Do you need a resume for college interviews?

I'm prepping for my college interviews and not sure if I need to bring a resume. Is it expected or helpful to have one on hand? What are the pros and cons?

While not all colleges explicitly require a resume during the interview process, many students find it beneficial to have one on hand. The primary function of a resume in this context is to help steer the conversation. You can use it as a springboard to dive into deeper discussions about your interests, experiences, achievements, and how you could contribute to the campus community.

Pros of having a resume during college interviews include:

1. Demonstrating Preparedness: Providing an organized, concise summary of your high school career shows that you've taken the interview seriously and that you're prepared.

2. Aiding Memory: Your interviewer will likely meet with many students, so having a tangible document with your accomplishments can help you stand out in their memory.

3. Guiding Conversation: The resume can serve as a roadmap for your interview, helping the dialogue to flow smoothly.

However, there can also be some drawbacks, such as:

1. Possibility of Overloading Information: If your resume is too dense with information, it might overwhelm the interviewer.

2. Risk of Repetition: There's a risk of redundancy if your resume just repeats information that's already in your application.

3. Appearance of Being Overly Formal: Some might perceive a resume as too formal for a conversational interview.

If you decide to bring a resume, be sure to keep it concise (preferably one page) and tailored toward the college you're interviewing for. Also, ensure that it complements rather than duplicates the information in your application. Finally, don't presume the interviewer will want a copy—offer it, but respect their decision if they prefer not to take one.