Few things in the college admissions process are as nerve-wracking as the interview. If you’re reading this article, however, you’re already on the right track to success.
At Educational Attainment Services, we offer consulting and counseling to students and their families. We have years of experience supporting students through every step of the college admissions process. The results speak for themselves. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you succeed in your interview.
Until then, check out these three preparation tips for a great college admissions interview.
When preparing for your college admissions interview, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. These tips will help you put your best foot forward.
It’s a good idea to research and prepare some talking points in response to many popular interview questions. Some of the most common interview questions are as follows:
When preparing your answers to these questions, it’s important to be honest while also considering the specific details of the school you’re interviewing for.
For example, if you are interested in volleyball, but the school you’re applying to is renowned for their basketball team, you shouldn’t say you want to be on their basketball team.
Instead, remark on the excellent culture surrounding athletics at the school. Mention that you love athletics because you enjoy challenging yourself and being part of a team. Then mention that you would be proud to represent the school's values on their volleyball team.
Keep in mind when writing these hypothetical answers that you should never have a word-for-word script, but rather have talking points that you can adapt into a natural conversation.
Coming prepared to your interview with a set of thoughtful, specific questions is a fantastic way to demonstrate your interest in the university you’re interviewing for.
Your questions should not be generic or easily answered on the website, and they should reflect your ambitions and passions.
The questions you ask are an opportunity for you to get a unique perspective on the school you’re interviewing for. You could ask about specific faculty members, opportunities for mentorship, extracurricular activities, campus culture, class sizes, employment opportunities on campus, and alumni success stories.
During the interview, it’s important to ensure the conversation flows in a natural way. Despite your preparation, it shouldn’t feel as though you are reciting memorized information. Here are a few tips for presenting yourself in the interview:
For more information on the college admissions process, visit our website or read the book: Affording and Surviving College: How to Apply to a Good School and Make It Through Without Going Broke.
At Educational Attainment Services, we make navigating the college admissions process easier by providing consulting services to students and their families. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals.