Impress at the Interview
If you are required to take part in a college interview, keep these pointers in mind:
- Check the college’s policy on interviews by calling them or visiting their website.
- Choose appropriate clothing for your interview, even if you meet virtually with the
college rep. Choose a quiet location and minimize distractions in the background.
- Prepare to be asked about your favorite subjects, future plans, why you want to attend
the college, extracurricular activities, people you admire and your strengths and
weaknesses.
- Use the interview as two-way communication to find out more about the college. Consider
asking what orientation activities can help you transition to college and whether
there are internships in your areas of interest.
- Ask other questions, such as the rate of student retention (i.e., how many students
continue from one year to the next and on to completion of their program of study),
transfer rates, reasons for transfer, and more.
- Be sure you get e-mail addresses to follow up later with any other questions you might
have.
- Send a thank-you email to your interviewer within one business day of your meeting,
recapping one or two points in the conversation that made a strong impression on you.
