Interviews: Eleven Tips for Successful College Interviews

Eleven Tips for Successful College Interviews

This is college interview season. College interviews are great opportunities for personable
students to show off, help make you three dimensional to a college, and demonstrate your
strong interest in a campus. So please read these tips and prepare.

1. No matter what…bring a resume and paper and pen to take notes….

Develop a nice resume. Bring two copies: one for you and one for the interviewer. If the
interviewer doesn’t want it, that’s okay. A resume helps you organize your thoughts and offer
some documentation to the interviewer. If you can’t remember something during an
interview, look down at your resume, and it will refresh your memory.

Bring paper and a pen. You can write down some questions to ask beforehand or just take
notes. Taking notes during the interview will help you remember what was said so you can
write a detailed thank you letter or email later. Also the interview may help you write a
college specific essay.

2. Understand the different kinds of interviews.

Interviews are conducted by admissions officers, college students, and/or alumni (graduates
of the college).

 Some take place before you apply, while others only take place after you apply.

 Some are in person on campus, some are in person in your city, and some are now on
Skype or other virtual methods.

 For some colleges, you must ask for an interview, while others automatically provide
one once you apply.

 Some are scheduled in advance, while other times you can be lucky and find an
admissions officer to speak with at your school or during a campus visit.
It is your job to find out about interviews!!! Go to each college’s site and find out. IF YOU
CANNOT TRAVEL TO THE COLLEGE FOR AN INTERVIEW, FIND OUT WHEN THE
ADMISSIONS OFFICERS ARE IN YOUR CITY AT A SCHOOL OR COLLEGE FAIR
AND SEE IF THEY WILL MEET YOU INDIVIDUALLY. If not, download Skype, it’s free.

If you’re interviewing with someone referred to you privately, ask about their position, why
they love their university, and their view of how you can best sell yourself in your
applications. Bring a resume with you.

3. Know what the interview means at each college.

Regardless of who interviews you, there are two kinds of interviews: Evaluative or
Informational. Find out if the interview is purely informational or intended to help evaluate
you as a candidate.

Evaluative interviews allow you to introduce yourself in a way that can distinguish you from
the many other candidates applying for admission. You and your interviewer engage in a
relaxed and friendly conversation during which you will be encouraged to discuss your
school, your courses, your activities, and your academic and personal goals. You will also be
encouraged to ask any questions you have about the college and the application process. The
interview summary written by the interviewer after your discussion describes your individual
qualities and ability to contribute to the college community. It becomes part of your
application file when you apply. BRING A RESUME TO LEAVE BEHIND.

Informational interviews require you to direct the conversation. The interviewer’s questions
may be as general as, “What can I tell you about this school?” or “What questions do you
have about the application process?” Ordinarily, no written evaluation is included in your
application file after an informational interview. As the name suggests, the sole purpose of the
interview is to raise and answer questions that will help you distinguish differences among
colleges and which ones “fit” you best.

4. Know something about the college before you visit/interview.

Do your homework. You are not expected to be an expert on the college, but you should
know basic facts before your interview. Viewbooks, Facebook, individual college blogs,
catalogues, and college guides are all good sources of basic information. The interviewer’s
questions will help you clarify the qualities you hope to find in a college and will help you
understand how different colleges satisfy those expectations. Be prepared to talk about your
college search. What are you looking for in a college? What is important to you? What is
your vision of the ideal college? How did you decide to visit this specific campus?

5. Think about your high school years!!!

Be introspective. Think how you are different from your peers. Focus on your leadership and
initiative. Focus on your strengths that match the college. What do you do with your “free”
time? How would your parents describe you? What would your favorite teacher say? Your
friends? Make a list of extracurricular interests and hobbies that have been important to you.
How have you spent your summers? Have you ever worked, either on a volunteer basis or for
pay? How have you changed during your high school years? What recent books have you
read? What recent papers have you written? Be prepared for all kinds of questions.

