Preparing for a Group Interview at College

I'm nervous about the group interview activities during my campus interviews. What should I expect in terms of exercises or activities, and how should I best prepare to impress the interviewers and collaborate with other students?

In regards to incoming campus interviews, group ones can occasionally seem more daunting than one-on-one because you are not just trying to impress the interviewer - you're trying to work well with others. However, with the right mindset and preparation, group interviews can help you highlight your teamwork skills and make you a stronger candidate.

Group interviews differ depending on the college, but they often consist of exercises and activities that let you demonstrate your ability to collaborate, share your perspective, and work through problems together. For example, you might be given a group project wherein you'll work out a solution for a given problem, or you may be asked to engage in a group discussion about a certain topic.

When it comes to preparation, it starts with being confident in your own attributes and skills. One way to prepare is to reflect on past experiences where you were in a team setting. What was the situation? What role did you play, and how did you contribute to the team's success? Frame these experiences in the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) to concisely explain your teamwork skills during the interview.

During the group interview itself, it's important to balance speaking your mind with letting others talk too. While it's key to share your thoughts and opinions, it's just as critical to listen actively, showing genuine interest in what other students are saying. You can impress the interviewer(s) by respectfully disagreeing with others when necessary, building upon others’ ideas, and always encouraging participation from all group members. For example, if someone's been quiet, you could say, "I'd love to hear what you think about this, [their name]."

Group interviews are less about shining individually, and more about demonstrating that you can work effectively with others to achieve a common goal. Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, so remain affable, keep the group's objectives in mind, and you'll do just fine. Good luck!