Interviews
Interviews can be evaluative (the college learns about you and an evaluation is placed in your applicant file) or informational (you learn about the college) and may be conducted by alumni, admission staff, or current students. They may take place virtually, in person on the college campus, or at a location local to you. If a college does offer interviews, we recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity. Interviews are a great way to supplement your application with additional information. They can also be a crucial way for students to demonstrate interest in a particular college.
It is the student’s responsibility to research interview requirements at each college on the list (use College Kickstart), make appointments, and write thank-you notes.
Interview Tips and Best Practices
Please visit each college’s website and pay close attention to their interview policies, requirements, and deadlines.
Read available material on the college beforehand.
Try not to ask questions that are answered in the material or covered on a tour or information session.
Be prepared to comment on particular programs that combine your talents and interests.
Be prepared for vague questions (e.g. “What would you like to talk about?”).
Be prompt. Email or text if you are going to be late.
Try to be relaxed. Dress appropriately (at least neatly – no jeans).
Put away phones and devices and don’t chew gum.
Be prepared to engage in a conversation. You should talk about your strengths, what excites you intellectually, and your goals. Without being arrogant, haughty, or overbearing, you should be confident that you have a great deal to offer a college.
Finally, take time to send your interviewer a thank you email or note after the visit (so make sure you have their name and contact information written down). This gesture is appreciated and the note may be added to your file.
Potential Interview Questions for the Applicant
How do you like BB&N? What has been the most positive aspect of your school experience? What would you like to change about BB&N?
What is your role in the school community? What would your teachers say about you?
What is the most significant contribution you have made to your school?
What are you looking for in a college?
What are some of your goals – personal and professional – for the future?
Why do you think you are a good match for this college?
Tell me about an assignment in which you found yourself stimulated intellectually.
What do you like best about participating in extracurricular activities?
Since you are interested in science or math (where appropriate), why are you interested in a liberal arts college rather than a more technical institution?
How and in what ways do you expect, plan or hope to transfer your secondary school contributions, achievements, and/or activities to the college level?
What has been your favorite subject in high school? Why?
What might you study in college?
What books or authors have made a lasting impression on your way of thinking?
What events would you deem critical in your life thus far? Who has influenced you?
Describe ways in which you are different from others at your school.
How have you spent your summers?
What are your reactions to current events?
Describe something about which you have become outraged or inspired this year.
How do you spend your free time?
Many qualified students apply to our school. What makes you stand out?
Do you have any questions? (Have some in mind!)
Questions to Ask an Interviewer
Your questions should be appropriate for the person with whom you are meeting.
How would you describe the student body?
Is there a type of student who might not feel comfortable here?
What is the political climate on campus? Liberal? Conservative? Mixed? How can you tell?
What percentage of students leave campus for the weekend?
How much school spirit is there? What types of activities are well attended?
Is there a Greek system on campus?
How easy is it for first-year students to join activities?
Can you tell me more about the ______________? (e.g. newspaper, drama program)
Does the college guarantee housing for four years? What alternatives are available, on or off-campus, for upperclassmen?
What have been the new additions/renovations on campus in recent years?
What’s distinctive about your academic program?
How easy is it to get the classes one needs/wants?
Can a student change from one division or major to another without a lot of hassle?
Are there any new initiatives underway?
What proportion of students study abroad? Where are the most common destinations? Do you offer any unique international programs?
What percentage of seniors go to graduate school? Do you have a list of the graduate schools they've attended in recent years? How many companies recruited on campus last year?
What is the academic calendar? If there is a "short" term, is it required? For how many years? What percentage of students choose an optional term? What are the ways students typically use it?
What makes your college distinctive from other similar colleges?