Preparing for College Interviews
The importance of college interviews varies by college or university. Most schools don’t require interviews but offer them to students who are interested either on campus or with local alumni of the school. With the increase in applications at highly selective schools, these alumni interviews are becoming increasingly important for the following reasons:
Willingness to participate shows the school that the student is really interested in attending the school. The interviewer will evaluate the interest level and enthusiasm for the school.
Represents one more opportunity to stand out in the admissions process.
Provides the student the ability to emphasize those parts of his/her personality, values, and beliefs that might now have shown through in the application.
Provides the student the opportunity to show passion for certain activities and talk about how he/she will be contribute to the campus community.
Interviews can move you up or down one position. Strong interview can move you up a step (ex. Waitlist to Admit).
Types of Interviews:
On campus – These usually take place starting the summer before senior year. These need to be scheduled well in advance!
Evaluative Interview – These interviews result in a written report from interviewer. They are either done on campus by admissions, by a current student, or by alumni in your local community. For example, Stanford & Northwestern both use a 5-point scale when evaluating students who have interviewed. Northwestern has recently added a section to the evaluation that focuses on the students enthusiasm for attending Northwestern & knowledge of the school and programs.
Informational interview - These generally don’t result in a report to admissions but sometimes they do so it’s important that you take them just as seriously.
Optional interviews – Helps determine which students are the most interested! If you are really interested in attending, it’s highly recommended to do these.
Preparation\Conduct
Start by making sure that you are very familiar with the school and the programs that if offers that are of interest to you. Research the classes that you will likely be taking in majors that you are considering, the extracurricular activities that you are planning to participate in, etc. Walk in with a good answer to ‘Why are you interested in XYZ school?’.
Be prepared to talked about who you are, your background and goals for at least 30 minutes. If it’s an alumni interview, it’s likely that the interviewer only knows your name and what high school you attend. Practice talking with another adult before the interview if you are uncomfortable talking with adults that you don’t know.
Participating in an on campus interview is highly recommended if you can. It’s important to schedule these early as the schedules fill up fast.
If you can, do an interview with a ‘safety’ school first so you can practice before interviewing at your ‘dream’ school.
Try to be yourself and have a natural conversation. Everyone gets nervous in interviews but remember it’s just a conversation with someone that is truly interested in why you want to go to the school. The more relaxed you are the better you will come across.
Your first impression is important. Greet the interviewer with smile. Dress nicely. Males should wear slacks/khaki’s and a collar shirt. Depending on the situation a blazer may be added. Females should avoid jeans and tennis shoes and not wear a lot of makeup or perfume. All attire should be conservative and well pressed.
Practice good manners in the interview. Show up on time (arrive early). Turn off cell phone before the meeting. No gum or mints. Refer to the interviewer as Ms. or Ms. Use clear mature language.
Prepare a list of questions that you have for the interviewer ahead of time. Most interviewers leave 7 – 10 minutes at the end for your questions.
The first ten minutes of the interview will likely be focused on questions about why you are applying to the school, how you became interested in the school, and what types of activities you are hoping to pursue if admitted. They may also ask about your high school experience so far and what activities you are currently involved in.
Be prepared to talk about how you selected the school and how it meets your academic, social, and extracurricular needs. Be as specific as you can as it related to the school and its programs.
o Be prepared to talk about your academic interests and future goals. What are your academic interests? Be prepared to talk about what you like and don’t like – what subjects you like the best.
o When asked about your extracurricular activities. Answer enthusiastically about your outside passions and how you will pursue them at XYZ school. Be knowledgeable about clubs and activities offered and how you will be involved. Demonstrate your excitement about the activity.
• The middle part of the interview generally includes deeper questions that encourage the student to share opinions, beliefs, and critical thinking.
o In this part of the interview the interviewer is looking to see how the student thinks on his/her feet. They are also looking to see some personality/character traits and ability to think critically.
o The interviewer may also ask about a time where the student experienced failure or disappointment and how they overcame this. Students should be prepared with some examples to share focusing on what they learned or how they changed as a result of the event.
• The final ten minutes is generally used by the interviewer to ‘wrap up’ the interview. They will typically ask the candidate if they have any questions at this point.
o Students should come prepared with a few questions that they are generally interested in. These should be things that the student would not be able to research online.
o If the student genuinely has no questions, they should say ‘I’ve done a lot of research and learned everything I needed on the tour/visit. This interview has been very helpful as well.’
o Student should reiterate their enthusiasm for the school at this point. o Students should thank the interviewer for their time and ask for a business card so they can send a ‘Thank You Note’. If this is your top choice school mentioning that they will attend if admitted is a good idea.
Interview checklist
Student to call/email to schedule appointment.
Get directions, address, phone number.
Plan attire.
Practice with parent or college admissions counselor.
Prepare to share some stories from your high school years.
Arrive at Admissions office, check in, learn interviewers name.
Process interview with friends and family.
Send thank you note.
Let college counselor know how it went.
