You have submitted your college application, your grade point average, all of the courses you took during high school, and your community service. For some of you, an interview might be on the horizon.
If you have chosen a college that requires an interview, here is a list of things you should do and not do during the interview process.
1. Research the college. You need to know about this college you plan on attending. Be prepared by researching it because one of the questions you may be asked is, “Why do you want to attend our college?”
2. Check out your interviewer on social media. Look to see if the person interviewing you is on LinkedIn or Facebook, and even Google the interviewer. Doing this can give you insight into this person’s interests.
3. Do a mock interview. Have your mom, dad, teacher, counselor, or friend ask you questions so you can be a little more at ease and less stressed when the actual interview arrives.
4. Be yourself and be courteous. Remember that the first impression is vital. Be calm; be cool; and be collected. Whether your first contact with the interviewer is face to face or through an email correspondence, be professional.
5. Be prepared to give realistic and thorough answers. How would you respond to the following:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why do you want to attend our college?
- What were your favorite classes in high school? Why?
- What clubs and/or extracurricular activities were you involved in? Why did you choose these?
- How would your friends describe you?
6. Don’t be annoying or talk too much. Yes, you can be enthusiastic, but don’t overdo it. Get to the point and don’t ramble.
7. Don’t sell yourself short. Remember, you want to go to this college so you need to explain why you should be admitted versus all of the other applicants. Make sure you hit on all of the important points that makes you special.
8. Don’t try to “wing it.” Being prepared will make the interview go well. Even if you are a great communicator, practice the interview process multiple times before your scheduled interview.
9. Send your interviewer a “thank you” note or email. No matter how the interview went, take a few minutes and let the interviewer know that you appreciate the opportunity to interview and highlight some of your strengths again.
10. Be ready with a couple questions for the interviewer. When the interviewer asks you if you have any questions, have a couple of them that you have prepared in advance. It will help you to look informed and interested.
At Advanced College Solutions, Inc., we offer a variety of programs that will make the entire college application process a benefit to you. Please give us a call and set up an appointment so we can get you started on getting into the college of your dreams.