In the thick of fall admissions season, high school seniors are gearing up for one of the most crucial aspects of the college application process: the interview. Here’s a guide to the top questions you should prepare for, along with actionable tips to help you shine.
Tell Me About Yourself
This classic opener is your chance to set the stage. Prepare a succinct introduction that highlights who you are, your passions, and your reasons for wanting to go to college. Focus on 2-3 key points that align with your academic interests and your “why” for attending the institution. Engaging the interviewer right from the start can create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the conversation.
How Did You Get Interested In [Your Major]?
Here’s your opportunity to share your journey. Be clear and specific about what sparked your interest in your chosen field. Avoid generic answers; instead, connect your experiences and passions to the major you want to pursue. This question allows the interviewer to see your enthusiasm and how your background has shaped your academic goals. If you have not decided what major you would like to pursue, discuss how you have explored your academic interests and how you would like to follow these curiosities in the first year.
What Goals Do You Have For Your College Experience?
This is a chance to highlight the specific academic, extracurricular, and community-oriented aspects that interest you at the college where you’re applying. Be prepared to share specific programs or classes that excite you, as well as any clubs or research initiatives you’re eager to join. This question gives you a chance to demonstrate your proactive approach to shaping your college journey and your excitement about the possibilities for growth at their college.
Can You Tell Me About A Favorite And Least Favorite Class in High School?
For your favorite class, highlight why it captivated you and how you hope to further this interest at the college. Ideally, tell a story about a favorite assignment or class discussion to illustrate your passion for the material. For your least favorite class, avoid negativity about the teacher and the subject. Instead, frame it in a way to showcase how you made the best of the experience.
Describe Your Most Exciting Intellectual Experience.
This question allows you to showcase your passion for learning outside of what you are required to learn during class—what colleges sometimes term as intellectual vitality. Share a specific experience that truly excited you, whether it was a project, an out-of-school course or a book. This is your chance to illustrate how you think, what you like to think about, and demonstrate alignment with your intended major.
Why Did You Choose To Apply To [XYZ University]?
This is one of the most important questions on the college interview. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the college and its aligning resources beforehand. When you’re answering this question, you have the opportunity to articulate how well you know the school, mentioning specific programs, values, or culture that resonate with your goals.
What Are Your Aspirations For Your Career?
When discussing your future, think about not just a job but what you might hope to accomplish professionally throughout your career journey. Avoid answers that suggest you’re solely focused on getting into college and making money directly afterward. Instead, express your long-term ambitions and how they connect to your studies, perhaps mentioning an interest in pursuing graduate-level education to extend your curiosities and aspirations.
How Do You Spend Your Free Time?
This question gives insight into your personality and what may not be immediately visible on your resume. Share your hobbies and interests outside of academics to show the interviewer who you are as a person. Highlight activities that reveal your character traits, such as kindness, creativity, or thoughtfulness. Examples might be something in the realm of athletics, arts, or personal adventure (e.g. spelunking). Think of something interesting that would not be obvious from the answers that you have already shared.
Can You Share A Challenge Or Failure That You Learned From?
Use this question to demonstrate resilience. Share a specific challenge you faced and how it contributed to your growth. This narrative shows your ability to reflect and learn from experiences, which colleges value.
What Questions Do You Have for Me?
This is your moment to shine and engage. Prepare thoughtful questions about the institution, the interviewer’s experiences, or specific programs. Avoid generic questions that can be easily found on the school’s website. Instead, delve into topics like faculty accessibility or memorable experiences the interviewer had during their time at the college or university.
Next Steps For Success
Each interview and interviewer is unique, so being ready to adapt is crucial. Practice your responses to these questions, but ensure you maintain a natural flow. Rehearse with someone who can provide constructive feedback on how you present yourself, both visually and verbally, especially in a virtual setting.
If your interview is conducted online, pay attention to your setup. Ensure your lighting is flattering—ideally, facing a window for natural light. Choose a clean, distraction-free background that reflects your personality without overwhelming the viewer. Look directly at the camera when speaking to create a sense of connection, and avoid staring at the screen. Finally, test your technology in advance to avoid any hiccups on the day of the interview.
As you prepare for your college admissions interviews, keep these questions and strategies in mind. By approaching each question with confidence and authenticity, you can engage meaningfully with your interviewer and showcase your unique fit for the institution. Thoughtful preparation is key to calming any nerves and allowing your true self to shine through.