Many colleges include a college interview as part of their application process, although not all colleges require it. This interview can be conducted in person with an admissions officer, a current student, or an alum of the college. Alternatively, some colleges offer the option to participate in a video interview, typically using Skype.
Why Interview?
The college interview does not typically determine your acceptance, but it offers an opportunity for a representative from the college to become more acquainted with you. Additionally, the interview provides you with a chance to:
Show your interest in the college.
Provide additional details about yourself that go beyond the information included on your transcript.
Mention any aspect in your academic history that you wish to clarify, such as a temporary decrease in your academic performance.
Talk about your ambitions and the motivations behind your desire to enroll in the college.
Ask questions about the college.
What to Expect
During the interview, you will have the opportunity to have a personal conversation with the interviewer. In case you bring a parent along, they will likely not be present in the room during the interview, but they might have an opportunity to speak with the interviewer afterwards.
The interviewer may inquire about your reasons for wanting to pursue college education and specifically why you are interested in attending their institution. They may also ask about your high school background, interests, and achievements. For a wider range of example interview questions with suggestions on how to respond, refer to additional sample questions.
During the interview, the interviewer will inquire whether you have any queries. Asking questions demonstrates your enthusiasm for the college, and it provides an opportunity to obtain information that is not readily available on the website or in the brochure. If you have a specific major in mind, you can inquire about the nature of the program. If you intend to reside on campus, you can inquire about the campus environment. However, it is advisable to avoid asking questions that can be easily answered by referring to the college’s website.
The interview offers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for a university.
How to Prepare
To begin with, determine if interviews are necessary, voluntary, or unavailable. If the college mandates or provides interviews, refer to the college’s website or reach out to the admission office to find out the necessary steps to arrange one. If an in-person interview is required, it might be practical to schedule a campus tour during the same visit.
There are several actions you can take to get ready after you have scheduled an interview. It is crucial to thoroughly investigate the college so you can confidently discuss why it aligns with your goals. Additionally, conducting mock interviews with your loved ones can be beneficial. For further guidance on preparing, seek more information.
Always bear in mind that although it is wise to prepare in advance, you should avoid memorizing responses to typical interview queries or delivering a rehearsed speech – a successful interview involves having a natural conversation.
More Interview Tips
Passing or failing an interview is not applicable, but you can leave a positive impact by following these steps:
Wear smart attire instead of casual clothes like denim jeans and a T-shirt.
Arrive early.
Be polite.
Refrain from using informal or offensive language.
Be confident but not arrogant.
Answer questions honestly.
Send a thank-you note to your interviewer after the interview.