Prepping for the College Interview
Last Updated on March 4, 2020 by Jill Schwitzgebel
If you live near the college where the student will be interviewing, the student will likely be asked to attend an interview with an admissions officer on campus. If you live far away, colleges often offer the chance to interview with an alumnus of the college. And some admissions officers will even conduct interviews with distant students online. A good rule of thumb is that if you are visiting a college that you think may interest your child, and the college offers interviews, schedule it for the day of your visit. The only time that may not work out well is if you are visiting prior to the second half of your student’s high school junior year. Many colleges want to reserve interview spots in the fall for seniors that are applying.
College Interview Dos
- Dress in appropriate attire. This does not mean the student needs to wear a suit. But, nice pants (not jeans) and a button up shirt is appropriate for boys. Girls may choose to wear dress pants and a blouse, or a skirt or dress (of modest length, of course).
- Be polite. Students should remember to greet with a handshake and make eye contact – remember all the manners lessons their parents have taught them.
- Do some research prior to the interview. The interviewer will appreciate knowing that the student is interested enough to have taken the time to know some basics about the college.
- Maintain composure. Sometimes, the interviewer may ask unexpected questions. It’s okay to ask for a second to think about the answer or admit that they don’t know an answer. Part of what the interviewer may be looking for is to see how the student handles the question, more than just their answer.
- Think about answers to common questions ahead of time. Here’s a great list of potential questions .
- Follow up with a thank you note or email after the interview.
College Interview Don’ts
- Demonstrate lack of maturity. For instance, allow plenty of time to get to the interview location so that you’re on time. And even if the student is not able to get to the interview with their own transportation, parents should not hover nearby or expect to be part of the interview. Wait in the car if necessary.
- Act disrespectfully. Students should avoid checking their phones. They also should sit attentively rather than slouching and be aware of the proper way to address their interviewer.
- Try not to sound scripted. While it’s important to do some research, students don’t want to sound like they have rehearsed a speech or memorized a list of questions.
- When asking questions about the school, make sure they are not obvious ones that the answer to could be found easily on a website, like the acceptance rate. Ask questions that show genuine interest in the college.
- There is no reason to feel overly nervous. The interviewer’s only real objective is to get to know the student better. And remember, the interviewer wants students to love their school just as much as students want the school to love them!
Think of the interview as an application supplement. While the student’s admission package of transcripts, test scores, and essays will be the main considerations, the interview is just extra information for the admissions officers. An interview can bring the admissions materials to life. I encourage students to think of the interview as more of a conversation than an interview. If they go in to the interview prepared, they will have the confidence they need to just be themselves.
