How to answer the 'Tell me about yourself' question in college interviews?

I know the 'Tell me about yourself' question is a common one in college interviews, but I'm not sure how to summarize myself effectively. What's the best way to approach this question so I can make a good impression?

Ah, the infamous "Tell me about yourself" question! It's an open-ended prompt, which can be intimidating, but it also gives you a valuable opportunity to share more about who you are beyond what's on your application.

Fortunately, you're in luck because CollegeVine actually has an entire blog post dedicated to providing a comprehensive answer to this question: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-to-say-in-a-college-interview-responding-to-tell-me-about-yourself/. I'll also provide a quick overview of some effective strategies here.

First and foremost, remember that you're looking to tell a story. What you say must be true, but also interesting, and connected to why you're applying to that school.

To prepare for this question, think about three to four aspects of yourself that you feel are most relevant to your college aspirations. Tie these aspects to your extracurricular activities, past experiences, and future goals. For example, if you're interested in majoring in biology, you may want to talk about a topic you especially enjoyed studying in AP Biology, your excitement in participating in the school's science fair, and your career aspirations related to the field.

You don't have to detail every single part of your life. Instead, hone in on select experiences that you feel provide a clear snapshot of who you are as a student and as a person. This is a great time to mention any significant extracurriculars, Tier 1 and Tier 2 activities are especially good to highlight.

Maintain a concise and thoughtful response. Prepare, but don't sound too rehearsed. Aim for a response that feels conversational and engaging.

Avoid rehashing your resume or listing off accomplishments. They know these already from your application. This is more about who you are as a person and how these experiences have shaped you.

Above all, be authentic. This is your first impression, so ensure you express your genuine interests and passions. Good luck!