• Be yourself - Let the interviewer learn more about you as a person. Tell them about your interests, skills, abilities, dreams, and goals.
• Be formal — use Dr., Mr. and Ms. when addressing the interviewer.
• Be relaxed and as poised as possible - the interviewer can sense general curiosity, humility and kindness.
• Be positive about your school and your experience living overseas (if applicable).
• Have a clear understanding of why you want to go to university and why you are interested in this particular university.
• Prepare a list of 3 to 5 questions that reflect your interests and goals. Ask those questions that are important to you and those that will help you to decide if the school is a good match for you.
• Don't ask a question that is already answered in the university prospectus, guidebook or website.
• Research the name of your interviewer if you are assigned a name.
• Practice with a parent, teacher, or College Counselor to gain confidence.
• Bring to the interview an unofficial copy of your high school transcript, a resume/CV and samples of your work, if appropriate.
• Be prepared to discuss your academic record, personal and academic accomplishments, test scores, interests, activities, and career goals.
• Dress so that you feel comfortable, but be neat.
• Try not to fiddle with your clothing or belongings.
• Be on time - better yet, be a little early.
• Don't bring your parents or guardians to the interview.
• Whether the meeting is virtual or in person remember to maintain good eye contact.
• Listen carefully and answer all the questions honestly and confidently.
• Use more than one or two words to answer questions.
• Don't be afraid to say you don't know the answer, but do attempt to show your thought process as you work through a problem - often time interviewers are not concerned if you get a problem right or wrong but rather can you be taught and how do you think.
• At the end of the interview, thank the person for his or her time and shake hands as you leave (if they are comfortable doing so).
• Ask for a business card so you can send the interviewer a thank you email when you return home.
Remember this is your opportunity to learn more about the university and for the university to learn more about you. Let the interviewer know more than just what he or she will find in your application.