How Important is the Interview in Your Application for School Admission?
When you apply at a college or university, you will be asked to put together your application package, which normally consists of your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, resume, and personal statements. The schools that you apply to are likely to send you a request for an interview if they are interested in admitting you to their school. Whether the call for an interview is optional or not, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity to better your chances of getting admitted. Some people find it difficult and even nerve-racking to go through admissions interviews, but it is an important part of the admissions process that plays a big role in whether or not you get accepted into school. Read on for some helpful tips on acing your interview and sealing your slot in college.
Prepping yourself for the interview
Before you go through with the interview, you may want to do some research and prepare ahead of time. The first thing you should do is settle the date for the interview. Most likely, the school will already give you an interview date, but you may be able to ask for a change in schedule if necessary - just be sure not to ask for too much. Once you have set your schedule for the interview, make sure that you allot enough time for preparation. Try visiting the website of the school that will be interviewing you to see if they have any interview tips. Some schools may have specific guidelines or policies that need to be followed for the interview, such as a dress code.
Perhaps the best way of preparing yourself for the admissions interview is to go through some of the commonly asked interview questions. Sample questions can give you a good idea of what to expect and how to formulate your answers. There are a lot of sources on the Internet that have sample interview questions, so take your time to research and prepare yourself for the questions that are likely to be asked. Sure, the interviewer may throw in a few unexpected questions, but at least you will already be well prepared for most of the interview.
Interview DOs and DON'Ts
DOs:
- Make sure to dress well, perhaps semi-formal or corporate attire would be best.
- Be confident, but not boastful or arrogant.
- Be honest and be yourself.
- Ask educated and informed questions.
- Remember that you are just having a conversation with another person, try not to be nervous.
DON'Ts:
- No matter what, don't be late.
- Try not to deliver your answers as though they are prepared and practiced, instead be natural.
- Don't lie, even if you are tempted, because it will reflect badly on you if the truth comes out.
- Don't forget your manners, try not to be rude by interrupting, chewing gum, or being impolite.
- Don't forget to do some research on the college before you go in for your interview.
Conducting a simulated interview session with other applicants
Another helpful tip for acing your interview is to practice with other applicants, your parents, or perhaps even a teacher or counselor who is willing to help. Not only will you get a feel for the tone of the interview, but you can also practice on delivering your answers more naturally, without being too nervous.
