How should I prepare for the University of Rochester interview?

I'm getting ready for my University of Rochester interview and feeling a bit nervous. What should I focus on when preparing? Are there specific things I should practice or topics I should be ready to discuss?

I'm glad to hear you're preparing for your interview at the University of Rochester. These interviews can be an excellent opportunity to show a college not only your enthusiasm for their particular school but also your personality, goals, and experiences that may not be fully reflected in other parts of your application.

1. Know Your Application: Since your application possibly serves as a jumping-off point for interview questions, you should be familiar with what you've shared in your application. For example, if you've mentioned specific activities, classes, or personal experiences, be ready to discuss those in more detail.

2. Research the School: Show your interest in the University of Rochester by knowing specific programs, opportunities, or aspects of their culture that attract you. For example, Rochester is known for its 'Rochester Curriculum.' Perhaps you can discuss how this academic freedom would benefit you and align with your goals.

3. Practice Common Interview Questions: While you can't predict every question, you can expect some common ones like: Why are you interested in our college? What can you bring to our community? Can you discuss a challenge you've faced and how you overcame it?

4. Prepare Questions: Towards the end of the interview, you'll usually have the chance to ask questions. This shows your interest and engagement. Base your questions on the research you've done about the college. You could ask about a specific program, opportunities for research, or even the interviewer's personal experiences at the college (if they're an alumnus).

5. Be Authentic: Remember, the goal of the interview is not only for the college to learn more about you but also for you to learn more about the college. Be genuine in your responses. It's okay not to have a perfect answer to every question.

6. Practice, but Don't Script: While it's good to think about potential responses to common questions, avoid rehearsing them to the point where your answers sound scripted. It's best to sound natural and conversational during the interview.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you familiarize yourself with this kind of scenario, the more comfortable you'll feel when the real interview comes. Good luck!