How should I prepare for an evaluative college interview? What do they typically ask, and how can I stand out? I'm nervous because I really want to leave a good impression for admissions teams.
It's completely natural to feel nervous before an evaluative college interview. Keep in mind the overall purpose: the college wants to get to know you on a deeper level and see if you would be a good fit for their campus. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Research The School: Know what the school is renowned for—be it certain academic programs, clubs, research opportunities, etc. Find out what values align with the school’s mission. This will not only show interest but also reflect that you see yourself at the institution.
2. Prepare Your Responses: While you can’t predict every question, it's smart to prepare answers for common ones like “Why do you want to attend this school?” or “What can you bring to our campus community?”. Use examples from your life to tell stories that demonstrate your unique qualities.
3. Show Interest and Curiosity: Have a list of smart, specific questions about the college. Instead of generic ones like "What is the student life like?", go for something more targeted, like "I read about the XYZ project in the computer science program that seemed really interesting. Could you tell me more about that?"
4. Communication Matters: Be polite, professional, and positive. Smile, maintain eye contact, and listen attentively when the interviewer is talking. These basics go a long way in showing your sincerity and respect to the interviewer.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Do mock interviews with a parent, counselor, or friend. Record yourself to see how you come across on video. Are you maintaining eye contact? Are you checking your "ums" and "ahs"?
6. Remember It’s a Conversation: Yes, it's an interview, but it's also a dialogue. Don’t rush or feel like you have to talk all the time. Let it be a natural conversation.
Remember, the interview is just one part of a broad, holistic review process, so relax and be yourself. You've got this! Good luck!
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