Schedule an interview. Few schools actually require an interview, and some, like Stanford, don’t even offer them. But most small and selective institutions recommend one. And unless you’re so painfully shy that you won’t be able to utter more than your name, go for it. Requesting an interview signals your sincere interest in the school–and colleges don’t want to accept students they think will turn them down.
Aim for face time with an admissions officer. Because of the sheer volume of applicants, most schools rely on alumni and even students to handle at least some interview requests; they insist that these interviews carry weight. But when a college is choosing the freshman class, it’s best to have an admissions officer in your corner. “An alumnus is not going to be making decisions on your application,” notes Katherine Cohen, author of “The Truth About Getting In.”
Relax. You’re not going to be raked over the coals or asked to name every American president whose first name began with a J. In fact, many experts describe the interview as a “marketing tool.” It’s an opportunity for the college to sell you on the school–not necessarily vice versa.
Be prepared. You won’t get very far if your attitude is “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Tulane.” It’s important to educate yourself about the institution and what it offers. Come armed with thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework and that reflect your interests. And please, don’t ask about the number of volumes in the library. “Who cares?” says Joyce Smith, executive director of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. “That sounds like the kind of question you’re supposed to ask.”
Bring up the bad news yourself. Your transcript is flawless–except for that string of C’s in your second semester of sophomore year. Don’t wait for the interviewer to ask about it. Tackle the sore spot head-on and put it in context. Your case of mono, a death in the family–you fill in the honest blank. “If you say, ‘I wanted to talk to you about my academic record during sophomore year,’ you then control the spin on the bad news,” notes Smith.
Be yourself. While you want to be clean and dress appropriately (no shorts and ragged T’s, thank you), you should come as you are, with a willingness to share personal information about yourself. “They want to get to know the real you,” says Cohen. If you feel you have to shroud your tattoos in long sleeves, perhaps you need to rethink whether the college is a good fit for you.
Bring your passion. Talk about what’s important to you with energy and enthusiasm. Demonstrations of a personal talent or interest may not hurt. “I remember one young person stood up during the interview and gave an extemporaneous debate,” says Nanette Tarbouni, director of admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. “At first I was a little discombobulated, but then I thought it was neat.” Yet this tactic could backfire, so proceed carefully. Ask the interviewer if he’d like to see a short performance before you pirouette across the office floor.
Remember your manners. It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: show up on time, shake hands nicely, make eye contact. And. Speak. In. Whole. Sentences. (Monosyllabic answers are a definite no-no.) Don’t forget to lose the gum. And turn off your cell phone. One Wellesley appli-cant made a lasting impression when she answered her ringing cell phone during the interview. “I don’t remember anything more about her other than that she talked on her cell phone during the interview,” says Jennifer Desjarlais, dean of admissions at Wellesley. Follow up with a thank-you note. It’s not only polite and respectful; a thank-you note is a great way to register your interest and keep the dialogue going right up until you get that acceptance.
