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“OMG OMG, I’m invited for a dental school interview!” Well done!
Medical and dental schools look for the best students to admit. Hence, interviews are often the entry benchmark to see if the candidates have
- Came prepared with basic knowledge
- The willpower to cope with stressful situations
- Good values and character
- Relevant experiences in the field, if any
“But wait, what do I do next? What do I need to bring on my big day?” We hear you, but first
1. B.R.E.A.T.H.E
It is A-Okay to be anxious and excited when you receive the email. But don’t let the butterflies in your stomach overwhelm your preparation. A 5-minute breathing exercise relaxes the muscles and clears your mind. It takes the tension from your body, even if it is just a little. Now, breathe in and out.
2. Prepare Early!
After calming yourself, you can prepare for your dental or medical school interview.
Start fuelling yourself with proper rest and meals. Leading up to the big day, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep and eat a balanced meal.
Then, note the venue, time, date, and required documents (if any). Put them in a clear folder that contains:
- The interview details
- Resume or CV
- Certificates of achievements
- Pen and notepad
Interview Tip:
For you procrastinators, pack the night before to avoid rushing and stumbling on your big day. If need be, prepare a checklist.
3. Research And Prepare For Interview Questions
Sun Tzu says “Knowing is half the battle”. Therefore, we will spend some time on the interview questions!
Look into commonly asked questions and prepare your responses. If you are wondering where to start, Google and YouTube! Many students and professionals share their experiences there. They often talk about what they have been asked and common Q&As, such as
- Tell us more about yourself.
- Why did you choose our university?
- Why do you want to be a doctor/ dentist?
- Why do you want to study medicine/ dentistry?
Those aside, you must also look out for the tricky interview questions that may need more brain juice, including
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What would you do if you weren’t a doctor/ dentist?
- If there is a group of elderly people and 2 babies, who will you save and why?
- Tell us what you know about the medical industry.
These questions are asked to learn about your ambitions, personality and values. At the same time, they encourage you to showcase your thought process in solving technical, social or ethical problems.
Explore these links for more sample dental or medical school interview questions!
4. Practise ‘Till You Make It
If you want to calm your nerves and leave a good impression, practice is a must.
Grab a buddy and role-play the interview from start to finish. From the greetings, introduction, Q&A, up to the moment you exit the room to simulate what you will actually go through.
When you are practising, dress the part. Not sure? Stick with office wear.
Next, pay attention to how you conduct yourself. Listen to your tone, watch your posture and be mindful of your presentation.
Get feedback from your friend after the run-through.
Interview Tip:
Share your experiences of any related extracurricular activities you joined in school!
It will give your interviewers something relatable and show that you care about the community.
5. Take Time Off To Chill.
Before we continue, let’s take 5. Go on, pause and do what you need to do.
Rest is key to cognitive and physical performance. When you rest, you help your brain and body to be at its best for your interview. Meaning, you will have enough juice to
- Focus and process information better.
- Manage your emotions and stress.
- Prevent yourself from falling ill.
- Give your best responses.
After all, your brain is also a muscle that needs healing. So, if you want a smooth-er performance, relax and have a break.
6. When In Doubt, Seek Help.
Whether it is your first university admission interview or not
Ask a friend, family member or even someone experienced in the field. Then, learn about their interview and career experience. You can hear what they say about the healthcare industry and build your findings based on their input.
It is a big event in your student life. Hence, an extra helping hand boosts your knowledge and confidence.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Can ask ah? BOLEH! The “Do you have any questions” segment is for you to gain advice and essential information and to show you came prepared.
Among the things you can ask are
- What are you looking for in a student at your school?
- How can I improve my performance?
- What are the next steps of the selection process?
- When will I hear back from you?
- What further information would you recommend I read while awaiting the interview results?
It shows that you are enthusiastic and resourceful. Plus, having their feedback accelerates your planning and improvement. Before we wrap up …
8. Lastly, Enjoy The Process.
You have survived the initial screening so make this next milestone your moment!
Whether it is a medical or dental school interview, you will bring home memorable discoveries and connections. Once again, congratulations and good luck on your interview!
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Course Guides Recommendation
Check out our Guide on the Medicine Course In Malaysia or Dentistry Course In Malaysia.
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