What to Expect at a College Interview

College interviews can be pretty stressful. For many high school students, the college interview may be the first interview a student has ever done. No need to hyperventilate. A college interview is meant to assist the admissions officers in making a determination as to whether a student is a good fit for a particular school. The best thing a student can do during a college interview is to be him/herself. Having said that, it's also good to be prepared by knowing what sorts of questions are asked and how one might want to answer them so that nerves don't take over and you have nothing to say.

These are some questions I've heard. Of course an interviewer can ask whatever he or she wants but here are things to think about before going in. It's better to carefully consider these questions, have an answer prepared than be nervous and waste the interview session.

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What classes are you taken?
3. What has been your favorite class and why?
4. What has been your least favorite class and why?
5. What is the last book you read?
6. What experiences, books, movies, etc., have made the greatest impression on you?
7. Tell me about a situation where you had to make a difficult decision.
8. How would you describe yourself?
9. How would others describe you?
10. What extra-curricular activities are you involved in? What is the extent of your commitment?
11. Why ABC university? Why do you want to attend ABC?
12. What do you do in your spare time? (be honest but not TOO honest)
13. What are you looking for in a college or university?
14. How do you deal with stress?
15. What do you know about ABC University? About the area?

These are just some questions. REMEMBER not to get upset or off your game if you feel like you messed up. It's okay! The person interviewing you will understand that you are nervous. As long as you don't act cocky, be nice and everything will be fine!