“Tell me about yourself” might seem simple, but it’s the medical school interview question that leaves many applicants scratching their heads. It’s often the first thing you’ll be asked, and your answer sets the tone for the rest of your interview. So, how can you confidently tackle this open-ended question without sounding rehearsed or robotic?
Below, the SOS Admissions team breaks down exactly how to handle this common but challenging question.
(Quick note: SOS Admissions provides personalized admissions consulting but isn’t officially affiliated with any medical schools or admissions organizations.)
Why Interviewers Ask You to “Tell Me About Yourself”
When an interviewer asks this, they don’t want you to recite your resume. (They already have it!) They’re looking for insight into your personality, your motivations, and what makes you tick. Think of this as your chance to humanize your application, sharing meaningful bits of your life that aren’t neatly captured on paper.
How Long Should Your Answer Be?
Keep it concise—around 1-2 minutes works best. Longer than that and you might lose your audience’s attention. Shorter, and you may miss the chance to leave a memorable impression.
Step-by-Step Guide to Answering “Tell Me About Yourself”
Step 1: Start with Your Background
Briefly set the scene by mentioning your hometown, family, or something unique about your upbringing:
“I grew up just outside Chicago in a tight-knit community where everyone looked after each other. This taught me early the importance of empathy and teamwork.”
Step 2: Share Meaningful Experiences or Passions
Next, move quickly into a couple of key experiences or passions that helped shape your decision to pursue medicine:
“Volunteering at a local senior home during high school showed me the real impact healthcare providers have, not just medically but emotionally.”
Step 2: Connect Your Experiences to Medicine
Clearly show why medicine makes sense as your career path based on those experiences:
“Seeing how doctors could improve someone’s quality of life inspired me deeply, which made medicine the obvious choice for my future.”
Step 3: Explain Your Interest in This Medical School
Mention specifically why you’re interested in their program or location:
“I’m particularly drawn to your program because of its commitment to community health outreach, which aligns perfectly with my passion for supporting underserved populations.”
Medical School Interview Example Response: “Tell Me About Yourself”
Here’s a concise, engaging sample answer:
“I was raised in Denver, Colorado, in a community where volunteering was a huge part of our lives. Growing up, I volunteered at local nursing homes, and that sparked my first real interest in medicine. Being around healthcare professionals showed me the impact I could make on others’ lives. In college, I pursued biology and became deeply interested in health education. Working at community clinics taught me the importance of good communication and compassion in patient care. These experiences showed me that becoming a doctor wasn’t just a career choice; it aligned perfectly with my values. I’m especially excited about your school because your focus on community health mirrors exactly what drew me to medicine.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t simply repeat your CV. Share something new or personal.
- Avoid overly broad answers. Specifics are always better.
- Keep it brief. Less than two minutes is ideal.
Tips for a Stronger Answer
- Practice, but don’t memorize. Use bullet points to stay natural.
- Include numbers or specifics. This makes your story more vivid.
- End with your motivation. Clearly explain why you’re choosing medicine.
SOS Admissions Can Help You Prepare for Your Interviews
Feeling nervous about this question or medical school interviews in general? SOS Admissions offers personalized interview prep sessions that will help you craft confident, compelling responses.
Schedule your free initial consultation with an SOS Admissions expert today, and let’s get you interview-ready.