6 Surefire Ways to Nail Your College Interviews
6 Surefire Ways to Nail Your College Interviews
So, you’ve clicked the “submit” button and sent in the application fee.All you have to do now is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show—that new Netflix show everyone has been talking about, that is. Right?Not so fast, young grasshopper. Your application process isn’t complete just yet. There is one last major component to your work: interviews. Dun, dun, dun.Actually, interviews—whether conducted by an admissions officer, student representative, or eager alumnus—can be quite fun and informative.You may feel nervous about the idea of being grilled by someone from the college of your dreams and pressured to come up with perfect answers to earn yourself an acceptance. But interviews are often more like a conversation than a rapid-fire Q&A session.When approached with the right mindset and preparation, interviews can be an opportunity to share and learn with an alumnus of the college you might call home next fall. Read on for tips you can incorporate into your prep so that you will nail your in-person college interviews.
1. Answer Questions in the Form of Stories
Way back in the days, oral stories were how people passed on important parts of culture, history, and traditions.Stories are a vehicle that helps us communicate the stuff that makes us human. More than just to convey facts and morals, they help us forge an emotional connection with the audience. As you practice interview questions, think about how you can answer them in the form of short tales. If asked, “Why are you interested in X college,” walk your interviewer through your journey.An example:Originally, I wasn’t too interested in a small liberal arts school, but my mom kept emphasizing how your college would the best fit for me. I was doubtful. We visited the campus last spring and I met Ann from admissions. She wore a suit and seemed serious. But then she asked me about what I hope to study. I said criminal psychology and her eyes widened and she started talking about a conversation she just had with a psych professor on the motives of drug cartels. Ann offered to connect me with that professor, and he chatted for hours with me about my interest in studying gang behavior. I’ve been sold ever since!Most compelling stories feature character growth—you learn a lesson, make a realization, conquer fears, and develop in important ways. Practice coming up with stories that highlight your personal growth for these prompts:
- Describe your biggest accomplishment.
- What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
- What quirks or characteristics make you unique?
During the interview, you don’t have to answer every question in the form of a story but prepare 3-4 stories that illustrate significant parts of who you are. They can be funny, serious, or ironic, as long as they are true to your experiences.Feel free to repeat stories from your college essays, too. Alumni interviewers usually do not have access to your application and, if you’re being interviewed by an admissions officer, there’s still room to add new context and bring your essay to life with a well-crafted narrative.
2. Do Some Detective Work
Google your alumni interviewer beforehand to get a feel for what he or she is like. LinkedIn is great for this because you can find out their work history and hobbies. Identify shared interests that you could use for small talk or as a basis for the kind of questions you could ask them at the end.If your interviewer enjoys mountain biking, then perhaps you can ask about what outdoor activities are available for students at the college. If he works as a prosecutor, and you are contemplating a career in public service, ask about what led him to pursue law.Researching your interviewer beforehand takes some of the guess work out of the whole process, allowing less room for your imagination to run wild about worst case scenarios.
3. Stay Positive and Optimistic
Much of the college application process calls for vulnerability. Some essay prompts ask you about your most challenging circumstances and the events that have molded you into who you are today.Students share about overcoming depression, bullying, and losing loved ones. However, while vulnerability is welcomed, your interview is not a venting session.If you share a personal struggle, it should show that you’re prepared to attend college in some way. The takeaway from your struggle should be along the lines of: “Because I went through this obstacle and developed this character trait, I am more confident that I can succeed as a student.”Without the piece about personal growth, your interviewer may wonder whether your personal challenges will actually inhibit you from doing well in college.In general, it’s best to remain optimistic and positive. Avoid complaining about the failings of your high school or even a political party, because you cannot be sure of your interviewer’s background and beliefs.Highlight not just your struggles but the resilience, maturity, kindness, and compassion you have developed as a result of life experiences.
4. Communicate Without Words
The internet has not agreed on the particular percentage, but something between 50 to 93 percent of communication is nonverbal. What you say with your body language is as important, if not more, than the actual words coming from your mouth.Of course, interpreting messages from body language alone is a flawed method. But here are some (generally) universal signs of engagement:
- Nod when your interviewer speaks to show you are actively listening.
- Smile and make eye contact when possible.
- Use your hands as you talk and tell stories.
- Raise your eyebrows to show curiosity and delight.
The cool thing about body language is that your mind sometimes follows suit. You may become more attentive if you lean in to the person talking or more energetic as you smile while speaking.
5. Show and Tell
You might consider bringing something you have made to share with your interviewer. Provided it’s not too obstructive or in the way, this can help you solidify a deep connection with your interviewer and reveal something personal about yourself.Perhaps robotics has captured your attention since age 11 or you have been a prolific artist after taking a water color class in eighth grade. Bring an example of your work with you! Create or spruce up your website beforehand if there are multiple examples of work you want to display so that you and your interviewer can browse together.This can serve as a great ice breaker and help segue the interview into a discussion of your intellectual interests. But don’t just bring something because you can. It should be meaningful and, optimally, related to an academic passion.
6. Write a Thank You Note
Send an email to thank your interviewer for her time once you get home. Highlight what you enjoyed most about the conversation and ask any follow-up questions. Thank you notes are good protocol for any time you interact with a person for college admissions.If you have neat handwriting, take it a step further and hand-write your thank you note. This will make a strong positive impression. Be sure to ask your interviewer for his or her contact information and follow up promptly.The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.See what others are saying about us