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Western University School of Dental Medicine Dental School Mock Interview

Question 3 of 40 for our Western University School of Dental Medicine Dental School Mock Interview

Western University School of Dental Medicine was updated by on September 9th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 40

How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

"Last year, I received a low grade on a physics project during my undergraduate program. 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."

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How to Answer: How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Western University School of Dental Medicine Dental School interview.

  • 3. How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      During dental school, your academic and your hands-on work in clinical training will be scrutinized to the highest degree. Your interviewers need to know that you are confident and mature enough to accept feedback and criticism positively as part of the Western University School of Dental Medicine, even when it is unsolicited.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on September 9th, 2022

      How to Answer

      It is essential to understand that not all feedback will be delivered to you as a dental student in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner. To best answer this question, think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was a bit hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Tell the interviewers that you could take the criticism and learn from it while you discuss how you successfully implemented change.

      Written by Ryan Brunner on September 9th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "Last year, I received a low grade on a physics project during my undergraduate program. 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."

      Written by Ryan Brunner on September 9th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I think that feedback and criticism is a necessary way to improve. I know that I am limited by my own knowledge and experience and am biased to assess my work at times. I find others often give me perspective; I would not otherwise have known.

      I received feedback on my swimming technique from my triathlon coach. I was initially hesitant to implement his feedback as it would mean completely changing my current stroke, but his reasoning for changing my stroke made sense to mean and I knew that I had to be willing to change to improve."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      You word this so eloquently - this is terrific. The example you provide is excellent as it allows the interviewer to go on the journey with you.
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