College Interview 101

I have been interviewing high school students applying to my college alma mater for over five years. With about 35-40 interviews under my belt (as well as reading well over a hundred reports done by other interviewers in my state), I like to think I know a thing or two about what to do and what not to do at an interview. Yet somehow 17 and 18 year olds continue to make the same mistakes. So, a few rules.

Rule #1 - Arrive with questions. At least one, preferably more. It shows that you stopped to think about the interview for more than the time it took you to drive there. The question doesn't have to be special, in fact you can have one question that you use at all of your interviews. Some of the applicants have asked me about my experience at the school. What would I have done differently? Did I regret not taking advantage of different things on campus? Every time it makes me stop and think, and ultimately leads to an actual conversation instead of a one-sided interview.

Rule #2 - Do your research. As a general rule of thumb, familiarize yourself with the basics about the school so that you don't look stupid, and again, unprepared. If the school has a religious affiliation, understand what that means. For example, all Jesuit schools are Catholic, but not all Catholic schools are Jesuit. If there is a word or description that you aren't familiar with, look it up or ask someone for help. Remember, the interviewer you are speaking with holds the school dear to their heart. One wrong statement about something basic shows you didn't bother reading and understanding the school's affiliation or history, and that will be what the interviewer remembers.

Rule #3 - Dress the part. This is not the time for flip flops, tank tops and running pants. You don't need to dress formally, but neat and put together. Would your grandmother or principal approve? Then you are all set.

Rule #4 - Be able to back up your answers. If you say you want to be a lawyer, or go into business, be able to answer why. Use the opportunity to spin your positive qualities or explain how you came to a decision. "I think it would be interesting", doesn't really say much. Whereas "I spent a few days visiting my uncle who is a prosecutor and I got to watch him in the courtroom" opens up the conversation. Your goal is to engage the interviewer and let your personality show. Simplistic answers just don't cut it.

Rule #5 - A thank you note goes a long way. I haven't received many, but I'm always impressed when I get them. An emailed or handwritten note thanking the interviewer for their time truly does make a difference.

In seven years (omg, so soon?!) when my oldest is doing the rounds of college interviews, let's hope he actually takes his dear old mom's advice. I doubt it.