contributing to school

[sdnstud]

I hate when schools ask how I can contribute to the schools. I understand this is a standard question and that the schools have every right to know what I bring to the table. But still, what kind of things can I say without sounding too cocky...too boring? Of course I say I am a proactive student who is committed to student organizations...I have a strong research background and I intend to continue to do research at your school....I am active in the community...blah blah blah. I mean..what else can I say? sorry..thanks for listening

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[pratik7]

Im not really sure what schools are looking for. But how about how you would try to promote a cooperative and non competitive environment within the class and someday I would love to comeback to the school and teach; since teching is something i enjoy

 

[liverotcod]

I think it's just an opportunity to tick off the strongest points of your application. This is one of those questions you can and should practice for.

 

[ellia08]

Yup. Same thoughts here. The real question is can you tell what you've done without sounding like a pretentious gunner.

 

[liverotcod]

Yup. Same thoughts here. The real question is can you tell what you've done without sounding like a pretentious gunner.

True, and here are some examples of how to succeed in this:

"I have a strong record of academic achievement as evidenced by my undergraduate grades, MCAT performance, and published research," rather than "I have a 3.8 grade point average and a 35 MCAT."

"My leadership experience as captain of the swim team will come in handy in the small-group PBL environment I heard about in the curriculum talk earlier," rather than "I was captain of the swim team for two years."

Etc.