6. Know your high school.

The colleges you apply to will assess your achievements within the context of your high
school. Are honors courses offered? AP’s? An IB program? How large is your high school?
How many students are in your senior class? You should be able to describe your school, the
courses you have taken and the level of competition you have faced. What course in high
school has been toughest for you? Do you regret any course choices? Try not to complain
about “bad” teachers! How diverse is your high school population? Your community? Don’t
assume your interviewer can picture your school. Try to describe it as vividly as possible.

7. Watch your language-verbal and body

Verbal–Avoid slang and don’t say “you know,” “like,” and “um.” Stop and think before you
speak. The interviewer wants to get to know you as an individual and to evaluate you as a
potential student. Listen carefully to the questions, think before you respond, and express
your ideas clearly.

Body–Establish good eye contact with the interviewer. When people look at each other they
communicate more effectively. Be aware of how you act when you are nervous. Do you tap
your foot? Twist or flip your hair? Look at the floor? Say “you know” or “like” a lot? If you
can identify your nervous habits ahead of time you can address them in the interview.

8. Be prepared to ask questions.

Ask questions regarding academic requirements or special services offered by the college, but
avoid basic questions that should have been answered in your preliminary research. Do not
waste time asking questions that are easily answered in the Viewbook, website, or catalogue.
Examples: “How many students attend your school?” or “Do you have a major in
psychology?” Use your time wisely by asking about things that interest you. You might ask
about internship opportunities, accessibility of professors, athletic facilities and sports
traditions, artistic performance opportunities on campus, leadership positions for students, or
social life on campus. Ask questions that will help you distinguish qualitative differences
between similar colleges. It’s a good idea to bring your list of questions to the interview.

9. Dress “comfortably.”

Most admission interviewers recommend that you wear clothes that are comfortable for you
and make you feel good about yourself. You don’t have to “dress up” in a skirt or necktie
unless that’s how you’re most comfortable. Be neat and don’t show too much skin, but be
yourself.

10. Be honest. Don’t pretend.

If you really read science fiction, then don’t pretend that you like Dickens. Share any serious
personal difficulty that has affected your record with your interviewer. Don’t try to guess “the
right answer” to the questions. What you have done is not nearly so important as why you did
it, why it was important to you, and how it has helped you to grow. If you have a weakness in
your record (for example, a poor grade or semester of poor grades) try to put it into
perspective for the interviewer. Be honest AND SHOW HOW YOU HAVE GROWN FROM
CHALLENGING EXPERIENCES. DO NOT MAKE THE INTERVIEWER WORRY
ABOUT YOU. If this is your first interview and you’re nervous, share those feelings with
your interviewer. If you’re afraid that some aspect of the college might not be right for you,
share your concern. Feel good about yourself and convey that feeling to the interviewer. You
can be positive about your accomplishments without sounding conceited. Interviewers expect
you to say good things about yourself.

11. Be sure to follow-up after the interview and write thank you cards or emails.

Interviewers, like everyone else, appreciate being thanked for their time. In your notes, write
down the name of your interviewer as well as the date (many will give you a business card)
and send a personal thank you note after returning home.

 Thank them and then mention one or two new things about the campus you learned
from the interview.
 Share one new piece of information about yourself.

 Ask another question about the college or ask if you can speak with some particular
students, staff, or professors.

Colleges notice the gesture and it helps to reinforce a positive impression. If you enjoyed
your interview and visit, find out about opportunities for you to return and to stay overnight
on campus, sit in on classes, or attend upcoming special programs.

Final Thoughts:

The information you receive from interviews can help you write your college specific
essays.

Remember that every college or university wants you to leave your visit feeling good about
the experience. If you take the time to research colleges, and then do a little thinking about
how you’ve spent your time and what is important to you, you’ll find your interviews a
powerful way to enhance your college admissions and application process.
Prepare for Your College Interview

Some of the universities to which you are applying might offer you the opportunity to
participate in a college interview. For some schools, this may even be a requirement. In either
case, we recommend that you take advantage of the interview process, especially if the school
will consider it as a factor in admissions.

Once you decide to meet with the university representative, you may start wondering how
you should prepare for the conversation. Here, we offer you our advice on how to get ready
for your interview.

