Ace Your College Interview – Stand Out and Impress

Be ready to stand out and impress with your upcoming college interview with our top tips from our experienced staff.

• Knowing Yourself Is Key

Your interview is an important piece of your application package, since it provides helpful context to everything else and transforms you from someone on paper to a person in living color. It is also a unique opportunity to explain other parts of your application to the admissions committee and mitigate what could otherwise be perceived as a weakness.

When preparing, reflect on what has shaped you as a student and individual, such as academic interests, extracurricular activities, experiences volunteering, and positions of real leadership. Be prepared to discuss how your perspectives on an issue have been impacted by books you’ve read or other media, and support those perspectives with strong reasoning skills. Personal experiences, such as a challenge you overcame and how it shaped your resilience, are also important, but anything you discuss should be genuine and not contrived—intelligent interviewers can easily tell the difference.

• Do Your Homework

Your academic and personal interests should tie in seamlessly to your goals for the future. For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, explain how a university’s environmental science program aligns with your dream of creating a greener world.

Researching the school thoroughly will help you tailor your answers. Dive into:

• Academic programs and faculty that inspire you
• Clubs, sports, or organizations you’d love to join
• Specific values or traditions that resonate with you

This level of preparation allows you to articulate why you’re drawn to the college and how you’d thrive there. For instance, instead of just stating, “I like your biology program,” you might say, “I’m excited about your biology program’s research areas, especially the work Professor Smith has done on marine ecosystems.” Admissions officers want a student who not only is a good fit for the university, but also for whom the university is a good fit.

• Don’t Memorize—Just Focus On Key Points

While preparation is helpful, avoid memorizing answers. Instead, simply keep in mind key points you’d like to communicate and deliver them naturally. For example, anticipate common questions such as:

• What are your academic interests?
• Why do you want to attend our college?
• Can you share a challenge or obstacle you’ve overcome?

Also, contemplate the reasoning behind your opinions. Some interviewers might ask your perspective on an issue not because they care what it is, but to assess your critical thinking skills. Rather than worrying about having the “right” answer, show that you can reason logically and consider multiple viewpoints.

During the Interview

• Enjoy the Conversation

Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Show active engagement by:

• Maintaining eye contact and visual cues to show you’re listening
• Asking clarifying questions if something isn’t clear
• Responding to the interviewer’s points to create a dynamic discussion

For example, if the interviewer mentions their experience with a campus organization, ask follow-up questions like, “What impact has that group had on the campus community?” before describing a parallel experience you may have had in high school. The more enjoyable the conversation, the more likely the interviewer is to leave you a stellar review.

• Be Yourself

Interviewers can sense when a student is trying too hard to impress. Instead of overselling yourself, have a genuine, pleasant conversation. Highlight your strengths naturally—whether it’s your leadership in a school club or your passion for creative writing, show enthusiasm and confidence without arrogance.

• Ask Insightful Questions

When it’s your turn to ask questions, use the opportunity to demonstrate your thoughtful curiosity. Avoid generic queries like, “What’s campus life like?” Instead, ask specific questions that are relevant to you, such as:

• “How does the university support students interested in pursuing interdisciplinary majors?”
• “What internship opportunities are available for students in [your field]?”

Good questions leave a positive impression and help you gather valuable insights about the school.

After the Interview

• Send a Thank-You Note

Following up with a personalized thank-you email shows professionalism and reinforces your interest in the school. Mention specific topics you discussed during the interview to customize the note. For example: “Thank you for taking the time to interview me, and discuss [topic]. I appreciated learning about the unique opportunities for undergraduate research and your insights into campus life. I’m even more excited about the prospect of joining [school name].”

This simple step leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates gratitude.

FAQ: Preparing for College Interviews

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for a college interview?

A: Reflect on yourself, research the school, and anticipate questions to answer naturally. Our coaching services offer individual preparation to help you feel confident.

Q: How can I make my interview stand out?

A: Enjoyable interviews tend to receive good reviews, so be authentic and enthusiastic. Share specifics that highlight your strengths and demonstrate your knowledge of the school. Thoughtful questions for the interviewer also make a strong impression.

Q: What if I’m asked about weaknesses or challenges?

A: Be honest but optimistic. Explain what happened, what you learned, and how you’ve grown from the experience. If there’s something in your application that could be perceived as a weakness, a good idea might be to bring it up on your own when it becomes relevant to the conversation, so you can provide a mitigating explanation to the admissions committee.

Q: What should I include in a thank-you note?

A: Express gratitude, mention specific discussion points, and reaffirm your interest in the school.

(Need more tips for acing your interview? Explore our coaching programs for expert advice.)