Scheduling a college interview is a smart move for students who wish to be more competitive in the admissions process. A college interview can show the admissions committee that you have good people skills and a lot going for you. Of course, an interview could also go the other way, and you could make a bad impression. In order to make your college interview an asset rather than a mistake, you should prepare in advance by reviewing some guidelines for a successful interview.
First of all, it is important to make a good impression, appearance-wise. College admissions officer are sure to notice your personal grooming and attire immediately if it is not up to standard. If you are dressed appropriately, however, your appearance will likely not come to attention at all, which is your goal. You want your interviewer to focus on what you are saying, not on your poor choice of clothes or the fact that you forgot to shave.
Some rules to keep in mind when dressing for an interview is to avoid clothes that are too casual or too revealing. Business casual is usually a good idea, but first determine the setting in which the interview is taking place. Is it a formal one-on-one interview or a casual group interview? You usually cannot go wrong with a nice pair of dress pants for men or women and a neatly-pressed shirt or blouse.
Also keep in mind that your interviewer will notice your body language. Being nervous likely won't be held against you. After all, you may have never had an interview before, and being slightly anxious shows that you are taking it seriously. If you slouch or behave too casually, however, you may appear careless. Avoid crossing your arms or adopting any defensive or unfriendly body language. Avoid scratching yourself, touching your hair, chewing gum, or fidgeting in a way that may be distracting to your interviewer.
It is a good idea to prepare yourself for some commonly-asked interview questions in advance, so that you are not left stuttering when a question takes you by surprise. You will commonly be asked about your interest in the college, your goals and intended major, the activities you are involved in, etc. While it is okay to know ahead of time what you are going to say, you should not sound rehearsed. Answer every question conversationally, though you should never use excessive slang or any bad language.
Also answer honestly. Your interviewer will be able to tell if you are being insincere or giving the answer that you think he or she wants to hear. While it may be necessary to soften the truth, you should never make false statements during an interview.
Remember never to brag. Naturally, you will want to exhibit self-confidence and show your interviewer that you are a student worthy of admission. This is not the same thing as going on and on about how great you are. You should master the art of talking about your accomplishments without seeming arrogant.
Finally, remember to ask some intelligent questions of your own! One major reason for scheduling a college interview is to demonstrate your interest in the school. If you are yourself, express your desire to be a student at that college, and demonstrate your worth as an individual, you will surely have had a successful interview. Keep in mind that some students earn their college degrees from accredted online universities. If this is the case for you, perhaps you can have a virtual interview with a prospective school.
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