Talk about a time you thrived in a competitive environment. How did you handle it, and how will you bring this same mindset to dental school?
A question like this will be asked for two distinct reasons. First and foremost, some dental schools are highly competitive to get into because the demand among prospective students is so high. Training can also be highly competitive in the pursuit of achieving accolades down the road. The interviewers want to determine if you function well in a competitive environment.
"Throughout my youth and into my teenage years, I participated in the highly competitive world of figure skating. I learned from a young age that making it to state and national competitions took dedication to the craft and a focused mindset. I also prided myself on my sportsmanship along the way by cheering for my competition and encouraging them. I learned how to handle the wins with grace and the losses with class. These are all lessons that I've brought with me on my journey through college and now into dental school."
Tell the interviewers about a specific time you faced a competitive situation. Be sure to explain how you react in the face of competition. Discuss the actions you took to ensure healthy competition and include details of the stand-out results you generated. The goal of your answer is to show the interviewers that you can rise to a challenge and that you are excited to push yourself to be the best student possible in your time with their program. You should also highlight your desire to maintain healthy competition by cheering others on along the way.
