how to answer question "tell me about yourself"

[predent16]

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Hello. im having trouble answering the "tell me about yourself" type of question. should i stay simple and simply list facts about my life? i've applied to dental schools, and it seems like it is pointless to be redundant and answer this question by repeating "how dentistry is important to me, how i wanted to be a dentist, etc etc"

 

[Predoctalk]

Hello. im having trouble answering the "tell me about yourself" type of question. should i stay simple and simply list facts about my life? i've applied to dental schools, and it seems like it is pointless to be redundant and answer this question by repeating "how dentistry is important to me, how i wanted to be a dentist, etc etc"

Literally tell them about yourself. How would you describe yourself to someone you have just met for the first time? It's daunting because there are so many different directions you can go. Don't talk about dentistry but keep it relevant. Talk about where you grew up, went to school, what you are interested in, your family, etc.. Don't be mechanical, make it a conversation. If you can do this, not only will they get to know you, but you will be able to branch out as it will lead your interviewer to ask other questions than are listed on his/her standard question list.

 

[anschutz1913]

talk for about 2 minutes. explain your roots, your interests, etc. Develop this into 3 main themes about your personality, and funnel those into why you chose dentistry.

ie; i grew up playing sports-->played sports in college-->im competitive, strive for the best, good team player-->im goal oriented and thus look forward to obtaining my DDS

 

[predent16]

thank you very much!

 

[subdoc]

Think like you just met someone in a bar. You have about 30 seconds to one minute to tell your story before they lose interest...GO! Prioritize your story. Be honest. Honesty = best policy. People never think their story is really interesting since they lived it, but as an example, explian how every network carries highly-rated reality television. A well-told, prioritized, and confident story which does not ramble will suit you just fine!

Best of luck on your interview! Practice on your walks to class, in the mirror in the AM, or in your car.

BTW...in telling about yourself, you shouldn't mention ANYTHING about applying to or not applying to other schools. Does applying to school REALLY tell your life story? They want to know about YOURSELF, not your application status. Ultimately, although you may wish to expand on questions to relate to your passion, in the end you STILL HAVE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

 

[sugarsting]

i just tell them my personal statement in more detail...essentially the story of who i am as a person and why i want to be a dentist