'Tell me about yourself' university interview answers?

Are there specific examples or frameworks for crafting a 'tell me about yourself' response for a university interview? If you've done this, what worked for you? I'm not sure how personal I should get or how I should organize my answer.

For the "tell me about yourself" question in a university interview, it can be beneficial to structure your response by following a certain framework. This framework typically includes a brief overview of your academic experiences, interests, significant extracurricular activities, and goals for the future. Given that this is in a university interview context, you should direct the "tell me about yourself" towards why you are interested in attending this particular school and its programs.

Start by setting the context – this could be where you're currently at in your academic journey and/or your area of academic interest. Keep it brief and to the point, and tell your interviewer about your main areas of academic curiosity.

For example, you could say: "I'm a senior at XYZ High School, and I've had a strong interest in the biological sciences ever since I took my first biology class in the 10th grade."

Next, part two of your response should delve into your passions or key accomplishments. This is where your high-impact extracurriculars come in. Discuss a couple of experiences that highlight your dedication, leadership, or other qualities that would set you apart in a college environment.

For instance, you might say: "In fact, my love of biology propelled me to start a Science Club at my school, where we conduct fun experiments and take part in science quiz competitions. Also, in my junior year, I did a summer internship at an aquatic research facility where I contributed to a team whose work was published in a scientific journal. Both experiences improved my communication and teamwork skills."

Lastly, conclude by drawing a connection between your past experiences and your future goals—the reason why you're interested in this particular school.

For example: "Looking forward, I'm interested in pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences, and I'm particularly drawn to your university because of the emphasis on hands-on research starting in the first year. I've found that I learn best by doing, and I think your university would offer me the perfect environment in which to do so."

Remember, while this is your narrative, you want to avoid getting too personal or straying away from your academic and extracurricular experiences. The goal is to showcase yourself academically, socially, and personally to the interviewer in a concise and coherent manner.