Admitted

Why should we pick you over an applicant with the same GPA and DAT score?

Confidence without arrogance. Deliberately pointed to see if you get flustered.

How to structure your answer

  1. 1Accept the premise calmly
  2. 2Name what the numbers don't capture
  3. 3Prove it
  4. 4Tie to their class

A strong answer

What lands
Due to my work experience. I spent four years teaching high school chemistry, which means explaining one hard idea nine different ways in a single period until it lands for the last kid. I had a student, Dev, who failed the first two units and passed the state exam in May. That's what I'd bring to a partner in preclinic who can't get a prep right, and to a patient who's scared and isn't saying so.

Names a strength the numbers can't show, proves it with one student, and brings it back to the chair.

A weak answer

What most people say
That's a fair question. I'd say I'm a really hard worker and I'm genuinely passionate about dentistry. I don't know anything about the other applicant's story, so I don't think I can really compare the two of us. But I know how badly I want this, and I don't believe anyone in your class would work harder than I would.

Deflects, then asserts effort — the two things every other applicant also claims.

The trap

⚠Disparaging the hypothetical other applicant, or deflecting entirely with 'I can't speak to anyone else.' They asked you to advocate for yourself. Do it.

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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