College Interview. Prepare!

Congratulations! You have been given the opportunity to interview with a school you are extremely interested in! It’s an opportunity to learn about the campus, culture, programs, activities, and curriculum the school has to offer. Of course, the school wants to learn about how YOU will CONTRIBUTE to their school community. So, your best effort is essential in preparing for this interview opportunity!

What to wear?

• Men. Look sharp. Suit and tie, or nice slacks with a button down shirt. Nice dress shoes.

• Women. Dress classy. Below the knee dress or skirt outfit. Nice dress shoes. Avoid overly high heels.

• Look professional and seriously prepare for the interview.

How should I prepare?

• Research, research, research!

• Know about the school, and especially about the programs, curriculum (of your interest) and activities at that school that intrigue you.

• Read information on the school website.

• Talk to alumni.

• Talk to current students.

• Read the school newspaper to find out about the current events on campus.

• During your research, write questions you'd like to ask your interviewer about those courses, programs, and activities you have researched and that interest you.

• Evaluate your academic and learning style

• How best do you learn: Projects? Hands on? Professor interaction? Small work groups? Practical application of concepts? Study abroad? Connection to the outside community?

• Knowing the learning environment you thrive in leads you to being able to ask questions about how the school provides their education.

• Extracurricular background

• ​Ask yourself , “With my background, how could I contribute to the community at (school name)?

• Example: Did you notice on the website that the school just launched a radio program, and you did the same thing for your high school? Think of parallels in your experiences, and how you could add value to the college campus.

Conduct mock interviews with someone you know (a parent, friend, relative).

• Practice your conversation style.

• Get feedback and make adjustments.

• Pretend you are meeting a good friend of yours, relax, and be attentive.

• Be attentive to the flow and ask questions along the way, instead of waiting to the end to ask all of your questions.

• Here is a link to ThoughtCo. Possible questions you may be asked during your interview. Read the questions and prepare answers!

The BEST interviews are CONVERSATIONS!

• LISTEN to what the interviewer is saying and make inquiries about those topics. Not all questions need to come off your prepared list.

• Show your GENUINE enthusiasm for programs or activities at the school.

• Be YOURSELF. Smile. Genuine. Thankful.