Many colleges, small ones in particular, require or highly recommend that applicants interview as a component of their admissions application. This is a time for you to shine, ask questions, and to hear a college representative's take on the institution. It adds to your application and can help you decide, if accepted, if you want to enroll next year. A student may also be asked to interview for admission into a specific program at both large and small institutions.
Depending on each school, interviews are conducted by admissions representatives or local alumni, who usually interview applicants in his/her geographic area. Many times, however, it is advantageous for the applicant to interview on campus with an admissions representative. It shows your level of interest and commitment to potentially enrolling if accepted.
Here are a few quick tips to help an applicant prepare for an interview.
1. Prepare:
- Do your research: Read through the college's website about potential areas of study, activities on campus, study abroad opportunities-- any aspect for which you are interested in, be prepared to ask questions.
- Attire: Dress appropriately for the interview. Silence your phone. Don't chew gum. Make eye contact while shaking the interviewers hand and be on time. Ask for the person's contact information so you can send a thank you note.
- Relax, you got this! Arrive about 10 minutes early so you can relax. Practice with a sibling or friend so you can prepare talking about yourself and the school.
- Practice talking about the following:
- Why you are interested in attending this college?
- Why is this college a good match with you?
- What qualities do you have that can contribute to the college community?
- Know your GPA and test scores and be prepared to discuss your extracurricular activities.
- Last, express your personality! Smile, make eye contact and be able to discuss what motivates you and why.
2. Why Interview?
Many small colleges use a more holistic approach to assessing applicants. Therefore, meeting each applicant in person can help each student's chances, especially the marginal applicant.
The college is looking to gain a better understanding of you as a person. Expressing your interests, experiences and personality during the interview is unique to what's learned through just reading the written application.
3. Last, avoid yes and no answers. Practice answering with a short yet full answer to the question. Practice is the key to success.
You've got this!