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Questions to expect at your college interview

So, you have a college interview coming up … congratulations!

This in-person or online meeting with a representative of the school you’re considering is a great opportunity to showcase you: the person behind the application. And the best way for you to shine during your interview is by being honest, confident, and prepared.

In general, interview questions fall into three main categories: Who are you? Where are you going? Why this college/university? Be ready to respond to these questions by looking over the typically asked interview questions below:

1. Who are you?

• What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What people are most important to you? Who helped shape you into the person that you are today? Tell us about your family.
• What interests you? What are your passions?
• What have you liked and disliked about your high school? What classes have you most enjoyed?
• What extracurricular activities have you found most satisfying?
• What TV shows do you watch? What do you like to read?

2. Where are you going?
• What are your goals? What are your dreams?
• What do you envision for your life beyond college?
• What will you study in college? What will you major in?
• How do you see yourself developing over the next 10 years?
• In what areas do you need to grow? How will you challenge yourself?
• What do you want to get out of your college experience?
• What aspects of high school do you want to replicate in college?

3. Why [ ] College/University?
• What is it about your goals, interests, talents, and/or personal style that made you consider this school?
• What do you know about this college/university that signifies it would be a good match for you?
• How will this college/university help you reach your goals?
• What other schools are you considering and why?

Remember, the point of a college interview is for you to get to know more about the college and for them to get to know you. So, be yourself and you’ll do great!


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