"Tell me about yourself"

[Tini]

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what do adcoms want to hear when they say, "Tell me about yourself" What should I focus on? I am assuming they dont want my whole life story!

 

[peerless218]

what do adcoms want to hear when they say, "Tell me about yourself" What should I focus on? I am assuming they dont want my whole life story!

Well just focus on what YOU think are the key points that will capture their attentions. Def why dentistry and some of your leadership positions you have held. Well I wouldn't say DEFINITELY but that's what I would've mentioned in mine.

 

[bigstix808]

this is your time to let the modest gates down and show them that you're a bad ass. you can tell them all the things you've DONE in your life (sports, jobs, EC's, etc)...but only do this to accent the things you ARE! you prob wont get but 3 sentences out before you start talking about something else anyway. GL

 

[DrTootle]

they want your whole life story

 

[lphiewok]

they want your whole life story

I have seen some of your replies and they are mostly not too funny jokes or just bad sarcasm.



to help OP who is truly wondering about the interview question, I would say try to stay with something that will make you stand out and also show your character.

It is a very common question that gets asked at many interviews so it's very important to practice this question.

I usually start with my background (where i went for undergrad and major, and why I chose my major) and I start mentioning little bit about how I got into dentistry and ECs and leadership positions I had.
I also try to go into some things that they probably want explanations of (bad first semester grade and etc.)

I usually try to see their reaction and if it looks like they are losing interests, i try to change the subject or try to cut it short.

Just practice and try to see what are somethings that will make you stand out from other applicants in a positive way.

best luck

 

[Ryltar]

I also try to go into some things that they probably want explanations of (bad first semester grade and etc.)

I would advise against bringing up your shortcomings unless the interviewers ask about them.

 

[bigstix808]

I would advise against bringing up your shortcomings unless the interviewers ask about them.

oh soo true!

 

[lphiewok]

I would advise against bringing up your shortcomings unless the interviewers ask about them.

yeah, I try not to talk about much negative things but I do understand that I have 'red-flags' on my file and sometimes it does not get asked b/c interviewers are simply asking off the list of 'set' questions. this is my second year applying and i feel that last year i didn't really get to explain my weak-points during interviews (b/c i was just asked same general questions) and when i talked to the dean after not getting in, he told me that they didn't feel confident about some of grades I have made (im a bio major with C's in many bio classes, which probably requires some explanataions).

but starting this year, I decided that I would bring it up (in a way that i talk about it from negative to positive way) b/c it shows my character of perseverance and determination, and also i have gotten lot of comments like "thanks for being honest" or "we really like someone like you, who have overcome some difficulties and became mature and etc."

I think it all depends, but i would rather risk exposing my weak side (b/c it's very obvious for me on my file) so i rather have a explanation written by an interviewer on the notes than to leave the subject untouched and leave them with their own conclusion about my poor performance in the past

 

[Ryltar]

To the OP, If you have a trend that needs explaining, yes I suppose. For a single bad grade, or scores on the DAT, don't bring them up unless the interviewer asks for an explanation.

 

[The Anhedonia]

question for you all: once they say " so tell me about yourself", how do you start talking? i mean, once you get going, it's not so hard, but i think the manner in which you begin to describe yourself is important.

i feel like i'd be Ryan from The Office where stanley introduces him to his 3 clients on his first sales call, and all he says is "Hi, Hi, Hi" 🙂

 

[Ryltar]

I start by telling them where I'm from, then I jump to high school (I did the International Baccalaureate program, which I consider a pretty big achievement).

 

[jeant1988]

question for you all: once they say " so tell me about yourself", how do you start talking? i mean, once you get going, it's not so hard, but i think the manner in which you begin to describe yourself is important.

i feel like i'd be Ryan from The Office where stanley introduces him to his 3 clients on his first sales call, and all he says is "Hi, Hi, Hi" 🙂

LMAO!!! i love the office and i feel the same why, although a lot more pathetic!!! lol well i guess that if the committee likes the office we will get brownie points!!! 😀

 

[jeant1988]