After you're done reading, don't forget to check out part 2 of the article, "Make a Great
Impression in Your College Interviews!"
College Interview Tip 1: Understand Your Goals

Likely, your interviewer will want to turn your time together into a two-way conversation
about your interest in the university. It is not a test for which you can memorize the correct
answers. So, how do you "do well" in a college interview?

 Provide answers that show that you have a good grasp of why you want to attend and
how your attendance will benefit the university.
 Respond to questions in a polite, clear, honest, and enthusiastic way.
 Show your personality and interests in the course of the discussion.

Yes, we know. It sounds pretty overwhelming. But the good news is that planning and
practice can go a long way towards making it a positive experience.

College Interview Tip 2: Know the University

Typically, you will participate in the college interview after you have submitted your
application. The fact that you applied is a sign to the university that you have a genuine desire
to attend.
So, by the time of your interview, you should already have done some pretty serious research
into the university and have decided that it is a match for you. Now is the time to go back
over the websites, books, and other college visit materials you have already read. Remind
yourself about the highlights that affected your decision to apply, such as academic programs,
student activities, or university culture.
College Interview Tip 3: Get Ready for Questions

Before your interview, put together a list of questions that you may be asked. We have
collected some common ones, and you will learn about others by speaking with current
college students, reading through college guidebooks, and connecting with other students and
parents in the Go See Campus Community.

Then, prepare an answer to each question. Your responses should be informal; after all, this is
supposed to be a conversation, not you reciting from a homework assignment. Your answers
should be short enough that the college interview can have some give and take, but they
should be long enough that you provide clear, relevant, and detailed responses.

Try to answer as though every question is a "WHY?" question. For example, if the question
is, "What do you want to major in?", also answer "Why do you want to major in it?" When
you explain "Why?", you show your interviewer the thought that you have put into your
decision. You also help the interviewer turn your time together into a more natural
conversation where it will be easier to show off your personality.

Common College Interview Questions:

1. Why do you want to attend this university?

2. What do you know about our university?
3. What do you want out of college?
4. How will you contribute to our campus?
5. Is this school your first choice?
6. What other schools are you applying to?
7. What major(s) are you interested in?
8. What classes do you like best /least at your high school?
9. What extracurricular activities are you most involved in?
10. What hobbies do you enjoy?
11. Talk to me about your job/internship/volunteer experience.
12. Do you have plans for after college?
13. Tell me how you have demonstrated leadership.
14. Tell me about yourself.
15. How would your friends describe you?
16. What is your greatest strength/weakness?
17. Describe a difficult choice you had to make and how you handled it.
18. How do you deal with stress?
19. What book/film/television show has made the biggest impact on you?
20. Who is the most influential person in your life?
College Interview Tip 4: Think About Your Future

It is okay if you have trouble answering questions about your future plans. For some of us,
college was going to offer so many paths to explore that we just were not certain which
pursuit would interest us most. If you feel the same, that's absolutely fine. Your sense of
academic adventure is central to the college experience.

However, it is really important that you do your best to respond to these types of questions. If
you are not able to tell an interviewer why you want to attend a university, what programs
connect to your academic interests, or how you see yourself adding to the school, it may
come across as though you have not put thought into your decision.

Before your college interview, think about the things that make you want to attend. Then, find
ways to express your passion for those things and to show how you plan to be involved in
them if accepted. If you are uncertain of which major you want to pursue, talk about which
way you are leaning (and why! Again, always try to explain why.)

College Interview Preparation Tip 5: Conduct Mock Interviews

In advance of your meeting with the university representative, you can ask a friend or a
parent to conduct a mock college interview. Before you begin,

 plan a block of uninterrupted time (about the same amount of time that you expect the
interview to last).
 find a quiet space and set up two chairs where you can face one another.
 be clear about the type of feedback you want from your mock interviewer and the role
you want him/her to play.
 get together the materials that you would bring to the interview, such as a notebook
and pen and two copies of your resume (one for you and one for your interviewer).
 if you have written your responses to common college interview questions, you can
bring them to the mock interview for quick reference. Use the mock interview to practice
answering questions without the aid of your written responses, since you should not bring
these pages with you to the actual interview.

