Interviews

Colleges vary on the importance of interviews. Some require them, others make them optional, and still others do not offer them. For some of the colleges that offer them, interviews are important in making admissions decisions, but for others interviews are not heavily weighted.

Colleges also vary with regard to the interviewer. If you know that you will be visiting a particular college, call the admissions office well in advance of your visit and make an appointment to be interviewed by an admissions officer. If you will not be visiting the college you will either be interviewed by an admissions representative who is visiting the Bay Area or by a local alumnus. Check the fine print in the application packet in order to determine whether you need to take the initiative in setting up your interview or whether the college/interviewer will contact you. If you are to be contacted and you have not heard from the college within a month of submission of your application, call the admissions office and request an interview.

Go to the interview prepared. You should have as much acquaintance as possible with the catalog at the institution interviewing you. Your questions will thereby be more thoughtful and tailored to that particular institution. Pulling a slip of paper from your pocket and saying: "I have some questions I jotted down so I wouldn't forget" is perfectly all right. Don't ask questions about the weather or about whether they allow cats in the dorms. Instead, stick with substantive questions. Questions such as "How good is your English department?" might be rephrased to "I'm interested in an English major and would like to know more about the department and its requirements." A relaxed interview in which you keep up your end of the conversational chores is best. Be yourself and keep in mind that the person interviewing you is anxious to impress you too and to attract you to his/her institution.

Here are some quick interview tips:

1. Be prepared--you should be ready to articulate your ideal higher education, your passions and interests, and how that particular institution "fits" these; also, be prepared with at least a couple of specific, substantive questions (of which at least one should be academic)
2. Be specific and explain--when answering a question, such as "Do you like your high school?" for example, you want to avoid just saying yes or no and go on to say more without being asked; what specific things do you like and dislike; why? Feel free to include examples or quick anecdotes to illustrate. In general, you also want to be able to tailor your responses to the particular institution you're interviewing with--for example, if you talk about your interest in biology, be able to talk about that school's biology program and what specifically is appealing about it to you (specific courses, faculty, research opportunities, or any number of things you'd find in that school's catalogue).
3. Practice--in the same way that a speech or presentation is better, smoother, and less stressful if you go through it a couple of times beforehand, practicing your interview is a very good idea. You can simply have a friend or parent be the interviewer and do a mock interview, asking you some general, likely questions (see #1 above). Your answers will improve as you practice and you'll come across much more articulate and interesting to the interviewer--perhaps just as important, it will be less stressful and more fun.
4. Be yourself--colleges are looking for a "good fit" as much as the student, so they want to know who you are. It does neither side any good to pretend to be something you're not, so just relax and be yourself.

When Is an Interview a Good Idea?

If you are interested in a college that does not require an interview, you may want to consider an interview if you feel your application does not convey your real strengths, if you need to explain something that affected your grades in high school, such as a bout of mononucleosis, a family divorce, or a driving need to master a tough subject, or if you simply want to personalize your application.

You may also benefit from an interview if you are a "borderline student" with an application in the "gray area"-- provided you have something meaningful to say.

To get the most of an interview, follow these suggestions:

1. Before the interview, develop specific questions about the college’s programs, facilities, and any other topic important to you but not covered in materials you have received.
2. Rehearse answers to questions about your test scores, grades, courses, extracurricular activities or employment, your goals, how you spent your summers, and why you are interested in this college.
3. Be prepared to take some initiative, to mention those things you want to emphasize.
4. Be on time, neatly dressed and well groomed. If you must be late, be sure to call ahead.
5. Answer questions to the best of your ability, but don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something.

Don’t forget to carry your half of the conversation. Do so with enthusiasm, and if your parents are present, ask them to stay in the background.

You’ll probably be nervous, but try to relax. Be confident that by preparing well, you have set the stage for an enjoyable and informative interview.

* Write a note of thanks to the interviewer after your meeting.

<-- Previous Section | Table of Contents | Next Section -->