The Interview

THE INTERVIEW JUMP TO INTERVIEWING TIPS

The interview is probably the time in the application process when the student experiences the most anxiety. There is a big difference between dropping an essay in the mail and sitting five feet from someone looking at you in the face. Interviews can play an important role in the application process at many schools, especially at the smaller and more selective colleges. Being nervous is expected and understandable, but the truth is, there is little to be nervous about. It would take a lot of work to "blow" an interview completely. Unless you are very shy and uncomfortable, they almost always will work in your favor. Any personal contact you have with a representative from the admission office strengthens your application and makes it more "real." Take advantage of your interviews and get one whenever you can. There are several different types of interviews:

Alumni Interviews-- Many colleges, so overwhelmed by the numbers of applicants in recent years, have stopped offering interviews by members of their admission staffs. Instead, the schools farm out their interviews to trained alumni who live in your area. For some colleges, this is a required part of the application process and for others it is an option. The alumnus will usually contact you a couple of weeks after your application is received by the admission office. Sometimes you are given the name and number of the alumnus and you initiate the contact. Meetings usually take place at the office or home of the interviewer, or in some cases, at your home. Approach these interviews as conversations. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the school. If you can manage to keep the control of the conversation (not in a forceful way), then you leave yourself less open to feeling out of control. Some interviewers will, however, have a list of questions which they are expected to ask. Whether they say the interview will "count" or not, your interviewer will probably send a report back to the school and this report will probably become a part of your application file.

Group Interviews-- Many colleges, in conjunction with their campus tour, offer group interviews for many prospective students at one time. This is designed to be more of an information session and carries little evaluative weight. At the same time, however, it would be easy to make a good or a bad impression depending on the questions you might ask, your appearance, and other factors.

On-campus Personal Interviews-- If it is possible, getting a personal interview with an admission officer is the most desired type of interview. These are conducted in the admission office and usually take about 45 minutes. While the interview is chance for you to learn more about the school through hearing about it and asking questions, the primary purpose of this type of interview is evaluative. Even so, if the interview develops into a relaxed conversation, this is usually a good sign. Remember that it is all right to politely express a difference of opinion or to say that you do not know something if you do not.

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Interviewing tips to keep in mind-- Regardless of the type of interview, you should keep the following points in mind:

	Schedule your interview well enough in advance if you are seeking one at the college.
	Do your homework before the interview. Review the college’s literature and know the basics about the institution.
	Arrive at least fifteen minutes before your appointment so that you are not rushed or late.
	Don't take your parents with you into the actual interview. If they have accompanied you, they should wait elsewhere. If they have questions, and it is appropriate that they should, they should ask them after your interview has concluded.
	Dress neatly and cleanly. If in doubt, dress conservatively. Don't try to overly impress with your appearance: be yourself.
	Don't bring "stuff" with you to the interview. This is a chance to talk. One exception would be having a copy of your transcript available in case you’re asked for it.
	During the interview, be honest: be YOURSELF. Listen and take time to reflect. Try to be energetic and enthusiastic, but not in an overbearing way. Make eye contact and use a firm, confident handshake.
	Know the name of the person who interviewed you and send a brief thank-you note within a few days of your interview.
	Express yourself clearly and demonstrate self-confidence and maturity.

What one selective college asks—Here are some of the areas one college asks its alumni interviewers to cover with its applicants:

	Student and family background.
	Academic background: high school experiences, academic interests, programs available, honors, etc.
	Extracurricular involvement: level and significance of involvement, leadership roles, honors, travel and work experiences, community work, volunteer service.
	Academic and career interests.
	Exposure to the university.
	Overall evaluation.