How to Approach the College Admissions Interview
- CACG
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
High school is filled with rites of passage as individuals transition from childhood to adulthood: getting a driver’s license, discovering personal interests and strengths, forming lifelong friendships, taking the SAT or ACT, and yes, interviewing.
At this stage of life, students are beginning to explore employment opportunities and apply to colleges, often for the first time. This naturally raises the question: what do future employers or college admissions counselors actually want to know during an interview?
Your story.
Who are you? Where do you come from? What matters to you? What are your strengths, and where are you still growing? As you set out into the world, the world wants to know who YOU are.
During an admissions interview, many questions touch on these themes, though one often rises above the rest: Why are you interested in this school? Of all the places you could choose to study, why are you interested in this specific program? Why do you believe it is a good fit for you? How will it help you get to where you want to be? What will you bring to the community?
College interviews are not designed to trick or intimidate you. Instead, they are an opportunity to add depth and dimension to your application, to reflect on your experiences, and to practice telling your story with clarity and confidence. Interviewing is ultimately a skill, not a personality trait. It’s an opportunity for you to show the interviewer you have spent time thinking about who you are and where you want to go in your own words. So, here are some major points and tips to keep in mind for your next interview:
1. You are the expert of you
No one knows you better than yourself (…except maybe your parents). How do you know when you feel confident about something? How do you know when you love something? How do you know when you need help? No interviewer can tell you these things or stump you on yourself. Be open and honest and let your interviewer get to know the real you - quirks, dreams, strengths, opportunities for growth.
2. There is strength in asking for a moment and for clarification
Myth: You are expected to have perfect answers ready and deliver them instantly.
Reality: No one expects you to have all the answers, especially not on the spot. Thoughtful responses take time, and interviewers know that.
An interview is not a race. There are no bonus points for answering quickly. In fact, rushing often leads to misunderstanding the question, saying something you did not fully mean, or forgetting to say what’s truly important.
Taking a moment before responding shows composure, intention, and maturity. That is often far more impressive than a quick, knee-jerk response that may or may not be your best work.
Here are a few simple ways to slow things down:
Ask for a moment to think
“I appreciate that question. I need a second to organize my thoughts.”
“I haven’t been asked that before. Let me take a moment to think.”
Ask for clarification
“Could you repeat the question? I want to make sure I understand it correctly.”
“I’m not sure I’m following. Could you rephrase that?"
“To make sure I’m understanding, are you asking [insert clarification]?”
Make sure you b r e a t h e
Take an intentional moment… maybe two! Our mind follows our breath. So, if you can slow down your breath, you can slow down your thoughts. If you can slow down your thoughts, you can be more thoughtful about what you want to say or do.
Remember, if you don’t understand the question, ask for clarification. This is not a weakness. It shows that you care about giving a thoughtful answer and that you are engaged in the conversation. The only question that works against you is the one you do not ask.
3. Practice and prepare responses for questions that are often asked during admissions interviews
Generally, this is a basic flow of a college admission interview:
Tell me about yourself
What’s going on in your life or school right now?
What are your main passions, hobbies, interests, etc.?
What is a moment of adversity that you faced, and how did you overcome it? (The HOW is what’s important)
Why are you interested in applying to this school? (Arguably the most important question)
Any questions for the interviewer?
A good interview might be having responses to each of the questions. A great interview is being able to weave common themes or lessons unique to your experience between all these questions (aka your story). Also, the questions you ask the interviewer are a great way to show them you have spent time researching the school and any particular programs of interest to you! We’ll cover this more in the next section.
4. Ask purposeful questions
Towards the end of the conversation, your interviewer will ask if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate informed interest by asking thoughtful questions that show genuine engagement by referencing specific programs, academic offerings, or campus opportunities that align with your interests. Thoughtful, well-informed questions not only deepen the conversation but also indicate curiosity, preparation, and a sincere interest in the school. You should take time to prepare these ahead of time, and if you can, do some research on your interviewer, too. You might identify some overlaps in interests, and this can help inform your questions.
5. Presentation
"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." It's about choosing an outfit or setting that makes you feel confident, polished, and ready to take on any opportunity. Just because you are dressing for a professional situation doesn't mean you can't express yourself through your clothing! It's all about making sure you are communicating the right message - your message. Who are YOU?
This is more than just clothing though; we are talking about overall presentation and delivery. If you were interviewing someone to join your family, would you want someone engaged, curious, and present, or someone apathetic, distracted, and unprepared?
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.” Think about how it feels when we feel heard and seen by another person. We likely feel comfortable, appreciated, and open. Offer this to others, and they will likely offer it back.
Here are some things to keep in mind during your interview:
If your interview is in person
All electronic devices (phone, smartwatch, tablet, etc.) should be on silent
Avoid fidgeting, playing with your hair, etc., as this can take away from what you’re saying
Be mindful of eye contact and body language (e.g. leaning in and facing forward = engaged vs. sitting back and looking around = unengaged)
If your interview is on Zoom
All electronic devices (phone, Apple Watch, iPad, etc) should be on silent
Make sure you are in an environment with limited distractions
Be seated in an upright chair and avoid swivel chairs! Sometimes we unconsciously swivel back and forth and this can be distracting
Aim to have a clear background and test to make sure you have a stable internet connection
Put a note on the door and let everyone know to not interrupt you for the duration of the interview
Do not read off your screen, instead make eye contact throughout the conversation - it’s obvious when you’re not looking at the camera
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be confident and yourself. Remember, an interview is not about being perfect but rather it’s about being present, reflective, and authentic. When you take the time to understand your own story, you give others the chance to understand it too. If you are interested in working further with CACG on interview preparation, we would be happy to support you in refining your story and building confidence as you prepare for interviews!