Interviewer: “So, tell me about yourself!”
You: “Ummm…well…”
Has this happened to you? Have you been asked the hardest question known to man? For some reason, answering this simple question sometimes proves to be the most difficult. How exactly can you sum up everything about yourself in one teeny tiny answer?
Before you head to campuses to scope out potential colleges and go on interviews (don’t forget to brush up on our blog post: 4 Great Questions for your College Tour Guide) be sure to come up with what we like to call your 30 Second Story. Whether you are a musician, actress or visual artist – you are ultimately your own business. You are the CEO of your own brand – so you better be able to describe it!
A 30 Second Story is a chance to reveal a bit about yourself and your passions in a concise and compelling manner. Here are some keys points you should be sure to hit:
How you discovered your passion
When did you know you wanted to be a ballet dancer? How long have you been playing the flute? Give some insight into your background of your chosen major.
Example: “Well, I grew up in Ohio and started acting when I was 3…”
Pivotal Moment
Did you know you were meant to be on stage for the rest of your life after you were cast as Anne Frank last summer? Did you attend a concert that completely changed your life? Let us know why you are confident that this is the right career path for you.
Example: “Each year I go to a summer performing arts camp and it was last year when I was cast as Juliet that…”
You as a human, not an artist
Yes, it’s important you are passionate about your art. However, interesting humans make interesting musicians/artists/designers! Be sure to talk about something other than your art form. This can be an excellent chance to make you stand out from the crowd and have them remember you. Do you make the best apple pie in the world? Do you have a love for everything Star Wars? This is the stuff that makes you, YOU!
Example: “I have 6 siblings. It’s never a dull moment in our house!”
Once you have put together your 30 Second Story and timed it, be sure to practice in front of a friend or your parents. This shouldn’t be memorized like how you memorize a monologue – you don’t want to sound like a robot. Be comfortable with your three bullet points and be able to speak on them freely without sounding like you are reading from a teleprompter.
This is something you can come up with while sitting at the pool this summer that will ultimately help you big time throughout the college admission process.
So, grab some sunscreen and get to work on your 30 Second Story!
