College Knowledge: How to Stand-Out in Your College Interview

By Darby Baham 

The end of February is almost here! And I know you’re excited because you’ve taken your SATs and ACTs, submitted your college applications, and applied for FAFSA. But the grind to getting into your top choice college is not quite over yet.  For many of you, the next step will involve the dreaded college interview. To make things easier and to ensure your interview leaves a lasting and great impression, be sure to follow some of these rules to stand out from the crowd.

Dress to Impress

Remember: this is not an interview to work at your favorite retail store at the mall 5 minutes from your home. This is the interview that could make or break your chances of getting into your number one school (no pressure!), so you have to act like you know its importance. Dressing  to impress means wearing your best suit (renting/borrowing one if necessary), making sure your clothes fit (they are clean and wrinkle free), your shoes are polished, and that you are groomed to perfection (hair is cut/styled, nails are low, tattoos are covered, etc… - the small details count here).

Know information about the college/university

You want to know everything about the guy/girl you like so, why wouldn’t you do the same for the college you want to attend? Take the time to do your research before you step into that interview. This is your chance to decide if this is really where you want to spend the next 4 years of your life.  You should be prepared to ask questions about items not found on the website. 

Be able to answer WHY you want to attend their college

It sounds simple enough, but it catches people off guard all the time. This answer should be sincere, but knowledgeable. If you have a personal connection to the school, don’t be afraid to mention that. Just don’t mention the great basketball or football team as your reason – unless you’re going to the school on scholarship to play on one of those teams, that won’t help you gain any points.  

*Extra Tip: if you really do love the sports team your future college offers give an example of why it’s important for you to attend (i.e. mentioning a potential career path in sports etc). Whatever you do, however, make it count. 

Be the best “YOU” you can be

Once you’ve prepared and researched, all that’s left is to show your interviewers who you are. There’s nothing more intriguing and inspiring than to just watch someone be honest and vulnerable about his or her ambitions and desires. This is your chance to make an impression, but it’s not worth anything if it’s not about you.

Be on Time

It’s also not worth anything if you’re late, so make sure the best “you” is an on-time “you.”