Look, i've done many interviews for leadership positions i held during my undergrad. i was an orientation leader and a resident advisor. I have also interviewed many people for the same roles, and i have also sat down in committees that interview people applying for several Director positions for many offices on campus. When that question gets asked (tell me about your self?) it gives the committee a great opportunity to see what the applicant really considers relevant and important about themselves. They are not looking for a long story about your background or positions you have held!!!! they have your application in front of them!!! do not forget that. If they wanted you to tell them your history and academic record, they will have you read your own application out loud. Do you really think that grades define who you are? NO!. Instead focus on the things they cannot read from your application. SPEAK ABOUT YOUR PASSION AND REASONS OF WHY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO. If you are there for an interview they want to know who you are as a person, how has your road to be were you are today affected you thus far. I like to bring up how surprised i am to see the change i have made since i began pursuing a career in dentistry. How i feel confident of my self through the challenges i have endured (but don't waste much time giving a list of what challenges u had), and therefore there is nothing that will stop me from becoming a dentist; regardless of the challenges ahead, i will surpass them and achieve what i started. talk about your family, your friends. They want to know that you are human as well. If you can get them to relate to you, they will like you that much more. no one wants to hear 300 people sob about their lives or give excuses either, so don't be one of them!!!! wow, i think i wrote to much. sorry, but i hope it helps 🙂

 

[Tini]

Look, i've done many interviews for leadership positions i held during my undergrad. i was an orientation leader and a resident advisor. I have also interviewed many people for the same roles, and i have also sat down in committees that interview people applying for several Director positions for many offices on campus. When that question gets asked (tell me about your self?) it gives the committee a great opportunity to see what the applicant really considers relevant and important about themselves. They are not looking for a long story about your background or positions you have held!!!! they have your application in front of them!!! do not forget that. If they wanted you to tell them your history and academic record, they will have you read your own application out loud. Do you really think that grades define who you are? NO!. Instead focus on the things they cannot read from your application. SPEAK ABOUT YOUR PASSION AND REASONS OF WHY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO. If you are there for an interview they want to know who you are as a person, how has your road to be were you are today affected you thus far. I like to bring up how surprised i am to see the change i have made since i began pursuing a career in dentistry. How i feel confident of my self through the challenges i have endured (but don't waste much time giving a list of what challenges u had), and therefore there is nothing that will stop me from becoming a dentist; regardless of the challenges ahead, i will surpass them and achieve what i started. talk about your family, your friends. They want to know that you are human as well. If you can get them to relate to you, they will like you that much more. no one wants to hear 300 people sob about their lives or give excuses either, so don't be one of them!!!! wow, i think i wrote to much. sorry, but i hope it helps 🙂

exactly what I was looking for...thanks!!!

 

[Ryltar]

Look, i've done many interviews for leadership positions i held during my undergrad. i was an orientation leader and a resident advisor. I have also interviewed many people for the same roles, and i have also sat down in committees that interview people applying for several Director positions for many offices on campus. When that question gets asked (tell me about your self?) it gives the committee a great opportunity to see what the applicant really considers relevant and important about themselves. They are not looking for a long story about your background or positions you have held!!!! they have your application in front of them!!! do not forget that. If they wanted you to tell them your history and academic record, they will have you read your own application out loud. Do you really think that grades define who you are? NO!. Instead focus on the things they cannot read from your application. SPEAK ABOUT YOUR PASSION AND REASONS OF WHY YOU DO THE THINGS YOU DO. If you are there for an interview they want to know who you are as a person, how has your road to be were you are today affected you thus far. I like to bring up how surprised i am to see the change i have made since i began pursuing a career in dentistry. How i feel confident of my self through the challenges i have endured (but don't waste much time giving a list of what challenges u had), and therefore there is nothing that will stop me from becoming a dentist; regardless of the challenges ahead, i will surpass them and achieve what i started. talk about your family, your friends. They want to know that you are human as well. If you can get them to relate to you, they will like you that much more. no one wants to hear 300 people sob about their lives or give excuses either, so don't be one of them!!!! wow, i think i wrote to much. sorry, but i hope it helps 🙂

I agree. This is an opportunity to advertise yourself and attempt to relate to the interviewers interests.

 

[pie1990]

I agree. This is an opportunity to advertise yourself and attempt to relate to the interviewers interests.

How do you relate to the interviewers when you do not know them. What do you focus on?
Thanks 🙂