Thirty or forty years ago, it was not unusual for competitive colleges, universities and graduate schools to require all applicants to complete an interview with a staff member (or alumni volunteer).
Today, not as many institutions insist on an interview, but a fairly significant number do; especially graduate and professional schools. And, although other institutions avoid the term "interview", they very well may evaluate the applicants with whom they have personal contact. In fact, even student tour guides may evaluate applicants.
Applicants would be smart to assume that everything they say to any institutional representative may impact his/her admission. That being the case, these basic tips can serve you well.
1. Never indicate that a college or graduate school is not your first choice: if you do, you may put your chance of admission at risk.
2. Do not express doubt about continuing your education. Graduate school applicants should not express doubt about wanting to pursue the degree program in question. For grad school applicants, expressing doubt can be the kiss of death.
3. Dress well for all meetings with institutional representatives. If you think dress does not matter, you are wrong.
4. Research the institutions to which you are applying. Never ask a question about a college or university which you could have found an answer to in a few minutes on the institution's website; it will make you appear lazy and/or not very interested.
5. Be aware that anything you say, including your comments to student tour guides or interviewers, may influence whether or not you are offered admission.
6. Send personalized thank you notes to the key people you meet. Take the time to write a good note; not merely a cookie cutter one.
7. Feel free to bring immediate family members with you on campus visits. But, be sure they understand that they should not try to "sell" you or speak for you. There are few things admissions personnel or faculty find more objectionable.
8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.
9. Do not hard sell yourself. Humility and self-effacement are valued in the academic community.
10. Speak with and meet with representatives of your least favorite institutions first so you will be more practiced when you interview for your top choices.
Essentially, successful interviewing is a combination of good manners, well developed listening skills, reasonable analytical ability, and practice. You can do it. - 16747
Today, not as many institutions insist on an interview, but a fairly significant number do; especially graduate and professional schools. And, although other institutions avoid the term "interview", they very well may evaluate the applicants with whom they have personal contact. In fact, even student tour guides may evaluate applicants.
Applicants would be smart to assume that everything they say to any institutional representative may impact his/her admission. That being the case, these basic tips can serve you well.
1. Never indicate that a college or graduate school is not your first choice: if you do, you may put your chance of admission at risk.
2. Do not express doubt about continuing your education. Graduate school applicants should not express doubt about wanting to pursue the degree program in question. For grad school applicants, expressing doubt can be the kiss of death.
3. Dress well for all meetings with institutional representatives. If you think dress does not matter, you are wrong.
4. Research the institutions to which you are applying. Never ask a question about a college or university which you could have found an answer to in a few minutes on the institution's website; it will make you appear lazy and/or not very interested.
5. Be aware that anything you say, including your comments to student tour guides or interviewers, may influence whether or not you are offered admission.
6. Send personalized thank you notes to the key people you meet. Take the time to write a good note; not merely a cookie cutter one.
7. Feel free to bring immediate family members with you on campus visits. But, be sure they understand that they should not try to "sell" you or speak for you. There are few things admissions personnel or faculty find more objectionable.
8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.
9. Do not hard sell yourself. Humility and self-effacement are valued in the academic community.
10. Speak with and meet with representatives of your least favorite institutions first so you will be more practiced when you interview for your top choices.
Essentially, successful interviewing is a combination of good manners, well developed listening skills, reasonable analytical ability, and practice. You can do it. - 16747
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane is a veteran educator who has worked as a school counselor and a university dean. He also contributes to websites designed to help adults select
