4 Tips for College Interview Success

You've scheduled a college interview. How do you make a good impression?

I always tell my students that good interviewing is a skill you have to practice; the more you do it, the better you'll get. Enlist mom, dad, or a friend to practice the sample questions I've listed below, and follow these 4 Tips for Interviewing Success:

1. Relax

It's normal to be nervous. Almost everyone is.

 But don't worry, you're not going into a torture chamber and your interviewer doesn't want you to fail. On the contrary, your interviewer can't wait to learn all about you because you might just be a perfect fit for that school. (After all, you really want to go, right?) 

So pretend it's a normal conversation. Take a deep breath, be yourself, and relax.

2. Decide on Three Things You Want the Interviewer to Remember About You   

1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________

What should you choose? Any activity, accomplishment, goal, or value that's important to you.

Think about:

• Ways you've been a leader
• How you've contributed to your sport or school
• The kind of brother, sister, or friend you are
• Your goals
• The accomplishment you're most proud of

Tip: Use this to answer the "tell me about yourself" question.

Important! Don't leave the interview without mentioning all three things.

3. Be Prepared to ASK and Answer Questions

You need to anticipate the kind of questions you'll get, and also have questions ready for the interviewer. Be thoughtful and specific; 

don't ask questions that are easily answered by the catalog or website.

Examples of College Interview Questions:

• Tell me about yourself?
• Why do you want to attend our college?
• What courses have you enjoyed most in high school?
• Which of your activities is most rewarding and why?
• What's your biggest achievement?
• Tell me about an obstacle you've overcome?
• What one thing would you have done differently in high school and why?
• How did you spend last summer?
• Do you have future plans?
• Do you have questions for me?  

Questions to Ask the Interviewer:

• What kind of activities are available for freshmen to meet other students?
• Are there programs for students to get to know their professors?
• How do I find out about part-time job opportunities or internships on campus?
• I talked to (the coach, professor, tour guide) and learned ________. Can you tell me more about that?
• (If the interviewer is an alum) What did you like most about going to your school? How were you able to use the skills you learned? 

4. Body Language Counts

• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake
• Sit up straight
• Make eye contact
• Dress nicely. Like your mom would want.

A good college interview is an exchange of information and ideas. Be prepared, be comfortable, and enjoy.