The College Interview: It's a Breeze!

You’re in the car, listening to your iPod, daydreaming about the day on the beach you were suppose to have with your friends. Instead, you are on your way to visit a college where you will be interviewing with an admissions counselor.

A college interview has the potential to be a dreaded experience. That’s why we’ve created this guide to ease your fears and excite you for the journey ahead.

Why Interview?
The college interview is a great avenue to show that you are more than your test scores and grades. It is an opportunity to:

· To show your personality
· To explain any glitches
· To get the answers to your specific questions
· To show interest in the college

Types of Interviews:
Interviews vary depending on the school. You may be interviewed by an admissions counselor, alumnus or current student. The interview may take place on or off campus. If you plan to pursue a specific area of study such as art, medicine or theatre, an interview may be mandatory. When you schedule an interview, take the opportunity to ask questions about how the interview works so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare.

Good Things to Share in an Interview:
Admissions committees will learn about you through a variety of papers: your transcript, test scores, recommendations and essays, but an interview lets us meet the person behind all the paper. Some things we would love to know about you:

· Leadership positions within your activities
· Community service projects
· Awards or honors that you've received

It is also a good time to explain any glitches in your transcript or discuss any personal circumstances that may have occurred during your high school years. For example:

· You are not the best math student, but you chose to take an honors or AP course. Explain why you chose to challenge yourself.

· Unfortunate circumstances: divorce, illness, or a death during high school. Notifying us of these circumstances allows us to take them into consideration when reviewing your application.

· You have a learning disability. Let us know how you work with it. How has it made you a better student?

Prepare for the interview:
Research the college before the interview. Make sure it offers the majors you are interested in, and its size, location, and other characteristics are in line with what you are looking for in a college. Write down notes about why you want to attend the school. Bring along your transcript and resume for the counselor to reference during the interview.

Prepare Questions! Asking questions shows interest in the college as well as specific programs and opportunities it may offer. Take time prior to the interview to think about what you would really like to know about the school. For example: study aboard programs, internship opportunities, athletics, science facilities, etc.

Some Insider Tips:
Now that you are ready to interview, here are some tips from the interviewers themselves:

· Be on time. If you're late, call the admissions office to let them know.

· Wear neat, comfortable clothing. No need for a business suit, but avoid wrinkled clothes, clothes with holes or anything that might be considered inappropriate.

· Stay away from using slang, swear words, or expressing strong political/religious beliefs. You do not want to offend the interviewer.

· Do not respond to questions with only "yes" or "no". Have thoughtful responses prepared, and don't stretch the truth. If you apply to the college, it will come back to haunt you.

· After the interview ask for the counselor's business card and follow up with a thank you note.

The interview is a great way to gain an advocate on the admissions committee. Remember, it's a conversation; relax, smile, be prepared, and you will be on your way to a successful application process!