By Anthony T., Teen Potal Staff Writer
I sat down at a table inside the Barnes & Noble. My hands folded, I waited patiently for the arrival of my interviewer. Although I was calm on the outside, inside my thoughts were racing. What kinds of questions would they ask? What types of things were they looking for?
College interviews are a part of the college admissions process that many high school seniors experience every year. Interviews, for the most part, are conducted by admissions officers or alumni of the particular school and, for the regular decision deadline, are carried out during January, February and March. In DC and Virginia, there are several schools that have required and/or optional interviews. Georgetown University has a required alumni interview. When you apply to the College of William and Mary, there are optional summer interviews held on campus. However, interviews also are usually required for special scholarships and programs such as George Washington’s BA/MD program and James Madison University’s Bluestone scholarship.
But what is the purpose of the college interview? What does it do that your application cannot do? Well, according to sites like collegeboard.com and my own interviewer, the interview shows you’re more than just a handful of numbers (your GPA, test scores, etc.). The opportunities presented to you during an interview are similar to those provided by the essay that you usually write for your application. During the interview, you are able to talk about your personality, your likes and dislikes, and to explain why you really want to attend the school.
In addition, the interview is your time to ask questions about the school. Since the interviewer is from the school, they will know about campus life, challenges often faced by students who attend the school, and what it’s really like there.
So how do you prepare for one of these interviews? A cardinal rule is to review your résumé (if you have one), your transcripts/test scores, and your list of activities – that way, you won’t forget anything that you want to mention. In addition, it doesn’t hurt to look over generic college interview questions (you can find these on the Internet) and to practice with a friend, teacher or counselor. Getting used to the interviewing environment will help you become less nervous.
On the other hand, there are some things you should avoid doing during your interview. The most important rule is accepting an interview request. If an alumni or admissions officer contacts you about an interview, you shouldn’t refuse it. They will usually note this on your application. Also, act in a professional manner: don’t be late, wear appropriate clothing (i.e. no jeans and T-shirts), and be respectful towards the interviewer. Lastly, you shouldn’t lie or brag during your interview. You might come off as arrogant or boastful.
Although the college interview is another way for a school to acquaint themselves with you, remember that it is just one of the many factors that go into the final decision. But, like my interviewer said, the interview is your time to become your advocate. This is the time to show your passions, your enthusiasm for the school, and your unique personality that transcends numbers and scores. As long as you’re prepared, the interview will create a lasting impression that will bring you one step closer towards admission.
Some helpful links:
Collegeboard
Basic college interview questions
Some more tips
