Just as you are seeking the right degrees for yourself, colleges and universities are seeking the best students for their institutions. Admission interviews are an important part of the admission process for both you and the institution. Being prepared for the interview can reduce stress and help you to enjoy the experience. Consider practicing potential interview questions and answers to help you prepare.
What is the university/college interview process?
A personal interview is typically part of a college or university’s admission process. It may take place on campus, off-site or even virtually. The interviewer asks questions to learn about you, your interests, and your potential to do well in their program. You can also ask questions about the school, degree programs or any subject you’d like to know more about.
Not all universities and colleges require interviews. If you are given the option, however, you should ask for one. Asking for an interview helps show that you are genuinely interested in attending the program and also lets the interviewer learn about you beyond what’s included in your application packet.
General interview questions
General questions are typically asked at the beginning of the conversation and help the interviewer get to know you. Examples include:
Tell me about yourself.
How did you hear about this college?
What do you know about our institution?
Why do you want to attend this college?
Why do you feel you should be accepted to this college?
What are some of your academic strengths?
What do you consider your academic weaknesses? How do you address them?
What do you plan to major in? Why?
What are the expectations of your college education program?
What will you do to make make a difference at this college?
Questions about your educational background
You may be asked questions about your high school experience and educational background. Examples include:
What were your graduating grades (GPA)?
What extracurricular activities have you participated in?
Did you complete any honors courses? If so, which ones?
How would you describe your high school atmosphere?
What are some of your academic achievements?
What academic skills do you feel you can improve on?
What are some of your interests outside of school?
What skills have you developed to help you succeed in college?
Describe an experience or project you worked on in high school that you enjoyed?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Questions about your experiences
You may be asked more about your life experiences, how you see the world and what you do with your time. Examples include:
What have you read recently that has impacted or changed how you see the world?
Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Who do you consider a role model in your personal life?
What makes you different from other students at this school?
Describe a time when you stepped up as a leader.
What does being successful mean to you?
Can you describe a challenge that you overcame?
What do you do for fun in your free time?
What are three adjectives to best describe you?
In-depth questions
You may also be asked some more in-depth questions about your plans during your college career or if you have any goals. Examples include:
Why are you interested in pursuing your major?
What skills do you expect to develop through your degree program?
Do you plan to continue your education?
What career fields interest you?
Will you seek financial aid?
What are your plans after you graduate college?
Where do you hope to be career-wise in 10 years?
What are some academic goals you hope to accomplish in college?
What skills do you hope to develop in college?
Do you plan to participate in activities outside of class?
Interview questions
Here are some sample interview answers to help you prepare for your college interview:
“How will you contribute to the college community?”
During your college interview, the interviewer might ask you this question as a way to gauge your involvement and commitment to the institution. If there are sports, clubs or other types of extracurricular activities you are interested in, you can explain that to the interviewer.
“Why are you interested in pursuing your major?”
College students may enter their educational programs with no idea of what they will study. The interviewer most likely wants to know you at least have a plan for your college career. Answer honestly with your reasons for choosing your major. If you have yet to narrow down your choices, you might discuss two or three majors that highly interest you and your reasons for choosing them.
“What skills do you expect to develop through your program?”
You might be asked this question to assess your awareness of your academic weaknesses and how you plan to develop or improve your various academic skills. Keep your answer honest and include one or two main skills you would like to develop.
Example: "In high school, my research writing wasn't as strong as I would have liked, and I continue to build my writing skills in this area. I hope that through my educational program I can further develop this skill to become an efficient researcher and writer."
“Do you plan to continue your education?”
If you are presented with this question, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know at this time. However, if you do plan to attend graduate school, discuss this in your answer.
“What career fields interest you?”
The interviewer may be assessing your interests and evaluating which programs you would be best suited for. You might narrow down your interests to two or three career fields that relate to your major.
“Will you seek financial aid?”
If the interviewer asks this question, it is most likely to assess which financial aid programs, grants or scholarships may be options for you. If you plan to seek financial aid, let them know in your answer what steps you have already taken to address the costs of college.
“What are your plans after you graduate college?”
If you are still considering what to major in, you may not have an exact answer for this. However, if you have certain career interests, travel plans, or other development goals, share them in your answer.
“What are some academic goals you hope to accomplish in college?”
This question might be presented as a way to assess your motivation and commitment to your education. If you have specific goals, share them in your answer.
“What skills do you hope to develop in college?”
The interviewer may ask this question as a way to address your awareness of your skill level. Answer honestly with skill sets that you feel you can improve while attending college.
“Do you plan to participate in academic activities outside of class?”
This question can serve as a way to assess your interest, motivation and dedication to your college campus. If there are projects, research papers or other academic pursuits you are interested in outside of class, share that in your answer.
Tips for a successful college interview
When you prepare for your college interview, you can increase the chances your interview will be successful. The following tips may help you plan for your interview:
Write down questions you have about the college to ask during your interview. Consider creative questions that can’t be easily answered from the school’s website.
Learn where the interview will be held and practice getting there. Be familiar with the route to the location, including directions to the school, building, and office. This will help avoid getting lost or confused and possibly missing your interview.
Practice how you will answer interview questions with a friend, family member or even in a mirror to help you plan what to say and how to present your answer. You want to demonstrate enthusiasm and energy.
Review your application packet and admission essays. Most interviewers will ask questions taken directly from those documents so you must remember what you said or wrote. Be prepared to expand on any information that you provided.
Bring any transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume or other evidence to show how you succeeded in high school. The documents were likely included in your admission packet but copies may be needed for additional interviewers.
First impressions are important. Arrive on time, preferably 15 minutes early. Dress appropriately in work attire and maintain eye contact. Shake the interviewer’s hand. Talk naturally without slang or swear words. If it’s a virtual interview, make sure the background is appropriate.
Turn your smartphone off and be prepared to sit for 30 minutes or more. Have a snack, a glass of water or a small meal before your interview so you don’t go into it with an empty stomach. If you have allergies, take your own small packet of tissues.
Keep up with news and current events in case the interviewer asks for your opinions. You may also work current events into other answers to show that you are an informed person who cares about what’s happening outside the classroom.
Be yourself, so the interviewer gets a feel of who you are, how you might fit into degree programs, and what you might bring to the school. Show the interviewer that you are serious, poised, and mature. Also, you want them to see your confidence, so smile!
Follow up the interview with a thank-you note sent by mail or email. Express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and the college’s interest in you.
Well, I hope that this article helps you with your preparation for your college interview.
Good luck.
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