Interviews

Research. The more you know ahead of time, the more in-depth your conversation can be. Look at the list of courses for the programs you are interested in. Prepare a list of questions not easily answered by the brochure or website.

Think about how you might answer questions that come up. Remember, you won’t be graded on your responses; you don’t need to have a full presentation prepared. It’s better to be prepared generally, so that you don’t panic when the interview begins.

Optional: Bring along a copy of your most recent high school transcript or prepare a high school resume. Include a list of your extracurricular activities, community service and jobs as well as a list of your special skills and accomplishments. This will go into your file in the admissions office.

Keep in mind that the interview is NOT a test and there are no trick questions. The purpose of the interview is to give the admissions officer a chance to see aspects of you that are not reflected in your application. So try to relax and be yourself. Here is a list of topics and questions the interviewer may bring up:

· Give me a brief autobiography of yourself.

· What kind of relationship do you have with your teachers/advisers?

· What are your favorite subjects? What’s the toughest?

· What is your favorite book and why?

· Why did you choose the clubs/activities you’ve been involved in?

· How important is diversity to you on a college campus?

· If I asked your family or friends, how would they describe you?

· What is your favorite Ted Talk?

· If you gave a speech at your graduation, what would your message be?

· What are you most looking forward to in college?

· What specifically drew you to our college?

· What kind of roommate would you be? What kind would you not like to have?

· Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 30?

· If you had only a few minutes to tell me about yourself, what would you say?

· Do you have any questions we have not yet discussed?

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask (Remember, you don’t want to ask questions that are easily answered by reviewing the literature or visiting the website.):

· What are the most important campus issues to students at this school?

· What is the most popular department or major here? The most popular course?

· What do students consider the most challenging course? Department?

· How many introductory courses are taught by faculty members and how many are taught by graduate students? How big are the classes?

· If you are applying for a specific program (art, music, drama, pre-med, business, etc.) will you be considered for general admission if you are not accepted into that specific program?

· How has this college changed in the last five years?

THE INTERVIEW:

· Try to arrive a bit early to compose yourself.

· Shake hands with your interviewer; smile and look interested. If you aren’t comfortable shaking hands, practice with a friend.

· Listen to the question, then answer. Don’t get ahead of yourself and start planning your answer before you’ve heard the whole question. By taking time to listen, you will also give yourself a few extra seconds to form your response.

· If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification.

· If necessary, ask for a moment: “Do you mind if I take a minute to think about that . . .” or “Let me think about that for a minute. . .”

· Answer questions candidly. Don’t say what you think they want to hear, say what you mean.

· Be yourself!

· Bring along your list of questions. It’s fine to refer to it; it will show the interviewer that you have come prepared.

· Make eye contact. You don’t have to stare into the interviewer’s eyes, but you should make eye contact particularly when you want to emphasize a point. If you are shy or are uncomfortable making eye contact with a stranger, practice with friends or teachers.

· Try not to give one-word answers. If you are asked a “yes or no” question, follow up your “yes or no” with an explanation. After all, you’ve come to the interview to show the interviewer who you really are.

· Say “yes” or “no” not “yeah,” “uh-huh,” “nah,” or “nuh-huh” and never say “you know” or “whatever” in response to a question or to finish a thought.

· Don’t mumble. Enunciate your words. Speak with your head up. If you have a soft voice, make an effort to speak up. Practice. Take a cue from the interviewer. If he or she is leaning forward and seems to be straining to understand you, speak up.

· Be sure to get contact information from the interviewer. Write a thank you card or e-mail to your interviewer. Use that as an opportunity to ask any additional questions. If you have important questions after the interview, call and ask if the interviewer has time to speak with you or schedule another time for a phone conversation.

Even if you can’t travel to visit the actual campus, many colleges are very happy to schedule an appointment with an alumnus who lives in your local area. Many colleges also participate in college fairs and will be happy to schedule an interview appointment with an admissions officer when they are in town.

Remember, colleges may keep track of each time you contact them. If you demonstrate your interest by setting up an interview, calling or e-mailing for extra information and taking the time to write a thank you note, the Admissions Office will think you are a more serious candidate than someone who has not contacted them.

Relax and enjoy the interview. Just be YOU!