Consider role-playing the entire college interview. Enter the room, shake your mock
interviewer's hand, and introduce yourself. Conclude the interview after time has expired or
after you have gone through the questions you wanted to review. Afterward, your mock
interviewer can tell you about

 your responses (clear and understandable or vague and uncertain)

 give-and-take (answers that are too short or too long)
 engagement (a proper handshake, eye contact, smile)
 speech (too quiet, too loud, or too fast)
 posture (sitting in a way that indicates attentiveness)

As you practice, you will find ways to make your points more concisely and clearly. Run
through the questions enough times that you feel comfortable with your answers but not so
many that your responses sound memorized or stiff.

Go See Campus wishes you the best in your college interview. When you get a chance, let the
community know about your experience, and good luck!
How to Represent Your Best Self During the College Interview

College interviews are part of the admissions process at many higher ed institutions
throughout the U.S. While not always mandatory, these interviews provide valuable face time
with college representatives in which students can make a personal pitch for admission. Learn
how to make a great impression during those interviews.

The college interview process can vary considerably by institution. Some schools require
interviews, while others make them optional, and many colleges don't offer them at all.
Interviews may be conducted by admissions officials, college alumni or current students.
They may be held on campus or - in the case of alumni interviews - at an alternative location
closer to prospective students. Despite variations in procedure, there are some universal
suggestions students can follow to shine in any college interview.

1. Get in some interview practice.

Good interviewees are not just lucky; they put in preparation time to excel at interviewing.
You can hone your skills by answering practice questions with a parent, teacher, school
counselor or another adult with knowledge of the college interview process. You'll want to
articulate responses that reflect your serious interest in attending, excelling and contributing
to an institution.

2. Know what to expect.

While it's impossible to anticipate every question you might be asked in a college interview,
there are some basic inquiries you're likely to face from questioners. Most will ask why you
want to attend an institution and the reasons you believe you're a fit. You may also be asked
about favorite classes, proud moments or personal qualities that set you apart from other
candidates. Reviewing information on your college application is a good start for articulating
responses.

3. Prepare questions for your interviewer.

In addition to preparing potential interview responses, be ready to ask questions of your own.
A few thoughtful, specific inquiries about an institution can show you've done your research
on a school and that you're looking for the best fit. Don't ask questions that are easily
answered in the college brochure or on the school website.

4. Don't ignore interview basics.

A college interview is a great opportunity for you to show your keen interest in an institution,
so do it right. Make sure you're on time for your appointment and dress appropriately for the
occasion. Expert opinions vary on dress, but most admissions officials agree that a nice-
looking business casual outfit is appropriate.

5. Be polite and respectful.

Politeness and respect should be obvious, but they're overlooked by a surprising number of
applicants. Don't be one of them. Shake an interviewer's hand as you introduce yourself and
maintain eye contact throughout an interview. Avoid off-putting behaviors like gum chewing,
texting, looking at the clock or asking inappropriate questions. Be conversational without
using slang or other potentially offensive language.

6. Showcase your personality and interests.

You're more than a college prep test score or grade point average, and now you have an
opportunity to show it. Have a positive, upbeat attitude that reveals what you can bring to a
campus. Talk freely about your education interests, displaying your intellect. Also mention
any non-academic passions you have, including student activities you're looking forward to
participating in on campus.

7. Strive to make a personal connection.

While a college interview isn't the primary factor in whether or not you'll get into an
institution, a positive report from an interviewer can improve your admission chances. Show
regard for an interviewer's comments and draw attention to similarities you may have in the
form of experience or interests. Avoid flattery or insincerity, of course, instead trying to make
an authentic connection.

8. Address any negative academic issues on your transcript.

The admissions committee has reviewed you on paper in the form of your transcripts and
college application, but your interview is an opportunity to provide background information
for any rough patches in your academic career. An interview can allow you to provide the
personal circumstances behind a series of bad grades (a parent divorce, for example) or let a
school know about a learning disability you've had to overcome.

