How to answer "Tell me about yourself" question?

[CenteredDoc]

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OK, when the interviewer asks you that question, should you tell a little about your biography? or should you tell them about your characteristics?

 

[byeh2004]

I think its really open ended.... I say a little about both...

 

[NehsNairb]

i usually give a very brief biography that isn't mentioned in amcas app but most of my answer focuses on my interest in medicine and activities that have reaffirmed my decision to become a doctor. i dont talk about my characteristics cause that seems like something a person who knows me would have a more accurate assessment(like my recommendation writers). i considered talking about interests outside of medicine and academics but that would have made my answer way too longwinded. interviewers usually ask a followup question based on something you mention in your answer so don't feel like you have say everything about yourself all at once.

 

[thegenius]

It shouldn't be difficult to answer that question...say something about your life, and remember to say something that they will remember.

I would refrain from saying

"I was born and raised in Virginia, and early on I knew I wanted to go into medicine. When I was a teenager I started to understand, through project X and Y, that medicine was the career for me. I went to undergrad at Z, graduate with a.bc, had some wonder EC's in college."

Nothing really interesting about that.

 

[bootz]

Definitely try to tie in everything you say to your interests in medicine.

 

[Telemachus]

Make grandiose statements. I recommend visiting this website:
http://www.4q.cc/chuck/index.php?topthirty
and substitute "I" for "Chuck Norris." (automatic acceptance)

 

[thegenius]

Oh man, those are awesome I've read them all some time ago.

"Chuck Norris is sueing NBC becuase he has trademarked Law and Order for his left and right leg."

I would admit any medical student if they replaced the name with "I".

 

[thegenius]

The problem with that website is it continually fails to connect to the database...especially when you are rating all of the new factoids.