1. Destination College: The College Interview

2. Why interview? An interview is your chance to:
Explain special circumstances (grade discrepancies, family problems, health, learning disabilities)
Talk about yourself and your interests in more detail
Showcase your personality in a way the college application can’t
Learn more about specific school programs that interest you

3. Before the Interview

4. Know what the college considers to be unique, important, and interesting about their school. Look up information such as when it was established, school colors, mascot, traditions, etc.
Take the time to research the college. Know what makes the college unique, important, and interesting to YOU.

5. Your Clothing DO Look neat and put-together
DO dress business formal/ professional is best but not required
DON’T wear messy clothing
DON’T wear a lot of perfume or cologne

7. Which outfit might be best for a college interview?
Tips: natural makeup, simple jewelry, clean clothing that has been ironed, avoiding drastic prints and colors, wearing a comfortable and clean closed-toe shoe, knee length skirts,

8. Which outfit might be best for a college interview?
Tips:
Fresh hair cut, clean face, facial hair trimmed, shirt tucked in, clean clothing that has been ironed, conservative colors, clean shoes, removing any piercings, maybe even a tie that matches the school’s colors! Differentiate between business formal and business casual. Buisness formal would be best for a college interview, if feasible. Also, mention that sometimes families are not able to afford a full suit. If that is the case, use the most formal attire you have, make sure it is clean and ironed.

9. During the Interview

10. Be on Time! Lateness is unacceptable!
Be there 15 minutes before your interview.
It disrupts the interviewer’s schedule.
If there is an emergency on the way, make sure you have the person’s phone number to let them know.

11. Don’t Bring your Parents
They can come with you, but ask them to sit in a different area or come back later. Your interviewer wants to get to know you, not your parents.
Tip: You can introduce your parents at the end of your interview, if you want.

12. Talk…please!
Your goal is to show you have depth and intelligence to contribute to the college. Practice to remove unnecessary repetition Sometimes we feel we have to say more if the interviewer isn’t speaking right after we finish a sentence. Refrain from using “fillers” such as “um, like, right” etc.

13. Display Interest! AVOID comments like: “You’re my backup school”
“I’m here only because my parents/sister/aunt/uncle/ told me to apply”
“I figured I would apply…”

14. Body Language
Tip: If you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to take a deep breath and few moments to think about your response.

16. Tell the truth!
DON’T make up or exaggerate your achievements or activities. Do your best to be truthful. This interview is matched up with your application and colleges will call your High school to confirm.

17. Be Polite
Good manners go a long way! Remember to shake hands, make eye contact, and smile. Address your interviewer by name (Mr. Smith, Dr. Gonzalez). Introduce your parents if they are in the waiting area afterwards.

18. After the Interview

19. Follow Up
Make sure to send a thank-you note. This could be a card or an or card. Say it was a wonderful opportunity and request to keep in contact if you have further questions.

20. Questions?