Thumped in an attempt to gain an admission? (7)

I believe the answer is:

knocked

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'thumped' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for knocked that I've seen before include "Rapped, on the door perhaps" , "Hit or put someone down" , "Tapped or criticized" , "Delivered a sharp blow" , "was not at all appreciative" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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