The College Interview Process: How Parents Can Prepare Their Child for Success
SaveThis article will discuss tips and strategies for parents to help their child excel in the college interview process.
By SAGE Scholars — August 14, 2025
For high school seniors, one key component of the college application process might be a college interview. In college interviews, admissions officers have the chance to get to know the applicant beyond their application. You may feel anxious about how to best prepare your child for success in their college interviews. This article will discuss tips and strategies for parents to help their child excel in the college interview process.
Understand the Purpose of the Interview
Before diving into interview preparation, it's important to understand the purpose of the college interview. The interview is an opportunity for an admissions officer or school representative to learn more about your student's personality, interests, and goals. It also allows your child to ask questions (which they should be prepared to do) while learning more about the college. The interview is not just about answering questions though. You want your child to demonstrate that they can engage in a conversation and show why they are an ideal fit for the college.
Encourage Self-Reflection
One of the most important aspects of interview preparation is self-reflection. Encourage your child to think about their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and long and short-term goals. Help them to reflect on their experiences, achievements, and challenges, too. This guided introspection will help them better express their thoughts and ideas during the interview. It's especially important to motivate your child to consider what might set them apart from their peers, and why they are passionate about attending the college they're interviewing for.
Practice Mock Interviews
Help your child feel more comfortable and confident during the interview by conducting mock interviews. Ask them common interview questions and provide feedback on their responses. Remind them to speak slowly, confidently, and articulately. Help them practice their body language, too. Things like maintaining eye contact, sitting up straight, and bringing energy to the space will help them be memorable with the interviewer. Mock interviews will go a long way in helping your child feel more prepared and confident on the actual interview day.
Research the College
Before the interview, it's important for your child to research the college thoroughly. Work with them to learn about the college's mission, values, programs, surrounding community, and overall campus culture. This information can be found on the school website, and it might also be beneficial to talk to another student on campus. You can help arrange this by calling the school's student life office and asking if they can facilitate a connection between your child and a current student. Help your child brainstorm specific reasons why they are interested in attending the college, and how they can contribute to the college community with activities, clubs, and research. Having this information prepared will help your child demonstrate genuine interest and enthusiasm during their interview.
Dress Appropriately
First impressions are crucial during the college interview. Work with your child to find an outfit that reflects their personal style and personality but also maintains a degree of respect for the situation. If you're unsure of where to start, advise them to utilize business casual attire, such as a button-down shirt, slacks or a skirt, and closed-toe shoes. If you're on a budget, consignment stores or thrift shops will have pieces like this available.
Above all else: make sure what your child wears is clean, ironed, and well-fitted on interview day. Dressing professionally will help your child make a positive first impression, increase their confidence, and show their seriousness about the interview.
Discuss Potential Questions
During the interview, your child may be asked various questions, ranging from their academic interests to their extracurricular activities. Collaborate with your child to brainstorm potential questions and thoughtful responses that may be asked. Some common interview questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this college?
- What are your academic and career goals?
- Describe a challenge you have faced and how you overcame it.
- How do you plan to contribute to the college community?
Set aside time with your child to practice answering these questions and provide feedback on their responses. Remind them to answer questions succinctly and provide specific examples to support their answers. It's okay if they need to take a pause or allow for some natural silence to think of their answers, too.
Promote Authenticity
One of the most important pieces of advice you can give your child for the college interview is to be authentic. High schoolers are used to following a script of what they think college's want to see on their applications. Now, however, is the time to break out of this mold. Stress the importance of your child showing up as themselves and letting their personality come through. The college interview is an opportunity to showcase their personality, outstanding qualities, and interests. Speaking with honesty and passion about their goals and aspirations will set them apart. Admissions officers specifically look for authenticity and genuine enthusiasm from applicants.
Manage Nervousness
Your child will likely feel nervous before the college interview. Remind them to stay calm and composed. Nerves ultimately mean that your child cares about what they're about to do. For grounding, encourage them to take deep breaths, practice mindfulness techniques, and visualize a successful interview. Your child should focus on the conversation in the present moment. Thinking ahead and trying to formulate answers for questions that haven't been asked yet will only interrupt the flow of the conversation and become distracting. Remind them that the interview is also an opportunity to learn more about the college. Even if your child thinks they do not have questions, brainstorm some with them to ask. Doing so demonstrates preparedness, care, and initiative.
Follow Up
After the interview, remind your child to send a thank-you note or email to the admissions officer. In this note, thank them for their time and reiterate their interest in attending the college. This simple gesture shows gratitude and professionalism and can leave a positive impression on the interviewer. Expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to interview and their excitement about potentially becoming a part of the college community will go a long way while reinforcing valuable life lessons.
Support and Encourage
Throughout the interview process, it's important to let your child take the lead and supplement with support and encouragement. Offer words of encouragement, boost their confidence, and remind them that they have a lot to be proud of. Stay positive and focus on their strengths and abilities. The interview is ultimately just one piece of the whole application process, a bad interview isn't the end of the road to admission nor is a good interview a guarantee. Promote positive thinking, authentic expression, and preparedness. These three things will ultimately converge to create a successful interview.
The college interview process can be a nerve-wracking experience for both parents and students. Proper preparation, research, and practice will go a long way in helping your child to excel in their college interviews. Ultimately, parents play a crucial role in helping their children prepare for success. Remember that the college interview is an opportunity for your child to showcase the qualities, personality, and passion that make them shine in the classroom and community. With your guidance and support, you and your child can navigate the college interview process successfully and be one step closer to achieving their academic goals.
SAGE Scholars
At SAGE Scholars, we deeply believe in the value and quality of private higher education. Our mission is to provide access to affordable college opportunities while bringing together families, colleges & universities, and benefit providers to create college funding solutions. Since 1995, SAGE Scholars has bridged the gap between students who want a quality private college education and colleges that will work closely with member families to ensure affordability - all at no cost to the families.Articles & Advice
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