What do universities ask in interviews?

I'm prepping for my college interviews and getting a bit stressed about what they might ask! Do universities have common questions they usually ask, or does it vary a lot by school?

While interviews can be school-specific, many university interviews share common themes and questions since the goal is often to understand the student better, in a more relaxed and less formal setting. Some common topics that might be discussed in interviews include:

1. Inquiring about your interest in the university. The interviewer will likely ask why you're interested in their university, and why you chose the major you're applying to. A thorough response to this question might include mentioning specific programs, traditions, or values that align with your aspirations.

2. Getting to know your academic interests. You may be asked about the subject you most enjoy studying at school, or what academic projects you've been proud of. This helps the interviewer to understand more about your academic preferences and achievements.

3. Understanding your extracurricular activities. The interviewer will want to learn about the activities you've participated in outside of class. They might ask about sports, clubs, internships, jobs, and volunteer work you've had, and what you've learned from those experiences.

4. Talking about your goals and plans. They might ask about your plans after graduation and how attending their university fits into those plans. This will help them see if you're serious about using the education they offer to achieve your goals.

5. Discussing a challenge or failure. They might ask about a challenge or failure you've faced and how you dealt with it. This can give them an idea of your resilience and problem-solving skills.

6. Raising current events or books. Sometimes, interviewers might ask about recent books you've read or your opinion on a major current event. This question is designed to understand your intellectual depth, critical thinking ability, and engagement with the world beyond academics.

Remember, the university interview is an opportunity for the interviewer to understand you and your fit with the university better. So, while you should prepare certain talking points, your responses should also be genuine and reflect your personal experiences, opinions, and aspirations. Honesty and authenticity are always appreciated in these settings.