Interview Questions
- Do your homework ahead of time.
- It’s ok to brag…just back it up.
- Be ready to turn the tables.
- Get a good night’s rest.
- Breathe…
Interviewing Tips
Follow these helpful tips to nail your college interviews!
1) Do your homework ahead of time.
The best thing you can do to prepare for an interview is to do your research ahead of time. Go online or request a brochure to find out what programs the college is known for, what degrees they offer and what study options are available. Learn how big class sizes are, how you can get financial aid and ways you can get involved in campus life. Find out as much as you can — to show the interviewer that you are interested in what they have to offer and how you would be a great fit for their school.
2) It’s ok to brag…just back it up.
Though it goes against everything you’ve ever learned, this is the one situation where boasting about your accomplishments is not a bad thing — in fact, it’s expected! Talk freely about what you’ve achieved during high school, whether academic, athletic, social or personal. Bring in some notes to jog your memory and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. All of these achievements combine to make you unique, and help you stand out from the rest of the crowd. And when talking about your great qualities and skills, provide examples whenever possible. Prove points and detail experiences that back up what you say making a much stronger impact than mere words.
3) Be ready to turn the tables.
Contrary to what you might think, interviews are not simply a means to torture you by putting you under a microscope and grilling you with hard, if not impossible questions. The best interviews are those in which there is an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Yes, you should come prepared to answer a lot of questions about yourself. But you should take the heat off yourself and ask a few questions of your interviewer about the college, the types of people who attend the school, the environment and the activities on campus. This demonstrates initiative and curiosity, showing that you’re here for a meaningful dialogue to see if your skills and interests match up with the college’s offerings.
4) Get a good night’s rest.
This may be common sense but it’s still worth mentioning. If you’re the least bit stressed or nervous about the interview, you’ll only make matters worse by coming in tired or sluggish. Don’t get caught like a deer in the headlights — frozen and unable to respond when you need to be on top of your game. Instead, arrive prepared, alert and ready to go, and you’ll be sure to nail the interview.
5) Breathe and smile.
Before you go into the interview read over your accomplishments. You’ve probably never seen them on paper, all in one place. Take a minute to reflect on all that you’ve done and everything you’ve achieved to get to this point. It’s pretty impressive, isn’t it? So take a couple deep breaths, and put your best foot forward. And don’t forget to smile. This is your opportunity to shine!
