Your Guide to the College Interview

The college interview continues to be an elusive and scary idea for college applicants. Follow along as we take you through some tips and tricks for preparing and approaching college interviews.

The college interview is a supplementary part of a college application. Typically, the interview is additive, not punitive. This means that colleges typically won’t reject you based off of your interview but may be more likely to accept you. The interview is a way for colleges get to know the “real” you. As opposed to viewing you as a set of statistics on a (digital) piece of paper, they can hear you speak and get to know you interpersonally. A college interview is typically conducted by an alumnus of the college. They can either be virtual or in-person.

Preparing for the Interview

• Look into your interviewer! A quick Google Search can go a long way. They have your application and know about you, so you should know about them too

• Dress to impress! Putting thought and effort to how you present yourself shows that you are prepared and committed. No need to show up in a formal suit or dress, but definitely avoid sweatpants and a t-shirt.

• Know about the school! Look into programs, clubs, or activities you would want to join and be ready to talk about them.

• Practice makes perfect! There are a lot of questions that you’ll see repeated across interviews – have a “mock interview” will get you in the right mindset, prepare you for yours, and allow you to refine your answers

  • Reach out to RRA and get one set up!

The Interview Itself:

• Don’t be too scripted! The point of an interview is to get to know you as an individual – let your personality shine through!

• Be engaged – asking follow up questions and showing that you are listening will go a long way

• Highlight yourself – try to answer questions in a way that will capitalize on a unique or specific part of you as an applicant.

• Don’t stress! Take a deep breath and stay calm.