I field a lot of questions form the families I work with about the college interview process. Parents wonder why they can’t book an interview along with the campus tour and students ask, “do colleges even offer interviews anymore?”
Believe it or not, some colleges still offer interviews. Some are informational, others are evaluative. Some are with alumni in person or via Zoom, others happen on campus or virtually with students or even admissions reps.
It is imperative that applicants check each college website to determine if the colleges they are applying to offer interviews and the process required to request them. And the time is NOW!
Students should begin by checking each college’s admissions website or portal for instructions, as schools have different procedures—some will contact applicants automatically, while others expect students to request interviews directly. For example, Tufts or the University of Pennsylvania, have a “we’ll contact you” policy, while others like Swarthmore or the University of Chicago expect students to reach out.
Be mindful of deadlines and act early since interview slots can fill up quickly, especially at the more popular colleges. Most interviews take place from late summer through the fall of senior year, but some can be scheduled as early as summer before senior year and as late as February.
Why are interviews important? For those interviews that are evaluative, it is another opportunity to shine. If they are informational, it is an opportunity to ask specific questions about the college. In both instances, applicants are “demonstrating interest” by engaging with the college through this format.
To prepare for a college interview, students should plan to dress “business casual,” be prompt and prepare questions in advance!
