Should I prepare for college admissions interviews?

If I'm invited to an admissions interview, how much preparation should I do for it? Are there specific topics or questions I should be ready to discuss, and how detailed do my answers need to be?

Yes, it's definitely recommended that you prepare for an admissions interview if you're invited to one. Colleges typically see interviews as an opportunity to get to know you better and gauge your interest in the school, rather than as a means of quizzing you on specific facts or skills, but that doesn't mean you should take them lightly.

Start by researching the college carefully. The interviewer will expect you to know some basic facts about the school, such as its size, location, and notable programs or attributes that match your interests.

Be ready to answer questions about why you're interested in the college and what you hope to get from your time there. Some common interview questions are "Why do you want to attend our school?", "Tell me about yourself", and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?". Though you won't be expected to discuss these topics in great detail, you should have a clear idea of what you'd like to say in response.

You should also be prepared to discuss your high school experiences in terms of both academics and extracurricular activities, and how they've shaped your interests and goals for the future. Again, detail is not necessary here, but being able to talk confidently about your experiences can help convince the interviewer of your motivation and potential.

Lastly, remember to prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer. This isn't just a test for them to see how curious you are—it's also an opportunity for you to learn more about the school from someone who knows it intimately. Keep in mind, though, that your questions should relate to your personal interests and goals, rather than being too broad or generic.

Remember, the key aim of the interview is for the interviewer to get to know you better and to give you a chance to express your interest in the school and show your personality, so approach it with a positive, open-minded attitude.