Columbia University's DDS program is challenging, and you will face academic disappointments. How are you impacted when you encounter a setback or roadblock?

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Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. While attending university, these setbacks can feel even more amplified since your grades can significantly determine your success as a dental professional. Discuss with the Admissions Committee at Columbia University how you typically react to and cope with setbacks.

"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be very disheartening, especially when involving a project that I have put a lot of time and effort into. I understand that setbacks happen to everyone - despite their level of expertise or years of experience. If I experience a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief internally, get some fresh air if possible, or discuss what I could have done differently with a mentor. Then, I move on. Rather than dwell on my mistakes, I choose to learn from them."

Anonymous Answer

"Setbacks happen to the best of us, but I prevent it from stopping forward progress and do my best to bounce back. I use it as a learning opportunity by identifying what went wrong and trying to correct the situation while preparing myself for the future. I am rather self-critical, so if the setback is the result of something I've done wrong, I feel a sense of frustration and disappointment in myself, but I can use this emotion to fuel my drive to right my wrongs and prove that I can do better."

Chad's Feedback

It sounds like you have a healthy approach to emotionally dealing with setbacks and can use the experience as a learning opportunity. Good for you! Self-criticism can be positive when not pursued to perfectionism and contribute to increased self-confidence and motivation for continuous improvement. Consider including a specific example of a time in your life when you bounced back from a setback to further strengthen your response.

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Anonymous Answer

"Emotional setbacks have really taken a toll on my mental health in the past. However, during my years at Creighton, I remember my Dad used to always tell me "Son do the next thing on your desk." This always stuck with me because it reminded me that in times of distress to remain calm, regroup and work on the next thing that needs to be done rather than dwelling on the mishap."

Marcie's Feedback

Awesome! This is great advice, and it's wonderful that you remember it and live by it when times get tough. Can you further strengthen your answer by giving an example of a time when you experienced an emotional setback and discuss how you successfully overcame it?

Anonymous Answer

"I expect to be a little emotional about the setback initially. But, I would work on formulating a plan to target the root causes of this setback. I also journal about my issues and remind myself that I can avoid these issues in the future. I also look for feedback from mentors and figures in my life on my weaknesses and how I could improve on those."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds like you are very open to feedback and other opportunities to grow, which is great! If you have a specific example of a time when you overcame a setback, this question is a good opportunity to provide a brief story.