Mastering interview techniques for college admissions

College admissions interviews are stressing me out! What are some interviewing techniques to help me come off as confident and genuine? Are there any common pitfalls I should avoid during these interviews?

Absolutely, mastering college interviews can be quite a challenge, but by practicing and preparing, you can greatly boost your chances of success. Here are some strategies you might find useful:

1. Prepare, but Don't Over-Prepare: Of course, you ought to research the college, understand its missions and values, and know why you're interested in attending. However, you also want to avoid sounding too rehearsed. Your answers should feel natural, not as though they were read from a script.

2. Be Authentic: Authenticity is key. Be true to your passions, experiences, and aspirations. Admissions staff work with hundreds of applicants, and they are good at detecting when someone isn't being genuine.

3. Show Enthusiasm: You're likely interviewing for a school you're interested in attending, so make sure to convey that enthusiasm.

4. Practice Active Listening: When your interviewer is speaking, be attentive. Use verbal and non-verbal cues to show you're engaged and interested in what they have to say.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Always have a couple of questions ready to ask your interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the school and can boost the conversation's natural flow.

As for pitfalls to avoid, here are a few:

1. Being Negative: Avoid negative comments, particularly about previous schools, teachers, or classes. This type of negativity can take away from the positive aspects of your interview.

2. Over-talking or Under-talking: While it's important to engage with the interviewer, ensure you're not doing all the talking. Conversely, answers that are too short or vague can leave the impression that you're either bored, or not fully engaged in the conversation.

3. Rushing Your Answers: Take a few moments to think about the question before you answer. It's preferable to have a thoughtful response rather than one that's too quick and not well-considered.

4. Ignoring Interview Etiquette: This includes small things like arriving on time, dressing appropriately, and turning off your phone. They can go along way in showing your professionalism and respect.

5. Talking About Grades/Scores Only: While your academics are important, an interview is your opportunity to showcase more than just your quantitative attributes. Show them who you are beyond your grades and scores!

Remember, practice is key. Attempt mock interviews with trusted individuals who can provide feedback on your performance, and go over common interview questions beforehand to get familiar with the sort of responses you'll want to give. Good luck with your interviews!