Admissions interviews can be helpful tools in learning more about colleges and demonstrating interest.

Some interviews take place on campus with an admissions officer and others may be conducted locally with an alumnus.  Many colleges also participate in college fairs and will be happy to schedule an interview appointment with an admissions officer while they are in town.  Colleges may keep track of each time you contact them.  If you demonstrate your interest by setting up an interview, calling or e-mailing for extra information and taking the time to write a thank you note, the Admissions Office will think you are a serious candidate.

Research.  The more you know ahead of time, the more in-depth your conversation can be.  Look at the list of courses for the programs in which you are interested.  Prepare a list of questions not easily answered by the brochure or website.  Find out if you will interviewed by an admissions officer or an alumni.

Optional: Bring along a copy of your most recent high school transcript or prepare a high school résumé.  Include a list of your extracurricular activities, community service and jobs as well as a list of your special skills and accomplishments.  This will go into your file in the admissions office.

Keep in mind that the interview is NOT a test and there are no trick questions.  The purpose of the interview is to give the admissions officer a chance to see aspects of you that are not reflected in your application.  So try to relax and be yourself.

Think about how you might answer questions that come up.  Remember, you will not be graded on your responses; you do not need to have a full presentation prepared.  It is better to be prepared generally so that you do not panic when the interview begins.

    • Briefly describe yourself.

    • Tell me about your high school.

    • What kind of relationship do you have with your teachers?

    • Tell me about your transition to high school.

    • What are your favorite subjects?  What’s the toughest for you?

    • What is your favorite book and why?

    • What do you like about this school?  What majors interest you?

    • If I asked your family or friends, how would they describe you?

    • What are you most looking forward to in college?

    • ●      What are your concerns about attending college?

    • Share an example of an obstacle you’ve had to overcome.

    • What kind of roommate would you be? 

    • Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten?

  • Remember, you don’t want to ask questions that are easily answered by reviewing the literature or visiting the website.

    • What are the most important campus issues to students at this school?

    • What is the most popular department or major here?  The most popular course?

    • What is the average class size?

    • If you are applying for a specific program (art, music, drama, pre-med, business, etc.), will you be considered for general admission if you are not accepted into that specific program?

    • What are the dormitory arrangements: Are they co-ed, will you have a roommate, are there cooking facilities, is there a meal plan, etc.?

    • How has this college changed in the last five years?