Should i college interview

As long as you're polite, attentive, and prepared, it should only help your chances of getting accepted. The interview will also give you an opportunity to learn more about the school, and help you decide whether or not it might be a good fit for you. We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service.

We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. The questions I'm listing and explaining were either referenced in multiple admissions websites and interview advice guides, or are general enough that you'll be able to answer a number of similar questions by preparing for them.

Below, I provide you with each question. I then explain why colleges are asking it, what they're looking for in a response, and how you can prepare for the question ahead of time. This isn't even actually a question, but it's something you might be asked to do in an interview. Because it's so general, you might have trouble figuring out where to begin. Why they're asking this: Colleges are asking you to do this because they really do want to know more about you.

That's one of the primary purposes of the interview, after all! What they're looking for: You need to paint a unique portrait of who you are to separate yourself from other applicants. For example, don't just say you're hardworking—explain what has driven you to become as diligent as you are and why you feel it is important. How to prepare: Rehearse answering this question.

Try talking about your passions, hobbies, and interests. You can discuss what inspires you or what your friends like about you. Be specific. Again, you want to make yourself memorable. Why they're asking this: This is an important question and one you should definitely prepare for, since colleges want to see that you're taking the application process seriously and have a legitimate interest in attending the school.

What they're looking for: Talk about your interest in a major or academic program, the cultural values of the school, or extracurricular activities that drew you to the college. Again, be thorough and specific. Don't talk about prestige or rankings, and don't say you just want to go there because it's close to home; none of this shows genuine interest in this specific college!

How to prepare: To answer this question well, you'll need to conduct extensive college research before the interview. You should be able to cite specifics when answering this question. Follow the same advice as if you were writing the answer to this question for your application essay.

If you've indicated that you want to major in a certain subject, you might be asked why you're interested in that particular field. Why they're asking this: Colleges are interested in your academic goals and want to see that you're academically inclined. What they're looking for: Talk about why a certain subject inspires you or why you're passionate about it. Don't say that you're pursuing a certain major to make a lot of money or have job security. That doesn't demonstrate genuine academic interest; it just makes you seem shallow.

How to prepare: Think deeply about why you want to pursue a specific major. Why do you find it fascinating? What experiences provoked your interest in the subject?

How will the major enable you to reach your future professional goals? Why they're asking this: In an effort to get to know you as a student, colleges are interested in getting your perspective on where you excel academically. What they're looking for: Don't make this answer too short.

Don't just say, "I'm good at science. If you're an excellent writer, for example, how have you used your writing skills to excel in school? How do you plan on continuing to use your strengths? How to prepare: Make sure you know your academic strengths. You should be able to explain how you recognized your strengths, how you're currently using them, and how you plan to use them in the future. Why they're asking this: Colleges want to admit good students, but they're aware everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

Colleges want to see that you have the persistence and work ethic to succeed despite your challenges. What they're looking for: Schools want students who can demonstrate their ability to confront and overcome challenges. Try revealing strategies or specific approaches you've taken to improve your academic weaknesses.

You could also tell a specific story about how you managed to do well in a subject that was especially difficult for you. How to prepare: Be aware of your academic weaknesses and how you've addressed them. It's not good to say that you don't have any weaknesses. That's not very believable, and you'll come off as arrogant. Why they're asking this: Colleges want to admit students who will make positive contributions to campus and academic life.

Essentially, they're looking for students who will make the school better. What they're looking for: In short, specifics. Don't limit your answer to vague positive traits. Don't just say you'll contribute a good work ethic and a regard for others.

Is there specific research you wish to pursue? Do you want to have a leadership position in an extracurricular activity? Are there specific community service projects you want to do? How will your presence on campus and in the classroom make a difference? How to prepare: Know the specific contributions you want to make to the school. Identify your college goals as well as the activities you want to pursue while you're in college. Why they're asking this: Just to set the record straight, you don't need to have your entire future figured out.

Colleges understand that you probably won't have everything decided and your plans are likely to change. What they do want is students with direction. What they're looking for: Colleges want students who are motivated to achieve their goals. The bad, general answer is to only say you expect to have a fulfilling career and be making a positive impact on the world. What are some specific activities you'd like to do? While very few colleges actually require their candidates to be interviewed, many strongly suggest taking advantage of the option.

As far as how important the interview is, that really depends on the selectivity of the school and program. For institutions or specialized programs that only admit a very small percentage of their applicants, anything you can do to give yourself an edge is a good idea.

Here are some of the reasons you should consider scheduling a college interview. Making the effort to visit the campus or sitting down for a virtual interview does not go unnoticed by the admissions department.

Highlighting your passion for the school can only help you. The college interview is a two-way street, making it a good opportunity to get the inside scoop about aspects of the institution that interest you. Be mindful that admissions officers or other interviewers pay close attention to the questions you ask. College Admissions Expert. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with over 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.

Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated March 01, Key Takeaways: Reasons to Do an Optional College Interview An interview may improve your chances of admission by demonstrating your interest in the college and revealing the personality behind your application. Interviews are generally friendly conversations, and they help you learn more about a school and make an informed college decision.

Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Grove, Allen. The Common Application Essay Prompts. Common Application Essay Option 4—Gratitude. Different Ways to Visit a College Campus. How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest. What Would You Do Differently? Interview Question Tips. Sample Responses to a College Deferral Letter. Your Privacy Rights.