Campus Interviews

If a college or university of interest offers interviews, students should take advantage of this opportunity.

Plan Ahead - When decisions are made about campus visits, students should call and arrange an interview. Interview slots fill up quickly, particularly during other school breaks.

Dress Comfortably but Neatly - Wayland dress code is appropriate. You will likely be walking around campus on the tour for an hour, so wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Be Punctual - Try to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before a scheduled interview, but no more than 30 minutes before an interview. Sometimes tours run long so students should ask how long a tour will take and if they should leave early to get back for an interview.

Relax - Interview styles vary among colleges and interviewers, but in general they are relaxed. Interviewers are not out to trip up students or ask “gotcha” questions. Although they may use the interview to evaluate a student, they are also trying to present their school favorably.

Make Eye Contact - Students should not stare directly into an interviewer's eyes, but rather look at his or her face. Avoid gazing around the room or staring at the floor.

Follow Up - It is wise for a student to get their interviewer's business card and send a thank-you note within three days of a visit.

Be Open, Be Yourself - Interviews are an opportunity for schools to get to know a students beyond their grades and standardized test scores.

Be prepared - Practice with likely questions, but avoid preparing “canned” responses. Student should also research schools beforehand and prepare thoughtful questions for their interviewer.

Questions students might be asked during a college interview:

  • How is the summer/junior year/senior year going?
  • What are your summer plans?
  • What's your school like?
  • Who are your favorite teachers and why?
  • Favorite subjects? Why? (Don't say, "I like it because I do well in that subject.")
  • Favorite books or authors and why?
  • Describe a research project or paper you have worked on. How'd you pick the topic? What was the most interesting thing you learned?
  • Extracurricular activities? What's your favorite, why?
  • If in athletics: how did the season go? Interested in playing in college?
  • What activities do you think you will pursue in college?
  • What are you thinking about majoring in? Career plans?
  • Describe family: Brothers/sisters? Older? What was their college search like? What's their advice on the process?

**Be prepared for follow-up questions on anything you say**

Special Situations

Alumni Interviews - These can vary widely! Some are very relaxed while others are extremely formal; it often depends on age of the interviewer. It is better to dress up. Boys should wear a tie and jacket. It is wise to keep in mind that alumni interviewers can be loyal to their alma mater and may be offended if other schools come up in the discussion.

Student Interviewers - Many schools cannot fill all interview requests using just admission officers, so they supplement their staff with student interviewers. They are usually seniors who have gone through a rigorous screening and training process. Whether or not a student is assigned an admission officer has nothing to do with the quality of his or her application or how interested the school is; it is simply a matter of availability. Interviews with student interviewers carry just as much weight as interviews with admission officers. Treat them with respect. Students should avoid cursing, using slang and talking about inappropriate topics, no matter who is interviewing them.