I'm a junior interested in Lehigh University, and I heard on-campus interviews can help with admissions. Can anyone share their experiences or tips for preparing for these interviews? Do they have a big impact on your application?
Lehigh University does offer on-campus interviews that are conducted by admissions staff, and while they're not mandatory, they can provide a helpful opportunity for you to express your interest in the university and showcase aspects of your personality and accomplishments that may not come across fully in your application.
Interviews at Lehigh are evaluated and included as part of your application review process. Although they are not a major factor, they do play a role, especially if you are able to leverage the interview to highlight your fit for the school, your major, and elaborate on your extracurricular involvement.
To prepare for your interview at Lehigh, familiarize yourself with the university's mission, values, specific programs, and campus culture. Research the specifics of the major you're interested in. Think about how you can demonstrate your embrace of these elements in your conversations. Also, be ready to talk about yourself, your high school experience, future plans, and why you've chosen Lehigh.
Remember to be yourself during the interview. Genuine responses and a committed interest in the school could make a positive impression. Be prepared with a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This can help further depict your interest in their school and give you a better understanding of Lehigh.
In addition, conduct practice interviews if you can, and review common interview questions so you feel comfortable in the process. Do note that the interviewer isn't trying to stump you or make you feel uncomfortable; they really just want to get a stronger sense of who you are as an applicant.
While the importance of interviews varies somewhat from school to school, many admissions officers agree that a strong interview could tip the scales in favor of an applicant who is on the borderline for admission. Good luck with your preparations!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.