When I was a senior in college, I worked in my school's admissions department as an admissions fellow. There were two main parts to the job: first, to tell prospective students about the school and encourage them to apply; and second, to interview students who were in the process of applying to the college. I interviewed countless high school juniors and seniors interested in attending my school, and I noticed quite a few things about how they presented themselves during the course of that year. When I helped my younger brother prepare for his college interviews, I was able to share the tips I had learned with him. Now, I can share them with you, too.
1. Imagine the interviewer is a good friend who you're catching up with.
My favorite interviews, by far, were the ones where I could speak comfortably with the person I was interviewing. I had quite a few interviews where it was clear that the young man or woman put a wall up to divide themselves from me, and those interviews were difficult and stressful. Ever since I worked in admissions, I have always done the same thing when I prepare for interviews. I visualize the interviewer as a good friend who I haven't seen in years, and I think of all of the points of my life that I'd want to tell them about. It helps in so many ways! I'm always more relaxed, I smile more, and I'm more eager and excited to share my accomplishments.
2. Ask about the interviewer's life, too!
People like to talk about themselves just as much as they like to listen to other people's stories--it's human nature! Don't focus only on the interviewer (it's your interview, after all!) but look for common points between you two. I had a college interview where I told the admissions member that I was a cheerleader, and we bonded about her daughter being a cheerleader, too. Interviewers are people, too, and having them chat about themselves a bit will help you to relax and remember that point.
3. Be engaged in the conversation.
I had an interview once where the student didn't make eye contact with me throughout the entire conversation. It was clear that they weren't interested in the school or what I had to say about it, and they were only there because they had been forced to go. It killed the atmosphere in the room and the interview just dragged on with seemingly no end. Even if they didn't want to be there, the student could have at least participated in the conversation--they might've learned that they actually liked the school!
4. Dress comfortably, but semi-professionally.
Ahh, yes, the point about how you should appear. It was bound to come up eventually! In any interview, but especially for college, you should dress to reflect yourself and the impression you want to give. My school was pretty casual, but people still came to their interviews in business-casual clothing, because they were trying to make a good impression. I had a few students show up in suits! On the other hand, I also had students come in basketball shorts and T-shirts. Even though I was interviewing them for them, not for their clothing, it did set me off a bit. College is an important step for a lot of people, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Showing up for interviews dressed really casually doesn't show that you're invested in where you're interviewing. However, don't dress in something that makes you uncomfortable! Interviews are a chance to present yourself however you want to be seen--so show them your best side!
5. Be honest and genuine.
Don't make up stories to make yourself seem more interesting than you are. It's one thing to use confident language to tell a story about yourself, it's another thing entirely to lie! Interviewers can tell if you've rehearsed an answer, too. Of course, take time to think about how you want to answer certain questions and what you want to say, but don't recite your answer out like you memorized a script. Interviewers are looking for your genuine self, not an essay (we have your college essay for that!).
The main goal of a college interview is to see if the prospective student is a good fit for the school. Interviewers often have access to pieces of the student's application, if not the entire document, so don't spend too much time talking about what's written down. Instead, show them who you are and where you come from, and most importantly, what you can bring to their school. If you do these things and act confident, you're bound to ace your interview!
