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Comment by cperciva | Hacker News Reader

Tell me about yourself

My answer: I'm not good at dealing with people. When I'm talking about mathematics or computer science, I'll argue with people without giving a moment's thought to who I might antagonize, because at that point I'm dealing with the subject and not with the people. In social contexts, by contrast, I can't avoid the human factor, and I back away from anything which could potentially result in a confrontation. I think holding my ground when I know I'm right is a good thing; but I'm working on being less of a wimp in social situations.

It really doesn't matter what you say here, as long as you say something coherent. The point of the question isn't to find out your opinions of yourself; rather, it's to determine your level of self-awareness. Saying "I have problems X, Y, and Z" shows far more self-awareness and will win you more points than reciting a list of your accomplishments.

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I don't believe this is correct. I'd suggest you stay away from this kind of answer. The last thing you want it someone to reject you because they think you can be argumentative. Never talk about weaknesses, but if you have to, make it as inconsequential as you can -- don't mention how you can be argumentative and not be aware of your surroundings.

Rather, stroke the ego of the person you're talking to. I grew up always knowing I wanted to do <whatever>. In high school I started learning as much as I could from the library and it really started to grow my interest as I read more and more. This school is particularly high on my list because I know you have some of the best professors and a culture that focuses on the students in a way that bigger universities cant.

That is assuming you're going to a small school. I imagine big schools don't have time to interview every single student that wants to apply.

This answer talks about you, your interest in whatever you're going to study, and why you think the school is awesome.

Rather, stroke the ego of the person you're talking to...

Admissions people interview hundreds of students, and they're not idiots. They'll see through this in an instant.

If that was the case ego stroking would never work. It does. It is the easiest way to get persuade people. Everyone deals with hundreds of people per day and ego stroking works on most people (maybe not to the extent that gets you what you want, but it works).

People like to be complimented on their work/skills/whatever. Context for receiving the compliment is irrelevant.

Everyone deals with hundreds of people per day

Well, no -- I don't, for one -- but even leaving that aside, some people are more cynical than others. And the admissions people I know are some of the most cynical I know... probably only second to the scholarship people I know.

Its important to be honest, however you really need to learn how to frame those issues a bit better. Rather than "I'm not good at dealing with people" something like "Sometimes, I can have some communication issues with colleagues" or something like that.

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