The following Information was taken from About.com Guide written by Allen Grove
College Interview Questions
12 Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer in Your College Interview
Most college interview questions are meant to help you and the interviewer find out if the college
is a good match for you. Rarely will you get a question that puts you on the spot or tries to make
you feel stupid. Remember, the college is trying to make a good impression too. Use the
interview to show off your personality in ways that aren't possible on the application.
Below are some typical questions and some suggestions for answering them.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This question seems easier than it is. How do you reduce your whole life to a few sentences?
And it's hard to avoid commonplace answers like "I'm friendly" or "I'm a good student." Of
course you want to demonstrate that you're friendly and studious, but try also to say something
memorable here that really makes you different from other college applicants. Can you hold
your breath longer than anyone in your school? Do you have a huge collection of Pez
dispensers? Do you have unusual cravings for sushi? Read more tips for this question...
2. Why are you interested in our college?
Be specific when answering this, and show that you've done your research. Also, avoid answers
like "I want to make a lot of money" or "Graduates of your college get good job placement." You
want to highlight your intellectual interests, not your materialistic desires. What specifically about
the college distinguishes it from other schools you're considering? Read more tips on this
question...
3. What can I tell you about our college?
You can almost guarantee that your interviewer will provide an opportunity for you to ask
questions. Make sure you have some, and make sure your questions are thoughtful and specific
to the particular college. Avoid questions like "when is the application deadline?" or "how many
majors do you have?" This information is both uninteresting and readily available on the
school's webpage. Come up with some probing and focused questions: "What would graduates
of your college say was the most valuable thing about their four years here?" "I read that you
offer a major in interdisciplinary studies. Could you tell me more about that?" Read more tips on
this question...
4. Who in your life has most influenced you?
There are other variations of this question: Who's your hero? What historical or fictional
character would you most like to be like? This can be an awkward question if you haven't
thought about it, so spend a few minutes considering how you would answer. Identify a few real,
historical, and fictional characters you admire, and be prepared to articulate WHY you admire
them. Read more tips on this question...
5. Why do you want to major in ______________ ?
Realize that you don't need to have decided upon a major when you apply to college, and your
interviewer will not be disappointed if you say you have many interests and you need to take
more classes before choosing a major. However, if you have identified a potential major, be
prepared to explain why. Avoid saying that you want to major in something because you'll make
a lot of money -- your passion for a subject will make you a good college student, not your
greed. Read more tips on this question...
College Interview Questions
12 Questions You Should Be Ready to Answer in Your College Interview
Most college interview questions are meant to help you and the interviewer find out if the college
is a good match for you. Rarely will you get a question that puts you on the spot or tries to make
you feel stupid. Remember, the college is trying to make a good impression too. Use the
interview to show off your personality in ways that aren't possible on the application.
Below are some typical questions and some suggestions for answering them.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This question seems easier than it is. How do you reduce your whole life to a few sentences?
And it's hard to avoid commonplace answers like "I'm friendly" or "I'm a good student." Of
course you want to demonstrate that you're friendly and studious, but try also to say something
memorable here that really makes you different from other college applicants. Can you hold
your breath longer than anyone in your school? Do you have a huge collection of Pez
dispensers? Do you have unusual cravings for sushi? Read more tips for this question...
2. Why are you interested in our college?
Be specific when answering this, and show that you've done your research. Also, avoid answers
like "I want to make a lot of money" or "Graduates of your college get good job placement." You
want to highlight your intellectual interests, not your materialistic desires. What specifically about
the college distinguishes it from other schools you're considering? Read more tips on this
question...
3. What can I tell you about our college?
You can almost guarantee that your interviewer will provide an opportunity for you to ask
questions. Make sure you have some, and make sure your questions are thoughtful and specific
to the particular college. Avoid questions like "when is the application deadline?" or "how many
majors do you have?" This information is both uninteresting and readily available on the
school's webpage. Come up with some probing and focused questions: "What would graduates
of your college say was the most valuable thing about their four years here?" "I read that you
offer a major in interdisciplinary studies. Could you tell me more about that?" Read more tips on
this question...
4. Who in your life has most influenced you?
There are other variations of this question: Who's your hero? What historical or fictional
character would you most like to be like? This can be an awkward question if you haven't
thought about it, so spend a few minutes considering how you would answer. Identify a few real,
historical, and fictional characters you admire, and be prepared to articulate WHY you admire
them. Read more tips on this question...
5. Why do you want to major in ______________ ?
Realize that you don't need to have decided upon a major when you apply to college, and your
interviewer will not be disappointed if you say you have many interests and you need to take
more classes before choosing a major. However, if you have identified a potential major, be
prepared to explain why. Avoid saying that you want to major in something because you'll make
a lot of money -- your passion for a subject will make you a good college student, not your
greed. Read more tips on this question...
