6 Tips for College Interview

1 Research the college

Before you go to the interview, make sure you do some research on the college you're
applying to. Learn about its mission, values, programs, and culture, and think of some
specific reasons why you're interested in attending. This will help you answer questions
like "Why do you want to study here?" and "What can you contribute to our community?"
with confidence and enthusiasm. It will also show your interviewer that you're serious
and informed about your choice.

2 Dress appropriately

Your appearance can make a big difference in how you're perceived by your interviewer,
so dress appropriately for the occasion. You don't have to wear a suit or a dress, but
you should avoid anything too casual, sloppy, or revealing. Choose something that's
comfortable, clean, and fits well, and that reflects your personality and style. You can
also accessorize with a watch, a necklace, or a scarf, but don't go overboard. You want
to look professional, not flashy.

3 Be punctual and polite

One of the most important aspects of college interview etiquette is being punctual and
polite. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time, and check in with the
receptionist or the interviewer. If you're running late, call or email to let them know and
apologize. During the interview, be courteous and respectful to your interviewer and
anyone else you meet. Greet them with a smile and a handshake, and use their name
and title. Thank them for their time and attention, and send a follow-up email or note
within 24 hours.

4 Be yourself and be honest

The purpose of the college interview is to get to know you as a person, not just as a
student. So, be yourself and be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, interests,
and goals. Don't try to impress your interviewer with rehearsed answers, exaggerated
achievements, or false claims. Instead, be authentic and genuine, and share some
stories and examples that illustrate your personality and values. Your interviewer will
appreciate your honesty and sincerity, and will be more likely to remember you.

Authentic storytelling is a great way to answer questions because you can share a
true experience that can create an emotional impression. You should think about a
couple of your greatest accomplishments and challenges in advance. Think briefly
about what those experiences taught you and why they continue to resonate. Be sure
to keep your responses concise - set the context, explain what you had to do, how
you approached the solution, and any over-arching results. This is approach is known
as the S.T.A.R Method.
5 Ask questions and show interest

One of the best ways to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the college is to
ask questions and show curiosity. Prepare some questions in advance that are relevant,
specific, and insightful, and that show that you've done your research and that you care
about the college. Avoid questions that are too general, obvious, or personal, or that
can be easily found on the website or brochure. Ask questions that relate to your goals,
interests, and fit, and that show your interviewer that you're eager to learn more.

6 Avoid common mistakes

Finally, avoid some common mistakes that can ruin your college interview and hurt your
chances of getting accepted. Don't be rude, arrogant, or negative, and don't badmouth
your previous schools, teachers, or peers. Don't be shy, nervous, or bored, and don't
give one-word or vague answers. Don't be distracted, unprepared, or uninformed, and
don't forget to bring your resume, transcript, or portfolio. Don't be afraid to ask for
clarification, pause, or admit that you don't know something. And don't forget to have
fun and enjoy the experience.

10 College Interview Mistakes

The college interview probably isn't the most important part of your application, but it
can help you if you make a good impression. When a college has holistic admissions, the
interview is a great place to put a face and personality to your application. A bad
impression can hurt your chances of getting accepted.

Key Takeaways
● If you chew gum, show up late, or act disinterested, your disrespectful behavior
will make a bad impression.
● Show that you are an independent adult. Check in yourself when you arrive at the
interview location, and don't try to bring your parents with you for your
interview.
● Make sure you research the college and have questions you want to ask your
interviewer. Ignorance of the school and silence during the interview will work
against you.
If you're preparing for a college interview, make sure you avoid the following mistakes.

Showing Up Late
Your interviewers are busy people. Alumni interviewers are probably taking time out of
their full-time jobs to meet with you, and campus admissions folks often have
back-to-back appointments scheduled. Lateness disrupts schedules and shows
irresponsibility on your part. Not only will you be beginning your interview with an
annoyed interviewer, but you're suggesting that you'll be a bad college student. Students
who can't manage their time typically struggle in college coursework.
If you run into difficulties on the day of your interview, be sure to call the admissions
office well in advance of your scheduled appointment to let them know the situation.

