Interviewing Tips for College Applications

Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare for college interviews? I'm not sure what to expect or how formal I should be. Do interviewers usually ask technical questions, or is it more about getting to know me?

Absolutely, preparing for a college interview can seem intimidating, but here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the school: Given how short college interviews are, you want your answers to be as specific and meaningful as possible. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the school's programs, values, and culture. This will not only reflect your interest in the school but will also enable you to answer why you're interested in that particular school convincingly.

2. Prepare your story: What motivates you? What are your ambitions? What challenges have you overcome? Your interviewer is interested in knowing who you are beyond what's in your application. Be prepared to answer questions about your personal journey, your interests, and your future plans.

3. Anticipate common questions: While every interviewer and college may have their unique set of questions, there are certain questions that are quite common. These include: “Why are you interested in our college?” “Tell me about a time when you faced a challenge?” “Where do you see yourself in ten years?” “Can you talk about a book, event, or project that influenced you?” Preparing for these can give you a foundation on which to build your responses.

4. Think about what you want them to know: Interviews are also an opportunity for you to provide additional context and share any unique experiences or circumstances you’ve had that don’t fit neatly into an application form.

5. Be professional but authentic: As for formality, express yourself genuinely and maintain a level of professionalism in your demeanor. It's important to be respectful, but that doesn't mean you have to be extremely formal or stiff.

6. Practice, but don’t memorize: The goal is not to deliver a script word-for-word. Your responses should come off naturally, and practicing can help. Consider having a friend or family member conduct a mock interview to help you get comfortable with the process.

7. Prepare some questions for them: Not only does this show your genuine interest in learning more about the school and your potential place within it, but it can also help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Keep in mind that most colleges do not ask technical questions in their interviews. The focus is more on understanding you as an individual, your academic interests, your character, your extracurricular interests, and how you might contribute to the school community.

Lastly, remember to relax! The interview is just a conversation, and your interviewer is genuinely interested to get to know more about you. Good luck!