Upper School > College Counseling > Admissions Interviewing Tips

Admissions Interviewing Tips: Some Basic Do's and Don'ts

1.) DO plan ahead re driving/arrival time. Allow plenty of time to get to your interview. Know where you're going (what building, what room, etc.) and plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. (Don't get there too early because you'll just prolong your nervousness and may also appear a bit too eager :).

2.) DO give a firm handshake/make good eye contact. When you meet your interviewer (most likely he/she will extend a hand to you), greet him/her with a firm, confident handshake and make direct eye contact. Say something simple and not too formal, like "Hello, I'm (your first and last name). Nice to meet you."

3.) DON'T make a fashion statement at the interview. When in doubt, err on the conservative side. Be comfortable in your dress (it's not necessary to wear a suit or dress) and (I hope it goes without saying), clean, neat and well-groomed. (Comb your hair; shine your shoes; iron your shirt...you get the picture.)

4.) DO listen attentively to your interviewer and take the lead from him/her. The interview will most likely begin with small talk (did you find the office okay; how long did it take you to get here; etc.). He/she will then most likely ask you some basic questions (how did you hear about the college; what about it made you interested in applying, etc.). It's normal to be nervous, but take deep breaths and concentrate on what the interviewer is saying/asking.

5.) DON'T go off on tangents or make provocative comments. Stay focused on the topic(s) at hand; you don't want to offend your interviewer with a casual, off-hand remark ("Oh, those crazy Republicans/Democrats…").

6.) DON'T answer questions with short (yes/no) responses. Take your time answering and be as thoughtful and articulate as you can be. Try to be calm and confident (even if you don't feel that way) and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. If the interviewer is skilled, the interview will be a conversation, not an interrogation! You will be asked your opinion, your likes and dislikes, etc. and this is a chance to let the admissions rep get to know you both as a student and as a person.

7.) DON'T be modest! This is your opportunity to shine! Talk about your strengths and why you think they mesh well with what the college has to offer. Point out honors and achievements as well as noteworthy projects you initiated or have nurtured. But also don't talk about yourself in such a way that makes you seem like a "know-it-all" or a prima donna. You want the interviewer to admire your talents/passions but not to think that you're a show-off.

8.) DO be specific. Show that you've done your homework, that you know what you have to offer and why you're a good match with the college. For example, if you are a talented musician and the college you're visiting has a good music program, explain that you have been selected for the All-State Orchestra since 9th grade (don't simply say you like music or play the flute) and would like to be involved in a similar way on campus. Speak in full sentences and don't use jargon. Try not to say "like" or "ya know" too many times.

9.) DO be upbeat and warm but not silly or overly friendly. Don't think that the interviewer is your best friend; keep what might be called a "professional distance," even if you really like the person and think he/she likes you. You don't want to assume that you're "in" just because you had a good interview. You want to be respectful and polite at all times.

10.) DO be prepared to answer tough questions (about a weakness you may have, a bad report you may have had, etc.). Always put whatever is a "negative" into a positive context (it was a learning experience, etc.) and don't dwell on it. Try to balance any weakness with a strength or new opportunity for growth, etc.

11.) DON'T badmouth PDS, a teacher, a peer. Even if you've had a bad experience, take responsibility for the problem, otherwise you will seem like a finger-pointer, who blames others for difficulties (an immature thing to do!).

12.) DO ask the questions you need to ask but make sure the answers are not in the material you've already received. If that happens, just say, "Oops...I guess I missed that. Thanks." At the end of the interview it's okay to clarify procedural points (such as the appropriateness of a certain recommendation or the format for submitting writing or art) but don't begin your interview with these types of questions.

13.) DO write a thank-you note at the end of your interview and mail it (regular mail or e-mail) when you get home that evening. In the note (keep it brief), thank the interviewer for his/her time and attention, etc., reiterate what you learned and also stress that your interest in the college has been reinforced by your visit, chat, etc. (if that is, indeed, the truth).

Remember...this is an opportunity to enhance your candidacy, to give the interviewer specific, detailed reasons to support your application and to appreciate the "you" behind all the paperwork. Have fun and do your best!

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