Many students concentrate on the academic work and getting good grades. Sometimes they want to pass up going to campus for the college interview. I think this is a mistake. You should do an on-campus interview whenever possible. This is an opportunity to get a good feel for the campus culture and also to promote yourself to the admissions committee.
Students need to prepare themselves for the interview, but not panic. The interview is not a do or die scenario. It is natural to want to ace an interview. But, if you are well prepared, confident, and dress appropriately, the fact that you were interested enough to come to their campus for an in-person interview can only be in your favor.
Although college campus dress styles are quite relaxed, what you wear to an important interview should be more business-like. For young men I recommend:
* slacks rather than jeans * nice shirt (with collar) – no tee-shirts * sports jacket * shoes (not sneakers) * For young ladies:
For young women I recommend:
* nice skirt,(not mini), dress, slacks, or pantsuit * shoes (not sneakers, athletic shoes or flip-flops) * be respectful in your dress – avoid revealing styles like tube tops, halter tops, etc. * easy on the make-up *
The usual interview is not a grilling session. It is more a get-acquainted event, where the college admissions officers can observe your demeanor, and try to gauge the sincerity of your desire to attend their institution. They have already familiarized themselves with the information in your entire application package. Everything you say should confirm what you have tried to convey through your essays, personal statements and recommendations submitted with your application. The interview is also your chance to ask questions about the college so you can decide if you and the college are a good fit. If you end up in the wonderful position of choosing between colleges, this interview and visit could make your decision much easier.
Sitting for an on-campus interview demonstrates your personal initiative. If the admissions officer is deciding between you and a similarly qualified student who has not come to campus for an interview, you might just get the acceptance because of that factor alone.
The great majority of colleges do not require interviews. However, there are a few colleges, which view the college interview as mandatory. For these colleges, the interview is part of the application process. These interviews are said to be “evaluative”. Some colleges, which have evaluative interviews, are Harvard University, Wesleyan University, and Haverford College. You definitely want to ace your college interview at these institutions.
The interviewer’s notes will be included in your admissions folder. You need to do whatever is in your power to influence those notes by your demeanor, dress and attitude. Show your interest in their institution by doing a little research on their website. If you were talking to a prospective employer you would want to make it clear that you were very anxious to work for the firm and would be an asset to his or her business. Universities and colleges want students who will be active participants in campus life and who will reflect well on the university. Review your own application for admission as carefully as you would your job application and be ready to answer any questions about what it contains.
After you have completed your preparation, relax. As long as your college interview confirms the rest of your application, you have no problem.
Angela Arnold, a college counselor who has helped many students get into college, has created 7 free videos about the college admissions process Download yours today.