Interview practice

What programs say about their own interviews

Verbatim guidance from each program’s own page. Read the whole page before you rely on it.

• Flinn ScholarshipFlinn Foundation

  Stage:

  Semifinalists (about 75); Finalists (about 35)

  Format:

  Semifinalists: virtual interview. Finalists: in-person interview with the Selection Committee.

  Timing:

  January 2027: Semifinalist interviews (virtual). March 2027: Finalist interviews at Flinn Foundation.

  • “If named one of about 75 Semifinalists, your name and high school will be made public in a Flinn Foundation announcement, and you will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.”
  • “If selected as one of about 35 Finalists, you will be invited to special visits at all three Arizona public universities before your in-person interview with the Selection Committee.”
  • “We do not provide information regarding an individual’s performance to applicants, their families, or their teachers and counselors, during or after our selection process.”

  Source: flinn.org/flinn-scholars/resources/faqs/

• Coca-Cola Scholars ProgramCoca-Cola Scholars Foundation

  Stage:

  Regional Finalists

  Format:

  final interview with Coke Scholar alumni and staff

  Timing:

  late January or early February

  • “From the ~1,200 Semifinalists, 250 will advance as Regional Finalists and will participate in a final interview with Coke Scholar alumni and staff in late January or early February.”
  • “Following interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited in April to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm selection as Coca-Cola Scholars.”

  Source: coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

• Cameron Impact ScholarshipBryan Cameron Education Foundation

  Stage:

  Finalists (approximately 100)

  Format:

  face-to-face interviews (typically at the Applicant’s high school)

  Timing:

  Fall of 2027

  • “The Selection Committee will select approximately 100 Finalists to receive face-to-face interviews in the Fall of 2027 (typically at the Applicant’s high school).”

  Source: bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship

• Ron Brown Scholar ProgramRon Brown Scholar Program

  Stage:

  semifinalists; Finalists

  Format:

  Conducted via Zoom (semifinalists). Finalists: invited to Washington, DC

  Timing:

  Finalists will be notified by early March

  • “Conducted via Zoom with semifinalists.”
  • “Interviewers include Ron Brown Scholar Program staff and the same group of external volunteers.”
  • “Finalists meet via Zoom with Ron Brown Scholar Program alumni, staff, and members of the National Selection Committee.”
  • “Finalists will be notified by early March and invited to Washington, DC, (we pay expenses) to be interviewed by the National Selection Committee.”

  Source: ronbrown.org/apply

• Coolidge ScholarshipCalvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation

  Stage:

  finalists

  Format:

  Finalist Interview Weekend, which takes place in Woodstock, Vermont and historic Plymouth Notch, Vermont

  Timing:

  Spring 2027

  • “Applicants who are named finalists will be contacted directly by phone and invited to Finalist Interview Weekend, which takes place in Woodstock, Vermont and historic Plymouth Notch, Vermont.”
  • “Travel and lodging costs will be covered for finalists and one parent to attend Finalist Weekend.”

  Source: coolidgescholars.org/selection-timeline/

• Service Academy Nomination, Arizona's 2nd Congressional DistrictOffice of Congressman Eli Crane

  Stage:

  applicants who have submitted a complete application package

  Format:

  Advisory Boards who will interview prospective nominees

  Timing:

  November or December

  • “To assist me in selecting the most qualified candidates, I have formed Advisory Boards who will interview prospective nominees in November or December.”
  • “Please be advised that interviews will only be scheduled for applicants who have submitted a complete application package to my office on or before the deadline.”
  • “In order to recommend an applicant for nomination, the Advisory Boards will consider SAT/ACT scores, coursework and GPA’s, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and personal interview ratings.”
  • “I therefore urge you to apply early to the Academy of your choice and satisfy the Academy requirements as expeditiously as possible.”

  Source: crane.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Academy-nomination-procedures.pdf

• Service Academy Nomination, Arizona's 6th Congressional DistrictCongressman Juan Ciscomani

  Stage:

  Qualified candidates

  Format:

  at the Congressman's Tucson District office

  • “The selection of these nominees will be determined by high school scholastic records, ACT/SAT test scores, letters of recommendations, and a personnel interview with our nominating committee.”
  • “Qualified candidates will be notified as far as possible in advance of their interview times.”

