Tips for Your College Interview 

Filling out a college application can lead to a lot of exciting feelings. You may begin imagining yourself as a student attending classes and building friendships, wishing you could express how much you want to attend this school. Well, if you’re asked to have an interview with a college admissions representative, you’ll get the chance.

During a college interview, you’ll meet with an admissions representative who’ll ask questions to learn more about you beyond what’s provided on your college application. Expect to answer questions about your academic background, extracurricular activities, goals, characteristics, and interests. The interviewer may also ask why you want to attend the college and how you see yourself fitting into the community.

You should prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer, as well. Think of questions not necessarily answered on the school’s website that can give you more insight into student life at the college.

The interview may last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour and can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video chat. You should spend time preparing for your interview so you can go in feeling confident. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of tips to prepare for your college interview:

• Do your research. Before your interview, take time to learn about the school you’re interviewing with. This helps show your interest and that you’ve prepared. 
  
• Dress professionally. First impressions matter, so dress professionally for your interview. This doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit, but you should dress in clean, neat clothing that makes you feel confident.
  
• Be on time. Take the necessary steps to arrive for your interview on time. If you’re running late, call the interviewer as soon as possible to let them know. 
  
• Be polite and respectful. Remember that the interviewer is taking time out of their day to talk to you, so be polite and respectful. Make eye contact, smile, and shake hands firmly. 
  
• Be yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know the real you. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. 
  
• Be prepared. Practice answering commonly asked questions, such as: Why do you want to attend this school? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your extracurricular activities? What are your career goals?
  
• Ask questions. Preparing thoughtful questions will help you gain a better understanding of the college and show your interest.
  
• Send a thank you note. After your interview, send the interviewer a thank you note. This simple gesture shows your appreciation for their time and consideration. 

Follow these tips, and you can go into your college interview feeling confident. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way! With planning and practice, you can ace your college interview and increase your chances of being accepted by your dream school.