College Interviews — Worth It?
We at College Insights believes that when offered, interviews offer our students an extra and beneficial extra “arrow in the quiver”. You’ll be better informed when making the important decision about choosing the “right fit” college, and the fact that you took the initiative to schedule an interview will underscore your sincere interest in the college to the admissions counselors. Your application will now consist of more than just a transcript and test scores; the admissions office will be happy to put a face to your application! Therefore, if colleges offer the option to interview we recommend that students take advantage of this opportunity!
The first key is to research whether interviews are available to students. A majority of colleges will state either in their literature or on their website that interviews are:
1) optional
2) not available
3) required
4) strongly encouraged
5) only granted in special circumstances (alumni children, athletes, etc.)
6) available with alumni
As mentioned above, if available, we recommend you take the opportunity. There are three main reasons for this:
- First, an interview can help you to decide whether a college is the right fit for you. Through your personal questions and discussions, you can go further than a regular tour and assess the fit with a college with an informed and trained person.
- Second, the interview could help you to present a more personal application. You have the opportunity to connect personally with an interviewer, as well as discuss some issues you might have trouble relating in writing.
- Finally, the interview (along with the College Visit, thank you letter writing, and thoughtful applications and supplements for a college) can help to establish “demonstrated interest” in a college. This last portion is extremely important, especially among the smaller/private schools.
College interviews are usually offered no earlier than late Spring of Junior year. They extend through the Fall of your Senior year. The two main types are on-campus and alumni interviews. Overall, your preference should be for an on-campus interview because you can then speak with a possible decision maker. We recommend that you wear business casual attire to these interviews—in most circumstances a suit is unnecessary.
To prepare, you should to find a resource that will give you the opportunity to go through a “mock interview”. This can help to point out any possible weaknesses and ensure you are prepared to answer the types of questions that will be asked in an “interview-like” atmosphere.
