Prepare for College Interviews
It’s understandable to feel nervous about college admissions interviews, experts say, but one way to fight these jitters is through thoughtful and methodical preparation.
Experts say applicants should conduct in-depth research about each college that has invited them for an interview and do some soul-searching about their academic interests before the interview.
Here are 10 ways college hopefuls can increase their odds of a successful admissions interview.
1. Practice Mock Interviews
Experts recommend college applicants simulate the interview experience by practicing mock interviews with parents and friends. This will help them grow accustomed to answering biographical questions.
In addition, experts say, college applicants can use the feedback from mock interviews to inform their approach to actual interviews.
“Part of your impact during an interview comes from your body language and nonverbal behavior,” U.S. News contributor Brian Witte wrote in a 2016 blog post. “Participating in mock interviews is essential to learning the best way to carry yourself during a college interview.”
2. Create a List of Questions
One way to make a strong, positive impression during an interview is to ask a series of informed questions, experts say.
That’s why Witte, a professional SAT tutor with Varsity Tutors, suggests that college applicants create a list of questions to ask at each interview.
“Great interviewees ask questions,” Witte wrote in 2016. “This is one way to demonstrate genuine interest in a school.”
3. Highlight Your Strengths
College applicants should come to college interviews ready to tell stories about moments in their lives when they were persistent, courageous and curious, experts say.
“Remember that being too humble can actually be a disadvantage,” U.S. News contributor Bradford Holmes wrote in a 2016 advice column in the “College Admissions Playbook” blog.
4. Show Leadership Potential
Experts say college admissions officers are eager to enroll students who are capable of assuming leadership roles in campus clubs.
“If you have any high school leadership experience, discuss that in your interview,” Holmes wrote in a U.S. News column about admissions interviews. “Talk not only about the organization that you led, but also about the actions that you took to leave that group stronger than when you joined it.”
College admissions officers also value high school entrepreneurship, experts say, so college applicants who have started businesses or nonprofit organizations should discuss their ventures.
5. Show Interest in the School
Alumni interviewers at top colleges say they look for evidence that college applicants have a strong desire to attend their particular institution.
Mickey Metzman, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus, told U.S. News in 2011 that he was impressed when college applicants whom he interviewed taught him something new about his alma mater, such as information about a new college major.
Metzman also told U.S. News that he appreciated when Penn applicants demonstrated that they had “dug deep” into the school’s website.
6. Describe Your Goals
Experts say the most compelling college interviewees are those who can outline their vision for the future and describe how a particular college fits into their life plan.
“Your aspirations should include aspects that are specific to you,” Witte wrote in a 2016 blog post.
“Your parents can help you remember the activities, tasks and rewards that have motivated you to succeed in high school, as well as the moments in life that have pushed you toward art, history, literature, math, science or another area that distinguishes you.”
7. Mind Your Manners
One of the biggest mistakes you can make during a college admissions interview is to be rude, Holmes wrote in a 2013 blog post.
“Whether the interview is for your first choice or safety school, give the interviewer your full attention,” he wrote. “Don’t check your cellphone, don’t check the time and don’t do anything else while you speak to the interviewer that could possibly be construed as rude or showing disrespect.”
8. Avoid Memorization
College interviewers say they are turned off by college applicants who recite talking points, and they say applicants should strive to be natural and conversational.
“The most important thing is someone who is genuine,” Jonathan Cohen, an alumnus from the Massachussetts Institute of Technology, told U.S. News in 2011. “If you have a prepared answer, I can hear that. I can hear that you’re feeding me lines.”
9. Be Open
Experts say applicants who are reserved during admissions interviews do themselves no favors.
Ray Esposito, a Georgetown University alumnus who has interviewed dozens of Georgetown college applicants, told U.S. News that shy applicants make it difficult for their interviewers to make a case on their behalf to the admissions committee.
“The more you talk to the interviewer about yourself, the easier it is for the interviewer to write a meaningful report,” Esposito said in 2011.
10. Go Alone
It’s a mistake for college applicants to bring their parents or anyone else to their admissions interviews, experts say.
“You definitely want to communicate that you’re mature and that your parents aren’t holding your hand,” Matthew Bakios, a Georgetown alumnus, told U.S. News in 2011 when he was a college student.
More On College Admissions
Applying to college can be stressful. Discover ways to make the college application process more efficient, and learn how to maximize your chances of acceptance at your dream school.
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10 Ways to Excel in College Admissions Interviews originally appeared on usnews.com
