Anyone have tips on common college admissions interview questions? I'm a high school junior and want to be as prepared as possible for any interviews that might come up. What questions should I expect and how should I prepare?
Sure, happy to provide some guidance! Admissions interviews can vary depending on the school and interviewer, but several common questions often come up. Here are a few you might want to prepare for:
1. "Why are you interested in attending this school?" - The interviewer wants to understand your motivation for choosing their institution. You should be prepared to discuss specific things like academic programs, professors, campus culture, or extracurriculars that have attracted you to the school.
2. "What are your academic interests?" - This question allows the interviewer to understand what drives you academically. Be ready to talk about what subjects you enjoy most and why.
3. "Can you tell me about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it?" - This question helps the interviewer understand your problem-solving abilities and resilience. Think of a challenge, either academic or personal, and how you navigated it.
4. "What do you do in your free time?" - This question allows the interviewer to learn about what you're passionate about outside of academics. This is a great time to mention any extracurricular activities or hobbies, and why you enjoy them.
5. "What are your post-college goals?" - They want to know if you have a vision for your future and how their college fits into that vision. Be honest, but also highlight how you believe their institution can help you achieve these goals.
To prepare, practice answering these questions (and variations of them) out loud. Be sure to be specific, present your genuine interests and aspirations, and tie your answers back to the specific school in question. For example, when discussing academic interests, explain how the school's offerings align with your goals. Remember that while the interviewer is trying to learn about your fit with the school, this is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the school. It's a good idea to come prepared with a few questions for the interviewer as well to show you're actively interested in their school and the conversation.
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