Interviews
Interviews
The interview is just one component of the application process for some schools and not even offered by others. For students in the college application process, the prospect of a university interview can seem intimidating. It need not be, especially if you take the time to prepare. In fact, we encourage you to interview even if it’s not required as the experience can be helpful in developing poise and confidence. After all, it’s not the last time you’re going to be interviewed in your life, so you may as well use the opportunity to improve your skills. The interview is a great opportunity for you to learn more about a prospective school and for the school to learn more about you.
Is the interview evaluative or informative?
Regardless of whether the interview is evaluative, informative, or both, you will want to have prepared by thoroughly researching the university and potential programs. You’ll want to be able to explain what makes the university a compelling choice for you. You’ll also want to have prepared questions and notes ahead of time regarding program(s) and student life.
Preparation tips:
You’ll feel more confident and calm about your interview if you are thoughtful in preparing for it. There’s no great mystery to the components of a successful college interview. They can be boiled down to three essentials:
preparation
research
sincerity
Let’s take a look at each item in detail.
On campus interview: you set up the appointment, not mom or dad. Offer your interviewer a few different times to conduct the interview.
If there’s a particular professor you would like to meet or a class you would like to sit in on, request these prior to the interview.
Local interview: arrive on time. If you're meeting at a Starbucks for example, sit where you are facing the door and can see people entering.
Dress appropriately.
Turn off your cell phone during the interview. But you may want to whats app with your interviewer ahead of time to assure meeting location, time, who to look for, etc.
Arrive prepared for a conversation. Be prepared to provide a brief bio of yourself. "I was born in..... I entered CIS in... My parents are from... I am the youngest child... I speak the following languages... "
Introduce mom and dad and siblings if accompanied. But the interview should be with you alone.
Practice answering questions like:
Why do you want to attend this college (see Research below)
What are your long term goals and dreams?
What is your intended major, if known, and why?
What do you like to read and why?
Whom do you admire and why?
How would family and friends describe you?
What’s your favorite academic subject? What do you like/dislike about the IB?
What’s your favorite extra-curricular
What do you do for fun?
What are you must proud of?
What are your academic, extra-curricular and personal interests?
How did you become interested in our school?
Why do you feel it is a good place for you to continue your education?
Do you have any questions for me?
Virtual Interviews
We’re seeing more of this, especially for international students. Skype interviewing requires special preparation and considerations:
Find a place in your home where sound quality and lighting are best.
Try a test call with someone to make sure you can be clearly seen and heard. Make sure your computer speakers aren’t so loud that they create feedback.
Family and friends and pets need to remain off camera and quiet.
Remove distracting objects, clutter, dirty laundry from view so the interviewer is focusing on you. Post-its on your computer screen with reminders, cues, questions to ask, etc might be helpful.
Dress appropriately – something comfortably presentable (between the range of bathrobe and formal evening attire).
Toss out the gum. No snacking during the interview. Water is fine.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer and thank your interviewer for his/her time.
Research tips:
Researching the university tells your interviewer that you are serious about the school, that this interview is important to you. Research will also help you in generating thoughtful questions. Prior to the interview, familiarize yourself with the school’s:
Testing requirements
General curriculum
Grading system
Majors, minors, concentrations
Current admission statistics
Financial aid availability and procedures if a factor for you.
Avoid asking questions you could easily learn the answers to with a little research. Instead, focus on asking thoughtful questions based on your honest desire to assess the school's appropriateness for you. These might include:
What do students consider to be your school’s strengths and weaknesses?
What do students most and least like about the school’s location?
What distinguishes the typical student at your school from other college students? What qualities are you looking for?
What do students do on weekends?
Can you tell me a little more about ______ program or ______ extracurricular?
Sincerity
Students will sometimes fall into the trap of trying to assume those qualities they think the interviewer will want to see. Remember that you’re not trying out for a starring role in a major motion picture. In the process, they run the risk of coming across as ingenuine, self-conscious, overly rehearsed or worse. Keep the interview in perspective and be genuine.
You can’t fake sincerity as it's primarily a quality conveying honesty, and genuineness – the ability to connect. Sincerity is the natural byproduct of engaged conversation – listening intently and responding with care to the questions asked, being emotionally appropriate and attuned to the conversation.
Write and send a thank-you note within 48 hours of your interview. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview sincerely.
Final word
The more interviews you do, the better you’ll be at them. In the course of time, you will learn to be relaxed and in the moment. College interviews are actually good practice for you as you will undoubtedly experience many interviews in your working career! And please feel free to discuss any upcoming interview questions/concerns with your counsellor.
Watch below for a uTube video on what not to do!