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College Interview: The Importance Of Interviews In The College Application Process

 

A college interview is an excellent opportunity to learn more about a school that interests you. College interviews are also an opportunity for the college to learn more about what you have to offer as an applicant. Not all schools require that students partake in interviews. Many others give students the choice of meeting with an alumnus.

Are you participating in an in-person college interview as part of your college application? If so, it is of the upmost importance to come PREPARED.

High School Resume:

Come prepared to your interview with a high school resume that paints a complete but brief picture of who you are as a student and person. Think of this as a snapshot of what you will elaborate on throughout your conversation.

Prepare Questions:

Admissions Officers or Alumnus want to see just how interested and excited you are in pursuing an education at their school. Coming prepared with at least two questions will give you another opportunity to showcase your interest while gaining further insight into the school. Keeping questions general will ensure that you have the ability to generate a discussion with your interviewer. For example, asking an alumnus interviewer “What was your favorite memory during your time at the university?” will give them the opportunity to discuss a personal experience. Asking a question about a specific program or class could lead to a dead end if the interviewer had a different major or never took that particular course.

Stay Relaxed:

There is a reason you were chosen to meet in-person with your interviewer and this should always be seen as a positive! Go into your interview feeling confident and excited to learn more about your potential experience at the school. You are the authority on the conversation because the heart of the conversation will be about you! Take deep breaths, look your interviewer in the eye and remain engaged. Don’t forget that this is a conversation, not a test. Let your genuine self-shine through. Follow these steps and you will undoubtedly succeed at your college interview.