A college interview is a conversation about fit — not a test you can fail. With a little prep, you can be specific, curious, and yourself. Here's how to get ready, what to expect, and how to follow up.
Before the interview
Research the school deeply — specific programs, values, and a few concrete reasons it fits you.
Know your own application cold, and prepare two or three real stories you can tell about yourself.
Have three thoughtful questions ready; great questions show genuine interest more than any answer.
Questions you'll likely hear
Tell me about yourself. Why this school? What would you contribute to our community?
A challenge you overcame, a time you led, or something you're proud of — have specifics ready.
What are you reading, curious about, or excited to study? Show what genuinely interests you.
During the conversation
Be authentic and specific — it's a conversation about fit, not an interrogation.
Listen, take a beat to think, and answer honestly; you don't need a perfect, rehearsed line.
Show genuine enthusiasm for the school and the chance to learn there.
After
Send a short, specific thank-you note within a day, mentioning something you discussed.
Most college interviews are evaluative-but-low-stakes or purely informational — don't over-stress.
Reflect on what you learned about the school; the interview helps you choose, too.
It's a conversation about fit — be specific and yourself
Interviewers aren't trying to trip you up; they want to know who you are and whether the school fits you. Prepare a few real stories and good questions, then relax into a genuine conversation. Specific and authentic beats polished and generic every time.