{"id":8398,"date":"2025-03-28T09:18:58","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T13:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solomonadmissions.com\/?p=8398"},"modified":"2025-03-28T09:19:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T13:19:05","slug":"ace-college-admissions-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solomonadmissions.com\/in\/post\/ace-college-admissions-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ace a College Admissions Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preparing your best college application and applying to colleges is a multifaceted process. The hard work you demonstrated throughout high school culminates in carefully crafted essays and activity lists\u2013a few components of your overall application that are essential for sharing your narrative. Once you finally submit your application, you may find that a specific college offers the opportunity to complete an interview. An interview with a college can be a great addition to your overall application as it allows you to share about yourself, your interests and goals, and your reasons for wanting to attend that university in a more personal manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019ve never done an interview before, don\u2019t worry! I\u2019ve provided seven tips that will help you feel prepared going into it so that you can put your best foot forward.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Familiarize Yourself with Each College\u2019s Interview Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all colleges offer admissions interviews. For those that do, you can expect interview processes to vary across institutions. Thus, it\u2019s important to review any guidelines so that you are aware of any requirements or actions you may need to take to interview. Some colleges (usually ones with smaller applicant pools) will offer interviews to all applicants. Others will only offer interviews on an invitation-only basis. At some colleges, you may need to formally request an interview on your application to be matched with an available interviewer. Make sure to check any deadlines regarding requesting interviews, as many colleges often have earlier deadlines for this purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re uncertain about where to find interview-related information, check the college\u2019s admissions website first, as it\u2019s often mentioned when discussing the application process. You can also review college-specific information on the Common Application<\/a>. Once you add the college to your list, you\u2019ll see a list of required and optional materials, including an interview if offered. Finally, get in touch with the college\u2019s admissions office or your admissions counselor to ask about their interview process. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Get to Know Your Interviewer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Colleges may employ current students, alumni, and, rarely, actual admissions officers to conduct your interview. Whoever is conducting your interview will be tasked with providing an evaluation that will be added to your overall application. Since much of the application process is faceless and based on what the applicant details on paper in their materials, an interview can be a great way to show your personality and personalize the process a bit more.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you are paired with your interviewer, the college will typically provide your contact information to them so that they can get in touch with you. Usually, they will also provide the applicant with basic information about the interviewer, such as their name, email address, graduation year (for alumni), and college major. You can take some time before your interview to do an internet search of your interviewer to better understand their background and professional experiences. Take this information into consideration during your interview so that you can have an engaged conversation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice Your \u201cElevator Pitch\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With interviews often lasting between 30 minutes to an hour, it is vital to use your time effectively and share unique or important aspects of yourself and your application with your interviewer. As you prepare, practice your \u201celevator pitch\u201d. An elevator pitch<\/a> is a brief summary of who you are that succinctly provides a big-picture overview of your background and interests. Oftentimes, interviewers will initiate the interview by asking, \u201cTell me about yourself.\u201d As the interviewee, prepare to offer some highlights about yourself that will inform your interviewer while also providing them with a few talking points during the conversation. I recommend writing an outline or script for yourself; practice speaking it out loud so that it feels natural and easy during the actual interview. You don\u2019t have to memorize your responses verbatim but practice enough so that you remember your talking points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few questions to consider when preparing your \u201celevator pitch\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n