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From the College Office   Statement of Purpose   
 

College Counseling:
Essentials of the College Interview

1. Plan Ahead. Make firm interview appointments by phone as far in advance as practicable. Arrive 15 minutes early. Know whether your tour is before or after the interview; have the tour first if possible (you'll have more questions to ask the interviewer). Two visits per day are realistic; more are not. Try to leave yourself time to look around, sample the food, and talk to students on your own as well. Summer is the best time to see a number of colleges on your own schedule and get your interviews done. Fall, when campus life is in full swing, is the best time to get a real sense of what it's like to live there by going for an overnight visit.

2. Know the Basics. Review the first few pages of the catalog or the viewbook before you arrive so as to avoid asking questions that anyone sincerely interested in the college should know. (Is this a co-ed school? How many students go here? Do you offer Biology?)

3. Prepare a few good questions. They needn't be profound (see our list of suggestions) but they should be items of interest to you that aren't obviously answered by the catalog. It is perfectly alright to ask about social, athletic, and other non-academic matters, but including a couple of probing academic questions will make the best overall impression. All colleges are looking for interested, curious students.

4. Know Thyself. Your interviews will probably be mostly about you. Do some thinking and listing in advance about yourself and what you want in and from your college. Being ready to deal with a sudden question like "What's really special about you?" can leave you and the admission person with the feeling that you had a great interview. See our list for ideas.

5. Present Yourself. The real you (cleaned, polished version) is what you want to present to each college. You needn't overdress nowadays, but dirt, rags, and sloppiness must be avoided. Neat + Natural = Your Best Presentation. Speaking of "natural", it is perfectly natural to be nervous. But don't get overstressed. It's just a conversation; in most cases it will have no effect on a college's admission decision. Speak clearly, without rushing. Make regular eye-contact with your interviewer when speaking and listening (but don't stare interminably). Think before you answer questions, then respond fully -- avoid one-word answers. Be confident but not cocky; "I don't know" is an OK answer when you really don't. So relax! -- and have a nice little talk about a couple of subjects you both care about: a good candidate and a good college. Remember: the best possible interview is the one you actually enjoy.

6. It's a two-way street. This is your best chance to be an individual in this process. It's also the college's best chance to impress you: to become your #1. You are judging them just as much as they are evaluating you -- probably more so.