Tips for a Successful Admissions Interview from College Board [复制链接]

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发表于 2007-11-17 20:24:02 |显示全部楼层

The College Interview

The Basics
A college interview is a chance to show that you're more than justtest scores and grades. It's an exchange of information—you learn aboutthe college and the college learns about you. It can last anywhere from30-60 minutes.
There's More Than One Type of InterviewInterviews vary depending on the school, student, and particularsituation. You could find yourself interviewing with an admissionsofficer, a student, or an alumnus. Other, less formal, interviewsituations include group information sessions with admissions staff andcurrent students, and high school and local college fairs. If you planon attending a music, drama, or dance school, plan on performing anaudition or submitting a portfolio.
Special-Interest SessionsIf you plan to pursue specific interests in college, such as sportsor clubs, you might find it helpful talk to current students andfaculty members.

Sports: If you're an athlete and want to play on acollege team, arrange a meeting or a phone call with the coach. Bringyour scrapbook, statistics, or other information that will help give aclear picture of your talents. Consider asking your high school coachto send a letter to the college on your behalf.
Specific fields of study: Talk to students who aremajoring in your desired field and make an appointment with a facultymember or advisor in the department. If you schedule a campus visit, besure to sit in on a class.
Activities: If you plan to participate in anactivity, such as the newspaper, band, or radio station, speak tostudents who take part. It's a good way to find out what the people arelike and what your chances are of getting involved.

Why You Should InterviewThe interview is one of many factors in the admission decision.Most colleges don't require an interview; however, there are manybenefits to meeting face-to-face with an admissions officer. Forexample, perhaps you:

Feel your college application can't possibly convey your warm and shining personality.
Are interested in the college, but want to learn more about itsstudy abroad opportunities, science program, or whatever else interestsyou.
Want to explain why your grades slipped.

Interviews and the Admissions ProcessThe interview is just one of many factors in the admissionsdecision. Admissions directors usually say that the interview is rarelythe deciding one. Still, if a borderline student turns out to beimpressive, the interviewer has the authority to write a letter insupport.
Nervous? Don't Be.It's not the third degree and there's no pass or fail. Unless youshow up in a t-shirt and cut-offs and spew profanities, chances are theinterview is not going to make or break you. As long as you've preparedand practiced, you'll probably make a good impression.
Be Your Own Best AdvocateThe staff learns about you from a slew of papers: your transcript,test scores, and application. While your essay and recommendations canoffer an impression of who you are, words on paper can reveal only somuch. The interview is your chance to be your own advocate by talkingpositively about your interests and enthusiasms, to show yourpersonality, and to boost your chance of admission.
Discuss Special CircumstancesThe interview is a good time to explain a hitch in your transcriptor discuss any personal circumstances that affected your studies.Problems that you may find difficult to write about in the applicationare often easier to discuss with a sympathetic admissions counselor.For example, perhaps:

You may not be the best math student, but it never stopped you from taking AP® Calculus—tell the interviewer why you persisted despite such difficulties.
During sophomore year, your parents divorced, and your academic work took a downturn.
You have a learning disability and need to make extra effort with every assignment.

It's Okay to Ask QuestionsAsking questions shows that you're interested in the college andwhat the admissions officer has to say. You should always have aquestion in mind about the college or your major field to show that youhave a deep interest in attending the school.The interview is your chance to be your own advocate You can also ask a general question, such as, "Do you have any advice for me?"
Plus, asking questions can help you discover characteristics thatcolleges can't convey in a catalog. If an interviewer asks, "Why didyou choose Florida University?" ask back, "What do you think drawsstudents here?"
Things to AvoidDon't ...