How to answer 'tell me about yourself' for a university interview?

I'm prepping for upcoming university interviews and I'm unsure how to answer the 'tell me about yourself' question. Any tips on what to include to make a strong impression on the interviewers? Should I focus more on academics or personal interests?

When asked the question "tell me about yourself" in university interviews, here are a few things you could consider:

Start by giving a brief personal introduction. Mention your name, where you're from, and the high school you attend. This not only provides basic information but it also helps to humanize you in the eyes of the interviewer.

Next, talk about your academic interests. Explain why you're drawn to the field(s) of study you're interested in and give examples that show both your passion and your depth of knowledge about the subject. For instance, you might discuss a key theory you've learned that you find interesting, an influential book or author in the field who has shaped your thinking, or an important issue within the field that you are excited to study in college.

After that, transition to your extracurricular activities. Discuss what you're involved with outside of academics, how long you've been doing it, what challenges you've overcome along the way, and big achievements or leadership positions you've held. This would be an excellent time to discuss any Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars, if you have any, as these show impressive achievement and considerable involvement. If you have a “spike,” something that you're highly specialized in, definitely bring that up here.

Finally, consider wWeaving in personal interests or qualities that make you unique. If you have a hobby or interest that isn't directly relevant to your academics, such as photography or martial arts, mention this here. Are you multilingual? An amazing cook? Have you been to an interesting place or had a particularly unique experience? Adding a personal touch like this will make your answer more memorable.

On the whole, aim for a balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal touches. Remember, the goal of the question isn't to list off your resume, but to give the interviewer a sense of who you are as a person while showing them you're a well-qualified candidate for their university.