How to Prepare for a College Admissions Interview
By: Michelle Jacobs
For most applicants, the college interview is one of the more unfamiliar parts of the process. It is not a test in the traditional sense, and it is rarely the single factor that decides an admission decision. But a strong interview can give a student a real edge, especially among applicants with similar grades and test scores, and it offers something the rest of the application cannot: a direct conversation.
An interview might take place with an admissions officer, a current student, or an alumnus, either on campus or virtually. Whoever conducts it, the student’s goal is the same: Approach it less like an interrogation and more like a conversation, one where you and the interviewer are each gathering information about each other.
What the Interviewer Is Trying to Learn
Interviewers generally have a few goals in mind. They want to gauge the student’s genuine interest in the college, assess whether the student would fit well on campus, and get a sense of how engaging and likable the student is in person. For alumni interviewers in particular, the conversation also maintains a connection to the college and gives the admissions office a third-party perspective on the applicant.
Your goals run in parallel. You want to share your story, highlight why the college is a strong fit for you, demonstrate real interest, and gather information that helps you evaluate whether the school is right for you. A good interview makes the interviewer's job easy because you have given them plenty to say about you in their write-up.
Before the Interview
Preparation starts well before you walk in the door or log on to a video call. Know the college. Interviewers notice quickly when a student asks a question that is easily answered by the school's own website, so do your research on academic programs, campus culture, and specific opportunities that genuinely interest you.
Plan to arrive five to 10 minutes early, and dress a step above what you would wear to school. A button-down shirt with khakis, or nice slacks or a skirt with a sweater or blouse, works well. The goal is to look put together without anything that distracts from the conversation itself. Bring a resume, or send one in advance, if possible. Not every interviewer will look closely at it, but many will use it as a jumping-off point for questions about your activities and interests.
During the Interview
Once the conversation starts, the most important thing is to let your personality come through naturally. Be well-prepared, but avoid sounding rehearsed or mechanical. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and silence your phone. Small things like these matter more than students often expect.
Interviewers commonly return to a handful of core questions: why you want to attend that particular school, how you would contribute to campus, what your academic interests are, how you spend your free time, and what you have read recently. Be ready to talk about all of them. When it comes to "why this school," specifics matter. Rather than saying a college has a beautiful campus or a strong reputation, point to something concrete, a particular program, a research opportunity, or an aspect of the campus culture that genuinely appeals to you.
If something on your transcript needs context, such as a difficult semester or an unusually low grade, the interview can be a good place to explain it briefly and honestly, without blaming a teacher or circumstance.
And come with your own questions ready. Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions, ones that cannot be answered by a quick look at the school's website, shows genuine engagement and gives you real information in return.
After the Interview
End on a good note. Thank the interviewer for their time, offer a firm handshake if you are in person, and ask for a business card or contact information so you can follow up. Send a thank-you email within 48 hours. A strong thank-you note references something specific from the conversation rather than reading as generic, and it reaffirms your interest in the school. Do not expect a response, and do not read too much into whether you get one.
Preparing for Virtual Interviews
Many interviews now happen over video, and the preparation is a little different. Test your setup in advance, ideally with a friend or family member, so you can work out any issues with lighting, sound, or what shows up in the background. Dress the same way you would for an in-person interview from head to toe, not just on top, in case you need to stand up during the call. Because so much nonverbal communication is lost over video, being a bit more animated than usual helps convey genuine enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the college interview actually matter?
In most cases, an interview will not make or break an application on its own, but a strong one can give a candidate an edge over another applicant with similar credentials, particularly at schools where interviews are offered.
What should I bring to a college interview?
Bring a copy of your resume, even if the interviewer does not ask for it directly. It can prompt useful questions about your activities and interests, and it gives the interviewer something to reference in their write-up.
What kinds of questions should I ask the interviewer?
Ask questions that show genuine curiosity and cannot be easily answered by the college's website, such as questions about specific programs, campus culture, or the interviewer's own experience at the school.
What if I don't know what I want to major in?
That is completely normal. Focus on discussing your favorite subjects, what genuinely interests you academically, and any relevant experiences, rather than committing to a specific major you are not sure about.
How long should the thank-you note be?
It does not need to be long. A few sentences referencing specific parts of your conversation, along with a clear statement of continued interest in the school, is enough.
Looking for help as you navigate the college admissions process? Email College Bound's experts (Info@CollegeBound-md.com) today, or reach us at 301.765.7909 or through the contact form.
