College Interview - The Do’s and Don’ts

 Lets first review what college interviewer see as the major reasons to reject someone, and what they genuinely dislike in an applicant. The first thing, seems to me like the one that makes most sense, is lack of interest or any enthusiasm, if an interviewer feels that you are not interested in getting into this college, chances are low he will approve of you.

Second place is surprising, and you should take note of this, since most people do not think that this may be a major reason for failing your college interview, interviewers will give poor rates for an applicant who’s appearance is untidy, or unsuitable. You can review our section on how to dress for a college interview and be prepared. You will not find college with poorly dressed academic staff. Third is lack of ability to communicate clearly, it is important that you speak slowly, and use a soft voice, do not rush into answering and remember that even if you have a golden answer to this question, the interviewer still has to hear it – and understand it. Next is your application form, an incomplete or sloppy application may cost you your college place, sometimes it is during an interview that someone notices that you left something out, or made a mistake, if you have indeed made some kind of a mistake be prepared to try and repair the damage while in your college interview. If you find college interview a challenge you will have to work hard in the next three years…

Number six is, not showing up on time, I do not think I should explain this, lets just think about this next situation, 4 professors, in their fifties, have a full day of college interviews, they decided to eat sandwiches instead of lunch in order to get one more applicant in, and this person is 15 minutes late. Think about it. And don’t let this person be you. Arriving late makes a strong negative first impression and will raise questions in the interviewer’s mind about your reliability and punctuality. Always ask for directions to the interview site, find college, and double-check a map so that you know where you are going. Don’t forget to allow extra time for traffic and other unforeseeable events. Last point is the negative attitude one, some applicants like to complain (about teachers, school, financial aid, life in general) this is a big no no, do not complain, do not start accusing someone that these people do not, and will never, know. Keep a positive attitude, and find good things to say, if you don’t have anything good to say, better say nothing (very important rule my mother taught me).

The good thing about all these points is, if you managed to not do any of them, you have already increased your chances of getting in, getting into college is very much a competitive effort, the college will pick out the best applicants, you want to be one of them. If will have an advantage over all the others that had done one or more things from the point we reviewed above.