What Should I Wear for a College Interview?

I'm a junior planning college visits soon, and some schools have interviews. What should I wear to make a good impression? Is there a difference in dress code between casual and formal interviews?

Dressing appropriately for college interviews is indeed an important consideration, as it can affect the impression you make. That said, you also don't want to be too over-dressed and feel uncomfortable, so a balance is key.

For both casual and formal interviews, business casual is usually a good choice. For men, this might mean wearing dress pants, a button-down shirt, and dress shoes. A tie can add a more formal touch if the setting calls for it, but it's not always necessary. For women, a neat blouse and skirt or trousers would work, or even an appropriate dress paired with professional shoes.

Remember that the idea is to appear professional and put-together, but not to the point of being overdressed like you would for a formal event.

In terms of differences between casual and formal interviews, it's nuanced. Casual interviews might take place at a coffee shop or involve a campus tour so you might lean towards nicer jeans or khakis, paired with a neat button-down or blouse. For more formal interviews, which might be with an admissions officer on campus or in a business setting, lean towards dress pants or a professional dress, and consider adding a blazer.

Note that your attire should reflect respect for the school and interviewer, showing that you take this opportunity seriously. But at the same time, it's important to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. If there are specific cultural or religious dress requirements that you adhere to, those are also perfectly acceptable.

This advice will work for most settings, but if you’re unsure it doesn’t hurt to ask your interviewer or the admissions office if there's a preferred dress code for your interview.