Besides senior trips, prom and graduation, senior year also means one thing: college. Along with the application itself, interviews are a significant part of the college application process. Like everybody else, I was terrified at the beginning of this process; I have never been good at talking to people and the pressure of how a conversation is able to affect my acceptance just added to the stress. After numerous interviews, I have discovered that success in the interview process can be achieved by following four simple steps. Here are four pieces of advice for anyone looking forward to acing their next interview.
1) Research about the college
All the college interviews I have had started with two simple questions: “Tell me about yourself” and “Why x school?” Knowing about the college is significant to setting the mood for the rest of the interview. It is important to emphasize how the college you are interested in will align with your goals or passion and interviewers want to see how you will utilize that school’s resources in order to help you achieve what you want in life. It is pretty straightforward; they want to gain a sense of who you are and if you will be a good fit at their college.
2) Have specific questions
Interviewers love it when you ask them questions too. A conversation shouldn’t be only one-sided. By doing this, not only are you able to show genuine interest in their experience at said institution, but you are also making the conversation less awkward, as you won’t be focusing on just yourself. Not to mention, you are able to gain an “insider scoop” on the college. They will know more about the school than the internet, as they went through what you may be about to go through.
3) Have interview etiquette
I feel like this one is pretty simple. Dress nice, even if there isn’t a dress code. If this was a job interview, you wouldn’t show up in your pajamas. This is so important in making a positive first impression and at these interviews, first impressions are everything. Also always engage in the conversation. Even if you are bored, you want to make it seem like you are interested. You want to have a meaningful discussion with your interviewer.
4) Be yourself
Although this is basic advice and something you hear every day, I believe this is the most important of them all. They want to know that you are more than just numbers and stats. This is just a normal conversation and a way for the college to get to know more about you as a person. That being said, you don’t want to sound over-rehearsed and unnatural. Just relax.
At the end of the day, no matter how many college interview “advice” articles you read, remember to always believe in yourself. Not getting into the college of your dreams doesn’t mean your life is over. You always end up where you belong.