Underdressing
Business casual is your safest bet, but the main thing is to look neat and put-together.
You'll look like you don’t care if you show up wearing ripped jeans or saran wrap. Keep
in mind that guidelines for your clothing will vary depending on the personality of the
college and the time of year. At a campus summer interview, for example, shorts might
be fine, but you wouldn't want to wear shorts to an interview at an alumni interviewer's
place of business. These articles can help guide you:

Talking Too Little

Your interviewer wants to get to know you. If you answer every question with a "yes,"
"no," or a grunt, you're not impressing anyone, and you're not demonstrating that you
can contribute to the intellectual life of the campus. In a successful interview, you
demonstrate your interest in a college. Silence and short answers will often make you
seem disinterested. It's understandable that you might be nervous during the interview,
but try to overcome your nerves enough to contribute to the conversation. You can also
prepare for common interview questions, like one that asks about a book you're reading
or would recommend.
Also be sure to ask your interviewer about their experience with the college. A good
interview is a two-way conversation.

Making a Prepared Speech

You want to sound like yourself during your interview. If you have prepared answers to
questions, you might come off sounding artificial and insincere. If a college has
interviews, it is because it has holistic admissions. The school wants to get to know you
as a whole person. A prepared speech on your leadership experience will probably sound
rehearsed, and it may fail to impress. Try to relax, be yourself, and speak naturally.
Think about how you would respond to different interview questions, but don't
memorize answers.

Chewing Gum
It's distracting and annoying, and it will also appear disrespectful. You want your
interviewer to be listening to your answers, not to your smacking mouth noises. By
putting something in your mouth for an interview, you send the message that you have
little interest in having a meaningful conversation. Try to avoid chewing on your
fingernails as well.
Bringing Your Parents
Your interviewer wants to get to know you, not your parents. Also, it's hard to look like
you're mature enough for college if Dad is asking all the questions for you. Often your
parents won't be invited to join in on the interview, and it's best to not ask if they can sit
in. College is about learning to be independent, and the interview is one of the first
places where you can show that you're up for the challenge. If your parents have
questions for the college, your interview isn't the place for those questions.

Showing Disinterest
This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised what some students will say. A
comment like "you're my back-up school" or "I'm here because my parents told me to
apply" is an easy way to lose points during the interview. When colleges give out
acceptance offers, they want to get a high yield on those offers. Disinterested students
won't help them accomplish that important goal. Even students who are academically
overqualified for a school sometimes get rejection letters if they demonstrate no real
interest in a school.

Failing to Research the College

If you ask questions that could easily be answered by the college's website, you'll send
the message that you don't care enough about the school to do a little research. Ask
questions that show you know the place: "I'm interested in your Honors Program; could
you tell me more about it?" Questions about the size of the school or the admissions
standards can easily be figured out on your own (for example, look up the school in the
list of A to Z College Profiles).

Lying
Sometimes a students' insecurity about their admissions chances leads them to
exaggerate or lie about their credentials. Avoid this trap. Be yourself, and present your
experiences honestly. You can get yourself in trouble if you fabricate half truths or
exaggerate during the interview. A lie can come back and bite you, and no college is
interested in enrolling dishonest students

