Interview Tips for Getting Into College?

I'm a junior in high school and starting to think about college interviews. What should I expect, and how can I best prepare? Are there certain things I should definitely do or avoid during the interview? Thanks for any help!

Sure, I would be glad to provide some tips for college interviews. They're a great way to add a personal touch and provide more context to your application.

1. Do Your Research: Before the interview, take some time to thoroughly research the college. Not just its major offerings or campus size, but dive into the specifics. What is the school's ethos, what programs or initiatives do they value, and what sets this college apart from the rest? This knowledge will help you to provide thoughtful and personalized responses, showing your genuine interest in the university.

2. Prepare but Don't Script: While it's good to consider your responses to common interview questions (like why you're interested in this college, what you plan to study, and how you spend your time outside of class), avoid scripting your answers word for word. Instead, outline some key points you want to hit and learn to articulate them naturally.

3. Have Questions Ready: At some point, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. This is an opportunity for you to show your engagement and enthusiasm, so have a few thoughtful, researched questions ready.

4. Share Stories, Not Just Facts: Remember, the goal of these interviews often isn't to learn more about what's on your resume but rather who you are as a person. Be prepared to share personal stories that highlight aspects of your character, illustrate your interests, or present your aspirations.

5. Be Professional: This should go without saying, but dress appropriately, arrive on time, and limit the use of slang or informal language.

6. Show Gratitude: Regardless of how you think the interview went, always send a thank you note to the interviewer afterwards. This shows respect and gratitude for their time.

Remember, interviews are just one part of the application process, and while they're a great opportunity to make a good impression, they typically aren't a make-or-break component. So, try to view them as a chance to learn more about the university from someone with firsthand experience, rather than a stressful evaluation. Good luck!