Ace Your College Interview: The Ultimate Guide to Asking the Right Questions
College interviews are a critical component of the admissions process, offering a unique opportunity for applicants to connect with the institution on a personal level. While many students focus primarily on answering questions, preparing thoughtful inquiries is equally important. This article delves into the art of asking insightful questions during college interviews, demonstrating genuine interest, intellectual curiosity, and a proactive approach to your education.
The Significance of Asking Questions
The college interview is a two-way street, a dialogue between the applicant and the institution. Asking meaningful questions demonstrates your commitment beyond surface-level research and showcases your academic interests while revealing information about the school's community. Interviewers appreciate students who engage thoughtfully and want to learn more about the institution. Asking insightful questions often leaves stronger impressions than simply answering what you are asked.
Preparing Effective Questions
Effective interview preparation involves developing questions that showcase your academic interests while revealing information about the school’s community. Practice talking through these questions beforehand, but avoid memorizing scripted responses. Natural conversations flow more effectively than rehearsed presentations.
Categories of Questions to Consider
To make the most of your college interview, consider preparing questions in the following categories:
Academic Programs and Research Opportunities
"Can you tell me more about the strengths of the academic programs related to my major?" This question allows the interviewer to highlight specific aspects of the department, faculty expertise, and unique learning experiences.
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"How does the college support undergraduate research opportunities?" This question demonstrates forward-thinking about your academic trajectory beyond college admission. Universities vary dramatically in their research accessibility for undergraduates. Some institutions integrate students into faculty projects from freshman year, while others reserve research opportunities for advanced students. Listen for specific examples during the interviewer’s response. Do faculty members actively recruit undergraduate researchers? Are there dedicated funding sources for student projects?
"What internship(s) does my major offer at the university?" If you’re unsure about how your course works in tandem with an internship, this is one of the good questions to ask at a university interview. It shows how serious you are in building your future career. The answers will also help you decide if the internship can help you achieve your goals or not.
Campus Culture and Student Life
"What is the campus culture like?" This inquiry addresses campus culture beyond what friends might describe in casual conversations. Educational environments significantly impact student well-being and success. Some colleges foster competitive atmospheres where students guard information and work in isolation. Your college interviewer’s response should include concrete examples of collaboration. Do students regularly form study partnerships? Are there peer tutoring programs?
"What is the weekend culture like?" This seemingly casual inquiry actually reveals crucial information about campus culture and social dynamics. Weekend patterns vary dramatically between institutions. Some campuses become ghost towns as students return home or travel to nearby cities. Understanding weekend culture helps you evaluate whether you would find satisfying social connections and feel comfortable spending four years in this environment.
"What academic and recreational clubs are available?" While academics remain central to college life, extracurricular activities often provide transformative experiences and leadership development opportunities. Different schools approach student organizations with varying levels of support and integration. Some maintain hundreds of active clubs with substantial funding and faculty involvement.
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Faculty and Mentorship
- "How accessible are professors outside of the classroom?" This question explores whether professors function as mentors or simply content deliverers. Exceptional professors write compelling recommendation letters, suggest internship opportunities, and introduce students to professional networks. When answering college interview questions like this, experienced interviewers often share specific mentorship stories.
Institutional Development and Future Plans
"How is the university adapting to societal changes?" This forward-looking question demonstrates your understanding that higher education continuously adapts to societal changes. Listen for specific examples of recent changes. Has the school introduced new academic programs? Updated technology resources? Revised policies based on student input?
"How does the university help students secure employment?" Being aware of the university’s career development services is crucial when choosing which school suits your goals best. Strong alumni networks provide tremendous career advantages, but not all institutions maintain these connections effectively. Some universities operate robust mentorship programs connecting current students with graduates in relevant professional fields. Others organize regular networking events or maintain active online communities.
Personal Insights and Advice
"What advice would you give to a student to make the most of their college experience?" This open-ended question invites your interviewer to share wisdom derived from observing successful students over time. Experienced interviewers have identified patterns among students who graduate with strong academic records, meaningful relationships, and clear career direction. Common recommendations might emphasize building faculty relationships, engaging early in campus activities, or utilizing specific programs unique to their institution.
"What was your favorite part of your college experience?" This personal question often generates authentic responses that reveal institutional character beyond official messaging. Most interviewers appreciate this shift toward personal conversation. Their responses frequently uncover authentic aspects of campus culture that don’t appear in promotional materials. These unexpected insights often prove more valuable than rehearsed institutional talking points.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- "What scholarship options are available?" If you’re looking to lighten your financial load, “What are the scholarship options available at this university?” is one of the good questions to ask at a university interview. If you don’t find any available scholarship offerings you’re eligible for, inquire about financial aid. What payment plans do they offer to their students? While you’re at it, you may also ask for advice on how to cover your expenses. What part-time jobs do the other students have?
