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Preparing for a Successful College Interview
By Debbie Rodriguez, MS, LPC, NCC; Counselor, Pasadena High School, Pasadena, Texas

Telling you what to expect at college interviews can make your experience much easier. Many selective schools use the interview process to get to know prospective students a little better. Just having been selected to interview is a good sign—it indicates that the admissions officer is interested in you and believes you may have something to offer. This is your opportunity to convince the officer that he or she was right!

The job of an admissions officer is not to keep students OUT of the university! Therefore, they are not attempting to trip you up or find fault with you. This knowledge should help you relax a little and simply present yourself in your best light.

Below is some important information to ensure your interview will run as smoothly as possible:

Dress appropriately, but comfortably. Be sure your clothes are clean and well pressed. Hair should be clean and styled (not too trendy), and jewelry should be conservatively attractive. Shoes should be in good repair, clean and polished. Dressy is good-ties and slacks for men, professional-style skirts or dresses for women.

Arrive on time. In fact, be a few minutes early (just in case you have trouble finding a parking space or the correct office). You don't want their first impression of you to be that of a disheveled, disorganized, out-of-breath bundle of nerves-which you will be if you are running late! It is far better to have a little extra time to spend looking around campus before you head to the admissions office or interview area.

Appear interested. One question you are almost certain to be asked is, "Why do you wish to attend this university?" Think this one through ahead of time, and learn enough about the college to know what makes it a good match for you. Check out the Web site beforehand so you are aware of some of the traditions and events happening at the school. If you have selected a major-even tentatively-read about the department and know something about the background of some of the professors. Be able to tell about how your goals and skills can enhance the campus, and list some of the activities or organizations you plan to investigate. Be excited about the possibility of coming to the university, and share your plans with the interviewer.

As part of this preparation, think of some questions you can ask about the school. The more "interactive" your interview is, the more interesting and prepared you are likely to appear. Ask about campus life, the community, volunteer opportunities, etc.

Be positive. Your interview is not a place to list problems or complaints, whether about your high school, your home situation, or the college admissions process. This doesn't mean that you must agree with everything that is said, but if you choose to voice a differing opinion, use tact and reason. (Know when to quit!)

Review your accomplishments. The interview will be primarily focused on you—your preparation for college, your leadership skills and experience, obstacles you may have overcome, your goals, and why or how you arrived at them. Brush up on your high school and community activities and what you have learned from them. Don't be afraid you will sound like you're bragging-this is the time to be proud of what you have accomplished up to this point, and to let your interviewer know that you are just getting started!

Mind your manners. Send a thank-you note to your interviewer when you arrive home! E-mail is perfectly acceptable these days, but if you choose to use standard postal service, send a handwritten note on an appropriate note card. Either way, be sure that everything is spelled correctly, including the interviewer's name and the name of the college.