Preparing for the College Interview
• Decide on colleges at which you would like to interview and schedule
appointments.
• Find out with whom you will be interviewing.
• Find out information about the college and begin to decide what
questions you would like to ask. Refer back to
the section on Questions to Ask During the College Search. Also
focus on why you would like to attend this
particular school.
• Do some practice interviews using the Typical Interview Questions
listed below.
• Decide what documents you should take with you and ensure they
are in order. Be sure to
take a list of activities, employment, etc., to provide the interviewer
with basic information.
• Decide if you would like to see more of the campus, take a tour, meet
any other people (e.g. the disability
counselor), sit in on a class, see housing options, pick up financial aid
forms, etc. Check on the availability of
these options before the interview as some may either occur only at
specific times or require appointments.
The Interview
• Be yourself.
• Make eye contact.
• Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. Do not talk to excess or just
respond yes/no.
• Speak clearly using proper grammar and tone.
• Try to stay positive and optimistic.
• Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in and knowledge of the
school at which you are interviewing.
• Relax and try not to be nervous.
• Be honest, don’t lie or exaggerate.
• Be prepared to discuss your ideas and school background.
• Be prepared to discuss extracurricular and non-school activities and
employment.
• Be sure to obtain the names of all individuals with whom you
interviewed.
Post-Interview Activity
• Send a personal thank-you note to each person with whom you
interviewed.
• Take any necessary follow up actions, e.g., send additional materials
requested during the interview; make note
of additional questions, which still require answers, and take steps to
obtain needed information; return any
forms, etc.
Typical Interview Questions
• Questions about you and your background, activities, hobbies and
work. What are your assets and liabilities
(i.e., good qualities and those that need improvement)?
• Questions about your interest in the school at which you are
interviewing.
• If admitted, what contribution can you make to the school?
• Why should we admit you?
• What worries you about going to college?
• Questions about your goals and interests.
• Questions about your high school experience, favorite courses, and
so forth.
• If applying for a special program, questions about your disability and
needed accommodations may be asked as
well as questions about your learning style (i.e., How do you learn
best?).
• General questions such as “tell me about your high school, best
friends, family, hometown, favorite teacher, trips
and so forth.” How would someone else describe you?