A college application tells an admission counselor a great deal about a student - their grades, activities, accomplishments, and interests. But what about the person behind the application?

That's where the college admission interview comes in! An interview is a wonderful opportunity to humanize the application, allowing students to share their story, show their personality, and explain what makes them unique. And just as importantly, it gives students a chance to learn whether the college is the right fit for them.

What is the purpose of the college admission interview?

There are generally two types of interviews: evaluative and informational. Evaluative interviews, sometimes offered by more selective colleges, may be considered as part of the admission decision. Informational interviews are more casual conversations designed to help students and colleges learn about each other and generally do not factor into admission decisions.

Regardless of the format, the goal is to have a genuine conversation. Colleges want to learn about students beyond their transcripts - their passions, interests, future goals, and how they might contribute to campus life. Not all colleges offer interviews, so check each college's admission website for availability, registration requirements, and deadlines.

For students who find interviews intimidating, remember that an interview is rarely the deciding factor in an admission decision. You don't need perfect answers or an impressive list of accomplishments. You just need to be yourself!

Preparing for the college interview

The most effective way to have successful results is simply to prepare. One of my favorite resources is College Essay Guy's approach to preparing for a college interview. I have used this approach with students for years because it is simple and effective. Here are a few steps to help students feel confident and prepared:

5 Minutes: Read the College's Mission Statement: Google "XYZ College mission statement." This is one of the easiest ways to understand what matters to a college. Does it emphasize service, leadership, intellectual curiosity, or community? Think about how those values connect with your own experiences and goals.

15 Minutes: Research the "Why Us?": Why are you interested in this particular college? Explore its academic programs, campus life, clubs and organizations, and anything that connects with your interests and goals. Be specific!

10 Minutes: Explore Your Academic Interests: Think about potential majors or fields of interest. What sparked your interest? Have you taken classes, participated in activities, or had experiences that influenced your direction? It's totally fine to be undecided - just be ready to discuss what you're curious about.

5 Minutes: Identify Your Interests Outside the Classroom: What do you do in your free time? Sports, music, service, a part-time job, or a fun hobby? These interests help the interviewer get to know you - and even better if you can connect them to opportunities at the college.

5 Minutes: Identify Four or Five Things You Want to Share: It can be a bit daunting when someone asks "tell me a little about yourself." Think of four or five things that are important to you: a meaningful experience, a proud moment, an achievement, or even that you love your three dogs and two cats. Whenever possible, bring your answers to life with a short personal story that illustrates your interests, personality, or strengths rather than simply describing them.

5 Minutes: Prepare Three Questions: Remember, you're interviewing the college, too! Ask thoughtful questions that aren't easily answered on its website. For example:

What makes students at your college unique?

How does the college help first-year students adjust to campus life?

What internship or career exploration opportunities are available?

5 Minutes: Organize Your Notes: Put your key points and questions on one sheet of paper. Review them before the interview, but don't memorize answers. The goal is a natural conversation, not a rehearsed speech!

The best interviews aren't necessarily the ones with the most impressive answers. They're the ones where students are genuine, curious, and engaged!

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

College 101 Admissions Consultants LLC. Website: www.mycollege101.com. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 508-380-3845.

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