Six Tips to Nail Your College Interview, According to Admissions Counselors
The college interview is one of the best ways for you to get to know a university and for admissions counselors to get to know you, but not every interview at every college will be exactly alike. At St. Lawrence, we're excited to learn more about you, and we hope you're excited to meet us, too!
First things first—you'll start by scheduling a time (virtually or on campus) to connect with someone from our Admissions team. We like to think of our interviews as conversations, and we want you to feel comfortable being yourself. You'll discuss your academic interests, how you spend your time outside of the classroom, and the experiences you've had in high school. You'll also be able to ask your own questions, so we encourage you to think about what's important in your college search and what you hope your college experience might include.
Here are six things you can do ahead of time to help you feel as prepared and comfortable as possible:
1. Organize your thoughts.
Make sure you don't forget to share something that’s important to you. Make a list of your accomplishments, interests, and activities. You may also want to brainstorm the characteristics of your ideal college.
2. Think critically about your academic experience so far.
What classes have you liked? Where have you felt challenged? What are you excited to learn more about in college?
3. Dress your best.
Wear an outfit that will add to your confidence and helps you feel comfortable while making a great first impression.
4. Be ready to talk about yourself!
This is your chance to brag, share your interests and achievements, and add to your application file with a personal touch. Be prepared to elaborate.
5. Ask questions.
Bring questions for your interviewer, and don't hesitate to ask them! Questions show that you’re invested in the school at which you’re interviewing, that you’ve done some research, and that you’re eager to learn more. Here are a few you might consider:
- How soon can I start to do research?
- Which off-campus study program would be best for my desired major?
- How does the Center for Career Excellence help students find internships?
At St. Lawrence, answering thoughtful questions from curious students is one of the best parts of our job–fire away!
6. Think of the interview as a conversation.
Counselors aren’t trying to test or stump you, they just want to get to know you and the things that genuinely excite you about the next four years. Bring your passions.
Ready to get in touch? You can schedule an interview, connect with a current student, take a virtual tour, or attend a virtual info session. Our Admissions team can’t wait to help you discover a great adventure at St. Lawrence!