Preparing for a college interview

How should I prepare for my college interview? I'm anxious and unsure whether I should have anything specific ready to discuss or documents to present. Any tips on preparation?

The college interview can indeed feel daunting, but proper preparation can help alleviate some of your anxieties. Here are some strategies you may find helpful:

1. Review Your Application: Refresh your memory on what you wrote in your application. Review your resume, transcripts, and essays if you submitted them. The more you know about your own application, the better you can answer when the interviewer asks about your achievements, experiences, or academic interests.

2. Research the Institution: Dig deep about the school—its mission, programs, campus culture, etc. Tailoring your responses to reflect a profound understanding of the school could give you an edge. For example, if asked why you chose their institution, a response that ties back to something unique to their institution like a specific program or club conveys that you’ve done your homework.

3. Prepare Questions: Having your own set of thoughtful questions shows a keen interest in the school. The questions can be about the academic environment, student activities, or the school's values, but they should be in-depth enough that the answers aren't easily found on the college's website.

4. Mock Interviews: Practice makes perfect. Set up a mock interview with a guidance counselor, teacher, or trusted adult who can provide feedback. Request them to ask typical questions like 'tell me about yourself,' 'why this school,' 'tell me about a challenge and how you overcame it.'

5. Prepare Your Story: While you can't predict every question, you can certainly prepare your 'story.' Think of interesting examples from your experiences that highlight your skills, passions, achievements, or problem-solving abilities.

6. Keep Track of Accomplishments: If you have any updates in your academic or extracurricular achievements that weren’t part of the initial application, be ready to discuss them.

7. Documents: In general, you probably won’t need to present any physical documents during interviews. However, this varies, so check with the school's interview guidelines beforehand.

8. Dress Appropriately: First impressions matter. Dressing professionally can give a positive impression to the interviewer, even if the meeting is virtual.

Finally, remember that the interview is as much a chance for you to know the school as it is for them to know you. Relax, be natural, show your enthusiasm and let your personality shine through. Good luck!