An interview is a chance for you to meet with someone representing the college. It's an opportunity to express interest in the college, start a relationship with people there, and show what you're all about. Schools develop useful questions to ask in a college interview. They’re a way for colleges to find out what type of student you'll be and what you can bring to the table.
Not every college uses interviews as part of the application process. But if the schools you're interested in attending do use interviews, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make a big difference.
Although you’ll find that every interview will be unique, you can expect to hear certain questions at each one. Here are some of the most common.
Interviewers may ask questions like these:
Why they ask: This is one of the best questions for high school students because it shows that you're genuinely interested in their school. Interviewers also want to know what makes you stand out and what you can bring to the campus.
Talk about what you've learned about the college and why you feel it's the right place for you. (Remember that you must research the college ahead of time to answer this type of question well.) Discuss extracurricular activities and achievements that show your interests and passions.
Interviewers may ask questions like these:
Why they ask: This is one of the more common questions asked in a college interview. It comes up because they want to see that you can think and speak about yourself.
Give examples of how your chosen adjectives describe you. Discuss how you've used your strengths to accomplish something. Talk about how you overcome your weaknesses. For example, you can say, "Because I have a hard time learning new languages, I set aside time to study them."
Interviewers may ask questions like these:
Why they ask: Interviewers ask this question because they want to get to know you better and learn what's important to you.
Make sure to answer questions about personal interests and hobbies during college interview sessions. It’s not always about academics. To form an answer, think about the "why."
Why are those activities the most rewarding? Why is a book your favorite? If you have a major in mind, talk about why you're interested in that subject. Discuss how you think college can help you meet your goals. Be sincere and honest in your answer. Don’t say things just to impress the interviewer.
Schools may develop broader questions to ask in college interview sessions. Some examples include:
Why they ask: These questions, which can seem random, come up because interviewers want to see that you’re an informed, curious, and careful thinker.
These are unexpected questions that might be asked during a college interview. They often catch students off guard. Are you enthusiastic about certain issues? Can you explain your position? Try to think about what matters to you and what you care about, and how that applies to the question being asked.
For more tips on preparing for your interview, answering challenging questions, and coming up with new questions to ask your college interviewer, visit What to Do Before and After Your College Interview.
