Dressing for a College Admissions Interview
Wardrobe Do's and Don'ts for Meeting with University Counselors
May 20, 2009
An admissions interview is an intimidating event: Some schools may place more value on it than others, but ultimately the first impression you give admissions counselors may stick with them throughout the application process. If you are well prepared, that's great, but it's also important to look like you are serious about being there.
Why Does Appearance Matter at an Admissions Interview?
If you look like you just woke up, threw on any old clothes, and did not put much thought into your appearance, it shows. Not dressing neatly can create the impression that you don't really care about the school. Why? The admissions interviewer may think you could care less about the impression you want to give the people reviewing your application. And for all you know, the person interviewing you may be the primary reader for your application file.
What Sort of Outfit Should You Wear to the Interview?
Someone dressed appropriately appears more conscientious and serious about the college search. This doesn't mean girls should wear a dress or boys should wear a suit and tie. Dressing well for an admissions interview means dressing neatly and tastefully. Business casual (khakis and a polo shirt, for example) is appropriate. Even nice jeans and a sweater are fine. Err on the more conservative side when in doubt about an outfit.
Wardrobe Don'ts for the Admissions Interview
Below are a few obvious and maybe not-so-obvious wardrobe disasters for the interview:
- No ripped jeans
- No tight or revealing clothes (meaning no tank tops, halters, very low-cut shirts, or miniskirts)
- No flip-flops (nice sandals are okay if the weather is warm)
- No overly baggy or low-cut jeans or trousers (an admissions counselor does not want to see your boxer shorts or thong underwear)
Last-Minute Things to Do When Getting Ready for the Admissions Interview
Make sure you look put-together! When taking one last glance in the mirror before the interview starts, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Make sure your clothing isn't wrinkled or stained
- Make sure you don't have anything in your teeth, your makeup isn't smudged, your hair looks the way you wanted it to look, etc
Knowing you don't have the remnants of your lunch stuck in your teeth is one way to feel more confident about your appearance in the interview.
Additional Advice About How to Present Yourself at an Admissions Interview
Wardrobe is not the only appearance-related consideration you should have when getting ready for an interview. Keep the following in mind about accessories and personal items:
- Don't chew gum
- Don't wear cologne, perfume, or strongly scented lotions or body sprays
- Don't wear heavy makeup
- Avoid overly flashy jewelry
- Turn off your cell phone and iPod and keep both out of sight
- Put sunglasses away rather than on top of your head
- If you have obvious piercings (other than ears) or tattoos and you're not sure about what impression they are going to give a counselor, take them out or cover them up.
Basically, when it comes to choosing an admissions interview outfit, the simpler, the better. If you know someone who has interviewed at a particular school, ask him or her for advice on what specifically to wear. And when in doubt, go for the nicer outfit and don't worry about being overdressed. Keep all of this advice in mind for looking presentable at an admissions interview, and it can help you in making a good first impression on admissions officers.
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