Types of Interviews

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There's More Than One...

Interviews vary depending on the school, student, and particular situation. Each type of interview should be approached differently.

Admissions Officers

This is what most people think of when they think of interviews. Your child sets up an appointment with staff in the college admissions office. They learn about your child, and he learns about the college.

The Student Interview

Students don't usually take part in admissions discussions, but their interview notes are filed in your child's application folder. Your child may find it easier to talk with a student, but his objective—presenting himself in the best light—should remain the same.

The Alumni Interview

Usually arranged by the college after your child has filed an application, this is typically held in the home or office of an alumnus of the college. The interviewer may be an older graduate or a recent graduate closer to your child's age. Don't think that because your child is not on campus the interview has any less weight.

Group Interviews

More and more colleges are turning to this type of informational session. Parents and students are invited to meet in small groups with admissions staff and current students. The counselor talks about the college, and possibly goes through a video presentation, while asking for questions from the group. This is a good time for you and your child to ask questions and learn from others' queries.

High School Visits

A college representative, most often an admissions counselor or a recent graduate from your child's high school, may talk at your child's high school or local college fair. Your child should be sure to introduce himself to the representative. Hopefully, he will make a valuable contact.

The Audition

Music, drama, and dance schools often hold auditions rather than interviews to evaluate candidates. Auditions are held on specific dates at the college or in designated cities around the country. Art schools have their own form of an audition—the portfolio. Every school has different requirements, so your child should check to make sure he knows what's expected.

Special-Interest Sessions

Sports: If your child is an athlete and wants to play on a college team, he may want to arrange a meeting or a phone call with the coach. Your child should bring his scrapbook, statistics, or other information that will help give a clear view of his talents. Your child should consider asking his high school coach to send a letter to the college on his behalf.
Specific fields of study: Your child can talk to students who are majoring in his desired field and make an appointment with a faculty member or advisor in the department. If your child schedules a campus visit, be sure he sits in on a class.
Activities: If your child plans on participating in an activity, such as the newspaper, band, or the radio station, he can speak to current student participants. It's a good way to find out what the people are like and what his chances are of getting involved.