Practice Answering Questions

To help you role-play an interview, Some Possible Questions From Interviewers is in the Checklists section of this website.

• Obviously, interviewers won’t ask you every one of these questions and some interviewers will no doubt have questions that are not on this list.

• During a mock interview session, practice answering each of these questions.

Also, you might come up with some personal stories, examples, and/or anecdotes to illustrate your answers.

• If an interviewer asks what your favorite activity is, tell him or her the answer, and then have an example ready to demonstrate your point.

Practice Asking Questions

Not only should you be ready to answer questions, but also be sure to ask some of your own.

• Before an interview, write down 3-4 questions to ask an interviewer specific to his or her college.

• The best questions are about things that you really want to know about, and that demonstrate knowledge of a particular campus.

• Avoid asking simplistic questions that can be easily found by looking at the college’s handbook or application or silly questions.

• Ask questions that reflect whether or not a college is a good match for you.

You can find Sample Questions To Ask Interviewers in the Checklists section of this website.

The goal in practicing for a college interview is to be as relaxed (or appear as relaxed) and confident as you can be at the real interview. Practice interviews also help you to be the natural, “real you.” You want to come across as an intelligent, interesting, well-prepared applicant. Finally, you want the interviewer to know that this college is a top choice and a really good match for you.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE INTERVIEW
Before you leave for an interview, make sure that you have the following:

BASICS
1. A copy of your Activities Resume that includes your cumulative GPA over four years, your best SAT/ACT and Subject Test scores, activities, and other involvements
2. The number of AP classes you will have taken by the time you graduate
3. Class rank, if available
4. A map with directions to the campus, instructions about where to park and specific directions for where the admissions office is
5. Notes and questions (your Cheatsheet)
6. Notebook and pen to write down interesting things you hear that you might use when you’re filling out the application