#college interviews

[eliteprepsat]

🗣 How to Prepare for College Interviews

Now that many college application deadlines have passed, it is time for many of you to prepare for the college admissions interview. The college interview is often met with uncertainty and, occasionally, downright fear. I’ve had my fair share of students express no desire to interview with colleges, yet these fears are almost always unwarranted. Keep in mind, the college interview is an opportunity for the school to get to know you better and vice-versa. Think of it as a supplement to your college application, allowing the admissions office to put a voice to your application.

It is important to note that not all schools conduct interviews (large state schools simply have too many applicants), and not all schools who do will interview every applicant. However, granted the opportunity, you should accept any offer to interview with a school. Doing so is a fantastic way to demonstrate interest and has the potential to add another dimension to your college application. Here are some college interview questions you should be prepared to answer in a competent and compelling manner.

1. "Tell me a bit about yourself."

I remember a couple of my college interviewers asking this question. It’s an excellent way to introduce yourself and open up the conversation on your terms. I spoke about my background and upbringing, but you can discuss anything you’d like, provided that it is a substantive answer addressing key points you want to share. Highlight specific aspects of yourself and try to avoid generalizing or rambling with your response.

2. "Why do you want to attend this school?"

If you wrote a “Why Us” supplement for the school you are interviewing with, this is a prime opportunity to communicate your passion and depth of knowledge on why this school is a perfect fit. You should have at least three distinct reasons that reflect why you want to attend their institution. Show that you have done your homework and are knowledgeable about how the school’s offerings can help you reach your goals.

3. "Why do you want to major in ________?"

College is, first and foremost, an academic experience. Whether you know what you want to major in or not, be prepared to discuss your academic interests and/or ambitions. If you know what you want to major in, talk to the interviewer about that subject with depth and passion. If you are still unsure about your major, consider talking about various academic interests and why they appeal to you.

4. "What do you plan to contribute to this school?"

Here is your opportunity to demonstrate how your unique skills and qualities will manifest themselves on campus. Think about the ways you want to get involved (activities, clubs, community service, sports, etc.) and share how your past experiences will allow you to add to the dynamic of their college community.

5. "Who has influenced you the most?" / "Who is your hero?"

There are a number of different directions in which you could answer this question, but remember to provide a response that reveals more about your character. You could speak about someone close to you: a relative, friend, or teacher. You could also speak about someone you haven’t met, real or fictional, who has had a profound impact on you.

6. "What is your greatest weakness?"

Answering this question can be tricky, especially if you haven’t thought about a response prior to being asked. Self-awareness reveals maturity, and acknowledging your weaknesses can go a long way towards your growth. Try to recall a moment when you experienced failure and then explain how you overcame it or are working to overcome it. Alternatively, you could think about something you want to be better at and use that as your topic.

7. "What do you in your free time?"

Remember, there can be plenty of free time in college. This is the opportunity to talk about your passions outside of the classroom. Identify specific activities or hobbies that you enjoy and explain why. Consider what those activities reflect about your personality, and let that guide you in answering this question.

8. "Do you have any questions for me?"

Generally, this will be the final question of the interview, and it’s a chance to reverse the roles a bit. Have one or two questions prepared to ask your interviewer. Here are a few examples: What was your favorite thing about attending ______? What do you wish were improved about your experience at ______? What advice would you give to an incoming freshman at ______?

Preparation, confidence, and enthusiasm are the keys to a successful college interview. Of course, there are a number of other questions that could be asked, but if you’ve done your homework, you should be equipped to handle any of them. If you don’t have an immediate answer to any question, take a moment to reflect on it and then answer as genuinely as possible. By the end of the interview, it should be clear that you would make an excellent addition to their campus. At the end of the day, the school wants to put a face to the candidate from the application. So relax, be your best self, and showcase all the remarkable experiences that have led you to this point!

[jemar]

The Oxbridge Interview: A Quick Guide

Receiving an invitation to an Oxbridge interview signifies a huge step forward in your admissions journey: you’ve created a compelling profile, and now the tutors want to get to know you more!

While it may seem a bit daunting initially, the Oxbridge Interview is more often just a dynamic, engaging conversation with a college tutor. In this article, we’ll cover some key information you need to know about your upcoming interview.

A Brief Summary

The Oxbridge Interview is the combined term for the renowned interview style of both Oxford and Cambridge University. During the interview, candidates participate in a one-on-one discussion session with a tutor from a certain Oxford/Cambridge college.

This admissions step is designed to simulate Oxford’s ‘tutorial system’ or Cambridge’s ‘supervision’ system. Your interviewer will be gauging how fit you are for this kind of academic environment. They will challenge you with personal and unexpected questions, evaluating your ability to articulate your thoughts properly and work through problems.

When thinking of the Oxbridge interview, consider it less a test of your pure knowledge and more an evaluation of your passion – your academic potential.

