What real-life interview questions might I face in a college interview?

I'm curious about the kinds of questions colleges ask in real-life interviews. Do they focus more on academics, personal experiences, or future goals? I want to go in prepared for anything they might throw at me.

In real-life college interviews, you may face a variety of questions that revolve around not just your academic accomplishments, but also your personal experiences, potential fit for the university, and future goals. Colleges are interested in understanding more about you as a whole person, beyond the academic accomplishments listed on paper. Here are some potential examples of questions you may face:

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

2. Why are you interested in our school, specifically?

3. What are your academic interests and why do they matter to you?

4. Can you describe a challenge you've overcome and what you learned from it?

5. What are your future goals and how do you think our institution can help you achieve them?

6. Can you discuss a current issue or recent event that matters to you and why?

7. Could you share an example of a time when you contributed to your community or showed leadership skills?

8. Which extracurricular activity has been most meaningful to you, and why?

9. How do you handle criticism or feedback? (You might be asked to give an example here.)

10. What is something that people often misunderstand about you?

It also won't hurt to prepare some thoughtful questions for your interviewer. This shows genuine interest in the program and that you've done your research. Review the school's website carefully to avoid asking a question that could easily be answered there.

Remember, an interview is a mutual exchange of information. It's not only a way for schools to get to know you better, but also an opportunity for you to learn more about the college or the specific program you're applying to. Be yourself, be prepared, and remember, it's okay to take a moment to think before answering a question.