Being Rude
Good manners go a long way. Shake hands (or bump elbows if there's a pandemic).
Address your interviewer by name. Act like you are excited to be there. Say "thank you."
Introduce your parents if they are in the waiting area. Say "thank you" again. Send a
thank you note. The interviewer is looking for people to contribute to the campus
community in positive ways, and rude students won't be welcome.
A Final Word on College Interviews: Before you set foot in the interview room,
make sure you have answers for these common interview questions. Your interviewer
isn't going to try and stump you or ask difficult questions, but you do want to make sure
you've thought through some of the most common questions.
Common Interview Questions
Tell Me About Yourself
Can you hold your breath longer than anyone in your school? Do you have a huge
collection of Pez dispensers? Do you have unusual cravings for sushi? If it suits your
personality, a little quirkiness and humor can work well when answering this question.
This question seems easier than it is. How do you reduce your whole life to a few
sentences? And it's hard to avoid commonplace answers like "I'm friendly" or "I'm a
good student." Of course, you want to demonstrate that you're friendly and studious, but
try also to say something memorable here that really makes you different from other
college applicants.
Can you hold your breath longer than anyone in your school? Do you have a huge
collection of Pez dispensers? Do you have unusual cravings for sushi? If it suits your
personality, a little quirkiness and humor can work well when answering this question.
At the least, make sure your answer isn't so generic that thousands of other applicants
could say the same thing.
Tell Me About a Challenge That You Overcame
This question is designed to see what kind of problem solver you are. When confronted
with a challenge, how do you handle the situation? College will be full of challenges, so
they want to make sure they enroll students who can handle them. If you chose prompt
2 for your Common Application essay, you have prior experience with this question.
If you chose prompt 2 for your Common Application essay, you have prior experience
with this question.
What Do You See Yourself Doing 10 Years From Now?
You don't need to pretend that you have your life figured out if you get a question like
this. Very few students entering college could accurately predict their future professions.
However, your interviewer does want to see that you think ahead. If you can see yourself
doing three different things, say so—honesty and open-mindedness will play in your
favor.
This is one of the few cases in which a slightly vague answer can be appropriate. Perhaps
you see yourself working in a laboratory, helping underserved people, or playing a role
in creating public policy. You should feel free to talk about broad interests and goals
without identifying a specific focus or profession.
What Will You Contribute to Our College Community?
An answer like "I'm hard-working" is rather bland and generic. Think about what it is
that makes you uniquely you. What exactly will you bring to diversify the college's
community? Do you have any interests or passions that will enrich the campus
community? Be sure to research the school well before your interview, for the best
answer will combine your personal interests and strengths with organizations or
activities on campus.
Does Your High School Record Accurately Reflect Your Effort and Ability?
In the interview or on your application, you often have an opportunity to explain a bad
grade or a bad semester. Be careful with this issue—you don't want to come across as a
whiner or as someone who blames others for a low grade. However, if you really did
have extenuating circumstances, let the college know. Issues such as divorce, a move, or
a traumatic event are worth mentioning if they had a negative impact on your academic
performance.
Why Are You Interested in Our College?
Be specific when answering this, and show that you've done your research. Also, avoid
answers like "I want to make a lot of money" or "Graduates of your college get good job
placement." You want to highlight your intellectual interests, not your materialistic
desires. What specifically about the college distinguishes it from other schools you're
considering?
Vague answers like "it's a good school" won't impress the interviewer. You never want to
mention college rankings or prestige. Think how much better a specific answer is: "I'm
really interested in your Honors Program and your first-year living-learning
communities. I'm also drawn to the research opportunities your political science
program provides."
What Do You Do for Fun in Your Free Time?
"Hangin' out and chillin'" is a weak answer for this question. College life obviously isn't
all work, so the admissions folks want students who will do interesting and productive
things even when they aren't studying. Do you write? hike? play tennis? Use a question
such as this one to show that you are well-rounded with a variety of interests. Also, be
honest — don't pretend your favorite pastime is reading 18th-century philosophical texts
unless it actually is.
If You Could Do One Thing in High School Differently, What Would It Be?
A question like this can turn sour if you make the mistake of dwelling on things you
regret. Try to put a positive spin on it. Perhaps you've always wondered if you would
have enjoyed acting or music. Perhaps you would have liked to give the student
newspaper a try. Maybe, in retrospect, studying Chinese might have been more in line
with your career goals than Spanish. A good answer shows that you didn't have the time
in high school to explore everything that is of interest to you. You can push your answer
further to state that you hope to make up for these lost opportunities when you are in
college.
What Do You Want to Major In?
Realize that you don't need to have decided on a major when you apply to college, and
your interviewer will not be disappointed if you say you have many interests and you
need to take a few classes before choosing a major. However, if you have identified a
potential major, be prepared to explain why. Avoid saying that you want to major in
something because you'll make a lot of money — your passion for a subject will make
you a good college student, not your greed.
What Book Do You Recommend?
The interviewer is trying to accomplish a few things with this question. First, your
response will indicate whether or not you've read much outside of your school
requirements. Second, it asks you to apply some critical skills as you articulate why a
book is worth reading. And finally, your interviewer might get a good book
recommendation! Try to choose a book that wasn't assigned to you in your high school
English class.
What Can I Tell You About Our College?
You can almost guarantee that your interviewer will provide an opportunity for you to
ask questions. Make sure you come prepared with questions that are thoughtful and
specific to the particular college. Avoid questions like "when is the application
deadline?" or "how many majors do you have?" These questions are readily answered on
the school's website.
Come up with some probing and focused questions: "What would graduates of your
college say was the most valuable thing about their four years here?" "I read that you
offer a major in interdisciplinary studies. Could you tell me more about that?" And if
your interviewer went to the college (which is often the case), feel free to ask, "What did
you like most about the college, and what did you like least"
What Did You Do This Summer?
This is an easy question that an interviewer might use to get the conversation rolling.
The biggest danger here is if you didn't have a productive summer. "I played a lot of
video games" isn't a good answer. Even if you didn't have a job or take classes, try to
