Strategies for 'Tell us about yourself' in a university interview

What's a good strategy for answering 'tell us about yourself' during a university interview? Should I start with my academic background and then move to extracurriculars, or vice versa? How detailed should I be?

The 'tell us about yourself' prompt is a golden opportunity to showcase who you are, what you’re passionate about, and how your experiences have shaped you. It gives the interviewer a holistic view of you as a candidate.

Start with summarizing your academic interests since you're applying to an academic institution. Mention your current major (if you've one) or intended area of study. You can highlight a few impactful academic experiences or accomplishments that ignited your interest in that field.

Then, transition into discussing your extracurricular activities. Unlike academics which demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, extracurriculars show your interests outside academics and your ability to balance multiple commitments. Highlight any leadership roles, significant achievements, or unique initiatives. Rather than providing a catalog of everything you've done, focus on a select few that demonstrate qualities like leadership, dedication, or creativity.

Lastly, wrap up by identifying a few memorable experiences, anecdotes, or lessons you’ve learned that give a sense of your personal values or character traits. Sharing a brief personal narrative helps you connect with the interviewer on a deeper level.

Remember, the goal is to present a balanced summary, not cram in every detail of your accomplishments. The interviewer will ask questions if they want more information about something. Always aim for painting a concise, compelling picture of who you are, what motivates you, and what makes you an interesting and valuable candidate for the university.