The emphasis on college interviews has decreased during the past few years, so you will need to inquire
about the interviewing policy of each school. The policy will probably be one of the following:
No interviews – group information sessions only
Alumni interviews only – off-campus
Interviews are optional and informational only
Interviews are encouraged and do become a part of the student’s application folder
If the college does offer an on-campus interview and you are able to visit, please take advantage of the
opportunity. It may be very helpful to you. Don’t be surprised if the interviewer spends much of the time
selling you on his or her school. Interviews are, in part, a marketing device.
Remember that the interview is really a dialogue. It is an exchange of information. Yes, the interviewer
wants to know about you and may use some of what you share later in the admission process, but you
should also use the interview to determine your interest in the college. Don’t go into the interview
expecting to be on the hot seat the whole time. You should have prepared questions that you want to ask
as well.
The best interviewing advice is to simply be relaxed, be yourself, and have fun. Every interviewer we
know walks into an interview hoping to really like the student and to have a good conversation.
WHY INTERVIEW?
While the interview is not usually a primary factor in an admission decision, it does have real value. It
gives you a chance to ask questions and to talk about issues that are important to you. It gives the college
the chance to know the person behind the paper – and that can help. Every Admission Counselor can
recall a borderline candidate whose interview tipped the balance in their favor. On the other hand, poor
interviews are surprisingly rare. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be sure to make a positive impression.
MAKING YOUR INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT
Call – don’t write for an appointment, and do make the appointment yourself – don’t have your parent
call for you. Be ready to give your name and school information. Look at the map before making your
appointment so you know how much time you need to get there. If you are visiting more than one college
in a day, make sure you allot enough time for travel between the two schools – and don’t forget to allow
time to eat breakfast and lunch. If you are hungry or rushed, you will not be able to have a relaxing
interview.
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Personal Interviews are either informational or evaluative. You should find out when making your
appointment which type of interview you will be having.
If you are having an informational interview, the interview does not generally carry any weight in the
admission decision and you can expect to be more relaxed. Informational interviews can be good practice
for evaluative interviews.
Evaluative interviews are used in the decision-making process. While you may not be interviewed by an
actual admission staff member (see list of interviewers below), your interviewer will be making notes on
your discussion which will be used at application time.
Your interviewer may be any of the following:
a college admission official who will be reviewing your application later
a college interviewer hired to help with the busy interview season
a college student/intern who has been trained to interview
another college administrator or professor who may be helping out
an alumna/alumnus(particularly if you are having on off-campus interview)
Generally, the receptionist will not be able to tell you which person will be interviewing you before you
arrive. Unless you have a valid reason to need to discuss your record with and admission staff member,
you should let the chips fall where they may. If you do have a reason to request an interview with an
admission official (significant illness/learning or physical disability/ very complicated record) you should
make your request when you call for your appointment, not when you arrive for your interview.
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