How to prepare for the Washington University in St. Louis undergraduate interview?

I'm applying to WashU and I have an undergraduate interview coming up. What kind of questions should I expect, and how can I best prepare for it? Any tips from those who have gone through this process?

WashU interviews are ordinarily conducted by alumni and are more likely about getting to know you and understanding your interest in the university. These interviews are a great opportunity for you to showcase your enthusiasm for the school and your individual strengths and experiences. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Learn about the school: It's crucial to demonstrate that you've researched Washington University and that you understand what makes it a unique place to study. Familiarize yourself with programs, classes, clubs, or organizations at the university that align with your interests and academic goals.

2. Reflection on Your Experiences: Be prepared to talk about your experiences in high school, including your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and any relevant job or volunteering experience. Reflect on why these activities are important to you and how they've shaped your personal and academic development.

3. Typical Interview Questions: Though each interview can be unique in terms of specific questions asked, you can anticipate certain commonly-asked ones such as:

- Tell me about yourself.

- Why are you interested in attending WashU?

- What's a challenge you've faced and how did you deal with it?

- What are your future plans or goals?

- What will you contribute to our campus?

4. Prepare Questions: Toward the end of the interview, you'll likely be offered the chance to ask your own questions. Use this opportunity to show your sincere curiosity about the school. Your questions can be broad (e.g., "What do you think sets WashU apart from other universities?") or specific (e.g., "How did you benefit from the school's commitment to undergraduate research?").

5. Practice: While you don't want to sound too rehearsed, it can also be helpful to practice some of your responses ahead of time. This can boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts more fluidly during the interview.

Remember, the interview is as much a chance for you to learn about WashU as it is for them to learn about you. Be yourself, and try to enjoy the conversation! Good luck!