Questions to Avoid
Questions that can be easily answered online: Avoid asking questions that can be quickly found through a simple Google search. This demonstrates a lack of preparation and genuine interest.
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Questions about your chances of admission: Questions like "Do you think I have a good chance of getting in?" are inappropriate and put the interviewer in an uncomfortable position.
Comparison questions: Avoid comparing the school to other institutions, as it can come across as disrespectful and unproductive.
Personal questions about the interviewer: Refrain from asking overly personal questions about the interviewer's academic performance, financial aid, or connections within the university.
Showcasing Demonstrated Interest
Demonstrated interest matters. Schools have different policies and definitions for demonstrated interest, but it is surprisingly important at a large number of selective institutions. Most schools are in a position where they have to admit more students than they know are going to ultimately enroll. Because of this, they look for ways to predict a student’s interest.
The Evaluative Nature of Interviews
I advise my Collegewise students to go into every interview with an understanding that it is evaluative, even if it’s explicitly stated that it is not. This mindset ensures they take the conversation seriously, put their best foot forward, and engage fully in all the ways it may benefit them. Whoever you’re speaking with has a deep connection to the college you’re interested in. They’re going to know who could be a great match.
Types of Interviews
Like so many things in college admissions, the interview experience you’re going to have totally depends on the school.
Admissions Officer: You’re likely to meet with the person assigned to your high school or region, who will know the most about you and review your application first.
Current student: Like talking to an older sibling or upper class student at school! They’re still going to ask you questions, but the conversation will be more informational.
In-person: Whether on campus or somewhere close to home, you’ll be sitting across from a real, live human and having a conversation.
Zoom: The pandemic made virtual interviews a lot more prolific.
Recorded videos: Many schools have opted to allow students to submit short testimonials in place of interviews, for the same goal of adding a more personal touch to an application. Some schools, like Wake Forest, will ask you to speak on a specific prompt.
General admission: The most common opportunity offered.
Specific academic program: If you’re applying to a specialized or accelerated program, you may be invited to do an interview.
Scholarships: If you’ve applied to or been selected for some institution-specific scholarships, you may need to do an interview.
Common Interview Questions
It’s unlikely that you’ll be told, or even be able to predict, every question that will be asked during your college interview. Colleges and individual interviewers are all going to do things slightly differently. Here are some of the most common questions:
Tell me about yourself: First impressions are made in seconds, right? Well, this common opening to interviews allows you, the interviewee, to set the tone for the rest of the conversation. They want to get to know you quickly, at a high level, so they can then ask related follow-up questions. Make sure you introduce the most important aspects of yourself, your interests, and your goals.
What classes are you taking this year?: This one should be obvious. You’re going to college to learn and earn a degree in something that interests you. They want to know what you enjoy learning and what you see yourself learning more of in the future. If you’re undecided on a major, that’s okay!
How do you spend your time outside of class?: In college, you spend less time in an actual classroom than you do in high school - maybe 12 hours a week compared to 7 hours a day. How you will spend the rest of your time when you’re not in class or studying is important to your overall college experience.
What are your strengths?: Now is the time to brag about yourself. Of course, there’s a difference between speaking honestly about your accomplishments and boasting in an arrogant manner. Walk that line closely.
Tell me about a time you faced a challenge.: By asking these kinds of questions, colleges are trying to evaluate and understand your social and emotional intelligence. These questions get to the heart of your self-awareness and self-management. Note: You only have to share what you’re comfortable with.
Why Our College?: This is probably the most important question you’re going to be asked in your interview. Just like you are ultimately hoping for that acceptance letter, colleges are also looking for students who know them, understand them, and want to be part of their community. “I want you to want me,” as Cheap Trick professed in their classic rock song from the 80s. Many students have to leave their expression of interest up to a short supplemental essay in their application, or the subjective opinion of the admission committee. Your interviewer is human, and they’re probably doing a lot of these interviews. Asking a quirky question helps keep the conversation fun and interesting. You don’t need to channel your stand-up comedian side or drop a deep philosophical revelation. You just need to be reflective, think about the question critically and creatively, and answer sincerely.
The Importance of Following Up
At Collegewise, we believe the admissions process allows for the growth and development of good humans as much as it is a means to an end of getting into college. And the life lessons here, after you’ve finished your college interview, are to show gratitude and cultivate relationships. Your interviewer gave of themself to benefit you. By following up, you’re not just being polite. You’re also reminding your interviewer who you are and what you’re all about, increasing the likelihood of them including positive feedback in your admission review and responding promptly if/when you reach out with more questions.
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