John Gursky, of Baldwinsville, N.Y., has worked in the St. Lawrence admissions office as an Admissions Management Assistant, summer intern and tour guide.  The senior class president, he studied in France in spring 2005 and in Senegal last January. “The interview is your chance to ask questions and have them answered by the most knowledgeable people on campus – which will help you narrow down your college list.”

Don’t Be Nervous!
Stressing over the college interview is one thing that shouldn’t be on your to-do list.

By John Gursky ’07

So, you’ve scheduled your first college interview and are sitting in the waiting room.  What should you expect?

Don’t be nervous!  Most colleges use this as a time to get to know you and your interests, both academic and otherwise.  But, don’t forget that the interview is equally valuable to you.  This is your chance to ask questions and have them answered by the most knowledgeable people on campus – which will help you narrow down your college list.  Don’t think of the interview as a test where you have to answer every question correctly.  Let your personality show when asking and answering questions!  It’s refreshing for interviewers to have students who act like themselves and are relaxed. 

As a student who has worked in St. Lawrence’s admissions office since my first year, I’ve sat in on a few interviews. They are fairly informal.  Interviewers like to ask open-ended questions: “What do you like to do in your free time?”  “How do you think your teacher would describe you?”  “What is your favorite book/car/movie/sport/academic subject?”  You will be asked the basic questions, too, such as your current courses, whether you have a part-time job, what classes you enjoy, what you might want to major in, and others.  At some colleges, including St. Lawrence, interviewers will invite your family to join you at the end and ask any questions they may have.  At St. Lawrence, interviews usually last around forty-five minutes.

Interviews are not always required– it all depends on the school (be sure to check on the school’s admissions web page for details).  It’s also common to combine an interview with a campus tour.  Be sure to call ahead and make sure tours are offered the day of your interview.  Don’t just walk around the campus on your own with a map – take the extra time and go on the tour!  Tours led by students, as at St. Lawrence, offer yet another perspective that your interviewer can’t provide to you.

Having worked in admissions throughout my college career, I have come up with some interviewing tips for you.  Some of these may seem obvious, but remembering the simple things can make a huge difference. 

Dress appropriately.  Don’t wear a three-piece suit or your prom dress, but don’t look like you just rolled out of bed, either.  Guys – ironed khaki pants, a sweater or collared shirt, and a tie if you want.  Girls – a nice blouse, slacks or a skirt.  Don’t walk into the office with mud-caked sneakers, revealing shirts or shorts, or sweat pants.  Think what this says about you!

Bring a résumé and notebook.  Have something to hand to your interviewer – it doesn’t have to be as elaborate as a résumé, but something with your contact information, high school, areas of interest, and activities you’ve participated in.  And bring something to write on.  Your interviewer will provide you with more information than you will probably be able to remember, so write it down!  He or she will be impressed that you’re organized and serious about your college search.

Be on time.  If you are lost or running late, call the admissions office and let them know.  Be sure to have the number with you in case of an emergency.

Turn off your cell phone!  The worst thing that could happen is your phone going off in the middle of your interview or tour…

Spit out the gum!  There is nothing more distracting than trying to have a conversation while watching someone chewing on gum or candy.

Be polite.  This is key to a successful interview, and very easy to do.  Just remember these four basic things: greet your interviewer or counselor with a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile, and have good posture.

Ask questions.  Nine times out of ten your interviewer will ask you more than once: “Do you have any questions?”  If you don’t, ask something – even if you know the answer.  If you say you don’t have any questions, you might come across as uninterested.  It’s a good idea to write down some questions ahead of time, as “back-up.”

Follow up with a thank-you note.  Make sure you remember the name of your interviewer and send him or her some sort of a short thank-you soon after your interview. 

Good luck with your interviews and college visits!