The College Interview - AvScholars.com

The college interview is one of many factors in the admissions process, which typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. Most colleges do not require an interview. However, some colleges still require an interview, some recommend it (which is an offer you should not refuse), and others leave it up to the applicant. If a particular college requires an interview, you can assume that it is a major part of their admissions process.

The interview is a chance to meet face-to-face with an admission's officer. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the college and for the college to learn more about you as a person, besides your application, grades, test scores, recommendations, etc. The interview is also a chance to explain fair or below average grades, discuss any personal circumstances (i.e. parents divorce, learning disability, etc.) that affected your studies, or describe any special accomplishments or honors not stated on your application.

Preparing for the Interview
If you have to schedule an interview, make sure you schedule it early so you can get an appointment at a convenient time. When you schedule your interview, take note of the person’s name who made the appointment. Once you schedule your interview, you should call or check the college’s view book to learn more about the school's policy on interviews, if it was not explained to you before.

You can prepare for a college interview by:
•	Researching the college It is very important to learn as much as possible about the college and the academic program you plan to study. You should familiarize yourself with information about the college by reviewing their guidebooks, catalog, and website. Reading information about the college before the interview will help you prepare for any questions regarding the college. This will show the interviewer(s) that you have done your research.
•	Practice interviewing Preparing for an interview may be a difficult task for some students. The easiest way to prepare for an interview is to have one or two “mock interviews.” A mock interview consists of having someone (i.e. teacher, counselor, parent) pretend to be the interviewer and ask you several interview questions. The “mock interviewer” should be able to critique your answers, appearance, presentation, etc. This feedback will help identify your strengths and weaknesses. Ask the “mock interviewer” a few questions about your answers, what can you do better, how do you look and sound, etc. You do not want to appear unorganized or unprepared during the interview. You should be able to provide a confident answer to each question asked by the interviewer. The interviewer may ask you these Sample College Interview Questions.

What to expect in an interview
During the interview, the admission officer(s) will observe your overall appearance, attitude, personality, and how you communicate. The interviewer may ask you questions based on information provided on your application and supporting documents (i.e. high transcript, resume, and test score reports). You should be prepared to discuss your educational background, career goals, strengths/weaknesses, likes/dislikes, academic achievements and failures, extracurricular activities, financial needs, personal values, turning points in your life, and influential people. It would be in your best interest to review the application package you submitted to the college before the interview. You should also be prepared to explain why you are interested in their college. Your honesty is a key factor during the interview. Review the Sample College Interview Questions.

During or towards the end of the interview, the admissions officer expects you to ask a few questions about the college, the major you plan to pursue, or your concerns about attending the school. Avoid asking questions whose answers are clearly stated in the college catalogs, viewbooks, and other literature you received. You should bring a written list of questions to the interview, if necessary, to be sure you don't forget your questions due to nervousness or excitement in the interview. Review our list of Sample Questions to Ask the Interviewer to help you create your list of questions to ask.

Note: It would be helpful to have a pen and paper so that you can take notes about what is discussed as well as if other questions come up that you will want to ask. Don't be afraid to take notes during the interview.

Interviewing Do’s and Don’ts
Here are a list of Do's and Don'ts during an interview.

Do's
•	Be punctual and arrive approximately 10 minutes early. This will give you time to relax. In fact, it is probably good to arrive early, many college admission officers will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the interview.
•	Be yourself. Do not try to be someone you are not.
•	Relax. Remember to Breathe. A good deep breath will help you relax and think clearly about the interview!
•	Dress appropriately. This doesn't have to mean dresses for the women and suits for the men, but be neat, clean, and presentable. It is recommended that men should wear a conservative suit and tie; and women should wear a conservative dress or a pants suit, and avoid using excessive makeup.
•	Answer each question honestly and truthfully.
•	Answer questions as clearly as possible, and take your time to think your answers over. Don't tell the interviewer what you think he/she wants to hear.
•	Try to incorporate your goals, qualities, and experiences into your answers. Do not rush into answering the question.
•	Use a firm handshake. Avoid using a crushing or weak handshake. While shaking the interviewer's hand, make eye contact.
•	Make eye contact when you introduce yourself and if your parents are present, remember to introduce them as well. Maintaining good eye contact throughout the interview shows that you are attentive, confident, and respectful. Do not stare.
•	Sit facing the interviewer. You want to project that you are alert and attentive. Positioning your body away from the interviewer may give the interviewer the impression that you are rude or not interested.
•	Smile and laugh when appropriate.
•	Remember your interviewer’s name and thank him/her after the interview.

Don'ts
•	Do not dress casually. Do not show up in jeans, T-shirt, earrings, fancy jewelry, pagers, etc.
•	Do not wear a lot of cologne or perfume or chew gum
•	Do not arrive late. Arriving late does not give a good impression of you.
•	Avoid crossing your arms, this will make you seem defensive. You want to have an "open" appearance and seem interested at all times.
•	Do not talk too much about one particular subject. Answer the question and move on. Do not go into details unless asked by the interviewer.
•	Do not make inappropriate or rude comments. Avoid all of the following: profanity, jokes, personal comments about the interviewer, political or religious comments. Things of this nature may eliminate you from the list of eligible applicants.
•	Avoid nervous habits such as: biting your nails, twiddling your thumbs, playing with a pen or pencil, shaking your leg, tapping your foot during the interview, etc. These habits and others may be distracting.
•	Avoid drifting off while the interviewer is speaking. Pay attention and listen to what the interviewer is saying. Do not look out the window, at the furniture, or at the walls. Stay focused!
•	Do not interrupt the interviewer when he/she is speaking.
•	Avoid slang or phrases such as: “huh,” "um," "like," or "you know", etc. To avoid theses phrases, you should take a few moments before you respond and think about what you are about to say. Always try to provide a clear answer.
•	Avoid responses with only "yes" or "no" answers.
•	Do not forget to send a Thank You card or letter.

After the Interview
After the interview, send the interviewer a Thank You letter (with correct name and spelling) when you return home. A Thank You letter should be short, simple, and sincere. You can add a personal touch by handwriting the letter.

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