Hey everyone, it's been brought up that the previous versions of this thread are quite old and outdated, so here's a new one to keep the tradition going. I've kept many of the questions the same, but edited some to be easier to answer/more relevant. Please keep this thread on topic, and move discussions about a school into a new thread or into a PM -- keep this thread a reference thread!
Link to first (2007) thread
Link to second (2011) thread
Copy and paste, and then answer the questions below 🙂 Thanks!
Name of Your Dental School
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Your Year (Are you taking NBDE Part 1/2 or the INBDE?)
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What is your examination schedule like? Block Schedule (midterms and finals week) or several every week?
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What is the hardest class? Why?
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What is the easiest class? Why?
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Are class notes based primarily on textbooks? Or based on lecture powerpoints made up by professors?
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Are traditional (paper) textbooks used or are they electronic? If electronic, do you prefer traditional textbooks?
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What is the grading system? Pass/Fail/Honors? Letter Grades? Percentages?
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Are your classmates generally gunners and try to sabotage each other? If not, is the culture one where everybody tries to help everybody out?
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Is there a notetaking service for lecture available?
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Is class attendance mandatory?
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In general, are teachers approachable for questions? Or are they for the most part very busy and unreachable (research, etc...)?
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What is the drop out rate?
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Are there any resources to help students who are struggling, academically or otherwise?
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What is the % first time board pass rate? What is the average score (if available)?
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When do you take the NDBE Part 1? ** changing with the integrated boards **
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Does the school offer classes/review sessions to prepare for Part 1?
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Do you get a block of time off before boards to study? If so, how long? If not, do you have to study simultaneously with classes?
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How and where do most students study for classes?
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Are patients readily available to fulfill clinical requirements or do you have to do a lot of work to get them in? Do you find/schedule them on your own?
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What are the clinical requirements to graduate? (number of crowns, fillings, etc...) Is it reasonably attainable or pretty difficult? Or is it competency based?
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What is the best and the worst thing about clinic at your school?
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What types of opportunities do students have to explore different specialties?
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What are rotations like? Do you have community outreach programs?
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What is the dress code at your school? Scrubs? For what years?
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Is there much camaraderie between students in the same class? Do students generally associate with each other outside of school?
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What student organizations are most active?
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What are your opinions on the location of the dental school? Is finding housing an issue? Is safety an issue?
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What is one thing you would change about your school?
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Any last words or advice?
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