Ace Your College Interview

November 1, 2025

Four Steps to a Successful College Interview

The college admissions interview is a great opportunity to add color and depth to the basic facts of your application and help you stand out from other applicants. It also gives you the chance to ask questions that can help you decide if the college is right for you. With a little preparation, you can ace your college interview and tip the scales of acceptance in your favor.

Interviews may be required as part of the application process, optional for interested students, or not offered at all. While they can feel intimidating, they are not meant to make you feel uncomfortable. Instead, they’re a chance for both you and the school to learn more about each other. Because interviews almost always work in your favor, if a college you’re interested in offers one, take advantage of it!

1. Connect with your admissions counselor
   1. Colleges assign each applicant an admissions counselor, usually based on the region of the U.S. they come from. This information is typically listed on the college’s admissions page but if you can’t find it, call and ask. Early in your research, before your interview, reach out to your assigned counselor by email or phone with specific questions or concerns you have about the college, but avoid asking about information you can easily find on the college’s website. Making an early connection not only improves your chances of acceptance, but it can also make an in-person interview feel more relaxed.
2. Prepare!
   1. Research the college before your visit. You’ll feel more relaxed in the interview, get the information you need to properly assess the college, and make a stronger impression.
      1. Know a few facts about the college
         1. Look up the college’s history and learn what it’s proud of—unique programs, notable alumni, state-of-the-art facilities, special annual events, awards, an arboretum, high graduation rates, or strong student-faculty research programs. Prepare to discuss a few of these to show you’re genuinely interested.
      1. Artfully point out the ways you and the school are a good fit
         1. Identify aspects of the college and its culture that match well with your personal strengths and interests. For example, the school’s strong varsity and club sports scene might match your love of athletics. Or their commitment to green buildings could fit with your passion for sustainability, their speaker series might feature authors you like, or their weaving studio could support your interest in fiber arts.
      1. Ask thoughtful questions
         1. Research academic, extracurricular, and student life programs. Thoughtful questions might include:
            • How many freshmen participate in faculty research?
            • Are cultural events well-attended by students?
            • Do many students go home on weekends?
            • Is it hard to get the classes you need when you study abroad?
            • How easily can you take advantage of opportunities in the surrounding area?
      1. Give thoughtful answers
         1. Be ready to talk about who you are—as a student and a person—and what you hope to get from your college experience. Expect questions about your time in high school, your reasons for going to college, why you’re interested in their college, how others might describe you, and people who have influenced you. You don’t need to have all the answers, and it’s okay to say you are unsure or undecided about something. But spending time thinking about these questions in advance can help you feel more confident and relaxed during the interview.
3. Polish the Small Stuff
   1. First impressions matter, and the little details can make a big difference:
      • Dress like you care. You don’t need a suit, but avoid looking sloppy. Clean, neat clothes (no stains, holes, or flip-flops) show you put in the effort.
      • Be on time. Arriving a little early is way better than cutting it close.
      • Maintain eye contact when speaking with your admissions counselor. It’s normal to be nervous, but try to be attentive to show genuine interest.
      • Bring good energy. Be yourself, stay positive, and show enthusiasm.
      • Watch your body language. Sit up and stay engaged. Good posture and eye contact make a strong impression.
4. Follow up!
   1. Always send a quick thank-you note after your interview. Mention something specific you liked about the conversation. It is entirely appropriate to contact the counselor later with new questions or to continue a conversation about a topic that came up during your interview.
   2. Remember that college interviews are your friend and almost always give you an advantage in the admissions process. If—after you’ve prepared, connected, and followed up—you do apply to the school, your admissions counselor is more likely to remember you and see your application as serious.