How to Answer: How do you plan to cope with the immense workload and expectations of attending dental school?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Loma Linda University Dental School interview.
1. How do you plan to cope with the immense workload and expectations of attending dental school?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Attending dental school is a highly involved commitment, and the interviewers want to see evidence that you are ready to handle the expectations ahead. Not only will you be starting dental school, but there is a chance you will be relocating to a new city to attend university. You may also have financial stressors on your mind as you enter this new commitment. Discuss in detail how you plan to remain emotionally grounded as you enter this challenging (yet, rewarding!) time in your life.
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 24th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewers want to gain insight into your time-management, analytical thinking, and stress-management skills. They do not want to accept students who do not have a plan to work with the immense workload and expectations and may quit partway through school. Assure the interviewers that you have a solid plan in place.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I have formed a three-pronged plan to tackle the stressors that may come up for me during dental school. These three approaches will address my academic stress, the emotional strain of adjusting to my new surroundings as I relocate, and the financial strain I will experience due to paying for dental school. For academic stress, I plan to create a study schedule that I will stick to closely. I will join study groups to help me gain a broader perspective from others, and I have made arrangements for a part-time tutor if needed. For the strain that will result from uprooting myself, I have planned to join a couple of university clubs to get to know other students and make new friends, avoiding feelings of loneliness. I also plan to Facetime my family every week to prevent myself from feeling homesick. The financial expectations of becoming a dentist are a reality that I have come to terms with. I have created a solid financial plan to pay back my loans, and I enlisted a financial advisor to help me create a student budget that I will adhere to closely. I feel well-prepared to cope with and address the immense workload and other expectations ahead of me as a dental school student."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"I plan to utilize time-management software to plan my school and study time, which was effective while attending graduate school. I also want to join study groups with fellow classmates and hire a tutor if needed for a particular subject. I received a financial gift from my grandparents to attend dental school, so I will not have the additional stressors of finances to worry about. I am mentally prepared for the expectations that will be required and ready to tackle a heavy workload."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
As for the mental aspect, I plan to have weekly gatherings with friends and members of the local Muslim community and the Masjid I attend to accompany me during my hikes, luckily the community is very supportive and likes to keep positive vibes. Moreover, I’ve arranged to get together with my family at the end of each week. Family is very important to me, so I believe spending that time with them will allow me to stay grounded and help boost my spirits."
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