There are different types of college interviews.
1. College Admissions Representative:
This is the
person who will be reviewing your entire application. He/she is your direct connection to the admissions
committee and are the expert about the college and the type of applicant the team is looking for. Know
your information about the college so you are able to have an authentic and enthusiastic conversation. Be
prepared to ask questions about information that is not available on the school website or college tour.
2. Alumni:
The interviewer is someone who has
graduated from the college. Ask him/her about his/her experience at the college and what drew him/her
to this particular school. This type of interview allows you to gain a perspective on career opportunities
after graduating.
3. Informational Interview:
The interview will be with
an admissions representative, student or perhaps a professor. Information gained from this interview
does not go into your file for admission. This type of interview is useful for assessing a student's comfort
level with the college from both an academic and social perspective, provides the student with more
information about the colleges, and allows the college to get to know you better.
Typical Questions
- Tell me about yourself?
- What is the most important thing you learned in high school?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in our college?
- What is your intended major?
- What is your proudest achievement?
- What extracurriculars do you plan on getting involved with outside of the classroom?
- Who is your hero?
- What was the last, not-assigned, book you read?
- What will you contribute to our college community?
- How do you define success?
- If you could talk with anyone living (or deceased) person, whom would it be and why?
- What are three words that best describes you?
- What are your plans after graduating from college?
- Does your high school record accurately reflect you?
How to Prepare
- Arrive early
- Dress business casual, no jeans or t-shirts
- Avoid inappropriate language and / or slang
- Be honest and polite
- Be confident — but not arrogant
- Most of all be yourself not what you think they want you to be
- Send a handwritten thank you note
