Surviving the College Admissions Interview

Imagine you're putting the finishing touches on your first college application. Finally, you've got everything you need - the application, college essay, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. It was a lot of work but you're almost done. What a great feeling.

Now, imagine that, just before you push the "submit" button on the online application, you notice the following statement on the document: All admission candidates are required to participate in an interview as part of the application process. What's running through your mind now? Is it something like, "OMG - no way! I guess I won't apply to this college after all!"?

Well, before you panic, take a deep breath and consider the fact that thousands of students have participated in college admissions interviews and have lived to talk about it. How did they do it? It's pretty simple, really. They prepared. And you can, too. So, before you vow to apply only to schools that don't require an admissions interview, here's some information you might find helpful (and maybe even comforting).

About the College Admissions Interview
Typically, the more selective colleges require an interview. They want to make sure that you and the college are a good fit for each other. Questions will revolve around your expectations, goals and values, possible contributions, potential for being successful and being comfortable at that school. An admissions interview gives you a chance to highlight your best qualities while learning more about the school all at the same time. If the interview is optional, we recommend you go for it. Use interviews at your lesser-preferred schools to practice for your top picks.

The interview is just one of many criteria considered in admissions decisions and it carries the least weight. In fact, admissions directors report that the interview is seldom the deciding factor in acceptance. On the other hand, for some borderline students who make a strong impression in the interview, it may help to tip the scales in their favor.

Admissions interviews typically run about 30-60 minutes and are usually conducted by an admissions representative or an alumnus. However, some are conducted by a panel of admissions staff and students. Most interviews are face-to-face, although webcam interviews are gaining in popularity. Over 200 colleges currently report that they conduct video interviews over Skype™, a software application for free voice and video calls using the Internet.

Although interviewers usually work from a prepared list of questions, most students who have participated in a college admissions interview say the tone is much more conversational and informal than you might expect. During the discussion, your interviewer will probably take notes to help remember who you are and what you've discussed. She's gathering an overall impression of you and attempting to determine your interest in the school. She's not counting your every "um" or "uh", so no need to worry.

Even so, that doesn't mean you don't need to take the admissions interview seriously. You have to go into it prepared to do your best. Follow these tips:

Before the Interview

-	Research the college; be ready to explain why you want attend this school.
-	Review your application and college essay. It's likely your interviewer will ask some follow-up questions based on what she learned about you when reading your application packet. Bring a copy of the file with you to the interview; you can review the information just before your appointment.
-	Write a brief resume or make a list of your activities and accomplishments. This information will come in handy when responding to questions about your interests and achievements.
-	Decide what to wear. Dress neatly and conservatively, typically business casual.
-	Prepare your questions. Don't ask about things you should already know as a result of your research about the school. Instead, ask questions that show your specific interest in the college and/or your major field of study.
-	Participate in a few mock interviews before the big day. Ask a parent, teacher, or someone who is accustomed to the job interviewing process to take you through some practice questions. Ask for feedback on your responses as well as your body language, eye contact, smile, posture, speech patterns, grammar, presentation style, energy level, and enthusiasm. Don't expect your answers to be smooth and fluent at first.
-	Here's a list of commonly-asked questions. It's important that you describe specific experiences to support your responses to these questions. Use examples from part-time jobs, volunteer and service learning experiences, and school activities (academic and extracurricular).

	1.	Tell me about yourself. (Focus on three main points.)
	2.	Why do you want to attend this college/university?
	3.	What could you add to this school that other applicants can't?
	4.	What is your biggest strength? Weakness? (What one thing would you change about yourself? Why?)
	5.	What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far? Why? What did you do, what were the results, and what was challenging or satisfying about it?
	6.	Tell me about your greatest experience in high school.
	7.	What have you done to prepare yourself for college?
	8.	Which high school courses have you enjoyed the most? Why? Which were your least favorites? Why? (What courses were the most challenging/difficult for you? Why? What did you do to get through them? This shows your ability to handle academic challenges.)
	9.	Describe your favorite teacher.
	10.	What extracurricular activities are you involved in? How has your participation in these activities helped shape who you are?
	11.	What do you want to do in the future? How did you come to that decision? How will this college/program help you achieve your future goals?
	12.	What do you think about (insert a current event from the past month)?
	13.	If you could meet any important figure, living or dead, who would it be? What would you talk about?
	14.	What is your favorite book (movie, author)? Why?
	15.	Which other schools are you applying to?
	16.	What would you like the Admissions Office to know about you?
	17.	What questions do you have for me?

During the Interview

-	Arrive for your appointment about 10-15 minutes early. If you are unfamiliar with the location, allow extra time to find the right place.
-	Shake hands when you greet the interviewer and at the end of the interview. Avoid giving short "yes" or "no" answers to questions. Use examples from past experiences to support your responses.
-	Speak clearly. Make eye contact and smile.
-	Don't tell your interviewer this is your "safety" school.
-	Don't bring a parent or friend with you into the interview.

After the Interview
Mail or email a follow-up letter to your interviewer. Thank her for her time and reaffirm your interest in the college. Refer to something specific you discussed to help the interviewer remember you.

Apply Now!
It's clear that, with the right preparation, you, too, can enter the ranks of students who survived a college admissions interview. So, go ahead - press the "submit" button on that online college application. You are ready for your interview.

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Got Game? Ways to Win at College
Our Children Are Going to College, But Do They Know Why?
7 Ways to Make College Visits More Cost Effective
Get the Whole Picture: Questions to Ask on College Visits

© Copyright 2010, Career Vision / Ball Foundation. Article may be reprinted with permission.

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