Interview Tips

Interviews are a wonderful way for you to get to know a college and for you to help a college understand who you are and why you are a PERFECT fit for that college.
These tips are adapted from Skidmore College's tips...Thanks Skidmore.

When you book a trip to a college, try to book an interview. However, practice before you do your first interview....Here are other key tips.

Ten Tips for a Successful College Interview or Meeting with Other College Representatives

1. Know what the interview means at each college.
Is it purely informational or intended to help evaluate you as a candidate? Some interviews are evaluative and the discussion allows you to introduce yourself in a way that can distinguish you from the many other candidates applying for admission. You and your interviewer engage in a relaxed and friendly conversation during which you will be encouraged to discuss your school, your courses, your activities, and your academic and personal goals. You will also be encouraged to ask any questions you have about the college and the application process. The interview summary written by the interviewer after your discussion describes your individual qualities and ability to contribute to the college community. It becomes part of your application file when you apply.

On the other hand, an informational interview requires you to direct the conversation. The interviewer's questions may be as general as, "What can I tell you about this school?" or "What questions do you have about the application process?" Ordinarily, no written evaluation is included in your application file after an informational interview. As the name suggests, the sole purpose of the interview is to raise and answer questions that will help you distinguish differences among colleges and which ones "fit" you best.

2. Know something about the college before you visit/interview.
Do your homework. You are not expected to be an expert on the college, but you should know basic facts before your interview. Viewbooks, catalogues, and college guides are all good sources of basic information. The interviewer's questions will help you clarify the qualities you hope to find in a college and will help you understand how different colleges satisfy those expectations. Be prepared to talk about your college search. What are you looking for in a college? What is important to you? What is your vision of the ideal college? How did you decide to visit this specific campus?

3. Think about your high school years!!!
Be introspective. What do you do with your "free" time? How would your parents describe you? What would your favorite teacher say? Your friends? Make a list of extracurricular interests and hobbies that have been important to you. How have you spent your summers? Have you ever worked, either on a volunteer basis or for pay? How have you changed during your high school years? What recent books have you read? What recent papers have you written? NO NEGATIVES ever about yourself.

4. Know your high school.
The colleges you apply to will assess your achievements within the context of your high school. Are honors courses offered? AP's? An IB program? How large is your high school? How many students are in your senior class? You should be able to describe your school, the courses you have taken and the level of competition you have faced. What course in high school has been toughest for you? Do you regret any course choices? Try not to complain about "bad" teachers! How diverse is your high school population? Your community? Don't assume your interviewer can picture your school. Try to describe it as vividly as possible.

5. Watch your verbal and body language!
Avoid slang and don't say "you know," "like," and "um." Stop and think before you speak. The interviewer wants to get to know you as an individual and to evaluate you as a potential student. Listen carefully to the questions, think before you respond.

Establish good eye contact with the interviewer. When people look at each other they communicate more effectively. Be aware of how you act when you are nervous. Do you tap your foot? Twist or flip your hair? Look at the floor? Say "you know" or "like" a lot? If you can identify your nervous habits ahead of time you can address them in the interview.

6. Bring some show and tell items, if you can.
Bring two copies of your nicely designed resume to share with the interviewer. Give one to the interviewer and keep one in front of you. It helps you remember certain activities and details should you blank out during the interview. You can bring pictures of you in a play or on the sports field or other key pieces of evidence to demonstrate your true mastery in an area. Do not leave those with interviewer. You can leave the resume. Do NOT bring letters of recommendation--those belong in the application.

7. Be prepared to ask questions.
Ask questions regarding academic requirements or special services offered by the college, but avoid basic questions that should have been answered in your preliminary research. Do not waste time asking questions that are easily answered in the viewbook or catalogue. Examples: "How many students attend your school?" or "Do you have a major in psychology?" Use your time wisely by asking about things that interest you. You might ask about internship opportunities, accessibility of professors, athletic facilities and sports traditions, artistic performance opportunities on campus, leadership positions for students, or social life on campus. Ask questions that will help you distinguish qualitative differences between similar colleges. It's a good idea to bring your list of questions to the interview.

8. Dress "comfortably."
Most admission interviewers recommend that you wear clothes that are comfortable for you and make you feel good about yourself. You don't have to "dress up" in a skirt or necktie unless that's how you're most comfortable. Be neat, but be yourself.

9. Be honest. Don't pretend.
If you really read science fiction, then don't pretend that you like Dickens. Share any serious personal difficulty that has affected your record with your interviewer. Don't try to guess "the right answer" to the questions. What you have done is not nearly so important as why you did it, why it was important to you, and how it has helped you to grow. If you have a weakness in your record (for example, a poor grade or semester of poor grades) try to put it into perspective for the interviewer. Be honest. If this is your first interview and you're nervous, share those feelings with your interviewer. If you're afraid that some aspect of the college might not be right for you, share your concern. Feel good about yourself and convey that feeling to the interviewer. You can be positive about your accomplishments without sounding conceited. Interviewers expect you to say good things about yourself.

10. Be sure to follow-up after the interview.
Interviewers, like everyone else, appreciate being thanked for their time. Write down the name of your interviewer as well as the date (many will give you a business card) and send a personal thank you note after returning home. Colleges notice the gesture and it helps to reinforce a positive impression. If you enjoyed your interview and visit, find out about opportunities for you to return and to stay overnight on campus, sit in on classes, or attend upcoming special programs.
Remember that every college or university wants you to leave your visit feeling good about the experience. If you take the time to research colleges, and then do a little thinking about how you've spent your time and what is important to you, you'll find your visits both informative and enjoyable.