Forty or fifty years ago, it was not uncommon for selective colleges, universities and graduate schools to require all applicants to complete an interview with a staff member or alumnus.
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 university is a back up choice. Institutions are far more likely to admit a student who is expected to enroll if admitted.
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. Would you believe I know of examples of students being denied admission because of inappropriate dress? I do.
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. Be aware that anything you say, including your comments to student tour guides or interviewers, may influence whether or not you are offered admission.
6. Send thank you notes to anyone who spends significant time with you. The less generic they sound, the better.
7. Feel free to bring immediate family members with you on campus visits. But, be sure they understand that they should not try to "sell" you or speak for you. There are few things admissions personnel or faculty find more objectionable.
8. Have a few good questions ready, preferably those which will demonstrate your interest and/or depth of thought.
9. Do not hard sell yourself. Humility and self-effacement are valued in the academic community.
10. Speak with and meet with representatives of your least favorite institutions first so you will be more practiced when you interview for your top choices.
Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck.
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 university is a back up choice. Institutions are far more likely to admit a student who is expected to enroll if admitted.
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. Would you believe I know of examples of students being denied admission because of inappropriate dress? I do.
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. Be aware that anything you say, including your comments to student tour guides or interviewers, may influence whether or not you are offered admission.
6. Send thank you notes to anyone who spends significant time with you. The less generic they sound, the better.
7. Feel free to bring immediate family members with you on campus visits. But, be sure they understand that they should not try to "sell" you or speak for you. There are few things admissions personnel or faculty find more objectionable.
8. Have a few good questions ready, preferably those which will demonstrate your interest and/or depth of thought.
9. Do not hard sell yourself. Humility and self-effacement are valued in the academic community.
10. Speak with and meet with representatives of your least favorite institutions first so you will be more practiced when you interview for your top choices.
Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck.
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