Frequently Asked Questions
*FAQ about College Admission & Scholarship Interviews
Why should I prep before my interview?
You can interview without much preparation and be just fine. However, spending time preparing for your interviews will help you familiarize yourself with typical questions and prepare thoughtful answers for them. You’ll be able to go deeper in your responses having already considered many topics, as well as practicing discussing them, and receiving feedback about your responses. Those deeper responses are more likely to help your interviewer feel like they know you and advocate on your behalf later in the admissions process.
Does every college offer interviews?
No. Not every school offers interviews. Check each school’s website or reach out to the admissions staff to learn what your options are. You might interview with an admissions officer or a senior on campus, or with an admissions officer who travels to your school. Some colleges use alumni interviewers—they should meet you at a neutral location, like a coffee shop.
Is an interview really important?
You can ask the admissions staff at each institution if their interviews are evaluative or informational. They might even give you some insight into how much an interview is weighed as they are making admissions decisions. While bad interviews are rare, they can hurt your chances of admission.
With AI tools increasingly being used when writing personal statements, many selective colleges are placing greater emphasis on interviews for authentic interactions with students to help distinguish them as individuals.
Should I interview, even if it’s optional?
When offered, an interview is a great opportunity to add some personality to your application, which is otherwise mostly facts. In addition to the required lists of courses, grades, and extracurriculars, adding an interview allows you to discuss the reasons why you’ve made certain choices and why you aspire to the goals you’ve set. If you prepare in advance, you’ll be able to make an even stronger impression on your interviewer.
When should I interview?
Most colleges offer interviews as you head into your senior year and up until their application deadlines. Check each school’s website or reach out to the admissions staff to see if you can interview earlier—over the summer or at the end of junior year—if that’s when you’ll be on campus. You can also inquire about interview options closer to home or virtual opportunities. Make sure you are prepared for the interview before making an appointment.
Is an on-campus interview better than an off-campus, virtual, or alumni interview?
At most colleges, any interview will be counted the same, and it’s almost always advantageous to do one. Check each school’s website to see which options are offered.
How do I prepare for my interviews?
Think about what’s most important for you to share with each school about yourself, and which questions you want to ask them. Be sure to do a bit of research about each school first too, so you don’t ask questions that could be easily answered online. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions, but don’t try to memorize your answers. Keep in mind that you’ll always be asked why you are interested in that particular institution.