Q: I've scheduled an interview at each of the colleges I'm going to visit this fall. I'm pretty nervous about it, though. I know interviews are important, and I really want to make a good impression. What is involved in an admissions interview, and how should I prepare? Is there a certain way I should dress, and are there general questions I should be ready to answer?
A: Not all colleges require a formal interview for admission to their institution. For those that do, it's fair to call the admissions office and ask your questions about the interview process. Colleges do have their own culture, and appropriate dress may vary from campus to campus. Questions will vary, too, but an admissions counselor will probably ask why you are interested in that particular school, what is important to you in a college, what you want to study, and what activities interest you.
An admissions interview is really a time for you to ask questions as well as answer them. During the conversation, you're trying to figure out if the school is right for you, and the admissions counselor is trying to figure out if you're a good fit for the school.
As for how you dress, again, that's not a bad question to ask an admissions counselor before you arrive. No matter what, try to wear something comfortable so you won't be self-conscious. You don't want to be constantly tugging at a tie that's too tight. On the other hand, you don't want to feel weird because you wore a T-shirt into an office where everybody else is dressed up. All in all, just be yourself, so the school gets to know you for who you really are. You don't want to have to pretend for four years of college! Before your interviews, pray that God will use the experience to guide you in your college choice.
Written by Judy Moseman
