College Interviews

Local Almnus

• Most interviews are conducted by a local alumnus after your college application is ​submitted.

• For the most part they are welcoming, want to get to know you and are eager to give advice.

• Alumni interviewers are rarely given access to your application, allowing them to focus on your personality and presence.

• After the interview, the alum sends an evaluative report to be  included in your application file. The report will vary in length and specifics depending on interviewer style or how your interview went.

College Admission Representative

• Less frequently, a college admission rep will conduct the interview.

• At times, a current college senior who is trained by the admissions staff may conduct the interview.

• Some admissions reps conduct interviews during visits to Fairview.

• The interviewer may or may not have read your application.

• After the interview, he or she will file a brief report to be included in your application file.

TIMING:

Admission Rep Interviews:  Can be scheduled before submitting your application. The interview can occur during a college visit in the summer or fall of your senior year.  Check the college website for details.

You may wish to check if the admissions representative is conducting interviews at Fairview (especially around the weeks of college rep  visits in October).

Alumni Interviews:  Scheduled after submitting your application in the fall or early winter of your senior year.

Some schools recommend submitting applications before the deadline to ensure an interview spot. Be sure to check the college website for details.

CONTACT:

Admission Rep Interviews:  If a college offers interviews with admissions reps, you may contact the admissions office to schedule the appointment. In some cases, the  college will contact you to schedule the interview. 

Alumni Interviews:  Most colleges that offer alumni interviews will initiate contact with  you after your application is received. In rare instances, colleges  require you to contact an assigned alumni interviewer. Be sure to read  all emails from your colleges carefully and to respond promptly.

On rare occasions, you may not receive an invitation to interview if a  college has no alumni in or near the Boulder area. In these cases, the  admissions office does not penalize you for not attending an interview.

DURATION:

Admission Rep Interviews:  Typically lasts 30-60 minutes. 

Alumni Interviews:  Tend to last longer - plan on one hour or more. 

LOCATION:

Admission Rep Interviews:  Usually on campus at the college admissions office. Occasionally college reps will conduct interviews at Fairview. 

Alumni Interviews:  Typically at a Boulder coffee shop or other public venue. 

• Dress comfortably and appropriately.

• A good rule of thumb is to dress as though you’re having dinner with your grandparents.

• Dress conservatively. Don’t wear anything too revealing or suggestive. (Remember, you’re on an appointment, not a date.)

• Make sure what you’re wearing is clean, neat and ironed.

• Boys: Coat and tie are not required. Long pants are preferable.

• Jeans are acceptable, but opt for a pair that doesn’t look too worn out.

• Avoid shorts, flip flops, work-out attire, styles that feature rips  or tears prominently, clothing featuring questionable verbiage or any  college logo (including the college you’re interviewing for), too much perfume or cologne.

• Remove your hat, please.

• If you’re meeting in a coffee shop, bring a few dollars if you want  to purchase your own drink (but avoid caffeine if you’re nervous).

• Take a notebook, a pen, and your questions. Taking notes is okay.

• You may be instructed to bring your resume, which should include a  summarized list of your courses and activities. If your resume is not  required, bring it if you have one, or bring an activity list with brief descriptions.

• You may bring your phone, but turn it off or silence it!

• Don’t bring gifts of any kind for the interviewer.

QUESTION 1 - TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF:

Purpose of This Question

Colleges want you to think about and reflect on who you are, how you spend your time and what is important to you. Ultimately, it’s the combination of the activities that engage and occupy you most that makes you UNIQUE.

Strategy

Your goal is to​ be conversational about two or three interests,

activities or passions to which you’ve dedicated most of your time.

Solid practice in discussing these passions will help to set the pace of your interview and will prompt the interviewer to ask more questions relevant to your experiences. Throughout your preparation, ask yourself how you would like your interviewer to remember you.

• Your motivation.

• Commitment duration.

• If applicable, positions held and awards or commendations received.

• Any challenges you faced, and what you did to overcome it.

• The most important thing you learned about the activity as a result of your involvement.

