College Interviews: A Two-Way Street

Even if it is optional, look at the college interview as an opportunity to show your worthiness rather than a dreaded test you must pass. An interview demonstrates your interest in the college. It lets you learn more about the college. It also allows the college to get to know you—to put a face to your application. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare will remove much of your anxiety.

What Goes On in an Interview?

The interview is really more of a conversation than an interrogation. (In fact, the interviewer may want you to lead the conversation.) The topic of the conversation is you—your academic and outside interests, your family, your personal goals, even what you did last summer. Most importantly, the interviewer wants to know why you want to go to this particular college.

The interview can be quite informal or somewhat structured. Evaluative interviews that are required include standard questions. The interviewer will take notes. Informational interviews that you set up yourself will be more relaxed. Interviewers are usually admissions staff. But sometimes the interviewer will be an alumna or alumnus of the college—and not that much older than you.

What Questions Come Up in an Interview?

Interview questions boil down to: Who are you? Where are you going? Why this school? Sorts of questions the interviewer may ask include:

• How would you describe yourself to a stranger?
• What do you do for fun?
• What subjects do you like? Don't like?
• What do you do with your free time?
• What do you see yourself doing in ten years?
• Why do you want to go to this college?

Actually, anticipating questions that interviewers ask is not quite as important as preparing answers you want to give. While you don't want to sound "canned" make sure your answers show that you are the sort of student the college seeks. This is not the moment to mention your SAT scores or GPA. They already have that information. You are presenting the person behind the "stats."

Also, ask a few questions of your own. Don't ask about stuff you can easily find out on the college website. Show you have done your homework. Types of questions you might ask:

• What sort of student does well at this school? Not so well?
• What is life like at this school?
• Do you have any advice for me?

How Do You Get an Interview?

If the interview is required, the school will work with you to set it up. The procedure for requesting one should be on the admission pages of the college website or guidebook. (You can also check CollegeData's College Profiles by using the College Match tool.)

Naturally, traveling to the college for an interview has many benefits. But if the college is out-of-state, local interviews are often available. College representatives may travel to your state or a local alumnus may do the job.

Can You Prepare for an Interview?

You can prep for the interview, although it is not an academic test with "correct" answers.

• Find out the basics about the college, such as what is offered in your major and what gives the college a good reputation.
• Develop the questions you will ask.
• Think about how you will answer tricky questions, such as "Where else have you applied?"
• Practice talking about yourself. Talk to people who don't know you well but who are interested in you. Schedule "dry run" interviews at your lower-priority schools.

What About Last-Minute Tips?

As your interview nears, look over this list.

• Print out directions to the interview site.
• Review your application to the college.
• Dress neatly and conservatively. No jeans or t-shirts.
• Write down your questions beforehand.
• Arrive a little ahead of time.

• Smile. Be polite. Shake the interviewer's hand.
• Talk naturally but without slang or swear words.
• Answer decisively and positively even if you feel uncertain or negative.
• Don't answer "yes" or "no." Speak for a minute or two.
• If you can't think of an answer, ask for more explanation of the question.
• Surprise questions may pop up. It's OK to pause briefly before you answer.
• Don't forget to ask your questions.
• Show your enthusiasm for the school throughout the interview.
• Tie your strengths to the strengths of the school.
• Get the name and address of the interviewer.

• Write a short thank you note to your interviewer.

Remember, the interview is a two-way street. You and the college both want to find the right fit.