TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE SUCCESSFUL COLLEGE VISITS AND INTERVIEWS

 

 

 

The College Visit and the Interview

 

Make an appointment by calling the admissions office.  Writing a letter to make an appointment is often too time consuming and does not allow for making changes in date and time without needless correspondence.  You do not need to speak with an admissions officer to make an appointment; the office secretary usually arranges visits.

 

When you visit a campus:

 

1.   Take a tour – check facilities, including dormitories.

  1. Talk to students, a very useful source of information about a college but remember that a student’s personal opinions must be considered with care.
  2. Visit a class: talk with a faculty member, if possible.
  3. Have a meal on campus.
  4. Visit the coffee shop, snack bar or pub as a place to meet students.
  5. Read the campus newspaper as a means of finding out what the issues are on campus during your visit.  Check the bulletin boards in the student union or cafeteria.
  6. Ask questions!!!  Don’t be bashful!!!
  7. Take pictures.

 

When you have your interview:

 

1.       Be prompt.

  1. Be neat.  Appropriate dress is still an easy way to impress an interviewer.
  2. Be well prepared.  Read the catalog prior to your interview and prepare questions based on what you read.
  3. Answer questions to the best of your knowledge and ability.  Do not be afraid to admit that you do not know something.
  4. Be ready to volunteer information.  Know your test scores, rank-in-class, latest grades and what courses you carry.
  5. Be yourself.  Do not pretend to be something or someone you are not!
  6. Do not be concerned if your interviewer is someone other than the dean or director of admissions.  If the interview is an important part of the admissions process at a college, all interviews given on campus have equal weight.  All interviewers are well trained and prepared to represent the essential.  When you get home, consider writing a thank you note to your interviewer or tour guide.
  7. Above all, relax!!!  Interviews are meant to be informative to both parties.  Try to get as much out of an interview as you provide for it.