1. Destination College: The College Interview

2. Why interview? An interview is your chance to: Explain special circumstances (grade discrepancies, family problems, health, learning disabilities) Talk about yourself and your interests in more detail Showcase your personality in a way the college application can’t Learn more about specific school programs that interest you

3. Before the Interview

4. Take the time to research the college. Know what makes the college unique, important, and interesting to YOU.

5. Your Clothing DO Look neat and put-together DO dress business formal/ professional is best but not required DON’T wear messy clothing DON’T wear a lot of perfume or cologne

7. Which outfit might be best for a college interview?

9. During the Interview

10. Be on Time! Lateness is unacceptable! Be there 15 minutes before your interview. It disrupts the interviewer’s schedule. If there is an emergency on the way, make sure you have the person’s phone number to let them know.

11. Don’t Bring your Parents They can come with you, but ask them to sit in a different area or come back later. Your interviewer wants to get to know you, not your parents. Tip: You can introduce your parents at the end of your interview, if you want.

12. Talk…please! Your goal is to show you have depth and intelligence to contribute to the college. Practice to remove unnecessary repetition Sometimes we feel we have to say more if the interviewer isn’t speaking right after we finish a sentence. Refrain from using “fillers” such as “um, like, right” etc.

13. Display Interest! AVOID comments like: “You’re my backup school” “I’m here only because my parents/sister/aunt/uncle/ told me to apply” “I figured I would apply…”

14. Body Language

16. Tell the truth! DON’T make up or exaggerate your achievements or activities. Do your best to be truthful. This interview is matched up with your application and colleges will call your High school to confirm.

17. Be Polite Good manners go a long way! Remember to shake hands, make eye contact, and smile. Address your interviewer by name (Mr. Smith, Dr. Gonzalez). Introduce your parents if they are in the waiting area afterwards.

18. After the Interview

19. Follow Up Make sure to send a thank-you note. This could be a card or an e-mail or card. Say it was a wonderful opportunity and request to keep in contact if you have further questions.

20. Questions?