College Admissions Interviews

If college essays are the most talked-about part of the process, then college interviews may just be the most dreaded. Well, fear not! The guides and resources below should help you prepare for any type of interview you may encounter in the course of applying to college.

WHAT ARE COLLEGE INTERVIEWS FOR?

Two things, primarily, one for the college and one for you. The first is that interviews allow colleges the chance to get to know you beyond what's written in your application. There's only so much you-ness that shows up on its own in your application. Your essays, your recommendations, your activities--these things all paint a picture, but they aren't a substitute for the flesh-and-blood person behind them. Interviewing you lets colleges see what kind of first impression you make, how well you're able to hold a conversation with an adult, how thoughtful you are, and get insight into your personality. It also lets them compare the in-person impression of you to the person they come to know through your application.

The second is that they give you the chance to learn more about the college and ask important questions. The person interviewing you is often either an alum of the institution or an employee of the admissions office, so they often have valuable knowledge about the place you're applying to. If there are questions you haven't been able to answer from your own research, interviews give you the opportunity to ask someone in the know. They're valuable for finding out the kinds of things, like experiences, that are hard to find on a website or in a brochure.

HOW MUCH DO INTERVIEWS MATTER?

As with many things in the admissions process, it depends. Some colleges require them, so in terms of your application, they matter quite a lot to such schools. For some colleges they're optional, though you should still do them if you have the chance. Some colleges--most large public universities--don't do them because of the size of their applicant pool.

All that said, the blunt truth is that interviews usually don't actually sway admissions decisions all that much. Most admissions readers find that the way applicants appear in interviews is consistent with what they see in the written application. However, sometimes interviews reveal new information that can significantly influence a decision, either for better or worse. An interview that goes particularly well can definitely improve odds of admission, while an interview that goes particularly poorly can tank an otherwise promising applicant. These cases are the exception, however.

WHO WILL BE INTERVIEWING ME? WHERE WILL THE INTERVIEW HAPPEN?

Again, it depends on the college. Some colleges conduct interviews on-campus with admissions staff, some have alumni conduct interviews off-campus, and some offer a mixture. Always check the college's admissions website for details.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY INTERVIEW?

While different strategies work for different people, there are some principles that apply to most interviews.

1. Become familiar with some of the most common interview questions and jot down some ways you might want to answer them. Do not memorize them like a script, however. Writing down your ideas beforehand gives you a chance to remember the main ideas you want to communicate. We would caution against memorizing them, however, as you want to be conversational. There is a big difference between seeming prepared and seeming like you're rehearsed.

2. Try a practice interview with someone you feel comfortable with. This way, you can get accustomed to the kinds of questions you may be asked in a familiar setting. It also gives you a chance to think more about your answers and how you might frame certain responses. Your college counselor is more than happy to help!

3. Dress nicely, but not too nicely. What you wear may vary depending on your gender identity and presentation, but it should be nicer than a t-shirt and jeans. Don't be overly formal, though--don't show up in a tuxedo or a ball gown, for instance. You want to strike a balance.

4. Relax. Easier said than done, we know. But you stand the best chance of coming across well if you are relaxed and yourself. (Try some breathing exercises if it helps.) Most admissions interviewers know how stressful this can be for students and do their best to put you at ease. Nine times out of ten, they're not looking for flaws--they want to put you in as charitable and favorable of a light as possible.