Many universities offer students the chance to interview either before or after submitting their application. While this is often not a required piece of the application, the question is, if given the option, should you interview?
As long as the interview can be done virtually, the answer is typically yes! A strong interview can enhance your application and gives you the chance to add a more personal element to the admissions process. The reality of the matter is, if you’re applying to college right now, you likely don’t have grades from the last 3 months of your junior year; you might not have grades for the first 3 months of your senior year and you don’t have to submit standardized exams – you want to give the school every chance to get to know you as well as possible.
How can you ensure your interview leaves a positive impression? Here are five tips to help you prepare:
Approach your interview more like a discussion than an interrogation, listen to the interviewer and don’t be afraid to ask questions, too. Relax, take a deep breath, and remember to turn off your cell phone!
Kyle received a BS from Vanderbilt University and a certificate in college advising from Columbia University. Kyle has more than five years of admissions experience, including at the State University of New York as well as Rice University, where she was an Assistant Director of Admissions and oversaw the BS/MD program with Baylor College of Medicine. Kyle manages a caseload of clients as well as a team of AcceptU counselors. She is an IECA Associate Member.