How to Ace a College Interview

There are some fundamental rules to ensure that you make a good impression on a college interview. The interview is not always required for admission, but it is a good way for you to let the college know more about you and for you to learn more about the college. Interviews are usually held at the college with an admission counselor but may also be conducted at your high school in the guidance office. They last about a half hour and if your parents accompany you on the visit they are asked to wait in the reception area while you interview. At the end of the interview your parents will be invited back in and the admission counselor will answer all of your questions. The interview is one of the first steps in choosing your college, so treat it like the important event that it is!

Be Prepared

• Research the institution that you are visiting. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Visit the web site and talk to your guidance counselor about the college. If possible, interview a current student or an alumna/us about the curriculum and different campus organizations.
  
• Bring your resume with you to the interview to help remind yourself of your accomplishments and also share a copy with the interviewer.
  
• Be ready with questions you would like to ask and also for questions the interviewer might ask you. Some common questions you might be asked are: Why do you want to attend our college? What has been your most significant achievement? What are your plans after earning your degree? How do you think we can help you achieve your goals? Why do you think you should be admitted to the college? And questions you might ask are: How do you help advise students who are unsure of their major? What are the best departments at your school? Do you have a program to help new students adjust to college life? What type of support services are offered on your campus? Do you help graduates find jobs? What is your job placement rate for my major? What type of technology is available for students and is it the most up to date? Avoid asking questions that are easily answered in the recruitment literature and catalogs. Bring a small notepad and pen so you can jot down answers to your questions. This is your opportunity to find out if the college will meet your particular interests and needs.
  
• It is useful to practice your responses to potential interview questions. Ask your parents, guidance counselor, teacher or friend to ask you questions and listen to your answers. They can give you constructive feedback and when it is time for your interview you will be more at ease.

Appearance and Presentation

• Be certain to dress appropriately and be aware of your posture. Also, good eye contact is essential. Treat this interview as though you are on a job interview-it can be that important!
  
• Discuss activities that you have been involved in during your high school career. Colleges are looking for students with good grades, but also students who are interesting. Talk about your work experience and any clubs and organizations that you have been involved in. This is also an opportunity to talk about the community service that you have done, your hobbies, or even about your summer jobs.
  
• If there are any potential drawback to your application that you are aware of, attempt to explain why they may have occurred. For instance, if you had a bad first marking period of your junior year due to a serious illness in the family let the counselor know. The more the admission counselor can learn about you the better!
  
• Finally, relax and be who you are. The college you choose will be your home for the next four years so you need to be able to be yourself!

Be Engaged

• If you think that the institution is a good fit for you, make arrangements through the
  Admissions Department to attend a class.
  
• If you are undecided about a major, ask the interviewer about different careers. That shows that you are serious about finding your professional niche and that you want to learn about different options.
  
• Ask about support services. A lot of people do not want to appear that they need help in the interview, but it actually shows that you are proactive. The first semester of college is a huge adjustment and being realistic about that shows maturity and character.

Last, but not least…..

• When you return home from the interview, send a thank you note to your admission counselor and others who were helpful during the visit. Include additional information about yourself if you think it might be relevant and your forgot to mention it during the visit.
  
• You should also send thank you notes to your guidance counselors and teachers who helped you with the process.
  
• Finally, be yourself and remember to enjoy the experience. This is one of the many learning exercises that you will be faced with in the years to come. Make the most out of it!

Provided by Diane Finnan, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Centenary College