Interviewing Tips for Students
By Ivy Brewer - Faculty
Personal interviews do not play as large a part as they once did in the college admission process. Many institutions do not give interviews, while others use alumni to conduct their interviews for them. Except at a few selective schools, the interview is more informational for the student than evaluative for the college.
Regardless, if you will be having a personal interview, there are a few points to keep in mind:
1) Be on time.
2) Dress neatly, conservatively and comfortably. As a general guideline, the style of your every-day Darlington uniform would be appropriate.
3) Do your homework. Read through the catalog and admission materials so that you will not ask obvious questions (like, does the school offer English as a major). Create a list of questions for the interviewer to help keep the conversation flowing.
4) Have an agenda. You should have in mind what you would like the interviewer to know about you.
5) Be prepared to defend your answers.
6) Be sincere. It’s acceptable to pause to contemplate an answer or even to say, “I don’t know.” Remember that it is likely that the interviewer has conducted many interviews in the past, so don’t try to “snow” them.
7) You may ask them how strong a candidate you are, though you may not get anything more than an estimate.
8) Take an unofficial copy of your transcript along and your activity résumé to leave with the interviewer.
9) Before you leave, make sure that you get the name and address of your interviewer with the correct spelling and salutation (Ms, Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc.). A business card should have all of the pertinent information.
10) Write a thank-you note promptly when you get home.
If you would like to practice for a college interview, please schedule a mock interview session with Mr. Moss or Ms. Brewer in Darlington’s College Guidance Office.
