Although the thought of attending college is pretty thrilling, the admissions process is not that simple. Every college has a complex and thorough application process. Some colleges offer entrance exams, some conduct interviews, and some hold both exams and interviews.
While most students have experience giving exams, interviews are uncharted territory. Here are 5 simple tips you could follow to ace your college admissions interviews.
1. Research and read about the institution beforehand
Make sure that you can demonstrate that you have done your research. Asking about available courses, student-teacher ratios, extracurricular activities, clubs, etc. will just take up the interviewer’s time. Most universities provide websites with useful questions that will help you with any first queries you might have. “One should be aware of the question, “Why am I taking this course? Knowing the course’s fundamentals and some practical information or recent advancements can aid you in the interview.
2. Review your application material
Your application materials may be used by the interviewers to start a conversation with you. Review your application materials so they are still fresh in your mind when you are being interviewed. It is always nice to go through your essays, certificates, and transcripts.
3. Pay attention to grooming
Dress professionally for your college interview. Make sure your clothing is business casual/professional and avoid overdressing. In order to find out more about what is appropriate to wear, speak with the college’s admissions office. Make sure your hair is combed neatly and they do not fall over your face.
4. Practice some questions that you think can be asked
There are a few common inquiries you might anticipate hearing: Why do you wish to attend this university? What benefits do you hope to get out of college? You chose this course for what reasons? What are your biggest assets and weaknesses? By responding intelligently, you can entirely control how the interview will go. When asked about your favourite sport, the interviewer is likely to follow up by asking you about a notable athlete who played that sport. Make sure to do some research beforehand. You don’t have to memorise your responses, but you should consider the questions in advance so you’ll have some discussion topics.
5. Use intelligent language, but be yourself
refrain from concluding sentences with phrases like “you know?” or “right?” You can have a casual discussion with the interviewer, but pay attention to how you phrase your phrases. Say “I genuinely aim to make a positive difference in people’s lives through my efforts” rather than “I want to change the world.” It sounds more sophisticated. Be honest as you describe your accomplishments and strengths. Avoid going into great detail or lying about your strengths, or listing too many weaknesses. Be natural and do not overdo it.
Prepare for college interviews with Rostrum:
Rostrum Education helps students apply to the colleges of their dream abroad. We guide our students through the entire application process, starting with shortlisting universities to writing essays. Interviews are a fairly difficult aspect of the application process for most students. At Rostrum we help you prepare for the interviews by giving you a set of questions to practice. We conduct mock interviews while also providing feedback for improvement. Contact us for a free session today!