think of something you have done that was a learning experience. Another way to think
of the question is, "How did you grow this summer?"
What Do You Do Best?
There are lots of ways to ask this question, but the bottom line is that the interviewer
wants you to identify what you see as your greatest talent. There's nothing wrong with
identifying something that isn't central to your college application. Even if you were first
violin in the all-state orchestra or the starting quarterback, you can identify your best
talent as making a mean cherry pie or carving animal figurines out of soap. The
interview can be an opportunity to show a side of yourself that isn't obvious on the
written application.
Who in Your Life Has Most Influenced You?
There are other variations of this question: Who's your hero? What historical or fictional
character would you most like to be like? This can be an awkward question if you haven't
thought about it, so spend a few minutes considering how you would answer. Identify a
few real, historical, and fictional characters you admire and be prepared to articulate
WHY you admire them.
What Do You Hope to Do After Graduation?
Lots of high school students have no idea what they want to do in the future, and that's
okay. Still, you should formulate an answer to this question. If you're not sure what your
career goals are, say so, but provide a few possibilities.
Why Do You Want to Go to College?
This question is so broad and seemingly obvious that it can catch you by surprise. Why
college? Steer clear of materialistic responses ("I want to get a good job and make a lot
of money"). Instead, focus on what it is that you plan to study. Chances are your
particular career goals aren't possible without a college education. Also, try to convey
the idea that you are passionate about learning.
How Do You Define Success?
Here again, you want to avoid sounding too materialistic. Hopefully, success to you
means making a contribution to the world, not just your wallet. Try to focus on your
future success in relation to helping or improving the lives of others.
Who Do You Most Admire?
This question really isn't so much about who you admire but why you admire someone.
The interviewer wants to see what character traits you most value in other people. Your
response doesn't need to focus on a celebrity or well known public figure. A relative,
teacher, pastor, or neighbor can be a great answer if you have a good reason for
admiring the person.
What Is Your Biggest Weakness?
This is a common question, and it's always a tough one to answer. It can be dangerous to
be too honest ("I put off all my papers until an hour before they are due"), but evasive
answers that actually present a strength often won't satisfy the interviewer ("My greatest
weakness is that I have too many interests and I work too hard"). Try to be honest here
without damning yourself. The interviewer is trying to see how self-aware you are.
Tell Me About Your Family
When you interview for college, an easy question like this can help get the conversation
rolling. Try to be specific in your description of your family. Identify some of their funny
quirks or obsessions. In general, however, keep the representation positive — you want
to present yourself as a generous person, not someone who is hyper-critical.
What Makes You Special?
Alternatively, the interview might ask, "What makes you unique?" It's a more difficult
question than it might at first appear. Playing a sport or getting good grades is
something that many students do, so such accomplishments aren't necessarily "special"
or "unique." Try to get beyond your accomplishments and think about what really makes
you you.
What Can Our College Offer You That Another College Can't?
This question is a little different than one asking why you want to go to a specific college.
Do your research and look for the truly unique features of the college for which you are
interviewing. Does it have unusual academic offerings? Does it have a distinctive
first-year program? Are there co-curricular or internship opportunities that can't be
found at other schools?
In College, What Do You Plan to Do Outside of the Classroom?
This is a fairly simple question, but you need to do your research so you know what
extracurricular opportunities exist at the college. You'll look foolish saying you want to
host a college radio show if the school doesn't have a radio station. The bottom line here
is that the interviewer is trying to see what you will contribute to the campus
community.
What Three Adjectives Best Describe You?
Avoid bland and predictable words like "intelligent," "creative," and "studious." The
interviewer is more likely to remember a student who is "clumsy," "obsessive," and
"metaphysical." If you have trouble coming up with three adjectives on your own, try
asking a friend or family member how they would describe you. Be honest with your
word choices, but try to find words that thousands of other applicants won't choose.
What Do You Think About the Latest News Headline?
With this question, the interviewer is trying to see if you are aware of major events going
on in the world and if you have thought about those events. What your exact position is
on an issue isn't as important as the fact that you know the issues and have thought
about them.
Who Is Your Hero?
A lot of interviews include some variation of this question. Your hero doesn't have to be
someone obvious like a parent, an actor, or a sports star. Before the interview, spend a
few minutes thinking about who you most admire and why you admire that person.
What Historical Figure Do You Most Admire?
Here, as with the "hero" question, you don't need to go with an obvious choice like
Abraham Lincoln or Gandhi. If you go with a more obscure figure, you might open up an
interesting conversation with your interviewer.
What High School Experience Was Most Important to You?
With this question, the interviewer is looking to find out what experiences you most
value and how well you can reflect back on high school. Be sure you are able to articulate
why the experience was important.
Who Most Helped You Get to Where You Are Today?
This question is a little different than the one about a "hero" or the "person you most
admire." The interviewer is looking to see how well you can think outside of yourself and
acknowledge those to whom you owe a debt of gratitude.
Tell Me About Your Community Service
Many strong college applicants have done some form of community service. However,
some students simply do it so that they can list it on their college applications. If the
interviewer asks you about your community service, it's to see why you served and what
the service meant to you. Think about how your service benefited your community, and
also what you learned from your community service and how it helped you grow as a
person.
If You Had a Thousand Dollars to Give Away, What Would You Do With It?
This question is a roundabout way to see what your passions are. Whatever you identify
as a charity says a lot about what you most value.
What Subject in High School Did You Find the Most Challenging?
Even if you're a straight-A student, chances are some subjects were more difficult than
others. The interviewer is interested in learning about your challenges and how you
tackled those challenges.
A Final Word on College Interviews
Unless you have an unusually abrasive personality, your college interview should help
with your admissions chances. If the interview is optional, choosing to do it helps
demonstrate your interest in the college.
If you've thought about the questions above, and you dress appropriately for the
interview (see tips for men's interview dress and women's interview dress), you should
make a good impression.
Finally, keep in mind that some specialized situations (HEOP or EOP, military
academies, art and performance programs) often have questions that are unique to
those situations.
Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Set 2

