Thirty or forty years ago, it was not unusual for competitive colleges, universities and graduate schools to require all applicants to complete an interview with a staff member (or alumni volunteer).
Today, far fewer institutions mandate an interview, but a significant number do. And, although other institutions do not use the word "interview", they may evaluate applicants after meeting with them. In fact, at some institutions, even current students who come into contact with applicants may formally or informally record their opinions of them.
You would be well advised to assume that anything you say to an institutional representative may influence your admission decision. Here are ten ways to help yourself.
1. Never indicate that a college or graduate school is not your first choice: if you do, you may put your chance of admission at risk.
2. Act confidently and speak confidently about wanting to continue your education, your chosen field of study, and the degree program to which you are applying. Colleges, and especially graduate schools, are more likely to admit students without doubts. Do not speak with them about yours...that is what friends and family are for.
3. Dress appropriately for all meetings with institutional representatives.
4. Read the printed literature and websites of the institutions to which you are sending applications. Do not brand yourself as lazy by asking a question which can be answered after five minutes on the college/university website.
5. Never make a comment to a student tour guide or anyone else that you would not want the Dean of Admission to hear. If you do, he or she will.
6. There are good thank you notes and there are generic thank you notes. Send good ones to everyone you meet with for any length of time; admissions personnel, students, and faculty.
7. If a parent or spouse accompanies you on a campus visit...which in itself is fine...be sure they understand that they should never answer for you or sing your praises to institutional representatives. Nothing is more obnoxious.
8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.
9. Do not make statements that assume your admission, regardless of your qualifications. Humility is a virtue...if you don't have it, fake it until you do.
10. If possible, visit and interview with representatives of the institutions you are least interested in first. A little practice can help your performance with those which interest you most.
Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck. - 16752
Today, far fewer institutions mandate an interview, but a significant number do. And, although other institutions do not use the word "interview", they may evaluate applicants after meeting with them. In fact, at some institutions, even current students who come into contact with applicants may formally or informally record their opinions of them.
You would be well advised to assume that anything you say to an institutional representative may influence your admission decision. Here are ten ways to help yourself.
1. Never indicate that a college or graduate school is not your first choice: if you do, you may put your chance of admission at risk.
2. Act confidently and speak confidently about wanting to continue your education, your chosen field of study, and the degree program to which you are applying. Colleges, and especially graduate schools, are more likely to admit students without doubts. Do not speak with them about yours...that is what friends and family are for.
3. Dress appropriately for all meetings with institutional representatives.
4. Read the printed literature and websites of the institutions to which you are sending applications. Do not brand yourself as lazy by asking a question which can be answered after five minutes on the college/university website.
5. Never make a comment to a student tour guide or anyone else that you would not want the Dean of Admission to hear. If you do, he or she will.
6. There are good thank you notes and there are generic thank you notes. Send good ones to everyone you meet with for any length of time; admissions personnel, students, and faculty.
7. If a parent or spouse accompanies you on a campus visit...which in itself is fine...be sure they understand that they should never answer for you or sing your praises to institutional representatives. Nothing is more obnoxious.
8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.
9. Do not make statements that assume your admission, regardless of your qualifications. Humility is a virtue...if you don't have it, fake it until you do.
10. If possible, visit and interview with representatives of the institutions you are least interested in first. A little practice can help your performance with those which interest you most.
Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck. - 16752
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane is a veteran educator who has worked as a school counselor and a university dean. He also contributes to websites designed to help adults select
