College Interviews

College interviews can be one of the most helpful -- and most stressful --parts of the college search process.  The interview provides the opportunity for you to learn more about the college and determine fit, while the college is doing just the same with you. However, it is important to remember that it is not just about the college "selecting" you, your thoughts and experiences regarding the school and its representatives are also of great significance during the college process.

Some colleges require an interview and for other schools it is optional.  When a student chooses to participate in an optional interview, it can send a powerful message to the school.  It illustrates your strong interest in the institution, gives you a chance to show the college who you are and how you plan to contribute to their student body.  Interviews are not always in some stuffy room on campus either.  They are often held some place a bit more neutral and relaxing, allowing students to feel somewhat more at ease and really show their commitment and potential.

Remember that the person you are speaking with during the thirty to sixty minute interview might not necessarily be your admissions counselor, he or she could be a faculty member, or an alumnus.  These individuals are important to a strong campus community and they want to know about your plans and goals just as much as someone from the admissions team. 

The best and most basic advice to make an interview as positive and enjoyable as possible?  Well, it is simply to be prepared. 

Before:

• Spend your time leading up to the interview (the week before, not the hour before) reading the recruitment materials from the school and perusing their website.

• Think about general answers to the questions they are likely to ask on topics like "why us?," intended major, contributions, influential people, books.  Don't memorize the answers - just think about potential questions and your answers.

• Take advantage of mock interviews – many high schools offer these using local college/university professionals.  If your high school does not offer mock interviews, then see if there are any family friends who are associated with a college or university who would be willing to practice with you.

• Prepare a co-curricular resume or at least review the one you sent with your application.  Colleges are looking for students who will contribute to their community outside of the classroom, as well as inside.

• Get directions to the interview site as you will want to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

• Decide what you are going to wear.  You will not want to wear jeans, shorts, flip flops, or party wear; "business casual" is the recommended and expected attire.  Make sure your outfit is clean, pressed, and fits you appropriately.  It is obviously important that you present the real you during the interview, but that can be done wearing clothing suitable for the occasion.

At the interview:

• Relax.

• Remember that everyone can have input, so be polite and smile to everyone you meet from the time you arrive on campus until the time you leave.

• Have a conversational tone throughout the interview and respond with more than yes/no answers.  However, know that prepared speeches are obvious, awkward and not well received, nor is over-sharing a welcome addition to the interview.  Swearing and slang are never appropriate.

• Don't chew gum, act disinterested, or indicate that the college is your "safety" school.

• Leave your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, or anyone else, at home – or at least in the waiting room.

• Ask questions, but nothing that would have been explained in the recruitment materials.  Ask questions about orientation, traditions, or if the interviewer is an alumnus – ask why they chose this college.  If the interviewer is not an alumnus, inquire about their personal favorite aspect of the school.

• Get the business card of your interviewer(s).  This will help in writing thank you notes.

After the interview:

• Send a thank you note to your interviewer; hand written is preferable to email.  You would be surprised how few thank notes are received, yet the impact they can have is quite important.

• Breathe, smile, and laugh a little. 

In the end, it is important to keep in mind that the interview is only a part of the application process.  The interview serves as a tool for colleges to look beyond test scores, transcripts and extracurricular activities and to get to know the real you.    Your own preparation, confidence, and commitment to being an active participant in your education, if genuine, will be your greatest tool in achieving your goals.

Editorial provided by Heidi Lippmeier Roller, Vice President for Enrollment Management, College of Notre Dame of Maryland.