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College Admissions InterviewsHow to Have a Successful Meeting with an Admissions Officer
How do you impress a college admissions officer on an interview? Here are a few tips.
So you've applied for colleges, and now an admissions officer wants to interview you. Most colleges and universities do not interview prospective students, but a few do, especially Ivy leagues schools and other prestigious private schools. This is a fabulous opportunity, of course, but it's also an incredibly stressful experience -- especially since, as a high school student, you're probably not a veteran at how to do interviews. So, why do they want to interview you? Well, if you've reached the interview stage, it's good news. The admissions office has reviewed your application, and they think you might be a good fit for the school. The primary purpose of the interview is to establish whether or not the school considers you a good fit. So how can you ensure the interview goes well? Here's what to do on a college admissions interview. Dressing for the InterviewFirst impressions are important, so dress nicely and neatly. Don't worry about purchasing expensive clothing like an interview suit. Instead, stick with "business casual." For guys, choose a professional pair of pants, a button up shirt, a tie, loafers, and possible a blazer. For girls, choose professional looking slacks or a skirt, a blouse, nice heels or loafers, and possible a blazer. If you're unsure exactly what business casual means, ask your parents or your guidance counselor for assistance in finding an outfit. Remember, you don't want to look trendy, and girls, you definitely don't want to wear clothes that are too tight or that show off cleavage. How to Act at the InterviewAs much as you can in this nerve-wracking situation, act confident. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly. Introduce yourself by using your first and last name (no, "Hi there, I'm Kaitlyn.") Keep in mind, though, that the admissions offices works with young people and understands that nerves are normal -- so just do the best you can to be confident. It's also very important to be polite. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and send a thank-you note. Avoid cocky or sarcastic answers. Be sure to give the interviewer your undivided attention. (No cell phones, please!) And never be late for an interview. An interviewer will forgive nervousness, but who wants a rude student at their school? Answering the QuestionsWhen answering the interviewer's questions, be yourself. Really. He or she will be able to tell if you're being disingenuous or making stuff up. If you don't know the answer to something, say so -- or ask the interviewer for a minute to think about an answer. The most important questions will be about fit. Expect to hear something like, "Why you do think you're a good fit for this university? Be sure to have a genuine answer to this question ahead of time. For help, read through the website and promotional materials. Your explanation of fit needs to reflect a good understanding of what the school is really all about. Talk to your guidance counselor about interview questions. He or she will help you anticipate questions and formulate effective responses. Asking QuestionsOne way to impress the interviewer is to ask questions as well as answer them. The questions you ask should reflect both an understanding of what the school has to offer and a heartfelt desire to know more. For example, tell the interviewer that you've read all about the journalism major on their website, and ask him or her for more information about a particular class that's offered, or about the requirements for getting into the journalism major. When asking questions, remember: you're looking for information too. You want to know if this school is a good fit for you as much as the interviewer does -- so don't be afraid to ask questions about whatever is important to you. Try to RelaxThis may be a tall order. A visit with a representative from an elite school can be quite intimidating, and your acceptance into this school may be at stake. But keep in mind that the interviewer knows where you're coming from, and doesn't want you to feel nervous. He or she just wants to figure out if you're a good fit for the school -- which is something you want to know as well. Just do the best that you can, as that's all you can do.
The copyright of the article College Admissions Interviews in College Preparation is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish College Admissions Interviews in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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