University admission interview: 'Tell me about yourself'

So, I'm prepping for college interviews and the 'tell me about yourself' question is stressing me out. What are interviewers really looking for when they ask this? Should I focus on academics, or is it more about who I am as a person?

This question is the perfect opportunity for you to introduce yourself beyond what's written in your application. Remember that your interviewer is not just interested in your academic achievements, but also in learning about the person behind those achievements.

Start with brief personal details that provide a context about who you are. This could include your name, where you're from, what school you go to, and what your interests are both in and out of school.

Next, pick a few elements from your life that you think define you and align with your values. You could speak about specific experiences or commitments that shaped those values. Remember to choose experiences that represent different facets of your personality. For instance, if leadership is a defining aspect of your character, a story about how you led a club to do meaningful community work would be suitable.

Do mention academics, but this is your chance to show the interviewer who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Talk about your passions and how you go about pursuing them. What makes you who you are? What drives you, and how does that reflect in your day-to-day life?

Finally, connect this self-description to the college you are applying to. This could involve mentioning how your values align with the school's mission or how the opportunities offered at the college jibe with your interests and aspirations.

Ultimately, the goal of this question is to get a sense of your character, maturity, and fit with the institution. The college wants to see if you would be a good addition to their community, so try to keep your answer balanced between personal and academic elements.