How to Best Prepare for a College Interview
Some universities may require a college interview, others may say they are optional. Either way, you can be prepared for an interview should you be interested in one. An interview is a chance for you to meet with someone who represents the college. It’s a great way to show your interest in the college, to start a relationship with people there and to show what you are all about. Here are five tips for preparing for an interview.
- Dress professionally:
The interview is a chance for you to show your interest in the university that you are visiting. For young men, wearing a nice tie, button up shirt and slacks will be a nice way to impress the interviewer. For young ladies, wearing a nice dress or skirt with a blouse would be most appropriate. For example, Tennis shoes and jeans are too casual for an interview. You want to show the interviewer that you are a serious candidate for the school you are applying too. - Prepare questions:
You will be asked why you are interested in the school, what major (s) you want to pursue as well as more information about your extracurricular activities. It would be a great idea to bring questions that you want to know more about with you so you are prepared to get answers. The interview is a great time to ask more details about the admission process. It is also a great time to ask the interviewer about campus life and your particular majors of interest. Bring a list of questions with you that you want to know more about. - Be yourself:
Relax and be yourself during your interview. You don’t need to memorize a script to prepare for the interview. Be yourself, ask questions and remember this is a way for you to know more about the university and for the interviewer to know more about you as an applicant. - Do your research:
Take some time to review the website of the college in which you are interested in. Look over the academic majors that are offered, campus life, housing and more importantly learn the admission process. Knowing information about the university that you are visiting will both impress the interviewer and also allow you to be more prepared for the interview. - Don’t forget your thank you note:
Ask for a business card of the admission interviewer before you leave. This would be a great way to reach out after your interview with either a thank you note or a mailed thank you card regarding the interview. Also, find out who your admission counselor is and reach out to him/her to introduce yourself and let him/her know you completed an interview as part of your visit.
Now you’re ready to have a successful college interview. Be confident in all the hard work you’ve put in to get yourself here! By following these five steps, we know you’ll be successful. As always, if you have questions, feel free to contact us. We are here to help!