What achievement are you most proud of so far on your path to dental school?
The dental school you are interviewing with ideally wants to bring high achievers into their program. When they ask about your proudest achievement, they'll be trying to gauge your ability to be driven in pursuit of your dreams and goals to ensure that you will be a hard-working individual during your time with their program.
"I consider being a four-year student-athlete and graduating with a 3.8 GPA in four years my greatest achievement. My competitiveness has always been driven by my love of sports. Playing baseball at the collegiate level on scholarship was a dream of mine as a young boy. Over the last four years, I've learned the importance of time management, dedication, and teamwork which I think will all be valuable skills as I enter dental school."
Perhaps you have maintained an exceptional GPA or excelled in school while working a part-time job. Maybe you finished at the top of your class and received a special award for your achievements. Another great angle would be to discuss any hurdles or roadblocks you had to overcome on your way to a successful undergraduate program, leading to this interview. Speak with passion and confidence as you talk about what you feel has been your greatest achievement.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Despite many challenges, such as homelessness and having to pay my way through school, I completed my bachelor's and completed my master's.
Rachelle's Feedback
Overcoming these challenges shows a lot of strength and grit. Try sharing with the interviewer some detail on how you applied yourself to reach your goals despite significant obstacles.
Anonymous Answer
As a 26-year-old Tajik woman, I had to overcome many difficult cultural obstacles, and I am very proud that I have been able to do so. Although very supportive, my family members have always taught me to prioritize familial and community duties. Altruistic actions were not only welcomed but expected. Moving to New York gave me a new perspective that demonstrated that most of the time, to help others, one must first help himself. I began understanding that prioritizing my desires and needs was not wrong or egoistic. I am proud that I came to learn to help and support my family and community while remaining loyal to my goals and ambitions.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! This response shows that you're capable, hardworking, selfless, and ambitious. Consider talking in more depth about some of the 'difficult cultural obstacles' you've faced using a positive tone (not complaining). The interviewer will be happy to hear that you are both community-minded and also motivated to accomplish your own goals. Excellent!
Anonymous Answer
The achievement that I am most proud of so far is completing my bachelor's degree with the second highest honors within five years of living in the U.S., bypassing ESL courses, and assisting my family and relatives when they struggled to adapt to living in a foreign country. From my journey, I learned to manage my time, adapt to new environments, stay strong during difficult times, and most importantly, I develop empathy for other people's situations and the desire to give out help.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! This is a tremendous achievement. Don't forget to give lots of details about all the obstacles you had to overcome and the exact steps you took to achieve this goal. Nice job!
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