Get Going Workshops

by Joanne Levy-Prewitt

The Admission Interview Lets Students Reveal Themselves

In an era dominated by electronic communication, a face-to-face interview, for 17-year-olds, is as unfamiliar as a rotary-dial telephone. However, some college-bound seniors will need to get familiar with the concept of an admission interview. Some colleges use them as part of the evaluation process; others conduct non-evaluative or informational interviews as a means of answering any questions prospective students might have. Whatever the weight of the interview, in the coming months some seniors will be revealing details about themselves -- and they won't be typing.

An interview is just a conversation, and if all goes well, as it usually does, both parties will get to know each other better. After students complete their interviews, I like to know about the questions they've been asked. Not surprisingly, most can remember only a few. That's because a good interviewer will ask a few pointed questions and then just let the conversation flow naturally. The best questions are open-ended: What do you do in your free time? Or, how did you get interested in robots?

Students should consider each question as an opportunity to reveal unique characteristics or interests. If an interviewer wants to know what your favorite class has been, be ready to talk about it. Share an anecdote that illustrates your excitement; explain what you've done beyond the basic requirements for that class; discuss how it might have caused you to look at the world differently, or how it might have spurred you to make choices about future classes, activities or college majors. Whenever possible, avoid the simple one-word answer.

Interviews sometimes take place on campus, but they can also be held in other cities for applicants who live far away. When held on campus, interviewers are usually college admission personnel, but they might be current students who work in the admission office. Off campus, alumni usually conduct interviews. Notes from evaluative interviews are put into the applicant file and used, with varying weight, as part of the admission process. Some interviews are non-evaluative and are a good opportunity for students to get more information about a college. Some colleges recommend interviews but don't require them. When an interview is recommended, it's a good idea to schedule one.

The best way to prepare for an interview is to learn as much as possible about the school beforehand. Scour the college's Web site and strengthen your base of knowledge. As you research, try to develop a list of questions -- anything that you're curious about -- that aren't addressed on the Web site. Intelligent, well-formed questions will demonstrate your diligence and interest in the college. Bring your questions, along with a pad of paper and pen, to the interview. Wear something a bit nicer than what you normally wear to school, but it's unnecessary to look dressy. Don't show too much skin or any underwear. Be sure to get your interviewer's business card and send a handwritten thank-you note within a few days.

It rarely happens, but I have heard of some college interviewers who try to fluster their interviewees. One student told me she was asked whether she had anything potentially embarrassing that she thought the college needed to know. I thought that question crossed the line. Seventeen-year olds are easily unnerved, and that question only fostered tension. A question like that would be best answered with a dash of humor. Most interviewers realize that they are the most accessible aspect of the college, and as such they want to present a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will allow both of you to determine your compatibility.

My best advice can be summarized in two words: Be yourself. That means students should be genuine. It should be easy to discuss what excites or motivates you, and it should be natural to speak authoritatively about any of your activities or classes. The important thing to remember is that you are more than the sum of those accomplishments. After all, although you will be discussing your interests and accomplishments, it isn't those things that the college wants to know; it is you.

COPYRIGHT 2007 JOANNE LEVY-PREWITT