The Interview

Although the interview is only one aspect of college admissions, its weight varies with colleges. If a particular college requires one, we can assume it carries some weight. It is highly recommended that students request an interview at the colleges to which they are applying whether it's required or not.

Many times a good interview can be the determining factor in the admission process. The interview, along with the student's grades, scores, recommendations, and other pertinent information, will certainly prove to be a factor. The student may also be asked to discuss some of this data. If so, the student should use this opportunity to elaborate on any facet of his or her record. Again, the stress should be on honesty and maturity.

The student may be asked to discuss fields of interest and plans. If the student is not sure of his/her career or vocational choice, (s)he should not be afraid to say so. Not everyone is prepared to make a life choice at this time, in fact, many who feel they are often find these choices change as their life experiences are enriched. Again, the interview can help the student and the interviewer get a better insight into the appropriateness of that college.

Students can prepare for college interviews in two ways. First, as college representatives visit your school, try to meet with the college representatives as frequently as possible. The more practice a high school student receives in interviewing techniques, the better it will prepare him/her for the interviews which (s)he considers most important. Secondly, a student should plan for an interview at a nearby college that (s)he might be interested in attending. The old cliche "practice makes perfect," is critical to the interview process.

Source: The Key to College Admission by Peter Marcon