There are many factors that make a great interview, but the most important of all are the answers. Your college interview preparation must start by thinking of all the possible questions that you may be asked, and some questions that you will want to ask too.
Why research and focus on the questions? Most applicants feel that they know what they want, and that their life has, in some way drove them to this point, trying to get into a college to peruse the career that they want.
I certainly hope you know why you got to this point in your life and what made you make the choices that led you here. The overwhelming majority of candidates know this, or think they do, but a lot of them has never said it out load, had their reasons criticized and undermined, or had to ague about aspects of their decision making. A college interview basically comes down to that, think that you are talking with one of these pessimistic people that always find the fault in things, and that you need to show that person that you are the person for the job, now stop thinking and start talking!
This may sound crazy, but trust me, its not. Start talking about your reasons, about your life, what you are passionate about and many other things, but talk – really – speak out load, slowly, make small comic remarks, add a little color to your sentences and personal comments about decisions and certain periods in your life. Talk while you drive, while you take a shower, while walking to school or walking your dog, before going to sleep… while watching a boring TV show, the important thing is to let it out and listen to how you sound, how IT sounds, because this is the way its going to sound the day of your college interview. And for this you better prepare.
Practice answering tough, directed questions about your experience, mot ivation and goals, be prepared to draw colorations between your experience and what seems to be the need of the institution. For example, if you are applying to a course that requires strong analytical skills, you should have example ready to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Some questions may involve topic like college admissions, be prepared for that too (research college admissions).
The following questions will provide you with some ideas and get you started thinking about potential interview questions: Why did you choose this program, why do you feel that this particular school is good for you, what do you know about this program and this school? What are the most important skills and attributes an applicant needs to be successful in this program? What are the characteristics of a successful student in this course in college?
Preparation is key to success on the interview, so try and think about the interview before you are actually there, consider the things discussed here, and good luck in your college interview!
About the author:
Author: Jonathan Mayheart
Jonathan Mayheart, specializing in BioData, has been studying and researching interviews. He recently wrote a few articles for College Interview providing tips and advice regarding college interviews.