In preparing for interviews, i've come across this question several times. My thoughts are that (a) I'm way too humble to answer this question (seriously, its really hard for me to directly talk about myself like this) - does anyone else have this problem? (b) isn't that the job of the adcoms to figure out?
What do you all think about this question? Have you been asked this?
I was also raised in a culture where you're taught to leave it to others to sing your praise and also christian principles that forbid you from boasting or bragging.
When the question came up during my first interview,
I essentially BS'ed my way thru it.
I got home mad
at myself but determined to have an answer ready the next time. I eventually convinced myself that stating what I have done or accomplished in a humble, non-pompous way was neither boasting nor trashing the good values I've been taught all my life.
When the same question came up again at my second interview
, I simply drew inspiration from the activities on my AMCAS application and told the interviewer that if accepted, I will be bringing several things to the table including leadership (I'm the vice-president of a student organization), good teamwork mentality (currently, I work in the hospital alongside doctors, nurses and other caregivers), a different and unique perspective (born and raised in a foreign country) and plenty of dedication and hardwork (I work full time and also go to school full-time)
I have a lot of trouble talking about myself explicitly and "selling" myself...How can I get over this?
Try doing what I did: convincing yourself that talking about yourself or your accomplishments in a humble, non-arrogant way is NOT boasting. It is the TRUTH. Then practice saying it before a mirror.
It's not the job of the ADCOMS to figure this out. All they know about your are your grades and activities. It's up to you to expand on your good qualities. And who else can do it better than you? Good luckie icky
