Why College Admissions Interviews Matter

Summary:

Interviews with college admittance counselors are not a requirement at all colleges today, but it still puts you ahead of competitors if done right. Here are six skills you’ll need to successfully connect with admissions counselors and leave a lasting impression.

Key Points:

1. Practice, practice, practice
2. Do your research
3. Prepare your own questions
4. Be authentic
5. Dress professionally
6. Write a thank you note

Three-time Grand Slam winner Arthur Ashe once said, “One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self confidence is preparation.” The importance of preparation also holds true for interviews with college admission counselors.

 Even though not all colleges and universities require an interview, this is your chance to tell your own story in your own voice — along with your college essay (Link Nov. B4 SEO). Preparing always works in your favor.

In this article, we’ll share the questions you can expect to answer and six vital tips for acing your college admissions interview.

What are the advantages of the college admissions interview?

An admissions officer can provide you with information you can’t get anywhere else. They’re best-equipped to answer your questions about a specific major, campus culture, or research opportunities; the kind of personal questions that can be the deciding factor in your search. Building relationships and making connections is critical in college. Why not start with the college admissions counselor?

Remember, these professionals are trained to spot potential, and interacting in person is so much more than an essay, test scores, and extracurriculars. It's putting a face and personality to all the paperwork. The admission interview may be the first time you’ll have a professional face-to-face question and answer session. But once you start your career hunt, you’ll do this on a regular basis. Don’t miss out on this learning opportunity.

What questions can you expect to be challenged with?

Most common admissions interview questions

Here is a sample of the 15 most-asked questions:

1. Why are you interested in our school?
2. What will you contribute to our campus community?
3. Who in your life has influenced you the most?
4. What is a challenge that you overcame?
5. What is your biggest weakness?
6. What academic area interests you the most (or the least) and why?
7. What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
8. What do you do for fun during your free time?
9. What are your five-year goals after graduation?
10. What community, social, and school activities have you engaged in (extracurriculars)?
11. What are your career goals?
12. Do you have a support system?
13. How do you handle feedback?
14. What classes have you taken?
15. What is your favorite class and why?

That’s a lot to think through. And remember, admission counselors interview applicants every day. Standing out is key, but most important is being your honest self. Interviewers can spot a fake. Remember, you can put as much time as you want into most college application materials, such as resumes, cover letters, and personal statements (essays), but there is no room for revisions in the one-on-one interview. 

But how do you prepare for the admissions interview? 

Preparing for admissions interviews

Here are six vital tips for acing your college interview:

1. Practice, practice, practice — Find a list of common questions that appeal to you, and sit down with a parent, teacher, trusted friend, or advisor and do a mock interview. This can help with body language, eye contact, and removing the “ums, ahs, and likes” from your presentation. 
2. Do your research — Thoroughly study the colleges and universities with whom you’ll be interviewing. Know at least four or five distinctive facts about the school that aligns with your interests. 
3. Prepare your own questions — Interviews are not a one-way-street: it‘s important to come with questions of your own. It helps you form a bond with the admissions counselor, and demonstrates your interest in the school and in the majors you’re considering.
4. Be authentic — Beyond GPA, test scores, and essays, admissions counselors are trying to figure out whether you’re a good fit for their school. If you put your best foot forward (don't try to be a comedian, overintellectualize, or talk too much), your real self will shine through. Don’t be what you think they want you to be; be your best self.
5. Dress professionally — You may find very few occasions to wear a jacket and tie or a nice dress during college, but the interview is one place where it counts. There’s something about putting on business attire that can give you a psychological edge. And it shows respect for the interviewer.
6. Write a thank you note — This is more than a gesture. The thank you letter demonstrates both your maturity and manners. It’s the final punctuation point on a vital part of the application process. 

This is a lot to absorb if you are already in your senior year of high school. But with Prelum, Powered by Kaplan, on your side, you can start the process of learning how to present yourself much earlier. We partner with some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities. They all offer online college prep courses, as well as in-person programs for high school students, that will be a great conversation piece during your interviews.

Make sure to review all of our partner’s websites, find a course that interests you, and set up a school visit once you’ve had a taste of what our universities have to offer. You can even work through your high school counselor to set up an on-campus visit with a college admissions counselor. 

It’s never too early to start this important process. And, with preparation and practice, acing your college interviews is something you’ll successfully navigate as you prepare for college.