarian, it's chips and cookies for you. The lunch is about an hour, but what's neat is that the faculty and staff are not present. A freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior dental student come in and talk to you about the school, and this is a good chance to ask questions that you may have been to nervous to ask Dr. Weir about. The dental students like to joke around with the potential fresh meat, so don't believe all their jokes. For example, they told us "if you get a t-shirt and are told 'good luck', then that's a bad sign." However, Dr. Weir hands everyone a t-shirt and says good luck at the end of the day. But they know you know they're joking, it's all good fun. Some other students may sneak in and steal food, but there is sooo much, no one can possibly go hungry.
After lunch, the 2 groups switch. The group that had the tour, does their 1 on 1 personality profile, while the other group goes on the tour. Then everyone meets back in the room. Finally, you are taken one at a time into a room for your 3 on 1 interview with the admission committee. I think this is the most important part of the interview, but it's still a relaxed setting (despite that you are on a low couch and the "big 3" are high above). If you are last of the group, you will be waiting an hour or two (Just think of some definite points you want to make). They will ask you 3-6 questions that really just get you to talk and tell them more about yourself. I think they are pretty much decided on your chances of getting in, so if you don't feel too confident, be adamant about why you want to be a dentist . But mostly, relax and be yourself. That's the best advice. They know you are smart, so let them know that dentistry is important to you and you have no hesitations about it. Tell them how much you enjoyed working for, or observing, your dentist. You have a good shot if you have an interview anyway. Good luck.
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Interview wasn't stressful at all. Don't be nervous. Just be yourself. The school begins interview in mid november, so if you get an interview in nov, or dec you'll most likely to get in. I had 4 interviews beside LSU and I got accepted to 3 schools including LSU. And, I decided to go to LSU cuz this was my first choice.. GOOD LUCK!!
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It went well. At first everyone is very nervous. The chalk carving was first and that is the most nerve racking part. After that the interviews weren't bad at all. Just be yourself.
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Well, this interview experience is pretty dated (five years ago). But judging from the previous interviewees' recent experiences it hasn't changed much. Dr. Weir is still the king of admissions and his word has the most weight. You impress him, you impress the committee, bottom-line. However, don't BS anybody...they are well-versed in being able to weed out the truly interested vs. the "I just want to be a doctor" applicant.
Chalk-carving is important, but even if you break the chalk or just get a 6/10, that's really a minor component. Some people didn't who interviewed and got in never touched a 7-buffalo knife or a triple-sized chalk in their life before that day. Be sure you are able to get your message across as to your sincerity and passion for dentistry...that will carry you further than any perfect chalk carving.
The personal profile interview where they ask you pre-determined questions (that they ask of everyone) isn't a test of how fast you can answer a question...rather they want to see how you think on your feet. These questions aren't your everyday interview questions, and they do allow you to answer the question at a later time after you have some time to think it over. This isn't Final Jeopardy!
The three-on-one interview is just you, Dr. Weir and two other admissions committee people in his office. It's really not intimidating...be prepared to defend grades if you think you need to, but always be honest. Hey, if you F'ed up, you F'ed up; say so, let them know it won't happen again (and give them an example) and move on.
If you are fortunate enough to get an interview, seize the moment. This is your opportunity to shine. They feel you are qualified academically to handle dental school...now you've got to show them you are a quality person that they want in their program and in the profession.
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Overall I was pleased with the experience. I suggest you go into the interview aware of any weaknesses in your application and be able to express how you will improve on them.
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Format:
Start with brief introductory from Dean of Admissions
Next is chalk-carving test---no rubbing, wetting, etc. must use blade of provided knife to make defined object.
30-60 minutes one-on-one interview with a faculty member who will also ask you predefined personality questions. The test is riddled with ethics questions and questions specifically designed to tell if you are answering honestly or telling them what you think they want to hear so go with honest answers (example: "Do you ever get angry?" everyone gets angry at some time or another, to give a completely negative answer is to fail in their measurement of giving honest answers). Four people do the interviews at a time while the alternative four are given a tour of the facility.
Next you get to have lunch with some of the current students at the university. You are free to ask them any questions, no faculty are present. In my opinion, the interview begins the instant you walk through the door, assume everything you say and do will impact their impression of you so be conservatively out-going even with the student population.
Last, one by one each applicant is interviewed by a panel of three faculty members. Some say one is positive to you, one is negative to you, and one is neutral. In my experience all three were neutral more or less. You will be asked things like, "how do you think you did on your chalk carving?"---again sincere answers are most valuable for your impression. The applicant that sees no flaws in his work is probably not the perfectionist oriented individual they are probably looking for. You will be hit with questions about any weakness in your application like your lowest score(s) on the DAT, GPA, etc. How well you maintain your composure under stressful situations/questions is as important as your answer itself---keep your cool and give as positive a reply as is possible and truthful.
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LSU was my 1st choice.It was a whole day of interview/touring the school.They just want to get to know you better, and not necessarily grill you about your credentials. I was accepted a week after interview.Prepare for chalk carving because it was a short time.I was very nervous even though this was my second time.Personality profile interview took 1 hour,and it was all about you and dentistry.
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I had a great interview. I was very nervous going into the interview, but it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. Be prepared to carve some chalk.