As students complete and submit their college applications, they have one final component of the college admissions process to consider: the college admissions interview. Admissions interviews can generally be separated into the following categories:
- In-Person Interviews: Conducted with an institutional affiliate in your area.
- Virtual Interviews: Held via Zoom, phone, or other video conferencing platform.
- Pre-Recorded Interviews or Video Introductions: Applicants answer questions on video or provide an open-ended introduction to be reviewed later by the admissions committee.
Though its format varies, the admissions interview is typically conducted by an affiliate of the school (an alum, admissions personnel, or current student) and offers an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, communication skills, and genuine interest in the institution. Perhaps more importantly, an interview isn’t just an opportunity for admissions officers to learn more about you—it’s also a critical opportunity for you to ask questions about the school and gain insight into the student experience. While not all colleges require interviews, many highly selective schools consider them as a means to gain deeper insight into applicants and assess how they might fit into their campus culture. The degree of importance assigned to the interview varies from school to school, but students should nevertheless approach the process with the same care and attention as every other aspect of their application.
Interviews tend to proceed as informal conversations in which the interviewer seeks further information about your interests, experiences, and goals—but this does not mean that students should approach the conversation as casually as they would coffee with a friend. Whether virtual, in-person, or on video, interviews require strategy, thoughtfulness, and practice. Approaching the process intentionally can allow you to overcome your nerves and view the opportunity as an exciting chance to demonstrate your fit for the institution and learn more about what the next four years could hold should you attend.
Here is everything students need to know as they prepare for their interviews:
1. Not every student will be offered an interview—and that’s okay.
Most schools do not offer interviews to every applicant. This is primarily due to the fact that top schools receive tens of thousands of applications and simply do not have the bandwidth to meet personally with every student. If you do not receive an invitation to interview, you shouldn’t read too much into it—this could be due to something as simple as a lack of alumni availability. As Dartmouth explicitly notes on their website, “Not having an interview will not put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process.” Harvard, too, notes that “Your application is considered complete without an interview and will receive a full and thorough evaluation.” If you are offered an interview, however, you should always say yes—refusing an opportunity to connect with a representative from the school will reflect poorly on your application.
2. First impressions matter.
Keep in mind that your interview offers a brief window into the type of student and person you are. Therefore, showing up on time and prepared, and greeting your interviewer courteously will go a long way in making a positive first impression. While your attire does not need to be overly formal, you should present yourself professionally—avoid t-shirts, ripped jeans, or overly casual clothing; do not wear anything with a slogan or logo that may be deemed offensive or controversial; aim to look polished and put together. If you’re doing a video interview, be sure your background is neutral and undistracting, your Wifi connection is strong, and your surroundings are quiet.
3. Demonstrated interest is critical.
One of the most important factors that your interviewer will assess is your demonstrated interest in the institution—they want to see that you have done your research, that you understand the university’s unique culture, academic programs, and institutional offerings, and that your values align. As such, research is critical. Prior to your interview, you should review all of your application materials (including transcripts, activities list, and essays) to refresh yourself on the experiences you highlighted, as well as the aspects of the institution that you addressed in your application. Doing so can provide you with talking points for an alumni interview or allow you to provide further context for an admissions officer. Additionally, refresh your memory about the unique strengths of the program to which you are applying so that you can speak knowledgeably about what you would contribute to the academic environment on campus, as well as what specifically interests you about the school.
4. Thoughtful questions are as important as thoughtful answers.
Students should expect that at some point in the interview, they will be faced with the question: “Do you have any questions for me?” Coming prepared with thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer will show your curiosity and your earnest desire to learn more about the institution. The best questions are those that you could not easily answer for yourself through a quick Google search—avoid questions like “Is the food good?” or “Are classes hard?” Instead, reflect on what you genuinely want to know more about. Particularly if your interview is an alum or current student, you can consider asking about specific aspects of the student experience that you cannot otherwise glean from the school’s online materials.
5. Practice is the key to success.
Interviews can be intimidating, so conducting a practice interview with a friend or family member can help you overcome initial jitters and familiarize yourself with the interview format. Doing so can also provide the opportunity to try out your answers to frequently asked questions. While students cannot know what specific questions their interviewer will pose, questions tend to fall into three categories: questions about their background (including their interests, experiences, and strengths/weaknesses), questions about their interest in the university, and questions about their future goals. Practicing your answers to common questions such as “What do you like about X college?” or “Why do you want to pursue X major?” or “What makes you a good fit for Y university?” can boost your confidence for interview day.
That being said, remember that the interview is meant to be a conversation, not a pre-rehearsed monologue. While you should be polished and prepared, you should not rattle off a script—doing so may give the impression of inauthenticity and fail to show your genuine personality. Follow the flow of the conversation, and match your interviewer’s tone.
Finally, be sure to thank your interviewer after the interview. The majority of interviewers are alumni volunteers who elect to interview prospective students as a service to their alma mater’s community. Whether you end up at an institution or not, expressing gratitude will always go a long way. Aim to send them a quick note, typically no more than 24 hours after the interview concludes. Use this as an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the school and say what a pleasure it was to speak with them. Remember to include an anecdote specific to your conversation. For example, if they gave you a movie, podcast, or film recommendation, write something like “I bought X book from the bookstore this weekend. I’m looking forward to reading it once I finish all of my applications. Thank you again for the recommendation.”
Interviews can be nervewracking, but thoughtful preparation will allow you to approach them as a valuable opportunity rather than a daunting requirement, so take the time to prepare for your interview and go in feeling confident and poised. Most importantly, enjoy the chance to get to know the school in a more intimate way through your discussion with your interviewer.