A strong self-introduction will assist new acquaintances in learning essential details about who you are engagingly and memorably. And delivering a powerful self-introduction can leave a lasting positive impression.

There are various questions to consider and practice answering as you prepare for your college interview. “Tell me about yourself” is a common question by college admissions offices. Understanding how to frame your response to this question can help you provide a satisfying answer that reveals more about you than your resume. This article will discuss why college admissions offices ask you about yourself, offer advice on preparing a response to this question, and provide some sample responses.

We define a self-introduction for students in this article and provide tips and examples to help you write your effective self-introduction.

What Exactly is a Self-introduction?

A self-introduction tells others who you are, what you do, and what they should know about you. You should make a self-introduction when you meet someone new and needs a third party to introduce you.

College admissions offices frequently request information about you to understand better your qualities and how you might fit in with the school’s community. Your response teaches them about you and how you spend your free time. This is typically the first interview question asked by a college admissions office as a transition from small talk to the actual interview. Your response can help set the tone for the remainder of your interview.

Self-introduction for Students Sample

Example 1

Good day, Sir/Madame.

My name is Amartya Sen, and I was born and raised in Kolkata. Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself. I graduated from South Point School with 77% in 10th and 82% in 12th grade. I am currently studying English Honours at Jadavpur University.

My greatest strength is my willingness to face challenges without considering whether I will succeed or fail. I always make an effort to move forward in a balanced manner. My parents inspire me because they always complete every task with a smile.

Currently, I am looking for a platform that will allow me to advance my career and grow alongside the organization’s success. That’s all there is to it. Thank you once more for providing me with such a fantastic opportunity.

Example No. 2

Good day, Sir/Ma’am.

My name is Amartya Sen, and I am pleased to introduce myself. I was born in Ludhiana and spent my childhood in Kolkata. I graduated from North Point School and am now pursuing a B.tech at IIT Bangalore.

Throughout my studies, I had considered becoming an engineer. My focus is always on taking on new challenges and putting in all my efforts and knowledge to deal with them effectively. As a final-year B.Tech student, I am looking for an opportunity to take on challenges in an organization and help it climb the success ladder. Thank you for giving me this chance to introduce myself.

Example 3

Pooja Verma is my name. I am originally from Lucknow. I graduated from St. John’s School of Commerce with a class 12 diploma. I am currently pursuing a BBA at XYZ college. I enjoyed singing and dancing in school and thus actively participated in all co-curricular activities. I am excited to learn new things at this college for the next three years and contribute whenever needed.

Example 4

Hello to everyone. My name is Rohan Saud, and I’m from Pune. I finished my schooling in Mumbai and my B.com degree at XYZ college in Maharashtra. I’ve had an interest in business since I was a child. So, to develop managerial skills for business management, I enrolled in an MBA program. I am fortunate to be able to attend ABC college. Although I do not participate in many extracurricular activities, my hobby is photography, and I am also a member of my college’s photography club.

Example 5

Hello and good morning,

My name is Shalini Verma, and I was born and raised in New Delhi. I recently relocated to Pune to study mass communication at XYZ college. I graduated from Delhi Public School with a diploma in commerce. I received an 82% in class 10 and an 88% in class 12. I’ve been interested in mass communication since high school and have always wanted to work in this field. Aside from my studies, I enjoyed basketball and was a member of my school’s basketball team. I speak Hindi, English, and Marathi fluently.

Example 6

“I grew up in a small town two hours outside Philadelphia and have always wanted to live in a city. My family and I visited Philadelphia regularly, frequently visiting the Liberty Bell and the History Museum. I enjoy learning about history and plan to become a history professor to share my enthusiasm with others. Because I am an excellent public speaker, I would do well as a history teacher.

I tutor middle school students at my local community center in addition to learning about historical events. I also play goalie for my high school’s field hockey team, which led to an undefeated season. Chance University appeals to me because it has an excellent tutoring program that will allow me to gain experience teaching others while attending college. I also look forward to experiencing city life and visiting historical sites.”

Example 7

“Because my parents are missionaries, I moved a lot as a kid, both nationally and internationally. I spent most of my childhood in Germany, where I loved the country’s beautiful architecture. That’s when I realized I wanted to work in the architecture field. I believe that living in different places will help me appreciate different architectural styles, and I am excited to put my attention to detail to use for something meaningful.

I am a senior at Lockwood High School. I’m a member of my school’s Model UN club and the president of our poetry club. I’m looking forward to participating in some of Goodwin College’s many clubs while studying architecture. I’m excited to learn more about how to design beautiful structures.”

Example 8

“I’m from Chicago and have lived there my entire life. Going to school in a new city excites me because it means more places to visit. I recently decided to go to college and become a quantum physicist because I enjoy physics and am curious about how the universe works. My father attended Stratford University, so I’m also interested in attending. I’m eager to learn more about your quantum physics program.

I’m currently involved with my church’s youth group. I joined them on a mission to the Dominican Republic this summer, where we helped build wells for village communities. On weekends, I also babysit and walk dogs for my neighbors. As the school year closes, I’m eager to continue learning in a field that interests me.”

Example 9

“I was born in Texas but recently relocated to Connecticut to be closer to my grandparents after my mother was deployed. As a child, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field and help others. When my grandfather needed physical therapy for a broken hip this year, I realized this was a career I’d like to pursue.

I am currently a varsity soccer player for my high school. I also assisted in the formation of a book club at my lunch table, where we read science fiction books during our lunch break and discussed the possibility of such events occurring today. I’m excited to attend your school because I saw it was ranked as one of the top ten physical therapy colleges online. I also can’t wait to assist others in recovering from surgery, just as physical therapists did for my grandfather.”

