Preparing for the College Interview:
Dos, Don'ts and General Tips

First of all, most students panic at the sound of the word "interview." But keep in mind the person who will be interviewing you knows that most high school students don't have much interview experience. Instead, speak to the interviewer as you would speak to a friend or friend of your parents' whom you really enjoy talking with. Keep in mind that they are looking to find out what kind of person you are beyond the packet of papers you sent as your application. The interview adds a personal touch to the admissions process and allows you to find answers to any questions you might have.

Who will be interviewing you?

There are different types of college interviews, and different people that may interview you. You will either be interviewed by a student, a college admissions officer, or an alumnus from the school. A student interview, though it sounds less stressful, can be just as important as any other type of interview. The student will ask you the same questions as any other interviewer, and take notes to put in your file. It is okay to be colloquial with anyone that interviews you, but it is just as important to be poised and professional.

As you may be asked to interview with your college of choice or seek them out for an interview, there are a few different types of interviews and it is important for you to know the difference.

• Evaluative Interviews (generally on-campus): You will be interviewed either by an admissions officer or a student (hired by the school to interview) where you will be given the chance to ask questions. But be aware: the primary purpose of this type of interview is for the interviewer to evaluate you! They will make notes for the admissions committee that will be added to your file.
• Informational Interviews (also usually on-campus): These are just as they sound: informational. They are more for you to gather information about the school. If you make a point to meet some one while you are there, it should go in your folder that you visited and will earn you points for "demonstrated interest." **NOTE: Even though the interview will be called "informational" and is not supposed to be evaluative, the interviewer may still take some notes on your session and share that information with the committee! Be on your best behavior and look neat!
• Alumni Interviews (usually off-campus): Colleges understand that most people can't be jet-setting around the country to interview at every school they apply. For this reason, the have alumni from the university available in all parts of the country in order to get a closer look at what a student really is about. The alumnus will ask you a variety of questions and fill out a form to return to the university about their experience with you. Often alumni interviewers will ask themselves, "Is this the type of person I would want as a classmate?"

How to Prepare

You will generally only have one opportunity to interview with a school, so you have to make sure you are prepared. Don't let this one opportunity make you nervous; instead, use this as a chance to gather information about the school and really evaluate why you are interested in the school and its programs. You want to be honest when you go for your interview, but you also want to sound informed. Showing up to an interview and telling them you want to attend their school because you "heard it's fun there" or because "it's in a fun city" are not reasons that will make you sound like an intelligent student who has thought critically about the college process. Here are some things that are important to remember before, during, and after your interview:

DO:

• Read through the school's viewbook and website. Make sure you sound informed. Know why you want to go there and have specifics to back it up. If you are not sure what you would major in, look through their general education guide to see if they have a good liberal arts program. If you have an interest in a sport or an activity, see what kind of programs they offer. The interviewer wants to see you have a real, legitimate interest in their school, because they only want to admit students that want to attend.
• Look comfortable. This is generally easier said than done, but it important that you try your best to look confident. Smile, sit up tall, and try not to fidget. Speak clearly. if you sound quiet or too hesitant, it may seem that you lack confidence.
• Have an answer prepared because the interviewer WILL ask you, "Tell me a little bit about youself." Have tidbits ready about your family, your school, your favorite subjects and activities. You never want to tell an interviewer, "I don't do that much," or "I'm not sure what I like." Come up with something. And also, even if it is true that you play Wii or XBox for 17 hours a day, you might want to leave that information out.
• Shake her hand and look her in the eye. Both these moves show competence and confidence.
• Do say you will pursue extracurriculars. Even if you're not sure what groups or activities you may pursue at the school, tell them your interests. Schools want to admit students who are active and involved.
• Be prepared for the question, "Why do you want to go to Favorite University?" There is not necessarily a right answer, but there are certainly wrong answers. Never say, "Because my parents want me to go there," or "It's a good school," or "I really just want to be in New York City/Chicago/Boston." If you are really unsure as to why you want to go to a school, look through their literature and prepare an answer.
• But don't lie. If a student lies, it is generally more obvious to the interviewer than the student thinks. Also, a student will lie and say something they think the interviewer will want to hear, but no one really ever knows what they want to hear.
• But don't speak negatively about youself. Even if you are being self-deprecating in jest, it makes it uncomfortable for the interviewer. If you spend time talking about nothing but your flaws, what will the interviewer be able to write down about you.
• Remember to get a business card. You want to have the interviewer's name and number so you can complete the most important and final step:
• DO write a thank you! You want to get a piece of stationary or a card and write the interviewer a nice card right away. In fact, do it as soon as you get home from the interview. You want to make sure they receive it soon after the interview so they remember you and know you are being sincere.

Keep in mind, even if a school doesn't require an interview, it doesnt mean you can't get one. If you feel that your application doesn't convery what a wonderful, involved, passionate person you are, you can request an interview at the school. Also, if you have a lot of questions about a school and its specific programs, and you want to speak with someone who can give you more information than a viewbook, you can also request an interview. But know that even if you request an interview for informational purproses, know that they will take notes about your conversation and add that to your file.

DON'T:

These are generally a lot simpler than the dos, as long as you're aware of them:

• Don't be late!
• Don't ask questions to answers you should know or could find in the viewbook (ie. "How many students go here?")
• Don't chew gum, swear, or wear too much colgone or perfume.
• Don't respond with only a yes or a no
• Don't tell the school that it's your safety school
• Don't bring a parent in with you!
• Don't review an interview: they will note it in your file
• Don't use the thank you as a time to fix any mistakes you made during the interview. Go to our interview thank you letters page to see some examples and find tips.