Most Frequently Asked Questions in a College Interview

Hi all! As someone who's kind of jittery about interviews, I'm starting to prep early. I was wondering, what are some of the most frequently asked questions during college interviews? Any pointers on how to answer them smoothly would also be awesome.

Hello! It's fantastic that you are beginning to prepare early for your college interviews. Your proactivity will definitely pay off!

Frequently, interviewers ask open-ended questions to get to know you better. Here are some common ones:

1. Tell me about yourself. This could be about your interests, activities, or anything you feel defines you. Keep your response to about 2-3 minutes and focus on key experiences or attributes you want to highlight.

2. Why are you interested in our college/university? For this, you should familiarize yourself with the school’s programs and culture and tie it in with your career and academic goals. Show that you've researched the school.

3. What extracurricular activities are you engaged in? If you have an area where you have a 'spike'—a highly developed specialty—this is a great opportunity to discuss that. Mention what you've learned from these activities.

4. What is a pivotal moment in your life and how did it affect you? This is a chance to talk about a personal journey or experience that had a significant impact on your life or your worldview.

5. Can you tell me about a challenge or failure you faced and how you reacted or learned from it? This is an opportunity to show resilience and adaptability.

A few other pointers:

- Be genuine, enthusiastic and articulate. Show that you've thought about these questions, but don't sound overly rehearsed.

- Make sure to ask the interviewer questions too; it can demonstrate your interest in their college and the interview process.

- Practice makes perfect. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or family member.

Lastly, remember an interview is not a test, but a conversation—your chance to show your enthusiasm and suitability for a school. This is your moment to let your personality shine! Have confidence in your answers and let your genuine interest in the school show. Best of luck!