Visiting the colleges that you are interested in is an important part of the process. You will find that colleges can be very different. It is also advisable that you meet with an interviewer when you visit. Here is some information to guide you.
Preparation for the interview
1. Make an appointment by calling or e-mailing the admissions office. You do not need to speak with an admissions officer to make an appointment; the office secretary usually arranges interviews.
2. Read about the college in advance to become an informed interviewee and/or prospective applicant.
3. Know yourself well.
4. Think about questions you would like to ask the interviewer and information about yourself that you would like to share with him/her. (It's okay to take notes and have a list of questions and points you would like to cover.)
5. Dress appropriately. Avoid extremes. (Suit/coat and tie are not necessary.)
When you have your interview
1. Be prompt. Call if you are delayed.
2. Be yourself - do not pretend to be something or someone you are not! Smile, be friendly, considerate and polite.
3. Demonstrate confidence, a willingness to learn and a genuine excitement about the challenge of going to this college. Enthusiasm is contagious! Help the interviewer visualize you as part of the student body.
4. Answer questions to the best of your knowledge and ability. Do not be afraid to admit that you don't know something.
When stumped:
Gain the time you need to think by asking a question such as, "I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean.
Could you repeat or rephrase that please?"
When you do not understand:
Simply ask for clarification by asking the above question or by asking, "Could you please clarify the question? I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
5. Be ready to volunteer information - know your scores, GPA/rank in class, latest grades and what courses you now carry or will carry in your senior year. Be prepared to discuss your most important extracurricular activities, your job, summer activities or your special interests. College admission people like to know what is important to you and how you spend your time out of school.
6. If the interviewer asks what you would like to contribute to the college community, comment on such topics as: a. Your active interest in studying. b. Your desire to meet people and be a member of a community. c. Your goal to use your talents, skills and interests by participating in meaningful school activities.
7. When you are asked a questions, do not answer with "yes" or "no". Elaborate briefly. The interviewer want to hear you converse.
8. Pay attention to the interviewer and try to respond directly and specifically. Do not try to analyze the interview while it is in progress. Try to relax and enjoy the exchange.
9. Toward the end of the interview, if you have questions, or if there is information you would like to share, be sure to mention it in a way that is comfortable to you.
10. Before you leave, be sure you have your interviewer's name and title. Ask for his/her business card. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and interest in you. Shake hands. After the interview Send a thank you note to the interviewer. It shows that you have taken the time and interest to think about your recent interview. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce or clarify something from the interview or bring up something that was not discussed.
About Your Prospective Major
* In what major field are you interested? Have you had any experience in this field?
* How did your interest develop?
* What are you interested in doing after college and why?
About Your Academic Record and Your High School
* What is your GPA? SAT/ACT scores? If there is a discrepancy between your GPA and scores, can you explain it?
* What are your favorite courses taken in high school and why?
* What have you read that was not required in the past year?
* Describe your high school and the different groups within your class. Where do you fit in?
* What are some controversial issues at school? How do you/students approach these issues?
* Describe the community in which you live and your participation in it (work, sports, church).
* What do you see as the value in taking challenging courses?
* How do you measure academic success?
* How do you hope college will be different from high school?
About Your Activities, Interests and Work Experience
* What is/are your most important activity(ies)? Why?
* What work or volunteer experiences have you had during school or summers?
* What have you learned from these experiences?
* Besides working, how have you spent your summers?
* What are some qualities that may set you apart from the other people I spoke to today? (What is unique about you?)
* What local, national or global issues concern you most?
* How are you different from your friends?
About Your Interest in this College
* Who or what influenced you to consider this school?
* Do you know any alumni or present students of this college?
* Do you plan to attend here if accepted? * What other colleges have you visited? What others do you plan to apply to?
* What questions do you have for me? (It is always good to have a few.)