Preparing for Columbia College Interviews

Has anyone here had a Columbia College interview? I’m wondering what the experience is like. How can I best prepare for it to maximize my chances of getting in, especially as an undergraduate applicant?

It's understandable you'd want to be prepared for a college interview, and I'm here to help with that! Just to note, Columbia University typically offers interviews based on the availability of alumni volunteers in your area, so don't be alarmed if you haven't received an interview request. It does not necessarily reflect on the quality of your application.

Assuming you get an interview, here are a few strategies to help you prepare:

1. Know your application - This seems obvious, but understanding your application inside and out is essential. The interviewer may want to know more about your extracurriculars, or why you chose the majors or programs you indicated on your application. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

2. Prepare for common questions - Questions like "Why do you want to attend Columbia?", "Tell me about yourself", "Can you talk about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?", and others are often asked. Take the time to prepare thoughtful, yet brief, responses to these questions.

3. Research about Columbia - Understand what sets Columbia apart from other universities you're applying to. You can mention specific courses, professors, or clubs that have caught your attention. This shows the interviewer that you're genuinely interested in what Columbia has to offer.

4. Ask informed questions - Interviewers often ask the candidate if they have any questions, and asking thoughtful, informed questions can help demonstrate your interest in the school. Instead of asking something you could easily Google, it's a good idea to ask more specific questions. An example might be, "Can you tell me about your personal experience with the Core Curriculum and how it shaped your undergraduate life at Columbia?"

5. Practice - Run through a mock interview with a friend, teacher, family member or a college counselor. This will help you answer questions more fluently during your actual interview.

6. Be yourself - Colleges are not looking for every student to match a certain mold. They appreciate authenticity. So be yourself, and let your personality shine through!

Remember, college interviewers are not there to trick you or make you feel uncomfortable. They are usually alumni who wish to share their love of Columbia and see if the school might be a good fit for you. Good luck!