"Last year, 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. 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."

Not all feedback you will receive as a medical student will be delivered in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner. Think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Describe how you were able to take the criticism and learn from it. Talk about how you successfully implemented change.

"Receiving criticism can be challenging. For instance, during high school my piano performance was often criticized by peers and music teachers. Students did not care for my favorite music genre and teachers critiqued my technical abilities. At the time I assumed that people did not like to hear me play the piano and I stopped for a brief period of time. However, I recognized that criticism generates opportunity for growth. Criticism is often not a personal attack. Therefore, I broadened my repertoire and worked with my professors to become a more technical pianist."