The Art of the Interview

For some students, college interviews are the scariest part of the application process.  It doesn't have to be however, because most interviewers just want to know something about you, and who is more of an expert on you than you?

Here are a few basics. 1.  Interviews are not always required, and in fact, I'd guess that more often than not, colleges don't do them.  There's no way, for example, that UTK has time to interview every student who applies.  2.  Your interviewer may be a student, an alumni representative, or an admission counselor, and it may be on-campus or off-campus (typically alumni interviews).  Occasionally you may be interviewed as part of a panel or group.  3.  Typically interviews fall into two categories: informational and evaluative.  The informational interview is designed to get to know you - your interests, experiences, etc.  Those things should be easy to discuss.  Why do you love biology? Why do you love to dance?  What do you see yourself doing in the next ten years?  Why do you love The Great Gatsby so much, or why is American Idol your guilty pleasure? The interviewer is just trying to get to know you. ( Here's a helpful article on the most common mistakes made during an informational interview.)

The evaluative interview however, is more of an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.  The interviewer is trying to decide if you are a good fit for the school, will you succeed there, in what way will you contribute to the university? 

So what should you do to be prepared for an interview?  Do your research. Know the school who is interviewing you.  Have a few written questions or concerns.  Ask these at every interview (or every college visit), so you can compare notes.  Be prepared to talk about your high school experiences.  Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in that particular college or university.  Don't ask questions you can easily find the answer to on-line, like "Do you have a study abroad program?" or "Do you have a journalism major?" Perhaps better questions would be "How do students manage the work load?" or "How would you describe the social life on campus?"  Better yet, ask them about the leadership roles women have on campus.  If your interviewer also attended the school, ask her (or him) what her favorites classes were

The interviewer's time is important, so don't draw out the conversation just because you think you should. If you have all the information you need, it's okay to end the interview.

We're of the opinion - supported by the colleges we talk to - that you don't need to dress up for an interview.  However, you do need to look presentable.  You only have one chance to make a first impression, and you want it to be a good one.  Shake their hand and introduce yourself when you walk in the room (GPS girls are SO good at this).  Think about your body language (don't slouch) and make eye contact when you're talking. 

Most important, take a deep breath and just be yourself.  You don't want a school to think they're getting a student that you're really not, so be yourself.