By Ann Fleming Brown, Director of Admissions
Preparation
- Read materials about the college you are visiting.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Get directions, and confirm your appointment. Arrive on time.
- Know whether the interview is evaluative or informational.
- Tour before your interview, if possible.
- Dress appropriately. Remember, first impressions are important.
- Be sure that you are not hungry, hot or angry before your interview.
Greeting
- When the interviewer calls your name, greet him or her with a handshake and a smile.
- Introduce your parents or siblings, if they are with you.
- Be prepared to speak about yourself.
- Be prepared to ask questions about the college.
- Use a notebook or 3" by 5" card to remind you of key questions.
- Remember to use good posture and maintain appropriate eye contact.
- Use correct grammar.
- Avoid inappropriate language and "like," "you know" or "um."
- Take time to think before you answer questions.
- Exude confidence.
- Be yourself, not someone you think you are supposed to be. Some Questions You Might Be Asked
- What are your goals and aspirations?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What classes are you taking in your senior year?
- How would your teachers describe you?
- What makes this college unique?
- What are the most popular majors?
- What do students do on the weekends?
- What kind of internships and research opportunities are available?
About Parents
- If your parents are invited to join the interview, suggest that they ask the same questions at each college.
- Decide in advance if you want your parents to ask if you are qualified for the college. Using the Interview to Your Best Advantage Ask the interviewer about successful applications to the college and what yours should include.
- If you want to know how your qualifications match a particular college, you can ask your interviewer.
- Write a short thank-you note to your interviewer immediately. Be sure to reference something specific from the interview.
- If you have a question that was not answered during the interview, include it in the note.
