What should I expect in a US university admission interview?

I'm prepping for some admission interviews at US universities and I'm kinda nervous. Can anyone share what kinds of questions are typically asked? Would love to hear about any personal experiences or tips for handling them!

University admission interviews often strive to get a better picture of you beyond what's on your application. They generally want to assess how well you'd fit into their campus community. While every interview can be a bit different, there are some typical questions you might encounter:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. Why are you interested in our school?

3. What majors are you considering?

4. Can you tell me about a time you handled a challenging situation?

5. What do you like to do in your free time?

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

- Be yourself: This is a chance for them to get to know you, so don't try to be what you think they want. They're looking for genuine students who will add to their community.

- Be prepared to ask questions: A good interview is a two-way conversation, and having some thoughtful questions prepared will show that you've done your homework and are sincerely interested in the school.

- Think about your interviewer: Oftentimes, your interviewer will be an alumnus of the school, so they might not know the specifics about every department or program. Instead, they're generally there to get a sense of you as a person and a student.

- Practice good communication skills: Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, listen carefully, and don't interrupt. It's all about presenting yourself professionally and respectfully.

- Prepare for common questions: Spend some time thinking about how you'd answer some of the typical questions, but don't memorize a script. It's better to have a rough idea of what you'd like to say than to sound robotic.

Finally, try to relax. Interviewers understand that applicants can be nervous and they aren't trying to trick you or make you uncomfortable. You've got this! Good luck.