Nailing Your US College Interview
By Gary Keung
(Admissions Consultant at The Edge Learning Center)
Is it over after hitting your application’s “send” button on your common application/coalition application? Think again, you may be surprised by the option to opt in for an interview invitation by some universities! Preparing for a US college interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s your chance to showcase your unique qualities, academic achievements, and ambitions to potential universities. Here, I will highlight the crucial tips for acing your college interview and the significance of submitting a well-crafted resume.
Research and Reflect:
Thorough research is key before your college interview. Familiarize yourself with the institution’s mission, values, and academic offerings. Additionally, take the time to reflect on your aspirations and experiences. Understand which aspects of your background and personality align with the college’s vision, and be prepared to discuss these during the interview.
Practice and Prepare:
To boost your confidence and refine your answers, practice common interview questions. Anticipate queries about your interests, accomplishments, and career goals. While rehearsing, focus on presenting yourself authentically, demonstrating your passion, and highlighting instances where you overcame challenges or pursued personal growth.
Dress to Impress:
First impressions matter, and dressing appropriately for your college interview can make an impact. Aim for polished attire (business casual is a safe choice) that reflects your style while meeting the college’s expectations. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and respect for the interview process.
Showcase Your Accomplishments through Resumes:
Though opinions vary on whether to bring a resume to a college interview, creating a well-crafted one is always beneficial. A resume encapsulates your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership experiences, and community service. It helps interviewers comprehensively understand your background and achievements, leaving a lasting impression of your abilities.
Polishing Your Resume:
When designing your resume, ensure it is clear, concise, and visually appealing. Tailor your experiences to highlight relevance to your desired major or career path. Emphasize any notable awards, publications, or research projects to showcase your dedication and expertise. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and outcomes effectively.
While interviews are increasingly being replaced by “optional videos” and only count for around 5% of your total application, a good interview won’t get you an automatic acceptance, but a truly bad one might keep you out. By conducting thorough research on the institution, practicing interview questions, and showcasing your accomplishments through a well-crafted resume, you can impress admissions officers and increase your chances of admission with our help.
References:
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/high-school-resume
Need help preparing for your or your child’s US college application interview? Contact us today to book an initial meeting – we are happy to help!
About The Edge
Established in 2008, The Edge Learning Center has grown into a premier one-stop provider of educational services for Grade 7 through Grade 12, targeting students who intend to pursue overseas education. Our three departments – Academic Tutoring, Test Preparation, and Admissions Consulting – offer a broad range of educational services spanning from SAT and IB Test Prep to colleges and boarding schools application counseling. The Edge Learning Center operates in multiple regions including Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam.
