Tips for a College Interview

• Timing – Do not schedule more than two school visits per day.
• Scheduling – Call (do not write) to request a personal interview.  Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your interview.
• Preparation – Know the basic facts about the college before going for the interview.  Think about your goals, your strengths, and your weaknesses.
• Parents – Parents may ask a few questions as well, but plan out what questions you will ask, so they will not be repeated by your parents.
• Dress – Simple, neat, and comfortable are the best choices.  Watch our for nervous habits.
• Transcripts – Bring a copy (with your test scores printed on it), but don’t let a discussion of your transcript dominate the interview.
• Portfolios – Portfolios are usually presented at the school (within the college/university) to which you are applying, not the general admissions interview.
• Talents and Interests – Meet with the person at the college that oversees your special interest (coach, director, etc.).  This could be an additional meeting the day of the interview.
• Resumes – Do not bring one to the interview.  It can often be seen as “overselling” yourself.
• Questions – Every interviewer will ask you if you have any questions.  Be prepared with a few.  Not having any shows a lack of interest.  Avoid questions that are answered in the college catalog.  Write your questions in a small notebook and have that at the interview.  Be prepared to answer questions as well.  Do practice interviews with a parent or teacher.  Listed below are some sample questions you may be asked.
• The Tour – This will give you a good sense of the college environment and facilities.
• Personal Contact – Know the name of your interviewer.  One to two weeks after the interview write a short thank you note to the interviewer.

Commonly Asked Interview Questions

1.      Tell me about yourself.

2.      What is important to you in college?

3.      What is or was your best subject in school?  Your worst?  Your favorite?

4.      Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

5.      What activities have you been involved in?  Community service?

6.      What are your short-term and long-term goals?

7.      What does success mean to you?

8.      What are your strong points?

9.      What are your weaknesses?

10.  What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

11.  What do you consider your greatest failure?

12.  What do you like most about yourself?

13.  What do you like least about yourself?

14.  What is important to you in a college?

15.  How would your best friend describe you?

16.  Tell me about a book you read recently?

17.  What does the study of history mean to you?

18.  What makes you think that this college and you are right for each other?

19.  How do you spend a typical afternoon after school?  Weekend?

20.  What have you liked/disliked about your school?  What would you change?

21.  What is the most important thing you have learned in high school?

22.  What mark do you feel you have left on your high school?

23.  What do you want to get out of your college experience?

24.  How did you come to include this college among your choices?

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