The interview question bank

Tell me about yourself, why this school, strengths, weaknesses and plans.

• About youBeginner·Traditional one-on-one, Panel · Most programs

  Tell me about yourself.

  Communication · Self-awareness

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Keep it to about 90 seconds and use present, past, future: who you are now, what shaped you, where you are headed.
  2. 2Pick two or three experiences that show different strengths, such as care, curiosity and leadership, instead of reciting your resume in order.
  3. 3Add one human detail (where you grew up, a family role, a serious hobby) so you are memorable.
  4. 4Land on why this path and this program, which hands the interviewer an easy next question.

  What makes it work

  • It is a guided tour, not a biography, so it stays short.
  • Each experience is a hook the interviewer can ask about.

  Avoid

  • Reading your application back to them.
  • Going past two minutes.

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• About youIntermediate·Traditional one-on-one, Panel · Most programs

  We have 5,000 applicants for 150 seats. Why should we pick you?

  Self-awareness · Communication

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Choose two or three strengths and back each one with a single piece of evidence.
  2. 2Connect them to what this school values: its mission, community, research or service.
  3. 3Say what you would add to the class: a perspective, a skill, a commitment others may not bring.
  4. 4Finish confidently and briefly. Don't compare yourself with other applicants.

  What makes it work

  • Evidence keeps confidence from sounding like arrogance.
  • Framing it as fit with the school answers the real question.

  Avoid

  • A list of adjectives with nothing behind them.
  • Putting other applicants down.

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