The College Interview

This is one area of the college admissions process that you have the most control over.  You are the one who can put the pieces together to make a good impression. 

When you call to set up a visit to the college, you should also arrange to see one of the admissions counselors for an interview.  If you are seeking admission to a competitive school, early booking is absolutely necessary.  (For some schools that means by August for fall visits.) If possible, arrange for your interview to come towards the end of your visit.  Then you will have a better understanding of the campus. 

If you cannot or do not visit the campus, do not think that you will avoid the interview if it is an important part of that school’s decision.  Some colleges send an alumni representative in your area to interview you.  The admissions office will communicate this to you. 

It is not just the academic, private school admissions offices that value the interview.  You should also consider a personal interview as an important part of your audition or portfolio review.

The same primary guiding principles apply to all evaluated interview situations: presentation, presentation, and more presentation.  Be conscious of the fact that you are expected to put your best foot forward.  In order to do that well, the secondary guiding principle applies: preparation and more preparation.

• Be Inclusive: If the interview is done right, you will be doing most of the talking. However, include your interviewer in your responses.
• Be Positive: This applies to topic selection, tone and attitude.
• Be Honest: If you don’t know or don’t understand the question, say so.  Most people are not good at fabrications, exaggerations or lies. 
• Be Courteous: Manners are extremely important.  Shake hands properly.  Say, “It is nice to meet you.” Know the name of your interviewer.  Say “Thank you for your time” at the end of the interview.    Follow up with a personal, hand-written thank-you card.

There is no formal interview scheduled or stated explicitly stated at your audition or portfolio review.  Consider it implied.  Your “interview” is every encounter you have with your evaluators.  Your “interview” begins the minute you walk in the door.  Be prepared for communicating who you are in every verbal and non-verbal mode of expression.

Verbal Preparation
Be prepared for answering the standard types of college interview questions.  Plan your answers ahead of time.  Here are some typical college interview questions:

Before we begin, do you have any questions about our school that you would like answered?
 (Hint:  Have some, and make them specific.)

Tell me about yourself…
(Hint:  Know about yourself and be willing to talk about you.)

How did you get interested in (your intended major)?
(Hint: Be excited and passionate.)

What do you hope to do with (your intended major)?
(Hint: Don’t be afraid to be a practical dreamer.)

How did you like your courses during junior and senior year?
(Hint: This is not a time to complain.  Discuss the ones most challenging and rewarding.)

What do you do during your free time?
(Hint: Look for the most pro-active choices.  “Watching TV” is not a proactive choice.)

Have you read a good book(or a movie/play/exhibit/dance)that you would suggest that I read? Why?
                (Hint:  Have a quality selection in mind.  Talk about its strengths openly.)

What do you think is the greatest problem facing the world today?
(Hint: Take this seriously and be specific.  It is probing for your social conscience and you want to show that you have one.)

Tell me about your family.
(Hint: Make it appropriate self-disclosure.  This is not your therapist.)

What is it about this college that you really like?
(Hint:  Show that you have done your homework and really know the school.)

Nonverbal Preparation
Dress neatly and cleanly: The impression left without this is obvious.

Dress maturely. The rule of thumb is to think of this as a job interview.  Casual business attire is most appropriate.  If you have died your hair purple, blue, etc., color it back for the college interview, audition and portfolio process.  Take body-piercing adornments out, except for earrings.  You can “express yourself” after you enroll.

Speak clearly and audibly.  Talking into the floor will make it difficult to be heard.  Mumbling indicates that you are disinterested in letting yourself be known. 

Watch your posture.  This is especially important as you get more comfortable in the interview.  Although you and the interviewer may be getting along well, that does not give you license to put your feet on the desk or up over the sides of the armchair. 

Be aware of any negative non-verbal cues: The tilt of you head, the tone of your voice, the crossed arms all suggest messages that you may not wish to convey.  All too often these are bad habits.  If you are in doubt of any of your non-verbal cues, ask your family, friends or counselor for some feedback.  Then, just try to relax.