| You have, no doubt, seen a movie or television show depicting the nervous teenager trying to impress the admission officer and everything goes wrong but the student gets admitted anyway. The college interview can be a bit nerve-wracking for teenagers and parents but not all interviews are the same. The actual interview varies from school to school and is generally tied to how selective they might be. A high profile school with a limited number of spaces available for their freshmen class may place more weight on the interview. On the other hand a school with an average profile and plenty of room may view the interview as a way of providing the student and his/her family with information. The selectivity of the school determines if it is a "sellers' market" or a "buyers' market".
It would be wise to remember that all interviews count. By knowing the scenario that accompanies each type of interview the student can feel more confident and comfortable by knowing what is expected and likely to happen.
There are several different interview styles that schools use, so try to investigate the school and gain an understanding of how they handle interviews. The on-campus interview, which may happen during specific times of the year, can be either informational or more formal—where the school is evaluating the student as a possible candidate for their class. Other interviews might involve alumni interviews which are usually done in your local community. These alumni are volunteers giving their time because of the great enthusiasm for their alma mater. In addition to on-campus and alumni interviews, some colleges hire and train students to interview. Student interviewers are used for various reasons. Some colleges use students to fill in when recruiters may be out traveling or because the student can offer their viewpoint as a current student.
Regardless of the type of interview or the person conducting the interview, there are some basic rules to remember.
1. Dress to impress.
You don't have to wear a blazer and tie to every interview but sweats are not a good idea either. Know what type of school you are looking at and dress appropriately.
2. A refresher course on manners is a plus.
Address your interviewer as "Mr." or "Ms." unless instructed otherwise. Don't chew gum or have a mint in your mouth. Sit up straight and speak when you're spoken to. Remember who you are talking to and make sure you speak with mature language, not like you are taking with your friends.
3. No cell phones.
In our technology based world we need to remember that cell phones, iPods, and pagers must be turned off and put away. Your interview is important; your friend's text message is not.
4. Be on time.
If you are unsure about directions ask when you set up the appointment. The receptionist will be more than happy to give you exact directions. If you do get lost getting to your destination make sure you have the admission office phone number with you and call for help.
Following these simple rules will take you a long way. If you act and dress as though you don't care, then the admission office will think you don't care.
Different schools are going to be asking different questions. Again, remember that the types of questions asked during an interview are going to depend on the school and its selectivity. Highly selective schools want to know all they can about you and if you would be a good fit. They may ask some open ended questions like these:
1. What kind of courses have you taken in school and what is your favorite subject?
2. What kind of school activities are you involved in?
3. How have you spent you summers?
4. Why are you considering this particular college?
5. What has been your biggest achievement?
6. Up to this point in your life what thing would you change, or not change?
The final part of the interview is when the tables get turned and you have an opportunity to ask questions. This is really a simple one, if you have a serious question to ask. If you are asking a question just to ask questions, then don't. Most admission officers love to talk about their institution and answer questions. Asking questions about a specific program or majors to better understand would be a good question. Asking how many books you have in your library would not be a good question.
The admission interview can be as painful or painless as you want to make it. Know the school you are looking at and interview accordingly. Be polite, dress nice, talk to the interviewer and things should be fine. If necessary sell yourself the best you can and make sure you that you fit the school and the school fits you.
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