I'm scheduled for my first college interview soon, and I'm a bit anxious about timing. How early should I aim to arrive to make sure I'm punctual but not awkwardly early?
It's ideal to aim for arrival about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. This gives you enough time to gather your thoughts, compose yourself, perhaps quickly go over your notes about the college, and deal with any unexpected issues like finding the exact location, parking, or registering at the front desk if your interview is on campus.
Remember not to arrive too early - more than 30 minutes ahead can potentially make the interviewer feel rushed or pressured since they may still be in the midst of their preparations. Each interview situation is unique though, so use your best judgement.
Also, don't forget to factor in the time it may take to find the correct building or office if your interview is at a location you're not familiar with.
Above all, it's important to remain calm and composed regardless of whether you're a little early or just on time. Good luck with your interview!
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