It’s the summer time and I hope you’ve taken some time to enjoy it! You work hard during the school year and deserve some R&R! However, if you are going into your senior year, I hope that you’ve been staying on top of your college planning. By this point in the game, you should be pretty close to finalizing your college list. You need to make sure that you research each college on your list to see if they require or offer an interview. If your colleges require interviews, you need to be prepared.
If your colleges offer interviews, but they aren’t required, you’ll have to think hard about if an interview could really help you in this process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA are average compared to the college’s admissions standards, there are going to be thousands of other applicants just like you. An interview, just like the college essay, is something that you have somewhat control over and it could be just the thing to really set you apart. If you’re well prepared, you may just give the admissions officer a reason to plead your case for the college to accept you. Here are some tips to help you stand out and ace this process.
- Do Your Homework. It is extremely important that you research the schools on your list. Read their website, become an expert on it. Know what makes their school unique. Why do you want to go there? Read any brochures or course catalogues that you’ve received in the mail. Don’t make the mistake of asking the admissions officer questions that can easily be found on their website.
- Know What to Expect. Practice, Practice, Practice. It is very important that you’ve prepared ahead of time for this. Research frequently asked college interview questions. Come up with your answers to these questions and practice them with your family, a friend, a neighbor, or in front of a mirror.
- Prepare your own questions. At the end of any interview (whether for college or for a job), the interviewer will always ask if you have any questions. Make sure you are prepared with a few questions that you can ask at the end. For example, look into special programs that they offer (e.g., Study Abroad, Cooperative Education Programs or Internships, etc.) and ask questions about one you’re interested in.
- Dress Appropriately. We know it may be summer, but please don’t wear shorts, t-shirts, or flip-flops. No Jeans, baggy clothes, or ripped/torn clothes. And ladies, please no revealing clothing. Boys, dress pants and a collared shirt with a tie will look great. Girls, a nice cardigan with a skirt will be just fine. If you are going to interview somewhere far away, make sure you have everything ready in your suitcase and that you’ll have access to an iron once you’re there.
- Beware of Body Language. We all have our own quirks, make sure you know what yours are. If you usually fidget, shake your leg, tap your foot, bite your nails, etc., make sure that you are aware of this and be careful during your interview. Also, if you are someone who uses “like”, “um”, “you know” or other filler words like these, be aware of it. Try not to say them so much during the interview, it’s a turn off.
- Thank You. After the interview, take the business card or contact information for the person you met with and don’t forget to send them a thank you letter. Refer to something that you discussed and restate your enthusiasm for the school.
GOOD LUCK!!
Any additional tips? Want to share a memorable interview experience that you’ve had (good or bad)? Leave your comments!
About Smart Track™ Toolkit: The toolkit is a web based service that assists families with everything from admissions and test prep, to student athletics and financial aid. Our intuitive software and on-demand workshops are key components to making sure students find their top choice colleges, and families can afford to send them there.
About the author: Laura Guarino is the Student Services Coordinator with College Planning Strategies, LLC. Laura has a degree in Human Development from Boston College
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