The game is not over. That last supplemental essay is sent, your SAT score is shipped to colleges, and there is a profound feeling of relief. You are finally done, and can enjoy your senior year. Until your phone pings, and you get an email inviting you to do an interview.

You are not done. Despite college interviews being “optional,” they should not be. College supplementals and testings are flat, and they are a 2D representation of a 3D person. The interviews give applicants a chance to display your humor, stories, and personality that would not otherwise be expressed in your application. Additionally, opting for an interview shows the college that you have demonstrated an interest in their college, as interviews often give students the option to ask interviewers questions about the school.

But what do you do once you have gotten the email notifying you of your interview? First impressions are critical, so make sure you are wearing professional, clean clothes. However, it is unnecessary to wear formal dresses or suits to the interview, and it is often better to opt for a nice sweater and blouse with khakis or formal pants. Make sure that you are also enthusiastic and positive when you meet your interviewer, and despite the fact that it may be difficult, don’t show them how nervous you might be! They are also a part of this conversation, and conducting an interview is as difficult as being interviewed.

When the conversation begins, be sure to take your time answering questions. College interviews tend to be more conversational than the traditional question-answer set-up, but the interviewers tend to still integrate questions into the conversation. Prepare for the interview by knowing how to answer why you like the college, what your greatest strengths and weaknesses are, why the college should admit you, and what you hope that the interviewer takes away from the conversation. But remember that at the end of the day, college interviews will not make or break your entrance within the school. Colleges use this as a tool to connect better with their students, as well as to search for any red flags that would immediately concern admissions officers. Mostly, however, it gives you the opportunity to display your personality and interest in the school.

Appear confident, knowledgeable, and passionate for your studies and your interests. The interview is only one facet of your application, but it can be helpful in getting someone into the college of their dreams. Good luck to all of the seniors as they finish their college applications, and for the underclassmen: enjoy the ride!