Inspire Your Interviewer to Advocate for You

I sometimes conduct admission interviews for the college I attended. I love the rich, rewarding conversations I have with applicants.

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Based on this experience, I've gathered suggestions for students who will participate in college admission interviews. Of course, there's a ton of excellent advice out there from others. Check it out.

 

As you prepare, follow the suggestions that inspire your curiosity, your enthusiasm, and your willingness to challenge yourself. 

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Community

 

This is my general advice as you begin to prepare: think of each of your college applications as a request to join a community. The elements of your applications -- the forms, the essays, the recommendations, the interviews -- are all opportunities to help admission officers see why they want you in the community they're creating.

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Every applicant I've interviewed was smart. But the students who inspired me most -- many I still vividly recall years later -- showed me in our conversation that were also ready to contribute to and benefit from an intellectual and social community. These applicants compelled me to advocate for their admission.

 

I've written these tips to help you inspire your interviewer to do the same.

 

Whatever prep you do or don't do before your interview, aim to show your interviewer who you are and why they should urge the admission office to invite you to join their community.

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A Note for Applicants to Graduate and Professional Schools

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The role of and process for graduate and professional school admission interviews varies widely between fields and institutions. 

 

These tips are for students applying to undergraduate colleges and universities.