I'm preparing for a college interview with the University of Minnesota and was wondering if anyone has any tips or experiences they'd like to share. What kind of questions are typically asked, and how can I best prepare?
Interviewing is a great opportunity to directly communicate your prospective contributions to the University of Minnesota community and also to further demonstrate your interest in the school.
In preparing, familiarize yourself with Minnesota's key values and culture, its programs related to your intended major, and any unique features of the university that stick out to you. Being able to specifically articulate why Minnesota's academics and community are a good fit for you can help you stand out.
Interviews often open with a staple like "Tell me about yourself." Here, highlight your academic interests, any activities you're passionate about, and potentially what you hope to gain from and contribute to Minnesota.
You're also likely to be asked questions like:
1. Why do you want to attend the University of Minnesota?
2. What can you contribute to our campus community?
3. Can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant challenge?
4. What other colleges are you applying to?
Remember that interviews are also an opportunity for you to ask questions. You might ask about campus culture, experiences with professors, internships in your intended field, or what the interviewer loves about the school.
For practice, consider setting up a mock interview and rehearsing your responses.
Of course, the unexpected can always happen—maybe you're asked a question you hadn't prepped for. Don't panic; take a moment, breathe, and tackle it the best you can. Genuine, thoughtful responses can sometimes be more impressive than a rote answer.
Finally, on the day of the interview, remember to present yourself professionally and start on a positive note with a friendly greeting.
Good luck with your University of Minnesota interview! You're going to do great.
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.