How Your Teen Can Shine in a College Interview

The key to college interviews is preparation. There are two types generally -- an on-campus interview or one with an alumnus in your local area. It is always important that your child share their best self, ask questions and share their thoughts and concerns about the step in their educational journey. 

College interviews can be very nerve-wracking. Many students assume that a decision will be made based upon what happens in this one-on-one session. In truth, unless a student totally blows it -- like slapping the interviewer or using profane language in describing a school they love -- interviews are much more information-gathering opportunities. Yes, colleges may be interviewing, but are also getting interviewed. It should be a conversation about who the student is and why they are a good fit for the college community. 

Types of interviews 

On-Campus
Now that Covid is waning (we hope!), colleges will start welcoming prospective students and families back onto their campuses. If a school offers students an opportunity to interview on campus, they should do it.  It’s a way to “demonstrate interest” which can help a lot if a school tracks this metric. On-campus interviews are usually conducted by an admissions officer. If the school offers these, you can schedule an on-campus interview on the admissions website, or by calling the admissions office. 

Local Alumni 
These kinds of interviews are conducted by an alumnus or alumna who has volunteered to conduct interviews on behalf of the institution. The concept is the same - they want to get an idea of who your child is outside of their grades, scores and application. Alumni interviews are more common for large or selective universities as they do not have the in-house resources to accommodate the large number of applicants for on-campus interviews. 

Here are 3 questions your child should consider asking in an interview? 

1) X academic program certain benefits, criteria, rewards for students. Can you tell me more about it?

This may include anything from a scholarship, an athletic program, an honors program, internships, or study abroad. Asking this question shows that your child has done their research and this communicates that there is a genuine interest. 

2)  What does the college do to assist students with career planning, internships, and future job placement?

Nothing says “serious student” more than a concern about their future. College is four short years and they (the university) want to admit people whom they will be proud of one day. The purpose of any college is to not only provide students with a valuable education, but to prepare them for a career. The college should have programs in place to assist your child with a career assessment, development and possibly job placement.

3) What advice would you give me as an incoming freshman?

You want your child to be successful in college and that means starting strong. Too many students hit bumps in the road early on. To avoid this, help them to seek advice. By asking this, your child is being inquisitive and may be looking for some inspiration from an older interviewer.