What to expect in a University of Maryland College Park admissions interview?

I'm a junior starting to think about applying to UMCP, and I've heard they might do interviews. What are they like? Any advice on how to prepare or what kinds of questions they ask would be super helpful!

Actually, University of Maryland, College Park, doesn't offer admissions interviews.

While a few colleges do offer interviews, it's important to remember that this is by no means universal. Plus, not having an admissions interview is not necessarily a disadvantage. Admissions offices use many different data points to understand and assess candidates, such as high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and extracurricular activities.

But don't worry! There are other ways to engage with the school. You could consider signing up for a tour or attending a virtual event to learn more about UMD. You could also reach out directly to the admissions office if you have specific questions about programs or student life that aren't covered on their website.

It's great that you're preparing well in advance! You have a lot of time to research, ask questions, and better understand what you want from your college experience. Keep track of all the little details that stand out to you at each school, as they can be incredibly helpful when writing your college essays. For example, specific academic programs, clubs or groups, or aspects of the community could be excellent points to include in your "Why This College" essay, showing admissions officers you have done your research and are genuinely interested in their institution.