the college interview

WHO WILL INTERVIEW ME? 

The interviewer can vary depending on the college:

• Admissions Officer (less frequently): A professional responsible for evaluating applications.

  1. • The interviewer may or may not have read your application.

     • After the interview, he or she will file a brief report to be included in your application file.

• Alumni (most common): A graduate of the college trained to conduct interviews.

  1. • Alumni interviewers are rarely given access to your application, allowing them to focus on your personality and presence.

     • After the interview, the alum sends an evaluative report to be included in your application file. The report will vary in length and specifics depending on the interviewer's style or how your interview went.

• Current Student: Occasionally, colleges involve senior students for peer interviews.

• Third-Party Representative: For some programs, external professionals may conduct interviews (e.g., special scholarships).

WHAT TO WEAR?

• Business Casual Attire: Aim for a neat, professional look that’s comfortable but not too formal. Examples include:

  1. • For men: A button-down shirt or polo with khakis or dress pants.

     • For women: A blouse or tailored top with slacks, a skirt, or a modest dress.

• Avoid Overly Casual Clothing: No jeans, sneakers, hoodies, or graphic tees.

• Well-Groomed Appearance: Ensure your hair is tidy and shoes are clean.

WHAT TO BRING?

• Make sure to silence your phone!!!

• Copies of Your Resume or Activities List: Highlight your achievements, extracurriculars, and experiences.

• Notebook and Pen: To take notes or jot down questions.

• List of Prepared Questions: Thoughtful questions about the school’s programs, culture, or opportunities.

• Portfolio (if applicable): For arts or design-focused programs, bring examples of your work.

• Water Bottle (Optional): In case the interview runs long.

• Your Application or Personal Statement (Optional): To reference during discussions, though this isn’t always necessary.

• NO GIFTS!: Do NOT bring gifts of any kind for the interviewer.

• Money (optional): If you’re meeting in a coffee shop, bring a few dollars if you want to purchase a drink (but avoid caffeine if you’re nervous).

PREPARATION IS KEY!!

• The best way to prepare for an interview is to anticipate questions that you will be asked.

• Interviewers usually ask three categories of questions: About yourself, Why you want to attend that specific college, and Questions you have.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOURSELF

• Talking about yourself should be an easy thing to do, but when a college interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself,” students are often stumped for answers.

• Questions about you can be asked in a variety of ways.

  • Tell Me About Yourself?

    • Colleges want you to think about and reflect on who you are, how you spend your time, and what is important to you. Ultimately, it’s the combination of the activities that engage and occupy you most that make you UNIQUE.

      • Academic interest

      • Nature enthusiast interest

      • Athletic interest

      • Performing Arts interest

      • Social Justice/Activism interest

      • Family responsibility

  • What Are Your Future Plans?

    • Colleges want to know if your experiences during high school have given you a sense of direction and have inspired you to pursue studies in particular subject areas. Though there is no expectation that you have a specific career in mind, this is a question that determines if the undergraduate programs offered by the college are a good fit for your immediate and long-term goals. Other ways this question may be asked include, “What majors/departments are you interested in?” or “What type of college are you looking for?”

    • Note that while colleges do not expect you to know your exact major or career plans, most students are drawn to general areas of study, such as the sciences, humanities, engineering or the arts. Remember that institutions are well aware that most students change their majors several times during their undergraduate years, but the ability to articulate your interests in the context of what colleges offer will demonstrate a sense of direction.

  • Tell Me About Your High School Experience

    • Colleges are looking for your critical assessment of learning environments. This shows that you can think deeply about college choices and that your decision to apply to this particular college is a meaningful one. The ability to present what you love best about your high school, and, only if you are asked, what could be improved will demonstrate an awareness for what matters to you and why.

  • What Is Your Favorite Book/Newspaper/Website?

    • Colleges are trying to assess if you are independently driven to learn and pursue ideas deeply. Regular consumption of reputable publications, whether they are fiction, non-fiction, audio, digital or paper, is an indicator of your initiative in expanding your horizons. Daily, unassigned reading, whether it’s news or hobby-oriented, demonstrates a profound commitment to learning and self-improvement. In short, going to college is about discovering topics that resonate with you and pursuing resources that help you deepen your knowledge and understanding. The most critical vehicle toward this goal is reading.

  • What Do You Like To Do For Fun?

    • Your personality is highlighted by how you amuse yourself beyond schoolwork. Having hobbies, interests and pursuits outside studying is an indicator of a healthy balance, your presence in a campus community, or what kind of roommate you’ll be. This question also gives the interviewer a better grasp of your interests.

  • What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

    • Your answer reveals a level of self-awareness critical to whether you will be able to contribute to a college environment as well as take advantage of learning opportunities presented to you in college. The interviewer will be able to gauge if you are capable of honest reflection about yourself, people around you, or past experiences.

TIPS AND PROTOCOLS

Before the Interview

• It is not uncommon to be nervous, but remember that most interviewers are welcoming and want to get to know you.  

• Make sure you know how to get to your appointment location and where to park.  

• Arrive early enough to give yourself time to check in and compose yourself.  

• Silence your cell phone!  

During the Interview

• When the interviewer arrives, stand up, remember to make direct eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Say something like: “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Smith. Thanks for taking the time to meet me.”  

• Practice a solid handshake – not too mushy and not too crushing.  

• If you’re at a coffee shop, feel free to order something to drink,  but avoid caffeine if you’re nervous. Don’t order something to eat, unless your interviewer is doing so and invites you to do the same. You are not expected to purchase anything for your interviewer.  

• Wait for the cue from the interviewer as to whether s/he will begin or if you will be expected to start.  

• Make sure to have good eye contact throughout the interview.  Give your undivided attention and smile!  

• Avoid slang and “you know,” “um,” and “like.” The mock interview is great for catching these habits!  

• Sit up straight and try not to fidget.  

• Be yourself. Let your true interests and passion shine through. Let your sense of humor show but avoid sarcasm.  

• Be honest if you do not know the answer to a question and do not be afraid to ask for clarification.  

• You do not have to do all the talking but be prepared to talk more than you listen.  

• Demonstrate sincere interest in the college.  

At the end of the Interview

• The interviewer will signal when the interview is over. You should not initiate the end of the interview.  

• When you stand up, shake hands and thank the interviewer by name.  

• Express that you learned valuable information and are appreciative.  

• Ask for the interviewer’s business card and attach it to your information packet. You’ll need his/her contact information so you may send a thank you note.  

EXPRESS APPRECIATION IN WRITING

• Sending a prompt thank you message to an interviewer demonstrates maturity and professionalism.  

• As soon as possible, send a short but sincere thank you note to the interviewer.  

• Either handwritten or email is appropriate.  

• Help the interviewer remember who you are. Personalize the note by referring to something specific that you talked about and how it affected you, such as, “I really appreciated your encouraging words on my volunteerism,” or “I took your suggestion to repeat my SAT test very seriously and have registered for the next testing date.”  

• It’s okay to include any information you may have forgotten to mention at the interview.  

• If you have any further questions, feel free to include them here.  

• Finally, check your spelling and grammar.  

WHAT IF YOUR INTERVIEW DOES NOT GO WELL?

• • If you feel your interview did not go well, don’t despair. Rarely are admission chances ruined due to an awkward or uncomfortable interview.

  • Unless you’ve come across as purposefully or thoughtlessly rude,  contemptuous or unenthusiastic about the college, or especially uncommunicative, the interview should not have a huge effect on the admissions decision.

  • However, if something untoward has occurred, such as the interviewer said or did something grossly inappropriate, contact the college admission office and report the incident. Ask if another interview can be scheduled with a different interviewer.