9. Be relaxed and confident.

It's natural to have a certain amount of nervousness about the college interview - you don't
want to do or say something that sinks your admission chances. The truth, however, is that
students very rarely take themselves out of the running with an interview - but
they can improve their prospects. Go into your interview professional, mature and confident
about your abilities and a school's great fit. Avoid arrogance, but be sure of yourself. Above
all, remember to just be yourself - you will feel more comfortable and confident if you avoid
trying to be something you're not.

10. Take the time to send a thank-you note.

You've put a lot of preparation and energy into the interview process to make your best
impression. The thank-you note serves as a bow on the top of your presentation and lets
college officials know you appreciate the opportunity to make your admission case. While a
generic message of appreciation is okay, do your best to reference a point of connection you
had with an interviewer.
1. Question 1. Define Electronics?
The branch of engineering which deals with conduction of current through vacuum or gas
or a semiconductor.
2. Question 2. Define Semiconductor?
Semiconductor is a substance has its resistivity in between conductors and insulators. E.g.
silicon, Germanium.
3. Question 3. Define Conductor?
The substances, which allow electric current to pass through them, are called conductors.
E.g. Copper.
4. Question 4. Define Insulator?
Material, which does not allow the passage of electric current through them.E.g. Glass,
wood, etc.
5. Question 5. Define Energy Band Diagram?
It is diagram drawn between interatomic spacing along the X-axis and the band energy
along the Y-axis.

6. Question 6. What Are Free Electrons?

The valence electrons, which are very loosely attached to the nucleus, are known as free
electrons.
7. Question 7. Define Doping?
The process of adding impurities to an intrinsic semiconductor is called doping.
8. Question 8. Define Intrinsic Semiconductor?
Semiconductor in an extremely pure form is called intrinsic semiconductor. Its valence
shell must be tetravalent in nature.
9. Question 9. Define Extrinsic Semiconductor?
Semiconductor in an impure form is called extrinsic semiconductor.
They are two types
o P-type
o N-type.
10. Question 10. Define Valence Band?
The range of energy possessed by valence electron in an atom is called Valence band.
11. Question 11. Define Conduction Band?
The range of energy possessed by conduction electron in an atom is called conduction
band.
12. Question 12. Explain Forbidden Energy Gap?
The separation between the conduction band and the valence band on the energy band
diagram.
13. Question 13. Define P-n Junction?
When P-type and N-type are suitably joined together by the conducting surfaces of these
two semiconductors is called P-N junction.
14. Question 14. Define Forward Biasing?
When a diode is forward biased the current is produced because the holes in the P-region
and electron from N-region moves towards the junction. The depletion region formed will
be very small hence recombination occurs and current will be produced.
15. Question 15. Define Reverse Biasing?
When a reverse biased voltage is given an electron from N-region and holes from P-region
moves away from the junction,hence the depletion region formed is very high and hence a
small current will be produced due to minority carriers.
16. Question 16. Define Reverse Resistance?
The resistance offered by the diode in its reverse biased condition is called reverse
resistance.
17. Question 17. Define Forward Resistance?
The resistance offered by the diode in its forward biased condition when a voltage is given
is called forward resistance.
18. Question 18. Define Transition Capacitance?
The P-N region on either of the dielectric media act as the plates hence we have
components for making a plate capacitor the junction capacitance is called transition
capacitance.
19. Question 19. Define Power Rating?
 The power rating of a diode is defined as the maximum value of power that can be
dissipated without failure if V f is the forward biased voltage and I f is the forward biased
current.
Pd= V f x I f.
20. Question 20. Define Diffusion Capacitance?
This capacitance effect is present when the junction is forward biased it is called diffusion
capacitance.
21. Question 21. Define Drift Velocity And Drift Current?
When an electric field is applied the charge carriers moves in the opposite direction and
produce current this result is drift current and net average velocity is called drift velocity.
22. Question 22. Define Transition Time?
Only after the minority carriers are swept of the junction the diode voltage begins to
reverse and the diode current decreases exponentially the time which elapses between and
when the diode normally recovered is the called transition time.
23. Question 23. Define Storage Time?
When the conduction diode is reverse biased the voltage does not become zero.
Immediately up to time t 1 the diode is conducting in the forward direction. The time
interval t = t 2 –t1 during which the stored minority carriers reduces to zero is called
storage time (t s).