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Preparing
for a Successful College Interview
Debbie Rodriguez
Knowing what to expect at your college interview can make
the experience much easier. Many selective schools use the interview
process to get to know prospective students a little better. Just having
been selected to interview is a good sign—it indicates that the
admissions officer is interested in you and believes you may have something
to offer.
The job of an admissions officer is not to keep students
out of the university. Therefore, they are not attempting to trip you
up or find fault with you. This knowledge should help you to relax a
little and simply present yourself in your best light. There are some
important things you can do to ensure that the interview will run as
smoothly as possible:
- Dress appropriately, but
comfortably. Be sure your clothes are clean and well pressed.
- Arrive on time. In
fact, be a few minutes early (just in case you have trouble finding
a parking space or the correct office.)
- Appear interested.
One question you are almost certain to be asked is, "Why do you
wish to attend this university?" Think this one through ahead
of time, and learn enough about the college to know what makes it
a good match for you. Check out the Web site beforehand so you are
aware of some of the traditions and events happening at the school.
- Be positive. Your
interview is not a place to list problems or complaints, whether about
your high school, your home situation, or the college admissions process.
- As part of this preparation,
think of some questions you can ask about the school. The
more interactive your interview is, the more interesting and prepared
you are likely to appear. Ask about campus life, the community, volunteer
opportunities.
- Review your accomplishments.
The interview will be primarily focused on you—your preparation
for college, your leadership skills and experience, obstacles you
may have overcome, your goals, and why or how you arrived at them.
Brush up on your high school and community activities and what you
have learned from them. Don't be afraid you will sound like you're
bragging—this is the time to be proud of what you have accomplished
up to this point and to let your interviewer know that you are just
getting started.
- Mind your manners.
Send a thank you note to your interviewer when you arrive home. E-mail
is perfectly acceptable these days, but if you choose to use standard
postal service, send a handwritten note on an appropriate note card.
Either way, be sure that everything is spelled correctly, including
the interviewer's name and the name of the college.
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