What do good college interviews look like?

I'm curious about what makes a college interview 'good'. Are there any examples of interviews that went especially well that I could learn from?

A great college interview fully highlights the applicant's enthusiasm, sincerity, and distinctiveness. Here are some ideas to keep in mind to make sure you're bringing all three of these factors in during your interview:

- Show your passion: Demonstrating your genuine interest in an area of study or a particular extracurricular activity can say a lot about you. Discuss a moment when you overcame a difficult challenge in your area of interest or a time when your dedication led to a notable accomplishment.

- Be truthful: Authenticity can really set you apart during an interview. Try to provide honest answers and share your genuine feelings about your strengths, weaknesses, and the experiences that have shaped you as an individual.

- Distinctiveness: What sets you apart from other candidates is what will make you memorable to your interviewer. So talk about unique experiences, highlight your specific skills, and discuss any atypical interests you have.

Remember, not every question needs an answer straight away—it's perfectly acceptable to take a moment to think before you respond. If you maintain good eye contact and are able to converse effectively and comfortably, you'll demonstrate your confidence and sociability, which are two traits that can positively impact an interview.

One example of a successful interview could be a student who had worked on a community gardening project and discussed the impact this project had on the local area, perhaps even bringing pictures or articles to show the result. They could incorporate how they navigated challenges, managed any conflicts within the team, and how it solidified their decision to study Environmental Science.

At the end of the day, the best interviews are more like engaging conversations rather than a Q&A session. Thus, you should feel free to ask your interviewer thoughtful questions about the school and its philosophy or culture as it shows your active interest in the particular school and your desire to contribute positively to its community. Remember, an interview is a two-way process, and it's as much about getting to know the school as it is about the school getting to know you.

Good luck, and I'm sure you'll do great!