College Admission Interview Tips?

Question

My first interview is coming up soon!

Give me some good tips on what I might watch out for, etc.

Also, I'm dreading the question "Why do you want to attend this college the most?" I mean, I'm applying to 9 awesome schools and they are all EXCELLENT so what am I supposed to say?

Oh yeah, and also the question, "What is your weakness?"

Thanks...

Answer 1

The basic stuff: dress nicely (at least dressy casual, beyond that is up to you), arrive a few minutes early, make sure your appeareance looks neat. Make sure your cell phone is off. People will often make snap judgments that are hard to reverse based on their initial impression of someone.

Listen to the interviewer's questioners and answer them appropriately, often with relevant elaborations. Be sure to emphasize things you've learned and things you plan to learn and do. It's nice to have some idea of how you plan to benevolent contribute to society. Have a question or two of your own that the college viewbook or raw numbers won't be able to tell you (i.e. What do you alumni think of their experience here, Why would/not a student say s/he likes being here?)

As for the "why do you want to attend this college," pick a particularly strong positive trait (overlooked helps too) about the school and talk about how you'd love be a part of that experience (i.e. I said in my interview that I'd love to attend my college b/c its small size allows greater interactions with professors and intellectual stimulation from my community of peers).

Best of luck. Don't stress; go in poised and confident and you'll get a positive annotation in your file that could well result in an acceptance letter.

Answer 2

"Why do you want to attend this college the most?" Suggest that you find the attributes at the school that are MOST desirable to you and string them together...as in.... "I think xx college is a great fit for me because it has high level/rigorous academics, as well as a wide variety of extracurricular activities/sports, and a beautiful campus. I really like that the campus is in a small town vs. a very rural or urban environment. I have read up on the school extensively, have spoken with current/previous students, and believe that I will be very successful here." You get the point.

Re: weaknesses...if asked, I suggest you try to be honest about it... for example, "organization" or "time management." You could say that you know that the higher level academics will required better organization skills than you've had to develop so far, and/but that you are looking forward to that challenge!

If you do ask questions, don't ask things that are readily available at the school's website. Try to ask something more relevant to you/your interests that can't be found there. (e.g. "Would it be better for me to take x course or y course as a senior in high school, from an admissions perspective?"

Take notes, dress nicely, look people in their eyes, shake their hands firmly. Be polite, yet as relaxed/comfortable as you can manage.

Answer 3

Why do you want to go there? Before your interview look at that school and find out what they are known for (best teachers, great sports, extra activities etc) and learn about it on their website. Then you can have something to tell them that makes sense.

What are your weaknesses? Dont lie but dont tell them your WORST weakness. Instead pick the least distructive like (patience or lack of, perfectionist, goal orientated, analytical, push to achieve) Never tell them: like to sleep late, miss classes, not motivated, rough time at home, no study skills, daydream, unfocused) Things like that distroy your chances.

Best tips:
professional atitude
look interviewer in the eyes
think well before you speak
dont be indecisive
dont say too much (they are not looking for a long story)
Keep answers to the point
But make sure you answer the question fully
Never use well, huh, geeze, I dont know. Bad to do.
keep a smile and seem really interested and happy go lucky (act like you are already accepted, be optimistic)
If asked about your self (positive only, please) tell them about hobbies, great family life, like to read, sports etc)
They like to know you are well-rounded (clubs, sports, church, community service etc)

Good luck, you can do it.

Answer 4

they may ask you some off the wall questions like about extracurricular stuff or hobbies. be prepared to tell them about your weaknesses as well as strengths, most people don't think about that. dress business casual, no short short skirts or low cut tops or trendy clothes. definitely step forward and initiate a hand shake, that shows maturity, like you know what you're doing. I sure didn't when I was interviewing for colleges but I somehow got accepted to 6 anyway!