Making the Most of College Interviews in December and January
Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania
For many high school seniors, college interviews are right around the corner! Whether you’re meeting with alumni or admissions officers, these interviews give you a chance to show the school who you are beyond your application. Here’s how to get ready, shine during the interview, and leave a great impression!
What Are College Interviews About?
Think of college interviews as conversations, not tests. The school wants to get to know the real you: your personality, interests, and goals. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the college and show why you’re excited about the possibility of attending!
Not every school requires interviews, but doing well in one can make you stand out and show your enthusiasm!
Before the Interview
1. Learn About the School
Spend some time on the school’s website; research its mission statement, programs, and anything else that interests you, and be ready to explain why you want to attend and how you could contribute to the campus!
2. Review Your Application
Make sure you know what you wrote in your essays and listed in your activities. Your interviewer might ask you about them, so be prepared to share more details!
3. Practice Common Questions
Even though every interview is different, these questions often come up:
● Tell me about yourself.
● Why do you want to attend this college?
● What’s been your favorite extracurricular activity?
● Describe a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Practicing can help you feel more confident and ready!
4. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Interviews are a two-way street: you’re interviewing the school, too! Ask thoughtful questions about the college or your interviewer’s experiences, and avoid questions you can easily find answers to online.
5. Dress Professionally
Be sure to wear business casual clothing for in-person or virtual interviews. Looking polished shows you’re taking the interview seriously!
During the Interview
1. Be Yourself (Seriously!)
Talk about your real interests and experiences, not what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Authenticity matters!
2. Show Your Excitement
Smile and let your enthusiasm for the school come through. Colleges love seeing students who are genuinely excited about joining their community!
3. Pay Attention to Body Language
Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and, if in person, give a firm handshake. These little things can make you seem confident and engaged!
4. Listen and Think Before You Speak
Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions. If you need a moment to think before answering, that’s okay; it shows you’re thoughtful!
5. Use Stories to Show Who You Are
Instead of saying, “I’m a leader,” share a story that proves it. For example, talk about a time you led a team project or organized a school event. Stories make your answers more memorable!
What to Do If You Don’t Know How to Answer a Question
One common question students have about interviews is, “What happens if the interviewer asks me a question that I don’t know how to answer?” Here’s the truth: it’s okay if you get stuck on a question and interviewers don’t expect you to have perfect answers. You’re only human, after all! Here’s how to handle this:
1. Pause and Take a Breath:
It’s fine to take a moment to think. Say something like, “That’s a great question. Let me think about it for a moment.”
2. Be Honest:
If you truly don’t know the answer, it’s better to be upfront. For example, “I haven’t thought about that before, but it’s interesting. I’d like to explore it more.”
3. Redirect to What You Know:
If a question feels too tricky, steer it toward a related topic you’re more comfortable with. For example, if asked about a subject you don’t know much about, you might say, “I’m not familiar with that, but I’m interested in *a related topic*.”
4. Ask for Clarification:
If the question feels unclear to you, ask for more details. This shows that you’re engaged and want to give a thoughtful answer! For example, you might say “Would you mind expanding on that? I want to be sure I understand the question.”
5. Circle Back Later
If you find yourself answering a question with something you don’t care much about or just giving a quick response to move on, don’t worry! If a better answer comes to mind later, bring it up before the interview ends. You might say something like, “Earlier, you asked me about *whatever the question is*, and I’ve thought of a better answer I’d like to share.” This shows interviewers that you’re thoughtful, paying attention to the questions, and eager to present your best self!
6. Stay Calm:
Everyone gets stumped sometimes, even those with many years of experience interviewing, and interviewers understand! Keep your composure, smile, and confidently move on to the next question.
After the Interview
1. Say Thank You
Send a thank-you email within a day or two. Mention something specific from your conversation to make it personal, such as advice they gave or something new you learned about the school.
2. Learn from the Experience
Think about what went well and what you could improve for future interviews. Every interview is a chance to grow!
Key Takeaways
College interviews let you go beyond your application and show schools who you really are. If you prepare, be yourself, and show your excitement, you’ll leave a great impression. Remember, the interview is also a chance to see if the school feels like the right fit for you! Relax, be confident, and good luck; you’ve got this!
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