The admission interview is an important part of the college application process where the admission officer will assess the candidate's personality, character, and aspirations. It is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase why they would be a great addition to the university. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the college, its values, and campus by reviewing materials online and visiting in person. Proper preparation includes practicing responses to common interview questions, developing relevant questions to ask, and sending a thank you note after to show continued interest in the program. With preparation, the interview allows for a great conversation where the candidate can learn more about the school.

2. The admission interview is a very important part of
your college application process. During the
interview, the admission officer will assess you on
your personality, character and aspirations.
The interview is an opportunity to project you as
someone who will be a great addition to the
university. Merely meeting the academic
qualifications does not guarantee a seat in the
program; your whole personality should suit the
college and its principles. Colleges usually prefer
candidates whom they believe will add value to their
college and will appreciate the knowledge gained.
Therefore it is your responsibility to show them that
you are an ideal candidate who will do full justice to
the course.

4. Familiarize yourself with the college and what it
stands for. Read the brochures and visit the
website to gain better insights. Visit the campus if
you can. Keep an eye out for things that you
really like about the college or its campus. Also
make sure that you know the exact location of the
college so that you arrive for the interview on
time.

5. Be polite to people you meet in the campus. You
never know who might be observing you.
Admission officers look for much more than a
good score in your mark sheet. The way you
present yourself, inside and outside the interview
room, matters a great deal.

6. Read through your
application material
before the interview. The
admission officer is
likely to ask you several
questions regarding your
application essay and
cover letter. Don’t get
caught unprepared.

7. Pay attention to what you wear. There are no set
rules on what to wear for a college interview;
however, you do want to look nice. Choose your
attire based on the type of program and the
culture of the school you are applying to, the
weather, and the context of the admission
interview. If you cannot decide, just ask the
admissions office – they will be able to give you
more information on what kind of attire is
typically worn during their interviews.

8. There are a few questions interviewers may ask
all students; prepare for them well in advance.
Some of the questions include:
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why did you apply to this college?
3. What will you major in?
4. Describe yourself using 3 adjectives.
5. How do you define success?
6. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

9. Prepare some questions to show your level of
interest in the program and the college. Ask
specific questions. e.g.
1. What are popular majors?
2. What role does the student body play or how
active is it?
3. Where does the college need to improve and
how can the students contribute? Etc.
Don’t ask generic questions that can be answered
by reading through the brochure.

10. Practice at home by looking into a mirror and
answering questions. During the interview, show
enthusiasm and interest in the college. Keep the
answers conversational and natural. Don’t
memorize your answers, or you may end up
sounding like you are reading from a script. Be
honest, natural and spontaneous.

11. You can use the pen and
paper to write down
your prepared questions
so you won’t forget to
ask them. You can also
take notes during the
conversation.

12. Thank the interviewer as you finish your
conversation. Also send a thank-you note after the
interview. The more interest you show in a
college, the more interest they are likely to show
in you.
With some preparation, you can enter into a great
conversation with your admissions officer. Take
advantage of the opportunity that the interview
provided to get to know your prospective school
a little better.