Interviews can make your college application stand out. As a college admissions adviser, I’ve seen students either not put enough thought into this part of the process or stress out way too much about it.
Let’s break it down together. Whether you’re interviewing with an admissions officer, an alum, or for a scholarship, this guide will walk you through every step of the college interview preparation process.
Types of College Interviews You Might Face
There are different kinds of college interviews, which you should know. Some are led by alumni, and others are with admissions officers.
Often, interviews with alumni feel more like casual conversations with people who loved college and want to know if you will too. Interviews with admissions staff, on the other hand, may be a little more professional but still casual.
Also, don’t forget the format. You could be invited to an on-campus interview, a local meeting at a coffee shop, or even a video call. Your college interview preparation should include planning for each type. From what I’ve seen, students who practice for both in-person and virtual interviews tend to feel more confident and perform better.
For highly selective schools, the interview is typically a small part of the application process. It can help, though, in situations where it’s not clear. Is a school not sure about your application? A good interview can make them decide in your favor. The same is true for challenging programs and especially scholarships—college scholarship interview preparation is often harder and carries more weight.
So, even if the interview isn’t required, it’s still worth preparing for. If you leave a positive impression on the admissions office, you will increase your chances of admission.
The Best College Admission Interview Preparation Tips
So if you’re wondering how to make your college interview count, here are my top tips to help you do just that.
📚 Know the School — and Show It
Proof that you’ve done homework is one of the easier ways to stand out. Don’t just quickly browse the school’s website. Look into the specific programs, student clubs, or academic departments that interest you.
For example, if you’re excited about the student study program at a certain college, be sure to say so and be ready to explain why. This lets the interviewer know that you aren’t just looking for opportunities without thinking. You’re careful, thoughtful, and really show your interest in the school.
🎤 Practice Answering College Interview Questions
Preparation doesn’t mean memorizing a script — but you should absolutely run through common questions. From what I’ve seen, the students who speak clearly and confidently have often practiced out loud, not just in their heads.
Expect to hear things like:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Why do you want to attend this college?”
- “What’s a challenge you’ve overcome?”
- “What’s your favorite class and why?”
- “How do you spend your time outside of school?”
You don’t need perfect answers. Just focus on being honest and structured. I recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for storytelling — it keeps you on track and makes your responses easier to follow.
📝 Make a List of Talking Points
Even the best high school students get nervous. A simple list can help you stay grounded during your interview.
Here’s what I suggest including on your list:
- 2–3 personal stories that highlight your values or experiences.
- Your extracurricular activities.
- 2 reasons why you’re excited about the school.
- 1–2 unique things you can contribute to the campus.
- A few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
- A reminder to smile and breathe.
Keep the list nearby if it’s a virtual interview — just don’t read directly from it.
❓ Ask Questions That Spark Real Conversation
This is one of the most important college interview preparation tips. Interviewers often end with, “Do you have any questions for me?” Don’t waste that chance by saying “Nope, I’m good.”
Instead, ask several questions about the school:
- “What did you enjoy most about your experience here?”
- “How would you describe the student community?”
- “What kinds of students thrive on this campus?”
When you ask good questions, it flips the dynamic and shows that you’re evaluating the school just as much as they’re evaluating you. This way, you will also demonstrate interest, which college interviewers definitely appreciate.
🎬 Do a Mock Interview (Yes, Really)
I always recommend doing at least one mock interview with someone who isn’t afraid to give you honest feedback. Whether it’s your college counselor, teacher, or even a family member, a practice session helps you catch awkward phrasing, filler words, or nervous habits.
Better yet, record yourself. Watching it back might feel cringey — but it’ll show you exactly where you can improve and prepare for the college application process better.
This tip might sound uncomfortable, but it works. I’ve seen students go from stiff and anxious to smooth and confident in just one session.
💻 Prep for the Format — In-Person or Virtual
If it’s an in-person interview, plan your route, get there early, and wear something that makes you feel comfortable but professional.
If it’s virtual, test your tech the day before. Find a quiet, well-lit space, and avoid distracting backgrounds. I can’t stress this enough: students lose points (and focus) when the audio cuts out or the lighting makes it hard to read facial expressions.
Also, I would recommend that you put on something like business attire. Your clothing choices matter more than you think.
😌 Be Yourself — But the Best Version
Last but not least, be yourself. But be the version of yourself that’s excited, thoughtful, and curious. Don’t exaggerate or try to be someone you think the interviewer wants. Authenticity is your greatest asset — and it’s something you can’t fake.
From my experience, colleges are looking for students who are reflective, engaged, and ready to grow. You don’t need to have all the answers — just bring your best energy and be open to the conversation.
Common College Interview Questions (and How to Tackle Them)
So why did I pick these questions to focus on? Because they come up in almost every college interview — seriously. And if you’ve practiced them, you’re already ahead of the game.
Let’s break them down:
“Tell me about yourself.”
This one always comes first, and it sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. Instead of listing every club or job you’ve had, tell a short story that connects your background, interests, and what you want to study.
Keep it under two minutes. It’s not a college essay — it’s more like your personal intro.
“Why do you want to attend our school?”
Mention a specific program, club, or value that genuinely excites you. Bring up extracurriculars that match what the school offers. Saying “It’s a top school” won’t cut it. Specific examples = strong answers.
“What’s your biggest strength or weakness?”
Be real. Talk about a strength with a quick example, and when it comes to weaknesses, skip the “I’m a perfectionist” cliché. Honesty matters.
“Tell me about a challenge you’ve faced.”
Think about something tough (maybe during junior year) and focus on how you handled it and what you learned.
“What’s something outside of class you’re proud of?”
This is your chance to show off your passions. Maybe you started a project, helped your community, or led a club. Pick something meaningful.
Practice these common interview questions aloud before your interview. Keep the whole conversation under 10 to 15 minutes. And don’t forget — sending a thank-you note afterward is one of the best ways to leave a great impression when you’re applying to college.
Final College Interview Tips
Honestly, the best way to prepare for a college interview is to stay relaxed, be yourself, and come in with the right mindset. Practice a few common questions, know why you’re excited about the school, and bring a couple of questions of your own. That alone helps you put your best foot forward.
Oh, and don’t forget to send a quick thank-you note afterward — it leaves a solid impression. From what I’ve seen, the students who do well are the ones who feel prepared, not rehearsed.
Want personalized help with interview prep? Check out BestCollegeAdmissionConsultants.com for expert advice and one-on-one coaching.