How to answer 'Tell me about yourself' in a university interview?

I'm prepping for university interviews and always get stuck on the 'Tell me about yourself' question. What's the best way to structure my answer to leave a strong impression?

When you're asked to "Tell me about yourself" in a university interview, this is an opportunity to give a brief overview of who you are, showcasing your strengths and conveying your interest in the university. Here's a possible four-part structure to help guide your response:

1. Academics: Start off by discussing your academic interests and achievements. This gives the interviewer a sense of your academic background and your commitment to your studies. For example, "I am majoring in Physics in high school and have maintained a 3.8 GPA. I've loved exploring advanced Physics topics and even presented a project at a local science fair."

2. Extracurriculars: Focus on a couple of your most impactful extracurricular activities. Describe the role you play and highlight any achievements, illustrating your commitment and dedication. For instance, "Apart from my academic pursuits, I also serve as the Vice President of the school's Science Club, have been instrumental in organizing various science fairs and have won recognition at state-level debate competitions."

3. Personal qualities: Share personal attributes that will contribute to the campus community. Make sure these qualities are relevant to the university or program you are applying for and try to connect them to your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. You might say, "I believe my leadership capabilities, commitment to community service, and passion for scientific exploration set me apart."

4. Connection to the university: End by highlighting why you're interested in the university, how you would fit in, and what you hope to contribute. Be specific and try to tie this back to your academics, extracurriculars, or personal qualities. An example could be, "I am excited about bringing these aspects of my personality and experiences to XYZ University. I am particularly drawn to it because of the strong Physics program, the active Science Club, and the school's commitment to service. I hope to leverage these opportunities to further develop as a leader and contribute to the university community."

Remember to keep your answer concise and compelling, around 1-2 minutes total. Tailor your answer to each different university, because each will value different things in their culture and programs. Practice your response out loud to get comfortable presenting it. Good luck with your interviews!