Navigating the college admission process can be daunting, and the interview stage often stands as one of the most nerve-wracking hurdles. A stellar interview can set you apart from other applicants, showcasing who you are as a person - which often matters more to colleges than marginal differences in GPAs and test scores.
We’ll delve into preparation techniques that will boost your confidence, highlight key areas of focus, and provide practical advice on how to articulate your experiences effectively. Moreover, we’ve curated a list of some common interview questions, complete with sample answers, to give you a head start on your interview prep.
Stay with us till the end, where we’ve included a bonus section featuring must-ask questions for you to ask your college interviewer!
Understanding the Purpose of College Admission Interviews
A lot of students apply to college with perfect, curated applications. The only way universities can truly check many of an applicant's claims is through a face-to-face interview. Colleges use these conversations to search for red flags, understand students at a human level, and gut-check if applicants are telling the truth.
Common Interview Formats:
Interviews can vary in format, typically falling into two categories: alumni interviews and admissions officer interviews.
- Alumni interviews are often more conversational and informal, conducted by graduates of the institution who can share personal insights and experiences.
- Admissions officer interviews tend to be more formal and structured, focusing on specific questions designed to evaluate the applicant’s qualifications and compatibility with the school’s values and expectations.
What Interviewers Are Looking For:
Interviewers evaluate communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and confidently. Typically, interviewers are looking for a blend of confidence and extroversion, without the arrogance that typically accompanies high-achieving high schoolers. At the end of the day, interviews are gut checks, so there is no perfect formula for making your mark.
Common Interview Areas Explored by Interviewers
Personal background and motivation:
Interviews typically commence with inquiries about your background and motivation. Start by providing a detailed account of your background and the driving forces behind your aspirations, focusing on cool and memorable stories about your life.
Academic interests and achievements
Articulate your academic interests and achievements, demonstrating not just your knowledge but also your passion for your chosen field. Do not be afraid to “geek out” if that’s your thing!
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
When discussing extracurricular activities and leadership roles, highlight your commitment and impact, illustrating how these experiences have developed your character and skills beyond the classroom. With extracurriculars, aim for quality over quantity.
Career goals and aspirations
When discussing your future goals, it’s OK to be vague, but you should ground your answer by referencing college resources you plan on exploring, like pre-professional clubs, research opportunities, or specific professors who lead in their field(s).
Strengths and weaknesses
Be prepared to discuss your strengths and weaknesses with honesty and self-awareness. Highlight your strengths with concrete examples, ideally oriented around quantifiable outcomes.
For weaknesses, demonstrate a growth mindset, discussing how you've worked to overcome challenges and improve. Strike a balance between professionalism and authenticity. This interviewer is still a stranger, so avoid oversharing. Still, small elements of vulnerability go a long way.
An Example Interview Session
Consider the following hypothetical – a Chicago-based student (GPA: 3.82, SAT: 1560) who wanted to apply to the computer science program at the University of Pennsylvania. This student networked with professors from the University of Pennsylvania through Admyssion, leveraging those conversations to gain inside information about the CS department in preparation for their interview.
The following is a summary of the questions UPenn interviewers frequently ask, with answers that a qualified student might give.
Tell me about yourself.
Response: As an aspiring computer scientist, I've always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and education. In high school, I built a Python web-app that ingested pictures of homework questions and output specific hints - not the full answer, but enough guidance to make the problem solvable. Over 400 students across the school are using the app today! Post college, I think I’ll pursue ed-tech, probably founding a startup in the space.
Why do you want to attend the University of Pennsylvania?
Response: I had reached out to Professor [Redacted] - they work at SEAS CS, actually - for help structuring some of the underlying logic of another, much more math-heavy, algorithm I’m working on. (It’s still in stealth, so I may shy away from details). Their willingness to engage with me, and to refer me to grad and undergrad students who would work with me, really makes me want to continue that collaboration over the next four years.
What are your academic strengths and weaknesses?
Response: I’m good at analytical thinking and problem-solving. I have a lot of experience in algorithm design and data structures, things that benefit from linear, structured thinking. However, I’m not great at grinding when I lack the passion, which kinda explains why my humanities grades are lower than my STEM grades. I’m working on hunkering down and doing the work, but I inevitably get distracted by another coding project.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Response: I love to cook, and my mother says I’m pretty good at it, for whatever that’s worth. She might just enjoy having someone else take on the dinner responsibilities, but I’m ok with that. I’ve recently gotten into Malay cuisine, and that’ll probably be my main focus until I run out of ingredients and switch up my ethnic grocery store. [Writer’s Note: The student is ethnically Chinese.]
