Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What are some good books to mention in college interviews?

I want to talk about a book that's impacted me during my college interview. Any suggestions on books that resonate well and show intellectual curiosity?

a year ago

It's splendid that you are planning to discuss a book that has influenced you in your college interview and you're right, this can certainly showcase your intellectual curiosity! Before you decide on a book, you should consider what exactly you want to convey through this discussion. Do you want to show your enjoyment of literature, your interest in a particular subject, or your engagement with deep, philosophical ideas?

For literature, a classic such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee or "1984" by George Orwell might be suitable. These books tackle important themes expressed through engaging narratives which can provide a depth of discussion.

If you're applying for a STEM-related course, consider a non-fiction book that correlates with your chosen field. For example, "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking could inspire a discussion about cosmology and your engagement with complex scientific ideas.

If you're interested in discussing philosophical ideas, "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius or "The Republic" by Plato could provide a lot of depth. These texts tackle valuable life lessons and critical thought concepts, showing your willingness to engage with complex thinking.

Remember, it's best to choose a book that you genuinely resonate with, as it's your passion and understanding of the book that will impress, rather than the book itself. What matters isn't just that you've read the book, but what you've taken from it, and how it has contributed to your intellectual development or perspective on life. And do make sure you can discuss it extensively and have key points in mind that you'd like to draw out in your interview. This is where the depth of your thought will really come across.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.