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Acing the College Interview

  
 

The “Right Stuff” Attitude

 

*     You both want to sell yourself

*      You both have questions

*      You both want honest answers

*      You both want to make a good impression


 

The Interview – Step-by-Step

  1. Arrive on Time – 10 to 20 minutes early.
  1. Greet interviewer with a confident and firm handshake.  Many people make a first judgment based on this handshake.
  1. Introduce yourself and parents.  You (the student) must be the family leader in this interview. Use interviewer’s name “Mr./Ms.___________, I would like to introduce you to my parents, Mr./Mrs._______________.”
  1. Smile.  Relax and have fun, it shows confidence.
  1. Get comfortable, but not too comfortable.  Always sit up in your chair, it is a good technique to also sit slightly forward and not rest on the back of the chair. This keeps the attention level and energy level elevated. Attention translates to intelligence, self-motivation, and organization. Energy indicates interest and enthusiasm.
  1. Use your notes and take notes.  Interviewers like students who show up with questions other than basic ones found on the website. Be sure to write answers to refer back later. Always ask the question then listen to the answer. Repeating the question in another form simply because you did not listen becomes frustrating for the interviewer.
  1. Speak directly to the interviewer.  It is a real measure of confidence when you can look at the person talking to you. Be careful not to look at the floor, out the window, or over the interviewer’s head.
  1. Open your mouth and speak.  Try to answer every question with at least five word sentences. Short one-word answers are very frustrating for the interviewer. The same applies to mumbling. The questions you are being asked are designed to help the interviewer see who you are, how you think, what you want – not to confuse you. Relax and share yourself. Speak in a firm, clear voice.
  1. Remember to breathe, not babble.  Nervous people tend to babble. Questions to ask yourself if you think you might be babbling;
    1. Did I answer the question?
    2. Am I off on a tangent?
    3. Does the interviewer look interested or glazed?
    4. The average interview is only 45 minutes. You want to keep it on track and energetic.
  1. Be yourself!   Don’t try to figure out what they want – show who you are – otherwise you will not be happy at this institution. Paint an overall picture, outside interests, your family, your goals. Remember, there is more to you than your transcript.

 


Three Essential Questions they want to Know


  1. Why are you here?
    1. Usually the first question – do some research ahead of time to show you know why you are interested in this institution.
    2. Important aspects you require that they have.
    3. Particular program you are interested in and why.
    4. Someone you respect recommended and why.
  1. Who are you?
    1. Start with your family - parents, siblings, town, etc…
    2. Talk about school - Overall grades, favorite classes and why, activities both in school and community.
    3. Be prepared to talk about this in depth.
  1. What questions can I answer for you?

A. This is important.  They really want to know.  They are not just being polite. Be prepared. Make a list of intelligent questions such as;

o    I’ve been looking at (name 3-5 schools). What features distinguish this school from the others? (Shows you have done research, have made good choices, and are seriously on a quest.)

 

o    How will this college/university change in the next 2, 5, 10 years? (Shows you are thinking about the future – also lets you know what changes to expect.)

 

B. Ask questions that let the interviewer know you have read the college material and wish to go beyond the basics.

 

C. Ask anything that seems important to you.

 


Techniques to Answering Questions


  1. Listen to the question – If you are unsure of the question, ask for clarification.
  1. Think about the question – Take some time to formulate a response. A pause followed by a thoughtful response is much better than a blurt you may regret later.
  1. Answer the question once – Remember the babbling part, they are intelligent and do not need you to explain your answer several times. Be sure to actually answer the question and not go off on a tangent or talk all around the point.
  1. Always prepare for the Why – The primary reason for the interview is to get to know you. Explaining why you think/believe something is a great method.

 


Financial Aid


  1. Meeting should discuss:
    1. Payment dates and options
    2. Loan terms
    3. College work-study options
    4. Aid
  1. What forms are due and when

A. Do you offer “early estimates” – how do I apply?

B. Based on my record, etc, what scholarships are available through this college - How do I apply?

3. What additional sources of aid are available?

A.      Is FAFSA required for all aid,

B.     Might I qualify for other awards, i.e.:  merit, leadership, etc

  1. Additional questions you/your family may have.

 

Housing


Check out dorms you are interested in – With or without staff.

 

  1. Housing options – do they offer special interest dorms

 

  1. Housing costs - does contract require meal plan

 

  1. Roommate Assignments - how is it done and how many

 

  1. Eating Options


 

Department of Major and Minor


Good idea to ask for an appointment to be scheduled through the Admissions Office.

 

  1. Advising efforts from faculty to students

A.      What type of advising program is offered for freshmen

B.     How do you get signed up

 

  1. Class selection

A.      How flexible are they with the published degree plan

B.     What is the best way to graduate in four-years

 

  1. Scheduling

A.      Can this be done on-line

B.     Which classes are not offered every semester

 

  1. Discuss areas of major interest

A.      Given your interests, is this the best declared major

B.     What type of enrichment activities do they suggest

 

  1. Inside advice

 


What to Take


  1. Steno pad and pens to take notes.
  2. List of prepared questions.
  3. Sealed transcript.
  4. Resume.
  5. Standardized test results.

 


When Finished


  1. Thank the interviewer for their time and attention. Let them know of your interest. Ask for their business card if you do not already have it.
  2. Journal about your visit - when you are alone, but very soon after the visit.
  3. As soon as you get home, write a thank you card or e-mail. Be sure to mention something unique about your visit together so they will be sure to recognize you.
  4. Send updates in the form of postcard or e-mail as they come in.

 


Attire

 

* Image is important – Remember that you are asking for something. Make a good but real impression.

* Neatness counts the most – Make sure you are pressed, cleaned, shined and brushed.  Individuality of dress can be appreciated, but should never distract from the interview.

* Dress comfortably – You need to be able to sit or walk for a while. You also need to engage your brain during the interview and not be distracted by your clothes.

 

1.        Definite No-Nos

A.    Jeans of any kind.

B.    Shorts of any kind.

C.    Tightly fitting clothes.

D.    T-shirts or clothes with message.

E.    Athletic shoes or casual sandals.

F.     Hats of any kind.

G.     Watches that beep.

H.     Cell phones.

 

2.      Men

A.      Slacks – Not suit or jeans or shorts.

B.     Sport Coat – Only if you are comfortable. In cooler weather, a sweater may be more comfortable and therefore appropriate.

C.     Dress Shirt – Neat, clean and pressed (tie is optional if comfortable – not necessary).

D.     Shoes – Cleaned and shined – not athletic shoes.

E.      Clean socks – They can be seen.

 

3.      Women

A.      Dress, suit, blouse and skirt, or dress slacks – Outfit must be modest, no shoulders/cleavage showing and very little above the knee.

B.     Sweater or sport jacket for cool day or air conditioning – comfort is the key.

C.     Very comfortable shoes with hose.

 

4.      Personal Grooming

A.      Always arrive neat and clean even if you have to spruce up in the restroom of the building.

B.     No 3-day beards.

C.     Cologne/perfume – Use very sparingly, many people are allergic.

D.     Makeup – Go lightly, remember that in many areas of the country, makeup will work against you; in others you can appear unfinished without it. Know the local customs.

E.      Jewelry – Very sparingly.

F.      Manners – Yes sir, Thank you, ma’am.

G.     Keep in mind you are on an interview, not a date!
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