Admissions interview season is upon us…
If you’re applying to a small liberal arts, high profile, or ivy league school, chances are you are looking at completing an interview with an admissions representative or alumni volunteer as part of your application process. While this can feel intimidating, with good preparation and some confidence (genuine or feigned), you ought to be able to complete this task successfully.
That said, I know preparing for something you’ve never done before can be tough. You read lots of things online, talk to your parents and counselors who may give you solid, but conflicting advice and you’re not sure who/what to listen to. Here I am to offer a bit of third-party and experienced guidance…
The interview should function as a conversation to add interest/context to content in your application. Generally speaking, your interviewer is looking for someone that is well-articulated, personable/interesting, appropriate, and demonstrates a drive to learn. A person with these qualities along with a strong academic record is likely to be successful on campus and a valuable alum post-graduation… this makes you an attractive and competitive applicant. This is the version of you that you are looking to present. This is your story and here’s how to tell it:
Be well-articulated: Practice, practice, practice. Use some of the FAQ’s provided here and work on answering them out loud in front of another person. I recommend answering each question a minimum of 5 times in front of 3 different people- take their feedback to heart and improve each time. Try to build responses using the STAR method.
Be personable/interesting: Make eye contact, smile, use your natural gestures- don’t be stiff or neutral. Ask how their day is going and/or how many interviews they are doing, etc. Make a tiny amount of small talk (no more than 1-2 minutes). Your story is interesting. Your interests, hopes, and unique experiences are awesome to hear. You don’t have to have done research alongside an actual rocket scientist to be compelling- although good for you if you did! Be open with who you are and what you’re thinking about. Send a thank you note (handwritten or email is fine) after your interview- Make sure to write down your interviewers name and their role.
Be appropriate: This isn’t the time or place to use slang, swear, or talk about questionable activities (unless it’s part of a “lesson I learned” story). As far as what to wear… you don’t have to wear a full suit and tie, but a nice sweater or quarter zip would do nicely. I wouldn’t recommend anything strapless, a tank, or items with a neckline more than 4 fingers past your collar bone. Loud patterns are tough for virtual interviews, but could feel fun/spunky in person. Ripped jeans, cropped tops, joggers/leggings, and graphic tees would not be your best choice. Hair should be nicely groomed and makeup should be subtle and natural (if you even choose to wear any).
Show a drive to learn: This is the part of your interview that is most compelling. I want to know why you want to learn more in your discipline of choice or what you’re curious about if you don’t have a major. I’d love to hear that you’re interested in participating in research opportunities, maybe even study abroad (if it’s true). If there’s a story connected to your choice to study I’d love to hear it. If you have a mission for your work post-graduation please share it. This content should demonstrate to me that you’re intrinsically motivated to deeply engage with the material that will be offered to you on campus. Demonstrate that you’ve researched the campus and program and bring some questions of your own to the interview.
Good luck, friends! And remember, I’m here to help you. If you want or need further support, please do be in touch and/or check out my offerings.
Talk soon
-Veronica
