Any tips for Stanford interview prep?

So I've been lucky enough to land a Stanford interview, and I'm super excited but also a bit nervous. Any advice on how to prepare for it? What kind of questions should I expect and how can I best share my experiences in a way that will stand out? Thanks in advance, guys!

Congratulations on landing a Stanford interview! It's natural to be a bit nervous, but preparation can help set your mind at ease.

When preparing for your Stanford interview, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Review your application: Refresh your memory about the details in your application, including your essays, extracurriculars, and academic achievements. You'll likely be asked to expand on these topics during the interview. While your interviewer will be an alum who likely hasn't seen your application, they will send a recap of your conversation to the admissions team, and you want the information they receive to enhance what they've already learned about you from your main application.

2. Research Stanford University: Get familiar with Stanford's history, values, and unique aspects, such as its key programs, mentorship opportunities, and traditions. Demonstrating genuine interest in the school and its offerings should be one of your main goals in your interview.

3. Prepare common interview questions: Some typical interview questions might include:

- Tell me about yourself.

- Why Stanford? What do you hope to achieve here?

- What is a challenging situation you've faced in high school, and how did you handle it?

- Can you discuss a current event or issue that interests you?

- What do you do for fun outside of school?

- Do you have any favorite books or authors?

You can find a more extensive list of example questions, and how to respond to them, on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for.

4. Practice sharing your experiences: Stanford interviews often focus on your personal growth, so consider specific examples from your life that showcase your maturity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your responses.

5. Prepare at least two thoughtful questions: At the end of the interview, you'll have the opportunity to ask your interviewer questions. Prepare questions that showcase your genuine curiosity about Stanford and your desire to contribute to the community. Avoid asking overly general or easily searchable questions. CollegeVine's blog contains further guidance on what kinds of questions you'll want to ask during your interview: https://blog.collegevine.com/8-meaningful-questions-to-ask-during-your-college-interview/.

6. Dress appropriately: While the interview is likely to be relatively casual, dress neatly and professionally in business casual attire. If you're wondering whether your planned outfit is a good one, you can confirm with the guidance in this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-to-wear-to-your-college-interview/.

7. Practice good body language: Maintain eye contact, smile, and pay attention to your posture. Your non-verbal cues can convey confidence and enthusiasm.

8. Take a deep breath, and remember the interview is only one part of your application: The interview is an opportunity for your interviewer to get to know you better. Treat it as a conversation, and allow your personality to shine through. If you don't know the answer to a question, it's okay to pause and think it through before responding. Don't let one challenging question derail your confidence during the interview.

Finally, while everyone's interview experience is different, if you want to read about how one past student's Stanford interview went, you can read her recap on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/stanford-interview-what-its-like.

Good luck with your interview preparation! Be authentic, and share your experiences to stand out!