Free Tip: Do not be what you think they’re looking for.
It’s normal to feel anxious about your interview. Still, thankfully, more colleges tell you the best approaches that work in interviews. Most of the time, those tips are based on actual interview experiences and the lessons that have been picked up from them.
Consider this piece an additional tip session to increase your shot at succeeding.
All College Interviews Have Things in Common
Did you already know that?
Maybe you did, but if you didn’t already know, you’d find out some more of the scoop.
Interestingly, every college you apply to would love to get to know you. When you’re moving from one person to the next during the admissions application process, that point can sometimes get lost in translation.
Luckily, many colleges are invested in giving you that you-first, immersive experience. In such cases, their questions about you focus on understanding your personality, your interests in school and beyond, your problem-solving approaches.
More interestingly, every college wants to know that they can be a crucial contributor to who you become in the future.
Ever wonder why colleges worldwide show off their famous alumni? It’s because these colleges want to be a part of their success story…and matter-of-fact, they are part of the success story.
Three Tips for your next College Interview
At the beginning of this piece, you got a free tip about losing the idea that you should be what that college is looking for.
The reason is simple: you cannot possibly say, in all honesty, that you know what they’re looking for.
First off, your interviewer is probably one out of ten or more other interviewers that work with that college. Then, they’re going to be very different personalities. You won’t expect to meet the same person as your best friend or one of your relatives.
The bottom line is…
Tip #1: Be Your …. self
Be yourself and your best self. It’s the one thing you have all the information about, so why not just focus on that. You’ve probably never met your interviewer, and they’re only there for a short time, so it isn’t like you can get to know them.
But, most of the time, you know yourself, and you know your strengths and weaknesses. That’s all you need to bring to the interview, along with this next tip, of course.
Tip #2: Practice as Long as You Can
When you visit the official website of any college you’re applying to, there are likely some blogs on the application process, including the interview stage.
Before the interview day, you must already know what kinds of general questions or what kind of information they’d love to hear about you, your personal and professional journeys.
Practice an interview with someone you can trust to give you honest feedback. It can be your parent, a close friend, teacher, guidance counselor, etc.
In practicing, you’re achieving two significant things;
- Familiarity with interview questions
- Understanding the way you come off to an interviewer
So, during the practice, your interview practice buddy asks questions. After their questions, you ask your practice buddy how you came off as you answered their questions.
Tip #3: Don’t Worry About the Clock
You’re worried you may not have much time to answer their questions and give your best impressions.
Relax.
Sure, that interviewer may have a few more interviews lined up that day, but that should not be your problem. You get a minimum allotted time, and it is usually enough to make a great impression.
You should not focus on the clock because it could make you achieve the opposite of what you intend. While you’re scrambling to answer every question, you might come off as though you’re in a rush and give your interviewer a wrong impression.
If you can, practice not worrying about the clock during your sessions with your practice buddy.
Let’s Wrap This Up…
Most people want to get into the colleges they apply to.
An interview is a big part of the application process, and now that you know these three important tips, you’re more than ready to ace that interview.
Remember, practice!
I hope this helps!