How to prepare for college interview questions?

I'm trying to prepare for an upcoming college interview and I want to make sure I'm ready for any questions they throw at me. What are some tips on anticipating and practicing questions that might come up?

One strategy to prepare for college interviews starts with getting familiar with standard interview questions. Some frequently asked questions include "Why are you interested in this college?" or "Can you tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle?" Start your preparation by considering your answers to these types of standard questions.

First, research the school. Knowing specific details about the school, like its unique programs, its mission statement, or important traditions can help you answer the question, "Why are you interested in this school?" in a meaningful way. It shows both your interest in the school and your ability to do in-depth research.

Consider writing out responses to some of these common questions. While you don't want to sound rehearsed during the actual interview, forming and articulating your thoughts beforehand will make your responses smoother and more confident.

Next, brainstorm about your high school experience. What are your favorite subjects and why? What extracurriculars did you engage in and what did you learn from them? Reflecting on these can inform your response to questions about your interests and hobbies.

Another strategy is to do a mock interview with a friend, teacher, or family member. This can help you get used to articulating your thoughts and help you gauge how long your responses are. In an interview, it's important to be concise, but also provide enough detail to fully answer the question.

Lastly, keep in mind that interviewers may ask you to elaborate on any answers you give. So, for every piece of information you plan on sharing, consider, 'What more can I tell about this?'

Remember, being yourself and being honest are key. The interview is for the college to get to know you better, so provide answers that truly reflect who you are.