How to Get Ahead in the College Interview Process

Congratulations—you’ve been invited to sit for a college admissions interview! Now what? While few universities hold interviews as part of their admissions process, these semiformal conversations can be surprisingly important. If your top schools do request an interview, you’ll want to maximize your chances of acing it. 

Top universities use interviews to learn what you’re like beyond your grades, test scores, and other “on paper” accomplishments. They want to get to know you as a unique individual. That can be a daunting prospect, but keep in mind that the interview also gives you the opportunity to stand out from the applying crowd. 

Let’s take a closer look at the college interview process and review some college interview tips to see how you can get ahead in the process. 

A college interview is a question-and-answer session between a college admissions officer or representative and a prospective student. The goal of the interviewer is to get additional information about the student. That information includes personality traits and even personal accomplishments that weren’t available in the written application, or areas where more information is needed. 

Through a series of college interview questions, the interviewer will ultimately evaluate the student’s compatibility with the institution. Some universities will have admissions committees conduct the interviews, while others turn to select alumni across the country to interview applicants. 

A handful of Ivy League schools and top-rated universities require an interview as part of their admissions process. Other highly-ranked schools recommend an interview or make sitting for an interview optional. 

If given the option, it is generally better to take the interview than to refuse it. Remember that this is likely your singular chance to impress the admissions committee face-to-face—so don’t miss it. 

Once you have your interview scheduled, it’s time to prepare yourself. It’s not likely you’ll know the interview questions in advance, but there are concrete steps you can take nonetheless. Consider what you may need to do to make sure you’re comfortable with an interview format and ready to present yourself in the most compelling light. 

This is your first priority. Before the interview, research the school’s history, mission, values, academic programs, and campus culture. Demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the institution and its academic programs, expressing why you are excited about the opportunity. Make sure you address why you want to attend this school specifically, and what you could contribute to campus life. 

Admissions officers at top universities are looking for students who will appreciate their school’s unique culture, academics, and ethos. Make sure you can accurately describe these features during the interview. 

You might think you know your own resume from top to bottom, but it’s easy to freeze up during an interview and be unable to recall key details. 

To avoid this, take time to study your own academic and personal experiences and accomplishments. If you haven’t already, create a professional resume, and study it. If you’re allowed to have notes during the interview, jot down 2-3 biographical facts about yourself you want to be sure to convey to the interviewer. 

Your “why” is the reason you want to attend the university that is interviewing you. This is not a place for generalities. Bland statements such as “I like the campus,” or “There is a good engineering program” won’t be enough to impress the admissions committee. These are statements anyone could make. You also don’t need to change yourself to fit in. Instead, stand out among the other applicants by knowing your highly specific reason for applying to the school. Highlight what your unique perspective will bring to the table.

For example, maybe there’s a professor teaching in your field of study whose research interests you and you’re looking for an opportunity to study under them. Or, maybe your family has a personal connection to the institution. Perhaps you’re hoping to achieve specific athletic goals for the school, or you’re looking to get involved in one of the top activism organizations on campus.

When they ask, “Why do you want to go here?” you should know the answer. 

Speaking of what they might ask, it varies. However, due to the nature of what top universities are looking for in potential students, their interview questions tend to center on similar topics. In general, it’s recommended that you prepare to answer college interview questions regarding your personality aspects, such as:

• Academic interests
• Extracurricular activities and achievements
• Leadership experience
• Goals and aspirations 
• What you could contribute to the campus community

Additionally, schools like to throw in a few questions specific to their institution, or ones that are out of the ordinary. Below are a few unconventional interview questions you could prepare for. Even if they don’t get asked, practicing answers to any tough questions will help you feel more comfortable answering whatever the interviewers decide to throw at you. 

• “What book have you read recently that had an impact on you?”
• “Tell us something about yourself you didn’t include in your written application.”
• “What is your greatest strength and/or weakness?”
• “What is a challenge you faced in your life and how did you overcome it?”
• “If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?”

Before the end of the interview, you will likely be given an opportunity to ask questions of the admissions representative. Make sure you know what questions to ask the college interviewer. Not asking a question will make the interviewer think you’re not really interested in attending their school—a bad look if you’re trying to score that acceptance letter. 

Here are some questions to ask the college interviewer when the time comes:

• “How did this university help you achieve your goals?” (this is a question to ask if the interviewer is also an alumnus of the school)
• “What does this university want to see its students achieve in the next 5 or 10 years?”
• “What kinds of career support services are available to students?”
• “What did you enjoy most about your school’s campus culture?” (another question for alumni interviewers)
• “What advice would you give incoming students to your university?”

The college interview is a two-way street. It’s a chance for the college to get to know you, and equally, an opportunity for you to understand if the college is right for you. Study the university, and prepare to answer tough questions. Hold a practice interview with a trusted teacher or mentor. Get comfortable with talking about yourself with confidence and humility.

Armed with thoughtful responses, genuine enthusiasm, and insightful questions, you’ll be sure to get ahead of the game during the college interview process.