How does the college interview process work?

I'm preparing for upcoming college interviews and feel slightly overwhelmed. Could anyone share what the process typically entails and any advice on how to make a good impression during these interviews? Thanks in advance!

The college interview process can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! At many colleges, interviews are optional and aren't necessarily a mandatory part of the application process. They're usually conducted by alumni or admissions officers who live in or near your area.

Once you've expressed interest in a college interview (usually through the school's admissions portal, although sometimes interviews are simply assigned directly by the school, and don't require you to express interest), you'll likely be matched with an interviewer. The actual interview can take different forms - it could be in-person at a local coffee shop, through a video call, or even at your high school if the college sends representatives there. The style of the interview tends to be casual and conversational.

In terms of what to expect, the interview will generally last about 30-60 minutes. It usually begins with the interviewer asking you to tell them about yourself. From there, the interviewer will ask questions about your academic interests, extracurricular involvement, why you're interested in the college, and what you hope to contribute to the campus community.

To get a sense of the questions you might face, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of common interview questions, as well as guidance on how to respond to them and even strong sample answers: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for/

To make a good impression, it's beneficial to do some prep work. Research the school and know why you're interested in attending. Be ready to discuss your academic interests, passions, and goals in a clear and thoughtful manner. Show off your personality and show genuine interest in the interviewer by asking thoughtful questions about their experiences with the college. CollegeVine's blog also contains advice on how to come up with thoughtful questions for your interviewer: https://blog.collegevine.com/9-meaningful-questions-to-ask-during-your-college-interview/

Remember, the purpose of the interview is for the college to get to know you better, and for you to learn more about the college from someone with firsthand experience - it's a two-way street. Try to relax and be yourself. The interview is meant to be a conversation, not an interrogation.

Last, but not least, follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview. This is not only polite but also reaffirms your interest in the school. CollegeVine also has you covered with tips here: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-college-interview-thank-you-email/

Doing a mock interview with a friend, family member, or teacher can help you prepare and feel more comfortable when the real interview comes around, as you can work out any kinks during this test drive. Good luck!