How To Prepare for a College Interview
Making a Positive Impression at the Admissions Office
Nov 18, 2008
As intimidating as the idea of sitting down with the person or people who will be reviewing a candidate's application may seem, admissions officers know that the students they interview are probably very nervous. Despite that, it is still vital to be well-prepared for the meeting.
Basic Etiquette for the Interview
Rule Number One: It is extremely important to give the admissions counselor a firm handshake and look him in the eye, and, of course, to smile. The old saying that people "never get a second chance to make a first impression" is absolutely true in this case.
Other important basics to keep in mind:
- Sitting up straight, not chewing gum or fidgeting, and speaking clearly. All obvious things to remember to do (or not to do), but it can be surprising how many students forget these basic concepts.
- Dressing well: Ripped jeans and an old t-shirt are inappropriate. Jeans should be avoided altogether, as should tight and/or revealing clothing. When in doubt, it's best to go for something dressier.
- Listening to what the interviewer is saying. Spacing out is not an option; it's important to stay focused!
What to Review and Prepare Beforehand
Making a list of extracurricular activities, academic honors, athletics, and any other accomplishments is helpful; the admissions counselor will likely ask about at least one of those aspects of a student's background.
Talking to the high school guidance counselor can also be helpful; counselors have helped dozens, hundreds, even thousands of students through the college application process, so they may have some additional interview preparation advice.
A way to ease nerves is to conduct a mock interview by having a family member or friend act as the admissions counselor, asking questions and, later, giving feedback on the student's answers and what sort of impression those answers created.
Possible Interview Questions
As an additional preparation source, here are a few questions the admissions counselor may ask on an interview. With most questions, it is imperative to have examples of experiences to support answers:
- "Tell me about yourself."
- "What classes are you taking this year?"
- "What do you like to do when you're not in school?"
- "What sorts of leadership activities have you participated in?"
- "How do you think your family & friends would describe you?"
And, most importantly...
- "Why are you interested in (name of school)?" and...
- "Do you have any questions?"
By knowing what to expect in the interview, students can create a positive first impression that the admissions counselor conducting the interview will almost certainly note in the application file.
