Where are you joining us from?

Warmth, and whether you can make a stranger curious about you in a few seconds. It's also a gentle read on how far you traveled and whether you have any real tie to the region.

How to structure your answer

1Name the place plainly
2One specific, human detail about it
3Hand the conversation back

Say where you are clearly, and if you're on video, where that actually is
Give one detail with a little personality in it — a street, a job, the view out the window
If the honest answer is your childhood bedroom, say so lightly; it's human
Turn it back with a question of your own

A strong answer

What lands

In person: I flew in from Tallahassee, Florida last night. I really enjoy living there, but I miss my sister, who lives here in New York City. If I attended this school, I could live with her, which would be wonderful.

Virtual: I’m joining from Ardmore, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes west of Philadelphia. I love spending time in Philadelphia, and I’m excited about the possibility of attending dental school in a new city and getting to explore it.

Names the place, then gives a reason to care about it — a sister here, or a city worth exploring.

A weak answer

What most people say

I'm joining from Phoenix. I've been here for about three years now, since I started my post-bacc. It's been good. It's a lot hotter than where I grew up, but I've gotten used to it.

Correct, polite, and finished; there is nothing for the interviewer to pick up.

The trap

⚠Answering the literal question and stopping. 'Phoenix.' is accurate, and it leaves the interviewer to restart the conversation alone — the first sign you won't carry your half of a chairside chat.

Reading it isn't the same as saying it.

Most people can explain a good answer and still fall apart saying one out loud. Admitted asks you all 100 questions in a faculty voice, records you, and scores your pace and filler words.

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