  Source: ciscomani.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/ciscomani.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2026-academy-application.pdf

• Service Academy Nomination, Arizona's 8th Congressional DistrictCongressman Abe Hamadeh

  Format:

  in-person interview with a nomination panel

  Timing:

  Interviews: Are in person and scheduled in early December.

  • “Candidates participate in an in-person interview with a nomination panel.”
  • “Questions typically assess motivation, character, leadership, knowledge of military service, and communication skills.”
  • “Professional business attire is expected.”
  • “Candidates should present themselves in a manner consistent with a future officer in the United States Armed Forces.”

  Source: hamadeh.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations

• Service Academy Nomination, Arizona's 1st Congressional DistrictCongressman Schweikert

  Stage:

  Applicants who submit a completed nomination file

  Timing:

  Typically interviews take place in October.

  • “Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview.”
  • “Your packet will not be considered or scheduled for interview if any items are missing.”
  • “Typically interviews take place in October.”

  Source: schweikert.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations/service-academy-nominations-faq

• Service Academy Nomination, Arizona's 4th Congressional DistrictRepresentative Greg Stanton

  Stage:

  Applicants who submit a completed nomination file

  Timing:

  late October or early November

  • “Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late October or early November.”

  Source: stanton.house.gov/military-academy-nominations

• U.S. Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer interviewUnited States Naval Academy

  Format:

  official interview with a Blue and Gold Officer

  Timing:

  upon receipt of their official candidate number

  • “An official interview with a Blue and Gold Officer is required to complete your application.”
  • “Blue and Gold Officers are volunteers comprised of Naval Academy graduates, parents of midshipmen or graduates, and civilians.”
  • “All candidates should contact their Blue and Gold Officer immediately upon receipt of their official candidate number.”
  • “The preferred communication method for most Blue and Gold Officers is email. Ensure the email address provided in your application is valid and checked regularly.”

  Source: usna.edu/Admissions/Apply/index.php

• U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer interviewUnited States Air Force Academy

  Format:

  conducted remotely using a virtual platform or as a last resort by telephone

  • “Treat this interview as a job interview as this is an important part of our holistic review.”
  • “Anticipate the interview to last 1.5 to 2 hours.”
  • “For the interview, candidates are required to find an interruption-free environment to allow for unhindered discussion.”
  • “No parent(s), guardian(s), or any other third party will be allowed in room/location or within earshot.”

  Source: usafa.edu/admissions/commitment/requirements/

• U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Field Force interviewUnited States Military Academy

  Format:

  interview with their representatives (your local Field Force representative)

  • “All applications must include an interview with their representatives.”
  • “You dress as you would for a job interview.”
  • “Come prepared to discuss why you want to attend West Point and why you make a good candidate for admission.”
  • “Your local Field Force representative is a great source of information and your advocate throughout the admission process.”

  Source: westpoint.edu/admissions/stay-informed-while-you-wait

• Army ROTC 4-year scholarship interview (USACC Form 159-R)U.S. Army Cadet Command

  • “The purpose of this interview is to assess your qualitative aspects and potential for a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship.”
  • “to provide PMS comments that indicate an 'eyes-on' observation of an applicant's composure, appearance, verbal communications skills, motivation and overall potential as assessed by the PMS”

  Source: armyrotc.army.mil/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/USACC-159-R-ROTC-Scholarship-Interview-Sheet-MAY-2022.pdf

• Tips for Interviews (National & International Scholarships and Fellowships)Northern Arizona University

  • “Share your award knowledge informally in day-to-day conversation.”
  • “Schedule at least 2 practice interviews in required format.”
  • “Record yourself on your phone and/or laptop.”
  • “Review the recording the next day and write three key points where to improve and three points where you performed well.”

  Source: in.nau.edu/nisf/tips-for-interviews/

• Personal Interviews (StartNow college guide)University of Arizona

  • “First impressions are critical.”
  • “If you are meeting in-person, you will want to do your best to dress the part.”
  • “Be sure to think about what questions you believe will be asked during the interview.”
  • “If comfortable, you may even ask what types of questions might be best to prepare for.”

  Source: startnow.arizona.edu/apply-for-college/personal-interviews