What are your career goals?
Response: My short-term career goal is to pursue a career in software engineering, with a focus on education technology. My long-term goal is to found an AI-focused startup focused on fundamentally changing the way education systems work - the next generation of Khan Academy or the like.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Response: Not gonna lie, I don’t think I experience much stress in my life, so it’s pretty easy for me to just push through. When I do get irritated (like during the college process), I typically just take a short break and scroll TikTok until I get bored and hop back into working again. Stress just isn’t a huge part of my life, you know?
What is your proudest achievement?
Response: I was in the school cafeteria a few weeks ago and I heard some kids talking about this new homework help app that their teacher had recommended, which I’m pretty sure was my app. There was something weirdly cool about being there, as a silent spectator, listening to other people talk about my code without knowing that I was listening. It really felt like I had built something that would live on without me, after I graduated, and that was… cool.
How do you plan to contribute to our campus community?
Response: I’ll definitely try and get into some hackathon teams - I’ve been talking with some currently enrolled students who mentioned they have open slots on their squads - and will definitely pursue my current coding projects with help from Professor [Censored], if they are still willing to help, of course. Beyond that, it’ll be cool to see if I can deploy some ed-tech solutions to help students on campus study differently, or even study better!
Tips for Answering Difficult Questions
When stumped, don't rush—pause to gather your thoughts, demonstrating poise under pressure. If unsure, use the "think aloud" strategy: articulate your reasoning process. This reveals your problem-solving approach and intellectual curiosity. Relate your answers to your unique experiences or insights, offering a fresh perspective. For example, if asked about a time you had to change your viewpoint on a significant issue, talk about your thought process of selecting an example before diving in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
In college interviews, avoid these common mistakes to make a strong impression.
- Over-preparing or sounding rehearsed can make your responses seem inauthentic. Aim for a balance between preparedness and spontaneity.
- Neglecting non-verbal communication, such as poor eye contact or closed body language, can undermine your spoken words.
- Lastly, being overly modest or arrogant can be off-putting. Strive for a confident yet humble demeanor, highlighting your achievements while acknowledging areas for growth.
Fine-Tuning Your Presentation Approach
Acing your college interview requires thorough preparation and a strategic approach. Here are essential tips to ensure you present yourself effectively:
Researching the College, the Program & the Interview Format :
Understanding the college’s values, culture, and specific programs is crucial. Dive into the institution’s website, read up on your chosen program, and stay updated on recent news. This knowledge demonstrates your genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses.
Familiarize yourself with the interview format, whether it's in-person, virtual, or phone-based. Confirm the date, time, and location, and ensure you have the necessary technology and environment for a smooth interview experience.
Dressing Appropriately for the Interview:
Questions might arise: "What should I wear to a college interview?" or “What to wear to a college interview?” Answer: Dress in business casual attire to convey professionalism. Opt for a neat, clean outfit such as a collared shirt and slacks or a modest dress. Avoid overly flashy attire. If your parents approve of our outfit, you’ll be fine.
Organizing Necessary Documents and Materials:
Bring copies of your resume, transcripts, and any other relevant documents. Have a notepad and pen ready to jot down important points or questions that arise during the interview.
Must-ask Questions for Your College Interviewer (Bonus Tip)
When preparing for your college interview, it's crucial to have a list of thoughtful questions to ask college interviewers. These questions not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also help you gather valuable insights about the institution. Here are some must-ask questions to ask colleges in interviews:
- Missed Opportunities: “Were there any opportunities in college you felt like you missed out on?”
- Internship Opportunities: "Did you get any cool internships when you were an undergraduate? How did you make that happen?”
- Research Opportunities: "Did you do any research with professors when you were an undergraduate?”
- Alumni Network: "Are you plugged into the university alumni network? Is it helpful in getting internships?"
- Post-Graduation Success: "What’s the best way to get a job in (your field of interest) on campus? Are there any major clubs or groups that you’d recommend?”
- Community Engagement: "How do students typically give back to the local community? Did you do any community work while in school?"
Having these questions to ask college interviewers shows that you are proactive and interested in finding the right fit.
Conclusion:
Embarking on the journey of preparing for college admission interviews demands a strategic approach that combines thorough research, genuine self-reflection, and proactive engagement.
Leveraging Admyssion to establish connections with the professors and having a 1-on-1 consultation prior to the interview can serve as a pivotal step towards garnering invaluable insights, fostering clarity, and amplifying one's preparation efforts. Find out how Admyssion can supercharge your interviews today.