• How you want to continue this activity in college (if possible, list specific college organizations that accommodate that activity).

QUESTION 2 - WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?:

Purpose of This Question

Colleges want to know if your experiences during high school have given you a sense of direction and have inspired you to pursue studies in particular subject areas. Though there is no expectation that you have a specific career in mind, this is a question that determines if the undergraduate programs offered by the college are a good fit for your immediate and long-term goals. Other ways this question may be asked include, “What majors/departments are you interested in?” or “What type of college are you looking for?”

Note that while colleges do not expect you to know your exact major or career plans, most students are drawn to general areas of study, such as the sciences, humanities, engineering or the arts. Remember that institutions are well aware that most students change their majors several times during their undergraduate years, but the ability to articulate your interests in the context of what colleges offer will demonstrate a sense of direction.

Strategy

Make a short list of your favorite subjects and/or activities. Research majors and possible careers for your interests using resources such as The Book of Majors, the most current copy of which is always available in the Fairview College and Career Center.

Lastly, make sure that the college you are interviewing for offers your short list of majors.

QUESTION 3 - TELL ME ABOUT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE:

Purpose of This Question

Colleges are looking for your critical assessment of learning environments. This shows that you can think deeply about college choices and that your decision to apply to this particular college is a meaningful one. The ability to present what you love best about your high school, and, only if you are asked, what could be improved will demonstrate an awareness for what matters to you and why.

Strategy

Name one or two positive features of your Fairview experience. For each one:

• State specific example.

• What are the positive outcomes of this example?

Name one thing about Fairview that you would improve.

• State specific example in a positive & respectful way.

• What are the consequences of this example?

• What would you do to improve the situation? (Note: If you were proactive in bringing about change in something, this would be a strong example to present.)

QUESTION 4 - WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK/NEWSPAPER/WEBSITE?:

Purpose of This Question

Colleges are trying to assess if you are independently driven to learn and pursue ideas deeply. Regular consumption of reputable publications, whether they are fiction, non-fiction, audio, digital or paper, is an indicator of your initiative in expanding your horizons. Daily, unassigned reading, whether it’s news or hobby-oriented, demonstrates a profound commitment to learning and self-improvement. In short, going to college is about discovering topics that resonate with you and pursuing resources that help you deepen your knowledge and understanding. The most critical vehicle toward this goal is reading.

Strategy

Think of your favorite book, newspaper or website and answer the following questions:

• Why do you like this publication so much?

• How did it inspire you?

• Did a particular character or topic resonate with you?

• How did it change your character or behavior?

• Did it shape your perspectives or values?

QUESTION 5 - WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?:

Purpose of This Question

Your personality is highlighted by how you amuse yourself beyond schoolwork. Having hobbies, interests and pursuits outside studying is an indicator of a healthy balance, your presence in a campus community, or what kind of roommate you’ll be. This question also gives the interviewer a better grasp of your interests.

Strategy

Think of specific hobbies or interests that you pursue when you need a break from studying. If possible, think of the intellectual challenge or inspiration associated with that activity. Avoid general answers, like “hang out with my friends.”

QUESTION 6 - WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES?:

Purpose of This Question

Your answer reveals a level of self-awareness critical to whether you will be able to contribute to a college environment as well as take advantage of learning opportunities presented to you in college. The interviewer will be able to gauge if you are capable of honest reflection about yourself, people around you, or past experiences.

Strategy

Focus on at least two strengths that you can discuss. “Interview-friendly” strengths:

• Align with the values of the university

• Stated in a straightforward manner and with confidence

• Are relevant to being a part of an academic and engaged college community

• Credible and is confirmed by something you’ve accomplished

Identify ONE “interview-friendly” weakness AND how you’re working on it. An “Interview-friendly” weakness is:

• Something that can be readily improved in a college environment

• Something that you’ve been proactive about addressing

• Stated briefly in a neutral way (not too defensive or negative)

• Not too personally revealing (e.g., fetishes or paranoias)

• Not a liability to a campus (e.g., an addiction, severe depression, chronic disciplinary issues, extreme prejudices)

Go to the college website to read and take notes about: Student life, and what aspect of it is reflects that type of culture you’re looking for.

