What Do Colleges Typically Ask in an Interview?

I'm a bit anxious about my upcoming college interview. What kind of questions do colleges usually ask during the interview? I want to practice but I'm not sure what to expect.

Your college interview can be a great way to strengthen your application and demonstrate your enthusiasm for a particular institution. The questions usually revolve around the following areas:

1. Interests and Academics: Interviewers often ask questions like "What are your favorite subjects in school?" or "What sparked your interest in your intended major?" They want to assess your intellectual curiosity and academic passion.

2. Extracurricular Activities: You might be asked questions like "What extracurricular activities are you involved in?" or "Tell me about a project or activity that you are particularly proud of." These questions evaluate your passion outside the classroom.

3. The University: "Why are you interested in our university?" or "If admitted, how would you contribute to our community?" are common questions that not only judge how serious you are about attending, but also what you could bring to the campus community.

4. Self-understanding and Goals: You should also expect questions that prompt self-reflection, such as "Can you tell me about a time when you encountered a challenge, and how you dealt with it?" or "Where do you see yourself in ten years?" Your responses can provide insight into your problem-solving skills, resilience, and goals for the future.

Keep in mind that this is a conversation. There's no need to memorize responses - rather, think about the experiences, hobbies, and interests that matter to you most, and how they fit into your responses. It's also equally important to ask thoughtful questions of the interviewer. Good luck!