Interviewing can be tough, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Another complicating factor is having no answer to predictable questions–a regrettably common occurrence for higher ed applicants. Amy and Mike invited educator Alison Slater to explore the importance of preparing for a college admissions interview.
Listen to the full episode HERE before or after you review the key takeaways, topic breakdowns, and questions answered from this episode.
Key Takeaways
45% of colleges use interviews in some capacity for admissions decisions
Interview prep helps students articulate their strengths and builds confidence
Interviews rarely hurt, but can significantly help by giving students an advocate
Key prep: practice mock interviews, develop a personal "elevator pitch", research schools
Are you looking for a group class for the October SAT that delivers the personal attention and convenience of expert online tutoring without paying 1-1 rates? Chariot Learning Cohort Classes deliver the best of both worlds, bringing 4-6 students together online with one outstanding instructor in preparation for a specific test. Our October SAT Cohort Class starts September 15, so check it out and enroll now! (This is great prep for the PSAT as well!)
Topical Breakdown
Importance of Interview Preparation
Many students see interviews as a box to check rather than an opportunity
Prep helps students articulate accomplishments and important points about themselves
Builds confidence and reduces nervousness when speaking with adults
Allows students to practice being assertive and mature in their interactions
Interview Statistics and Impact
45% of colleges use interviews in some capacity (much higher than expected)
4% say interviews have "considerable importance" in admissions decisions
41% use interviews in some capacity
Interviews can be a deciding factor for qualified candidates in the middle of the applicant pool
Types of Interviewers
Admissions staff
Current students (often well-trained on admissions and student life)
Alumni (quality of training varies)
All are generally well-meaning; rare for interviews to be a negative factor
Effective Preparation Strategies
Start prep in spring of junior year
Develop a personal "elevator pitch" with 4-5 key points about yourself
Practice mock interviews with anyone available (family, counselors, friends)
Research specific schools and their interview styles
Prepare thoughtful answers to common questions like "Why this university?"
Frame "Why us?" answers as "Why you for us?" - focus on mutual fit
Interview Tips and Techniques
Take a breath before answering unexpected questions
Use phrases like "That's a good question" to buy thinking time
Narrow broad questions: "Here are three things I'd like you to know..."
Expand yes/no questions: "Yes, and..." to provide more detail
For "Tell me about yourself," use elevator pitch or limit to key points
Next Steps
Visit interviewpreplc.com for more interview tips and sample questions
Consider mock interviews to practice and build confidence
Research specific schools and prepare "Why you for us?" answers
Develop a personal elevator pitch with 4-5 key points about yourself
Practice articulating accomplishments and strengths without feeling like you're bragging
Q&A
Interview Importance and Prevalence
How important are college admissions interviews?
45% of colleges use interviews in some capacity
4% say interviews have considerable importance
41% use interviews to some degree
Can be a differentiating factor for qualified candidates
Should students take interviews if offered?
Generally yes, especially if a student is invited and feels confident and prepared
A student may decline when very uncomfortable, unprepared, or genuinely uninterested in the school
Interview Preparation
Why is interview prep important?
Avoid "first draft" feeling and regrets
Develop confidence in articulating strengths
Create personal "elevator pitch"
Practice physical presence (eye contact, handshakes)
How should students prepare?
Start prep in junior year spring
Do mock interviews (friends, family, counselors)
Research common questions online
Reflect on strengths and accomplishments
Practice "Why this college?" answers
Interview Strategies
How can students make a strong impression?
Be assertive (introduce self/family, shake hands)
Take initiative in conversations
Show maturity in interactions with adults
Narrow broad questions (e.g. "Here are 3 key things...")
Expand yes/no questions ("Yes, and...")
Use personal elevator pitch when appropriate
What are some key interview questions to prepare for?
"Tell me about your high school"
"Why do you want to go to college?"
"What's your proudest accomplishment?"
"Why this college?" (frame as "Why you for us?")
If your (college admissions) interview is one of the very informal ones conducted by an alum, and you meet at a café, how do you handle who pays for the coffee/tea/beverage of choice?