“Tell me about yourself” is probably the first question you will encounter when appearing for an interview. Though the question sounds simple, it is not the easiest to answer. People can often give answers to different questions, but find it difficult to express about themselves in the best possible words.
High school students have to face this question too. Whether they are giving a job interview or an interview for college admissions. Answering this question in the right way to portray your best self is important to create a great first impression.
In this article, we are going to share a few sample answers for high school students so they can prepare themselves to answer this question confidently. We will also share a few tips to help you draft your perfect answer, which you can give when someone asks you to tell about yourself.
But first, let’s understand why this question is so important for the interviewers.
Why do Interviewers Ask this Question?
When an interviewer asks you to tell them something about yourself, they don’t want to hear something like- “Hi I am Roby. I love to play soccer. And I have a dog named Oscar.”
The first thing they evaluate is how well you know yourself and how confidently and comfortably you can give your answer. If it is a job interview, the interviewer probably wants to know your unique selling points, achievements, and traits that might help you in the job.
So, your answer must be relevant to the job you are applying for and also for the interviewer to consider you as the right candidate for the profile.
Similarly, if you have been asked this question in a college admission interview, the interviewer probably wants to know why you wish to attend college, your academic interests, extracurricular activities you are involved in, your past academic achievements, and how driven you are to do your best in college.
Molding your answer to suit the purpose of the interview is a good idea. It will help you showcase yourself in the best possible light in front of the interviewer to encourage them to give their decision in your favor.
Sample Answers for High School Students
For College Admissions
After you have cleared your SAT exam, you probably will be facing interviews to get selected for a college. Here are a few sample answers to give you an idea.
Sample 1:
“I am Rebecca Harris, and I am 17 years old. I have grown up in a family that moved around the country because of my father’s occupation. Moving to different cities has taught me how to connect well with people of different cultures. It has also helped me understand the importance of international relations. Therefore, I would like to take up political science in college.
Currently, I’m in my junior year at Creek View High School. As I am the oldest child, I have a sense of responsibility toward my family. I love providing community service at the local animal shelter and would love to contribute my time to the animal shelter near campus.
In the near future, I would like to focus on finishing my final year at high school and later build a career where I can use my knowledge of political science. I believe studying at this university will give me the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality.”
Sample 2:
“I am Dylan Williams. I’m the youngest child of my parents, and I have two older siblings. Playing the piano has been my childhood passion. I spend most of my free time playing the instrument. I also love to read about scientific breakthroughs on the internet.
After working as a camp counselor for a few summers, I realized that I actually love it. I like sports, and I love to spend time with other kids. That made me think – “What if I become a PE teacher one day?” And that’s the reason why I want to major in Education. Studying at this college will prepare me for my future, and that’s why I want to be a part of it.”
Sample 3:
“Let me begin by introducing myself. I am Robert Miller, and I live in a small town in Texas. As I have always lived in a small town, I want to explore city life as well. Studying at your college will give me this opportunity to expand my horizon.
I am interested in taking English as a major as I love reading and writing. I have written a couple of articles for my school newspaper, and I tutor Spanish students in my free time.
I have heard great things about your amazing study programs and I look forward to being selected for your college.”
Sample 4:
“I am (name), and I love spending time in small towns with interesting history, culture, and art. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to become an artist. As much as I value art, I also value education, and that’s why I decided to attend college.
I have heard that your program is great for those who want to build a career in graphic design. By choosing this program, I will be able to keep my creative side alive and will also be able to have a secure career in life.”
For Job Interview
It’s not uncommon for high school students to take part-time or weekend jobs to support themselves financially and understand how things work in the corporate world. A job interview is not the same as a college admission interview. Hence, you must give your answer accordingly.
Given below are a few samples to help you out –
Sample 1:
“Sure! I am Christi Jones, and I am a student at Alpharetta High School. I have been working with my school’s planning committee for quite some time and have experience organizing fundraisers for my school. This has made me comfortable with public speaking, working as a team, and using resources efficiently for the event. It has also instilled leadership skills in me. That’s why I believe I’m a good candidate to help you at your event management company.”
Sample 2:
“I am Frank Johnson, and I am currently in my sophomore year of high school. I have strong interpersonal skills, which can be clearly confirmed by my long list of friends. I have always been good at academics and wish to go to college in the future. Although I don’t have prior professional experience, I believe I’m a quick learner and will do my best to get in tune with the job as an associate at your grocery store.”
Sample 3:
“Hello, I’m Rachel and I’ve been living here in Roswell for the past 5 years. I’m a high school graduate with a GPA of 3.5. I’m really excited about my first job. I usually pass through this area and have always hoped to work here. As I love spending time with people and assisting them when they need help, I think I will be a good fit to work as a teller in your bank.”
For the First Day in Class
High school students also face the “Tell me about yourself” question on the first day at high school when the teacher asks each student to say something about themselves to the class. In addition, you will also have to answer this question on your first day in college.
Look at the samples below to help you prepare your answer for the first day in class.
Sample 1:
“Hi everybody, my name is Kristina Miller, but you all can call me Kristi. I was previously a student of Cumming Middle School and have now joined you all for high school. I love playing basketball and spending time with my furry friends at a local animal shelter. I look forward to getting to know everyone and having a great school year ahead.”
Sample 2:
” Hi, I am James Brown. I am from Athens, Georgia. I have one sibling who is three years younger than me. As I love to write and stay up-to-date with current events, I have taken up journalism as my major. I love hiking and would love to partner with someone with similar interest to go on hikes on weekends. Through this course, I hope to prepare myself for a career in journalism. I am looking forward to a great year with you all. Thank you!”
Sample 3:
“Hey everyone! I am (name). I have selected Business as my major as I have always been eager about starting my own business someday. I graduated high school from (school’s name). In college, I hope to improve my knowledge of the subject and have a good time with all of you. Thank you!”
Tips to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
- Frame your answer in a structured way.
- Keep it brief yet impactful.
- Practice your answer in front of a mirror or a friend.
- Form your answer to suit your audience.
- Include relevant details about your past, present, and future.
- Don’t forget to mention your achievements and skills.
- Speak confidently.
Final Words
“Tell me about yourself” is a very relevant question through which interviewers try to find out things about you that you have not mentioned in your resume. Therefore, you must grab this opportunity to highlight your uniqueness and capabilities. Showcase your character and personality to help the interviewer understand you better. Use this time to share how high school has prepared you for life and how motivated you’re to take the next step in your life.
So, prepare yourself, be confident and present your best self to crack that interview!
Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.
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