The College Interview

Why:

• Interviews can help you. In fact, you can control the interview – if you are prepared!
• View the interview as a positive experience. It can actually help, rather than hurt, most students. It allows the admissions reviewer to know you beyond your transcript, and it allows you to know the college better.

When:

• It is better to interview earlier than later. You can even interview in the spring of your junior year.
• Interviewing on campus while students are there is best, but not necessary.
• Schedule the interview yourself and limit to 2 per day. Save your first choices for last.

How to prepare--what to do:

Know yourself, know the college, know what to ask and what may be asked (see list of questions).

• It’s okay to be nervous, but develop confidence.
• Have directions and traveling time on hand.
• Look to your counselor, family, and friends for help.
• Bring a copy of your unofficial transcript.
• Dress neatly and comfortably and maintain eye contact.

Who will interview you:

Usually an admissions staff member, but it may be with a student, alum, or professional interviewer.

The steps of an interview:

• Check in with the receptionist yourself.
• Wait to be called; meet the interviewer with a firm handshake and introduce your parents.
• The interview lasts about 20-45 minutes.
• Parents are usually brought in at the end of the interview to ask questions.

Answers to give:

• There are no “right” answers – be honest and positive.
• Think before answering – speak slowly – listen carefully.
• Speak confidently without boasting. Phrase your comments in terms of accomplishments that mean the most to you. Also be willing to initiate conversation about your achievements if the interviewer fails to do so.
• Place any weaknesses in a positive light.

What to ask:

This is a very important part of the interview. It will show the interviewer how much time and preparation you have put into the college selection process.

• Don’t ask what is already stated in the literature.
• Ask questions that allow you to bring up your accomplishments/talents.
• You may certainly ask what your chances are for admission.

After the interview:

• Thank the interviewer and ask for his/her business card.
• Send a thank you note to the interviewer – this will impress!

Homework Assignment To Help You Prepare For An Interview

1. Important to think about yourself.

• Values
• Experiences
• Goals
• Specifics about life experiences

2. List three strengths:

• One must be academic
• One must be non-academic
• One must be elective
• Provide samples of each – write them out.

3. Record one weakness – Must be presented in a positive way.

• Acknowledge weakness with signs of improvement (ex: Procrastination – in freshman and sophomore year I tended to procrastinate a great deal and handed in many assignments late. However, I am improving. Give examples.)

4. A list of three questions you wanted answered during the interview:

• One must be academic
• One must be non-academic
• One must be elective

Cannot be too general nor too specific – questions must be ones you truly want answered and must relate to your interests.

5. Prepare a one page resume – use only those aspects of school and life you are willing and want to share.

• Test scores
• Honors
• Activities
• Work experience
• Interests

Don’t include anything that is not true and that you don’t want to talk about.

Questions To Ask College Representatives

• What are your strongest majors?
• What is your criteria for admission? What is stressed, grades or SAT/ACT scores?
• Where are the students from?
• What is the average class size? How accessible are the faculty?
• When do I have to declare a major? How easy is it to change majors? Is it more difficult to gain admission if I apply as a certain major? (ex: pre-med, engineering, biology)
• Does your college have a required core curriculum?
• What types of internship opportunities are available? What are the graduates doing? (graduate school, jobs, service, etc.)
• In your opinion, what are the strengths and weaknesses of your college?
• How diverse is the student body? (ethnically, religiously, and geographically)
• What other colleges do you cross applications with?
• What support services are available? (tutoring, career counselors, writing workshops, etc)
• How are AP courses treated? What scores are needed for credit?
• How many applications does your college receive? How many students are accepted?
• Who teaches the courses – professors or graduate assistants?
• What type of housing is available? Is it guaranteed? What percentage of the student body lives on campus? Do students stay on campus during the weekend?
• What types of activities and sports does your college offer?
• How safe is the campus? What are the incidents of crime on campus and in the surrounding community?
• What are the current issues on campus?
• Can I have a car on campus? Is a car necessary? How do students get around town?
• What are your application deadlines? Financial aid deadlines? 

Quick Interview Do’s and Don’ts

Do's

• Be honest
• Listen. Take time to think and reflect before answering a question
• Be energetic and enthusiastic
• Make eye contact
• Give a firm handshake
• Arrive early
• Bring an unofficial transcript
• Dress neatly and be polite
• BE YOURSELF

Don'ts

• Lie or exaggerate
• Be negative or cynical
• Chew gum or bite your nails
• Yawn, slouch, or stretch
• Mumble or talk down to the floor
• Recite a prepared speech or boast
• Interrupt your interviewer
• Bring an elaborate fact sheet
• Be disinterested or nonchalant
• Criticize your teachers, school, or peers

Possible Interview Questions

• Describe your high school. What have you liked / disliked about your school?
• What has been your most / least favorite academic subject and why?
• How would your best friend / favorite teacher / parent describe you?
• What are your strengths? What would you like to improve about yourself?
• What majors are you considering at this point?
• What courses are you taking in your senior year?
• What other colleges are you considering?
• What are you looking for in a college?
• How did you become interested in our university?
• Tell me about your extra-curricular activities.
• What activity has meant the most to you during high school and why?
• What is a significant contribution you have made to your school / community?
• What can you contribute to our university?
• What questions do you have about our university?

“3 KNOWS”

• Know what to ask.
• Know yourself – courses, activities, and interests.
• Know the college.