Common Questions

Different types of questions may be thrown at you during your Oxbridge interview. Some of these are:

General Questions – You will encounter traditional interview questions along the way, e.g. - Why Oxford? Why Cambridge? - Why this specific course?

Personal Statement Questions – Your interviewer(s) may also ask you to expound on a topic or experience that you’ve covered in your PS. - In your personal statement, you mentioned a particular interest in [specific topic]. Can you tell me more about what specifically fascinates you about this topic? - You discussed your experience with [a specific project or research] in your personal statement. Can you elaborate on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

Subject Questions – You’ll also be asked questions related to your chosen subject in the interview. - How do you evaluate the effectiveness of a new drug or treatment? - How do you assess the reliability of primary sources when studying [a particular period or event]?

Problem-solving Questions – These are especially prominent in interviews for STEM programs. You’ll be given sets of problems to work through, which all build up to one main question. - Prove or disprove the following mathematical statement: [specific theorem or conjecture]. - In a dihybrid cross between two heterozygous organisms (AaBb), what is the probability of obtaining an offspring with the genotype Aabb?

Reading Questions – You may be asked for your opinion on a book or research article. In some cases, you’ll be tasked to read a short work beforehand. - What does this graph tell us about the relationship between [two economic variables]? - What is the significance of this experiment described in the text for the field of [specific scientific discipline]?

Open-ended Questions – Interviewers may present you with unexpected, open-ended questions, which are meant to evaluate your thought process. - How should we balance individual freedom and social order? - What is the role of the reader in interpreting a text?

Tips for Preparing

If you’re looking for some guidance on how to properly train for your upcoming interview, here are a few suggestions.

Practice with a Friend - Practice with a friend and ask for their constructive criticism. Your peer can provide personal advice on your diction, presentation, and responses.

Read Up on Books - Study a wide variety of subject-related books, ask recommendations from peers and teachers, and explore different essays related to your field.

Explore Sample Questions - Oxford has a few sample questions on its website. You can also try online interview practice apps, where you can practice questions within a specific time frame.

Join Mock Interviews - Ask your peers or teachers to hold mock interviews with you. Many online educational platforms also offer interview preparation sessions, which allow you to personally train with an Oxbridge tutor.

Recap

The key thing to remember for the Oxbridge interview is that it’s an evaluation of your critical thinking and enthusiasm. From general questions to books, to subject topics, to open-ended questions: you must demonstrate your understanding of your chosen program. Before your upcoming interview, be sure to prepare using the techniques we’ve mentioned above.

Good luck! If you’re really looking for rigorous training, there’s no better way to do that than by practicing under the guidance of Oxbridge tutors with the help of education consulting firms. Learning with an experienced tutor can help you enhance your performance and learn the ins and outs of the Oxbridge interview setting.

[maggie44paint]

this is a skin of a killer, daniel

[laniidae-passerine]

I need Sam Reich’s phone number so I can tell him about The Newsreader. Go stare at Dale Jennings and imagine that threesome my good man

[batsyheere]

The dynamics between Dan, Danny and Ellie are so funny to consider. Danny is far too used to handling Sam and Tucker at their worst and now he has an additional gremlin duo who picked up whatever madness was in Vlad's system when he decided cloning was a great idea. (Danny is highly aware that it is not a good thing to have more him in the world and has resolved to better avoid clone plots). Meanwhile Dan and Ellie will fight over the most random, inane things, but the minute it's about family they band together into a proper terror and the only beings able to stop them are Jazz in her disappointment if the situation calls for it, and sleep deprived Danny who does not realize his exhausted presence is like a terrifying parental figure catching their kid doing something stupid.

It gets even funnier when Jazz finally breaks out of the mindset that she needs to be in charge and instead enjoys herself, and so the only leash for the three most feral Fentons (honorary and named) is a perpetually tired teen/young adult.

Now drop that in Gotham.

[lesbianfanfictionenthusiast]

i have a tremendously long to do list you know what that means

[kaitcake1289]

new brushes new claudias

[userhangmanpage]

Stranger in a Southern Land Show podcast (August, 2016)

[mikami1992]

Bruce's Billionaire Cliche

You know what one of the clichés (real or from movies) about scandals of middle-aged or older millionaires is?

A spouse of the children's age��..

and you know who needs a story like that….

a Bruce Wayne of around 40 years old….

yep, think about it…

at that time Dick (the oldest son) must be between 25 and 30 years old…

but let's not write the classic story of love, action and saving the world of Bruce…

no, let's write about the reaction of the Batkids to discover the secret romance of their father with who they thought would be their new brother/sister…. yep, the chaos that would be if instead of an adoption certificate, they were shown a marriage certificate…

and of course let's not forget the reaction of the media about the new spouse….