How to Write an Introduction About Yourself for College

Whether you intend to deliver your self-introduction orally or in writing, preparing a sample of what you want to say is beneficial. Preparing and practicing a verbal introduction will help you remember the key points and avoid forgetting any important details. Making a written self-introduction will provide you with a template to which you can refer.

1. Investigate the college or university

Do some research on the college or university you’re interviewing with before preparing your answer to the tell me about yourself question. Determine how your personality and interests will fit in at the school. One method is to look into the clubs they provide, such as a study abroad program.

2. Begin with your hometown

Consider beginning your response by telling us about your hometown and where you’re from. You can then provide a summary of your background. Relate it to the present tense by describing how your past experiences led to your current interests. For example, as a teenager, you may have discovered a passion for marine biology because you enjoy fish and excel in science.

3. Consider your interests

Tell the college admissions officers about your interests. Outside of school, this could include extracurricular activities or hobbies. Try to connect your interests to your significant and college experience. For example, if you’re studying culinary arts, tell about how you bake pies for a local nonprofit to raise funds.

4. Discuss your long-term objectives

Tell the college admissions office about your plans in your response. You can tell them about your intended major or area of study here. Explain why you want to attend their college as well. Mention, for example, that they have one of the best medical school programs.

5. Choose a few personality traits and abilities

Share your top three personality traits or talents that make you unique to help college admissions better understand who you are. Consider what distinguishes you from other students when brainstorming. For example, you could assist your family on their alpaca farm or have been playing the trombone since you were ten years old. Try to relate it to the field of study you want to pursue. Someone interested in computer science may boast about their problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

6. Summarize your professional experience

Begin your self-introduction by stating your name, job title, or experience. When introducing yourself to a prospective employer or business contact while unemployed, emphasize your educational background and skills.

As an example:

My name is Maria Sanchez, and I recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in marketing.

I’m Avery Jackson, and I’m looking for an entry-level administrative assistant position where I can use my time management, communication, and organizational skills.

Tina Murphy here, and I’m the marketing manager at Johnson Advertising.

7. Explain your experience and accomplishments

The following sentence goes into greater detail about your experience, skills, or accomplishments. You can tailor this introduction section to highlight details relevant to the person you’re speaking with. In a job interview, for example, discuss skills and accomplishments you know the employer is looking for. When networking, bring up details that will help your conversation partner remember you.

As an example:

I’ve been an editor at the Toronto Star for over three years, and I’m thrilled to meet another editor like you!

As a sous chef at Golden Thai Restaurant, I created the menu that earned us a Michelin star.

I’ve been a copywriter for eight years, and my knowledge of SEO has helped me prepare for the presentation I’m about to give.

8. End with a transition to the next section of the conversation

Make use of your self-introduction to transition into the next section of the conversation. This section of your introduction may vary depending on the nature of the conversation. If you’re giving a presentation, for example, end your introduction by summarizing what you intend to discuss. In an interview, explain why your skills, education, and achievements qualify you for the position. End your introduction to a new colleague or client with a prompt for them to introduce themselves or follow another call to action.

As an example:

I would be a good fit for the elementary school teacher position at Driftwood Elementary because I am passionate about learning and have been a teacher for over five years.

I’m here today to show you how to use our new customer relationship management software to help us streamline our operations.

Please tell me about yourself! What do you do for a living?

Tips for making an Outstanding Self-introduction for Students

Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you prepare your self-introduction.

Keep it brief

Avoid sharing your entire life story when preparing your answer to “Tell me about yourself,” Instead, choose critical points to help keep your response brief. To keep your audience’s attention, keep your self-introduction to a few sentences. Be brief and only include pertinent information.

Provide additional information in addition to your resume

Consider including information other than your resumes, such as extracurricular activities or hobbies.

Be prepared for variations in wording

The “Tell me about yourself” question in college admissions may be replaced with “Why do you want to apply to our college?” or “What is your proudest achievement?” You can respond similarly to these questions.

Request that your friends describe you

Consider asking your friends or family members what traits they would use to describe you when trying to come up with your top qualities.

Practice several times

Practice your interview responses several times, just as you did with your submission essay, to refine your answer and feel more prepared for the interview.

Maintain a casual and friendly tone

Speaking about yourself in a casual and friendly manner can help your audience feel more at ease and engaged. It also increases the likelihood that they will remember you after the conversation has ended.

Include your personal information

Include personal details in your introduction when appropriate to help your audience get to know you better. It could be as simple as, “I like hiking on weekends.” Personal information also allows your audience to connect with you.

Prepare ahead of time

Writing your self-introduction and practicing it aloud beforehand is an excellent way to boost your confidence. It is optional to memorize your introduction verbatim. Instead, keep in mind the main points you want to cover.

Be aware of your body language

Always be mindful of your body language when making an in-person introduction. To express your confidence and engagement in the conversation, stand up straight, maintain eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.

Express your gratitude

If appropriate, try to express your gratitude in your self-introduction. For example, you could thank the audience for attending your presentation or the interviewer for the opportunity. Use your discretion to determine the best time to express your gratitude.

Bottom Line

As the saying goes, the first impression is the last, so student self-introduction is critical to making a lasting impression. An effective self-introduction, whether in a college or school setting or an interview, ensures a substantial impact on the listener. You can effectively communicate all aspects of yourself. This blog also includes some self-introduction samples you can use to create your self-introduction. Prepare an effective self-introduction and present yourself with confidence.