• Majors you might want to pursue and why. Emphasize specific programs, engagement opportunities offered by the school or department that would enhance your experience.

• Read the faculty page for the department and name a specific professor whose research interests you.

• Name particular facilities at the college that would accommodate what you want to study.

• List a few extracurricular activities in which you’d like to get involved.

If applicable, recall your visit to the campus or conversations with current students:

• If you toured a particular department, list specific aspects about it that made you feel it would be a good fit.

• Name programs, activities or events that you learned about and in which you’d like to get involved.

• Name a course you attended and what impression this made on you.

• Name a professor you met and impression he/she made on you.

• Name one or two students you encountered, and what they conveyed to you about the college in general or about specific majors, courses, events, student groups, etc., that resonated with you.

• Write down anything else you observed that made you feel like the campus was right for you.

By asking questions you are trying to accomplish three things:

• Demonstrate interest and engagement in the interview.

• Show initiative and maturity by taking partial responsibility for the conversation.

• Obtain answers that will help you decide if this is the school for you.

A solid format for framing a question is:

• Make a statement about your interest "Art is a very strong interest of mine."

• Add the relevant facts based on your knowledge of the school. "... and I read about the extensive art history courses you offer."

• End with your question. "Can you tell me more about the about the extracurricular field work that would be available to me?"

INFORMED QUESTIONS:

Overview

Informed Questions are research-based and should be prepared in advance after you have looked through the college website and determined which offerings interest you. The questions should be focused on finding out more about those offerings beyond what is described in readily available resources, and more specifically, how you might get involved.

Sample Informed Questions

• Your college has some great opportunities for studying abroad. Is this a possibility for me if I decide to major in engineering?

• I’m really interested in working with / in (insert professor or research facility). Are there opportunities to do this for undergraduates? If so, what is the best approach to take in initiating contact?

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE QUESTIONS:

Overview

Your interviewer will be able to offer opinions and guidance based on personal experiences at the college. If your interviewer is an alum, he or she has the unique perspective of attendance as an undergraduate and subsequent career or graduate school placement after college. If your interviewer is an admissions officer, then more current perspectives of campus programs, events and the student body can be obtained. In general, people are eager to share opinions about personal experiences.

NOTE: These are not questions about the interviewer’s personal life (e.g., marital status, political affiliation or religion).

Sample Personal Experience Questions for admissions rep interviewers or alumni interviewers:

• In your opinion, what kinds of students are most successful at this college?

• How would you describe the culture at the school?

• What are the students in the (insert department or program) like?

• What do you like about the college?

Questions for alumni interviewers:

• Why did you choose this college?

• What do you wish you would have known as an incoming freshman?

• Did you participate in (insert campus program or event)? What's it like?

• What was your favorite memory or experience at this college?

• What has it meant to you to be a graduate of this college?

• How do you think the college has changed since you attended?

INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS:

Overview

These questions arise as the conversation progresses between you and your interviewer. Often the interviewer has mentioned a particular program, club or other activity at the college, and you request more details. Asking for elaboration requires you to be an engaged listener.

Sample Interactive Questions

• You mentioned that (insert topic) is something this college offers. Could you tell me more about that and how I can get involved?

QUESTIONS TO AVOID:

• Questions about your chances for admission.This may incorrectly convey that you are presumptuous. The interviewer generally does not have immediate access to your complete file and would usually be unable to give you an accurate answer.

• Questions about college or departmental rankings. This might convey that prestige is a concern of yours, more than the specific academic offerings of the college.

• Questions about information that is readily available on the college website.​ This would demonstrate that you haven’t done your homework. Answers to questions like “How big is your school?” or “Where is your school located?” or “Do you offer a business major?” or “What percentage of students live on campus?” are all available through a simple website search.