[eliteprepsat]

How to Make a Good Impression on Your College Applications with Optional Introduction Videos

In recent years, many colleges have incorporated optional introduction videos into their application process. These videos give students a unique opportunity to introduce themselves beyond test scores, grades, and written essays. A well-crafted video can showcase your personality, passions, and communication skills. While it’s optional, submitting one can make your application stand out. Here's how to prepare an outstanding optional introduction video for college applications.

1. Understand the Purpose

Before creating the video, it's important to understand why colleges offer this option. The video allows admissions officers to see the real you, in ways that may not be evident in your written application. They want to get a sense of your personality, communication skills, and how you present yourself. It can also highlight qualities like enthusiasm, creativity, and a well-rounded character, which can add value to your overall application.

2. Follow the Guidelines

Each college may have specific guidelines for the video, such as length, format, or content suggestions. Commonly, videos should be 60 to 120 seconds long, typically no more than two minutes. Make sure to carefully read and follow any instructions provided, such as the file format (e.g., MP4, MOV) and where to upload or submit the video (for example, in the application portal or third-party website used by the college).

Not following the guidelines, even for an optional submission, could reflect poorly on your attention to detail, so take this step seriously.

3. Plan Your Content

Before recording, plan what you want to say. Some colleges, such as Claremont McKenna College and Wake Forest University, ask students to choose one of several questions to respond to, while other colleges suggest questions for students to consider or leave it open for the student to decide what information to share with the admission office. Other colleges, such as Bowdoin College and Swarthmore College, ask students to answer a “randomly selected question” after having 30 seconds to think of a response.

Think about what sets you apart from other applicants. This is not a time to simply repeat what’s in your essay or resume. Instead, introduce fresh aspects of your life or personality. Reflect on questions like:

What are your passions and interests?

How do you spend your free time?

What do you value most?

Why are you excited about attending this particular college?

Consider starting with an interesting anecdote or a unique fact about yourself to engage the viewer. The video should flow naturally, so avoid sounding rehearsed or robotic.

4. Be Yourself

One of the most important aspects of the introduction video is authenticity. Admissions officers can easily tell if you're being genuine or if you're saying what you think they want to hear. Show your true personality. Whether you’re outgoing and energetic or more calm and reflective, let that come through naturally in the video. The goal is to help the admissions team see who you are beyond the paper application.

5. Practice, But Don’t Over-Rehearse

Practicing what you want to say helps you feel more confident and can improve your delivery. However, be cautious not to over-rehearse, as this can make you sound scripted. Aim for a balance where you know the key points you want to hit but can still speak with spontaneity and enthusiasm.

6. Record in a “Professional” Setting

The quality of your video matters. Record in a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. A neutral background works best, avoiding clutter or distracting elements. Make sure you speak clearly and at a moderate pace. While you don’t need professional-grade equipment, using a decent camera (a smartphone will usually suffice) and a stable tripod can ensure a steady and clear video.

7. Review and Edit

Once you’ve recorded your video, take time to review it. Check for technical issues like sound quality, lighting, and framing. Does the video accurately represent who you are? If necessary, make small edits to ensure the video flows well, but avoid heavy editing that might detract from your authenticity.

8. Stay Within Time Limits

Lastly, respect the time limits provided by the college. If the instructions say the video should be no longer than two minutes, keep it within that time frame. A concise, engaging video is always more effective than a long, meandering one.

List of Colleges Accepting Optional Video Supplements

Bowdoin University

Brown University

Case Western Reserve University

Claremont McKenna University

Duke University

Swarthmore College

University of Chicago

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Final Thoughts

While optional, an introduction video can be a powerful supplement to your college application. By planning thoughtfully, being authentic, and presenting yourself clearly, you can create a video that leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers. Remember, the goal is to show who you are and what makes you a great fit for their school—something no other part of your application can fully capture.

[quvnhi]

Its 2 am. Not me imagining Renee clapping for me after a freaking long dayy.

[laniidae-passerine]

imagine: there’s guy named Sam Reich and a guy named Sam Reid and fans of both make little jokes about how similar their names are for a couple years. and then the first one goes “I’ve always wanted to fuck him (he looks like my wife snapchat filter gender swapped)”. well now you no longer have to use your imagination. what a world.

[brown-little-robin]

I just applied for a job, everyone clap and cheer!!!

[bitchesgetriches]

How do you answer “how long do you expect to work here?” (Or the like.)

I’m working towards an associates degree and that subsequent line of work, but should I actually SAY that during an interview? (I suspect I lost a position because I did…)

It's completely fine to bend the truth here. Because anything can happen! So just tell them "As long as it makes sense for both of us," or even, "I'm focused on doing a great job for you right now. It feels weird to put an end date on that before it's even begun."

Your employer is not your family. They don't have a right to your future plans. Get in, get paid, and remember to relentlessly pursue your own goals before theirs.

10 Questions You Should Never Be Asked in a Job Interview 

Did we just help you out? Say thanks on Patreon!