“Tell me about yourself” Medical School Interview Tips And Answers

Strategy and Examples

While some may think that this is an easy question, there is a lot of strategy that goes into answering it, especially considering the fact that you often won’t have enough time or words (if it is a secondary application) to provide all the details. Many take this question as an opportunity to recite their resume or explain why they chose to apply to a specific program, but this question is about answering who you are as a person and the value you bring to the program. Additionally, this question typically allows an individual to focus on a blend of their commitment to the profession, their knowledge of healthcare and its issues, as well as a focus on their background. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that this is a fantastic chance to bring up a side of yourself that cannot be seen through your primary or secondary applications! In terms of structure, typically it is a good idea to break your answer into 4 categories. Below are the categories as well with an example of each step:

Step 1: Background

• First and foremost it is a good idea to focus on things that make you unique! For example, you can choose to focus on your hobbies, family life, school experiences, etc.

Step 2: Going Over Work/Activities

• Step 2 of your answer to this question would focus on your important/significant experiences, which could be from work, volunteering, or other passions/hobbies that taught you something crucial. During this step, it is very important to remember that the interviewers already have a background on what you did, but this step is about focusing on how it makes you unique. After all this question is about you!

Step 3: Connection to Medicine

• In a way, this is the meat and potatoes of your answer to this question. In this part, you want to connect your experiences (whether professional, academic, or personal) to medicine, and how these experiences will shape you as a future physician. For example, in one of your experiences, did you learn the value of effective communication which will help you have difficult discussions with future patients? Did you have an experience that inspired you to pursue a specific medical specialty (primary care, surgery, etc.)?

Step 4: Wrapping Up

• In this final step, your goal is to nicely wrap up your answer, showing the interviewers that you are committed, excited, and a great fit for the medical program at their school!

Example Answer for ‘Tell me about yourself’

I’m originally from Toronto. Despite living most of my life in this urban environment, I’m actually a big outdoors person. I love hiking, snowboarding, and scuba diving, and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the world outside of Ontario and Canada. 

I found that my knowledge of multiple languages has allowed me to develop even stronger connections with individuals during my travel experiences in their home language. I find this thrilling as I love connecting with people and this is a great way for me to increase cultural sensitivity.

In addition to my love for traveling, I am also an athlete. I have been training in competitive judo for more than 15 years, achieving recognition at the Canadian National Championships and earning a bronze medal. My love for judo extends beyond competition and into coaching. At the age of 16, I was one of the youngest athletes to complete my National Coaching Certification in judo. As a coach, I began connecting with my female students, many of whom shared their experiences of abuse with me. To address this and promote the inclusion of women in judo, I started a series of specialized training sessions for women who were victims of IPV and interested in learning martial arts and self-defense. These teaching experiences have shaped my character and reinforced my commitment to serving others. I look forward to bringing my passion for wellness to my peers in medical school.

While I am an athlete committed to healthy living and an avid traveler, I am also a woman passionate about STEM and contributing to research and knowledge. To this end, I am completing my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston. 

I am somebody who knew early on that I wanted to study medicine. For the past 7 years, I have volunteered with various underserved populations including children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, seniors suffering from cognitive decline, and individuals suffering from schizophrenia. 

These experiences evolved my interest in learning more about neuroscience, so I delved into this type of clinical research during my undergraduate studies.

My experiences were very important to me, as they allowed me to integrate my interest in research, interpersonal interactions, and making a positive impact on others’ lives.

Pursuing medicine is something that I have become increasingly passionate about over the years, which is what brings me here today.