• Questions about negative press or rumors that have been circulating.​ Avoid topics that would put the interviewer in an awkward position or defensive stance.

• Too many questions that are non-academic.​​ You should present yourself as serious student. While questions about sports or Greek life are okay, remember that you are going to college primarily for academic reasons.

• Questions about grade inflation or deflation.​​​ You want to convey that you are primarily concerned about learning, not about grades. Though it may be natural to be concerned about how difficult the college will be, the interview is not the place to express this anxiety.

• Questions about average salaries for graduates.​​​ Your focus during the interview should be on learning, not money. Though this is a valid concern, the answer to this question is highly dependent on so many different factors that you are unlikely to receive a response that is useful for you.

• Questions about the interviewer’s personal life.​​​​ Even if you feel comfortable with the interviewer because he or she is young and hip, this is not the time ask about marital status, faith, voting record or living arrangements.

Before the Interview

• It is not uncommon to be nervous, but remember that most interviewers are welcoming and want to get to know you.  

• Make sure you know how to get to your appointment location and where to park.  

• Arrive early enough to give yourself time to check-in and compose yourself.  

• Silence your cell phone!  

During the Interview

• When the interviewer arrives, stand up, remember to make direct  eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Say something like: “It’s nice  to meet you, Mrs. Smith. Thanks for taking the time to meet me.”  

• Practice a solid handshake – not too mushy and not too crushing.  

• If you’re at a coffee shop, feel free to order something to drink,  but avoid caffeine if you’re nervous. Don’t order something to eat,  unless your interviewer is doing so and invites you to do the same. You are not expected to purchase anything  for your interviewer.  

• Wait for the cue from the interviewer as to whether s/he will begin or if you will be expected to start.  

• Make sure to have good eye contact throughout the interview.  Give your undivided attention and smile!  

• Avoid slang and “you know,” “um,” and “like.” The mock interview is great for catching these habits!  

• Sit up straight and try not to fidget.  

• Be yourself. Let your true interests and passion shine through. Let your sense of humor show but avoid sarcasm.  

• Be honest if you do not know the answer to a question and do not be afraid to ask for clarification.  

• You do not have to do all the talking, but be prepared to talk more than you listen.  

• Demonstrate sincere interest in the college.  

At the end of the Interview

• The interviewer will signal when the interview is over. You should not initiate the end of the interview.  

• When you stand up, shake hands and thank the interviewer by name.  

• Express that you learned valuable information and are appreciative.  

• Ask for the interviewer’s business card and attach it to your  information packet. You’ll need his/her contact information so that you  can send a thank you note.  

• Hold mock interviews so that you can improve how you communicate. CCC Volunteers can help you with mock interviews.  

• Rehearse answering tough questions that might come up. See the above PREPARE section to see questions you may be asked.  

• Do not memorize potential answers on a word-for-word basis; do plan what you wish to convey so that you are prepared, but sound natural, not rehearsed and robotic.

• Sending a prompt thank you message to an interviewer demonstrates maturity and professionalism.  

• As soon as possible, send a short but sincere thank you note to the interviewer.  

• Either handwritten or email is appropriate.  

• Help the interviewer remember who you are. Personalize the note by referring to something specific that you talked about and how it affected you, such as, “I really appreciated your encouraging words on my volunteerism,” or “I took your suggestion to repeat my SAT test very seriously and have registered for the next testing date.”  

• It’s okay to include any information you may have forgotten to mention at the interview.  

• If you have any further questions, feel free to include them here.  

• Finally, check your spelling and grammar. 

If you feel that your interview did not go well, don’t despair.  Rarely are admission chances ruined as a result of an awkward or uncomfortable interview.

Unless you’ve come across as purposefully or thoughtlessly rude,  contemptuous or unenthusiastic about the college, or especially uncommunicative, the interview should not have a huge effect on the  admissions decision.

However, if something untoward has occurred, such as the interviewer said or did something grossly inappropriate, contact the college admission office and report the incident. Ask if another interview can be scheduled with a different interviewer.