Tell me about yourself.

Example answer: "I'm [Your Name], a high school senior with a passion for
[mention your interests or major]. I've been actively involved in [mention a
couple of extracurricular activities or achievements]. These experiences have
shaped my interest in [your chosen field] and my desire to pursue it in college."

Why do you want to attend this university/college?

Example answer: "I'm drawn to [University/College Name] because of its strong

reputation in [mention a specific department or program]. The [mention a
unique aspect of the institution, such as a special program, faculty member, or
campus culture] aligns with my academic and personal goals. I believe this
environment will provide the ideal platform for my growth and development."

What is your greatest accomplishment in high school?

Example answer: "One of my proudest achievements was [describe an

accomplishment, project, or event]. This experience not only challenged me
academically but also allowed me to develop leadership and teamwork skills. It
showed me the value of perseverance and creativity in overcoming challenges."

Describe a challenge you've faced and how you handled it.

Example answer: "During my junior year, I faced a significant challenge when

[describe the challenge]. I approached this situation by [mention the steps you
took], seeking guidance from [mention a mentor or teacher], and learning
valuable lessons about resilience and problem-solving. It was a challenging
experience, but I emerged stronger and more determined."

What are your academic and career goals?

Example answer: "I am passionate about [your chosen field], and my academic
goal is to pursue a degree in [mention your intended major]. In the long term, I
aspire to [mention your career goals], with the aim of [mention the impact or
contribution you hope to make]. I believe [University/College Name] is the
perfect place to help me achieve these goals."
How do you contribute to a collaborative environment?

Example answer: "I thrive in collaborative environments and have actively

contributed to [mention a group project or team experience]. I believe in
fostering open communication, respecting diverse perspectives, and leveraging
the strengths of each team member. My experiences have taught me the
importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals."

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?

Example answer (strengths): "One of my strengths is [mention a positive quality,

such as adaptability, leadership, or critical thinking]. I have honed this strength
through experiences like [provide an example]."

Example answer (weaknesses): "I acknowledge that I sometimes struggle with

[mention a minor weakness], but I actively work on improving this by [mention
specific actions you're taking to address the weakness]."