Best way to tackle University of Michigan admissions interview?

I've been invited for an admissions interview at the University of Michigan. I'm pretty nervous and I'm not sure what to expect. Can anyone share experiences or advice on handling the interview well?

Congrats on your University of Michigan interview! It's natural to be anxious about these types of experiences but remember, it's really an opportunity for the university to get to know you beyond your application, and likewise, a chance for you to learn more about the university.

Firstly, the interview is typically a casual conversation, so try to relax and just be yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know you as a person, not just as a student. They are likely alumni of the university, not admissions officers, and they will be interested in your personal experiences and aspirations rather than trying to quiz you on academic topics.

Secondly, be prepared to answer questions about why you're interested in the University of Michigan and what you hope to gain from attending. What courses, clubs, or opportunities are you excited about? How do you see yourself contributing to the university community? What makes UM a good fit for you? Take some time before your interview to reflect on these questions.

Next, review your application and be ready to talk about anything you highlighted in it, such as your extracurricular experiences, special projects, life experiences or academic achievements. If you mentioned a passion for environmental science, for example, be ready to discuss why you find it fascinating, as well as any related activities or experiences you might have had.

Additionally, prepare a few questions of your own to show genuine interest in the institution and to learn more about the university from the perspective of an alumnus/alumna. Make sure these are specific and insightful—asking about the interviewer's favorite traditions, their favorite classes, or advice they have for incoming students.

Last but not least, make sure to follow formal interview etiquette—dress appropriately (business casual is usually a good call), arrive on time, and thank the interviewer for their time, either at the end of the interview or with a follow-up email.

I hope these tips help! Remember that interviews are just one part of the whole application, and while they're important, they're not everything. Good luck!