How to Ace the College Interview!
By Lynne Fuller, Founder of College Flight Path
Admissions interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience... no matter how much your student prepares, there is always that unknown factor—what will they ask, and how will they answer? But here is the thing: a successful interview is not just about having smart responses; it is about showcasing themselves in your brightest light.
So let’s dive into some best tips to prepare for that big conversation, explore some specific questions they might face, and discuss how to craft authentic responses that let their unique personality shine through.
First, they need to breathe. It is simple but powerful. When called for an interview, the student should take a moment to congratulate themself—they have already made a great impression just to get this far. Now, it is time to ensure the impression sticks.
When finished with the below tasks, check out our searchable AirTable database below for colleges that host interviews and some notable names that do not.
Do the Homework
Learn everything possible about the college including potential academic interests at the school, activities, clubs, research, internship/co-op, and other opportunities. Be sure to come equipped with questions to ask the college interviewer that are not easily found on Google. Have your student familiarize themselves with their latest news, expansion projects, and what has been happening in their campus community. This knowledge will help align their responses to show that they are not only well-prepared but also a good fit for their institution.
Practice Common Questions
There are classics like "Tell me about yourself" or "Where do you see yourself in five years?" that often feel like a trap. These are the moments to weave the narrative. When your student is asked to talk about themself, they should not just list experiences, strengths, and weaknesses but tell a story of growth and aspiration that incorporates these traits.
Show them the 'why' behind the 'what.' When they ask about your student’s future, they should align it with the potential to grow within their university—especially if that is genuinely where they want to be.
Show Don't Tell
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Results) to answer behavioral questions like "Describe a time when..." This structure keeps answers concise and impactful while painting a vivid picture of how the student approaches challenges and achieves outcomes especially when enrolled in tough classes or engaging in difficult group work. Here is a great example: During my role as Captain of the swim team, I had to collaborate with two co-captains and our coach to ensure that our team embraced consistent messaging. My task was to ensure that communication amongst all team members was accurate and efficient so I created a WhatsApp group that would automatically update what they needed to pack for practices (dryland and pool) to ensure that everyone had the proper equipment and attire, and would preview the week to come to every day all of our team members knew what was scheduled so they could plan their appointments around meets, practices, and team bonding events. I also created an RSS feed that we all could subscribe to where there was no guessing about our schedules or what was to come. The result was better team compliance and a greater bond between all of the athletes, our prior season we were 1-11, and this season we were 7-3 because our training schedule was clear and consistent.
Common College Interview Questions
Now, the questions they are likely to field can range from academic skills to teamwork dynamics. Let's break down the best way to handle them:
Academic Skills: Suppose the question is, "Can you share your experience with your most difficult class, and how did you manage the workload and expectations?" Instead of merely asserting familiarity with the core subject matter, recount a specific experience where skills played a pivotal role. Show how expertise contributed to a tangible success.
Teamwork: Questions like "Describe a conflict you had with a classmate or teacher and how you resolved it?" are common. Prepare to answer with a spirit of empathy and problem-solving. Accentuate the drive toward shared goals and how balance was achieved through a group's needs with individual perspectives.
Adaptability: "How do you handle change?" With this one, it's tempting to just say, "I adapt well," right? But go deeper. Discuss a past scenario that demanded unforeseen shifts and highlight the proactive and level-headed response. Moving out of the house and onto a life with significantly less structure needs to be recognized and prepared for, demonstrating to the interviewer that the student is up for the task.
Creativity and Innovation: If they ask, "Tell me about a time you thought out of the box," captivate them with a scenario where conventional approaches were failing, and a creative spark made the difference. It's not just about being different; it's about being effective. Bring visuals and samples of the experience, a picture can share a thousand words, it can also highlight extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, special team moments, or time spent with family.
Remember, the key to crafting authentic responses is reflection. Take time to introspect experiences and learnings before the interview. What experience taught the biggest lesson? What is your student most proud of? Anchor responses in these moments of genuine passion without just reciting answers, and the journey will be perfectly shared.
College Interview Thank You Email
Before we wrap up, let's chat about that good old post-interview thank-you note. Yes, it is still a thing, and yes, it is still important. This is a student’s chance to reiterate their interest in the school, reflect on a specific part of the interview that excited them, and underscore how this school can help them achieve their goals.
Finally, be sure your student is on time for their interview, maintain eye contact, especially when listening, and reassure the interviewer with affirming nods and a smile.
To learn more about how to ace the college interview, email hello@collegeflightpath.com or book a free 15-minute call.
One Last Note….Check out This Updated List of Colleges That Offer Interviews
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