Guide to College Interviews

As a part of their college application, a prospective college student might be required to attend an interview with some colleges. The student may find this intimidating and not know why they need to interview nor where to begin to prepare for it.

What is the College Interview?

● Colleges and universities that require or have an optional interview use it primarily to learn more about the prospective student, and additionally for the student to learn about the college. Interviews can have positive effect on the student’s admission, and rarely a negative one, so the student can relax and be themselves!

● Interviews are typically with an admissions staff member, but it may be with a student or alumnus. Also, plan to have the interview alone one-on-one.

It is very important to come to college interview prepared and demonstrate that the student has done their research. Here are a few key ways to prepare for the interview:

● Research - the student should try to read as much as possible about the college they are applying to such as its’ history, programs they’re interested in, extracurricular activities available, student-to-faculty ratio, cultural life, etc. The effort the student puts into learning as much as possible about the college could be a deciding factor of how well the interview goes, thus leading to a favorable admissions decision.

● Practice Common Questions - the student should prepare and practice answers to common interview questions well in advance. Example questions:

○ Tell me about yourself.

○ Why are you interested in our program/school?

○ Why do you want to major in [blank]?

○ What will you contribute to our community?

○ Tell me about a challenge you overcame.

○ What do you like to do for fun?

● Identify Key Skills - when a student knows their skills, they can begin to collect evidence that they are a good fit to the college and demonstrate that to their interviewer. The more evidence of skill they possess, the more confidence they will have presenting.

● Know Self-Accomplishments - additionally, the student should practice how to promoting themselves and their successes without sounding like they’re bragging. They should arm themselves with interview responses that will deliver their facts in an entertaining way. The questions below may be used to think of life experiences and how to answer them:

○ What: What happened/what was the problem that needed to be solved?

○ How: How did the student handle the situation from beginning to end?

○ Proof: What proof is there that the effort paid off?

What to Wear to the College Interview

● In most cases, the interviewer will be less formally dressed than the student, who is expected to make a good first impression. When deciding on what to wear to an interview, the student should consider the following options:

○ Men: khaki, navy, or black pants; shirt, tie, belt, and NO tennis shoes; blazer or sweater are optional

○ Women: knee-length dress or skirt; dress pants are fine with a dressy collared blouse; simple jewelry

Tools for Confidence

● Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes prior

● A confident smile

● A firm handshake

● Steady eye-contact

● Answer questions as directly as you can without getting sidetracked

● Take several copies of your resume to your interview

● Remember good posture and body language

Wrapping Up

● A common technique wrap up is for the interviewer to ask, “do you have any questions for us?” Always say yes, and have 3-4 questions prepared before the interview

● Ask what the next step is in the process and when you can expect to hear a decision.

● Thank your interviewer by name.

● Send them a written “Thank You” note within 24 hours of your interview- thank them for their time, reiterate your interest and why you’d be a good fit to the college, and sign with your name.