What are typical college admission interview questions like?

I'm preparing for my college admission interviews and I'm wondering what kinds of questions they usually ask. Are there common themes or particular topics I should focus on to make a great impression?

During a college admission interview, you could be asked a range of questions that help the interviewer understand your interests, ambitions, thought process, and connection to the school. While the questions can vary, there are several common themes you may encounter.

1. Questions about your academic interests: "What's the most interesting course you took in high school and why?", "If you could design your own course, what would it be about?", "What do you like about [applicant's prospective major]?", "What book are you currently reading?", or "Tell me about a project or assignment that was particularly challenging for you."

2. Questions about your extracurricular activities and community involvement: "What's the most meaningful extracurricular activity to you?", "Tell me about a time when you’ve held a leadership role.", "Describe your most significant contribution to your community."

3. Questions about why you're interested in that college: "What draws you to our institution?", "Can you identify any programs or opportunities here that align with your interests?", "How would you contribute to our campus community?", or "What research have you done about our college?"

4. Questions about your personal growth and values: "How have you grown or changed during high school?", "Can you recall a significant setback or failure you've faced and how you dealt with it?", "What's a goal you have for your college years?"

5. Prompts for self-reflection: "Tell me about yourself.", "What are your strengths and weaknesses?", "Who has been a significant influence in your life?", or "What would your friends say about you?"

Remember, interviews are not just about answering questions but also about having a conversation. Feel free to ask questions back to your interviewer. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the school and keeps the conversation flowing. Prioritize being authentic, thoughtful, and engaging rather than just trying to "say the right thing."

As much as the preparation is key, don't over-rehearse. You want to sound natural, not robotic. Good luck with your interviews!