Tips for Princeton University admission interview?

I have my Princeton University admission interview soon and I want to make a great impression. What kind of questions should I anticipate, and how should I approach this session to highlight my strengths?

In preparing for your Princeton University admission interview, it is important to remember that the objective of the interview is for the school to get to know you better- beyond your application. That being said, they will be focusing on your interests, experiences, and aspirations.

Here are some typical questions you might encounter:

1. Why are you interested in Princeton University? You should conduct research on Princeton to answer this question. You can talk about specific academic programs, extracurricular activities, or aspects of the campus culture that appeal to you.

2. Which subjects do you enjoy the most, and why?

3. What are your future career goals?

4. Can you tell me about an extracurricular project or activity that you're proud of?

5. How have you contributed to your community or high school?

6. What kind of impact do you want to have in your field of interest?

7. Do you have any questions for me about Princeton?

In terms of how you should approach the interview:

1. Be genuine: Authenticity resonates. Explain why you genuinely love your interests and how they tie into your future goals.

2. Listen carefully and answer thoughtfully: The interviewer also wants to get a sense of your communication skills and your ability to think critically.

3. Be polite and respectful: The interviewer is volunteering their time.

4. Be prepared but not rehearsed: It's good to think about potential questions, but responses should feel natural and conversational, not robotic or canned.

Highlighting your strengths:

1. Tie your strengths to specific examples. If you mention being a good leader, for instance, share an anecdote about a time you led a group project or a club.

2. Show, don't tell. If you're a problem-solver, don't just say that; share a story about a problem you confronted and how you resolved it.

Finally, remember that interviews for Princeton are not evaluative and are used primarily as informational tools to help prospective students gain a better understanding of the university. A great interview will not make up for a lackluster application, but it can strengthen a strong application. Good luck!