The Interview

After the essay, the interview might be the most feared and least understood feature of the application process. Many (probably most) schools don't give interviews. In most cases the interview is said to be "non-evaluative". The interview is generally a chance to exchange information, for the college to put a name with a face, and for the applicant to get his questions answered. In extreme cases a blunder might keep you out or a dazzling dialogue might get you in, but those are the exceptions.

Still, you will be asked questions, impressions about you will be formed; you ought to prepare for the occasion. Review what you know about the school. Know the course offerings. If there aren't offerings in your intended field, then why are you there? Have at least a couple of questions prepared in advance, and writing them down doesn't hurt. It will help you keep relaxed, focused, and in control of the conversation. Be yourself.

Make sure you know how to get to the admissions office. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early and then relax.

1. Why are you considering this college?
2. What makes you think this college is a good match for you?
3. Where else are you applying? Why?
4. What is your first choice and why?
5. What might be your major? Why?
6. What do you see yourself doing _____ years from now?
7. What newspapers and magazines do you read?
8. What books (other than school required) have you read lately?
9. Do you watch much TV? What shows?
10. What do you do on a typical Friday/Saturday night?
11. What extracurricular activities have you found most satisfying?
12. What's your favorite subject?
13. How would your friends describe you?
14. If you could talk to any one person - living or dead - who would it be?
15. How do you feel about: (name an issue )
16. What is the most important thing you have learned in high school?
17. What event do you think had the greatest impact on the 20^th century?
18. Tells us about your fears.
19. What do you hope to get out of the college experience?
20. Do you have any heroes?

Don't try to impress! Be yourself and be honest. You don't have to have read War and Peace. If science fiction is your "thing", admit it and talk about it with enthusiasm. If you watch Andy Griffith re-runs and not the News Hour, admit it.

Questions you might ask:

1. How many of the top faculty teach freshmen? Undergraduates? Graduates only?
2. How likely is it that I will have teaching assistants?
3. Is tutoring or extra help available? How does that system work?
4. How large will my freshman classes be? Once I get into my major?
5. Are my teachers likely to know me by name?
6. What is the job or graduate school placement record like in my major?
7. Do you have an honors program? Can you explain how it works?
8. Tell me about your study abroad program.
9. What are the dorms like? (distance from campus, air conditioned? Suites? Etc.
10. Are varsity athletics readily available to me as a spectator?
11. Are varsity athletics available to me as a player?
12. If there is a Greek system, how important is it? What % of the students are Greek?
13. What happens here on the weekends? I've heard lots of students leave.
14. Even if I don't get financial aid this year, can I get it next year?
15. I've heard about campus jobs. How do I get them? Will anyone help me?
16. How would you describe the atmosphere of this campus?
17. I've heard "most" students here are ______, is that true? (Don't be mean.)
18. How easy is it to get involved in theatre, publications, government, etc.
19. I've heard this is a party school and that concerns my parents and even me.
20. What % of freshmen return as sophs? What is your 4 or 5 year graduation rate?

Some of these questions you could know from reading the school's literature and might not be terrific for an interview, but they are still questions you need answered at some point. Be willing to press people for clarity. Make sure you get complete and believable answers, even if they aren't what you wanted to hear.

Be sure to get the person's business card so you can write a thank you note later. That note should be brief, positive, and personal.