How do you respond to feedback and criticism on your work? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?
During your training at Auburn University's veterinary medicine program, your coursework and clinical work will be under constant scrutiny to help you become the best you can be. Not all feedback you receive from faculty will be delivered in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner. Your interviewers want to see that you are confident and mature enough to accept feedback and criticism positively, even when it is unsolicited.
"During my undergraduate program, I received a low grade on a chemistry project. When I approached my professor about the low grade, he said, 'You can do better. I expected more from you.' I was taken aback at first, but once I had time to absorb what was said, I realized that he expected more from me because he had high expectations of what I could do. It was a compliment and a challenge rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly, and I thanked that professor for holding me to a higher standard."
Think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Tell a story that shows the interviewers how you took the criticism and learned from it. Talk about how you successfully implemented changes in response to the feedback and how you will continue to do so as a student at Auburn University.
