With the majority of regular decision application deadlines having passed in January, many UHS seniors are preparing for college interviews with their regular decision schools, with some of the graduating class having already completed their interviews ahead of winter break. These interviews may seem intimidating at first, but they offer students a way to express their personalities in a manner that cannot be conveyed through college essays alone.
After talking to several members of the UHS Senior Class of 2024, we have assembled a variety of tips and experiences to share with you regarding the college interview process. Whether you are a freshman just taking a peek at the application experience or a senior on the verge of scheduling an interview, the words of the following students will provide more insight into this vital step of the college application process.
Senior Michael Fuscaldo is one of several seniors who decided to submit an application to a University of California school.
“I’m not sure [if] I am going to be admitted, but I received an invitation for an interview next week,” Fuscaldo said. “To prepare, I plan to do some mock interviews in front of a mirror.”
Fuscaldo went on to talk about the guidance he received from his counselor and how he scheduled many meetings throughout the months-long process.
“I asked many questions and requested many college students that I knew from UHS to review my application,” Fuscaldo said.
For interviews in particular, there are several methods to prepare for them. For one, interview questions from online resources may not precisely match the wording of those that you will encounter in an official interview, but such resources serve as a guideline for likely topics to be discussed on interview day.
There are also plenty of online videos that discuss college interviews and how to ace them. For example, YouTube videos are often made by successful admits, alumni and even admission officers from prestigious universities such as the Ivy League schools. These videos often discuss real-life scenarios, possible interview questions and practical tips to help you in your interviews.
In addition, weekly announcements periodically notify students of college workshop classes hosted by the UHS College & Career Center. Though some students tend to ignore these messages, college counselors from different schools often organize the workshops, making them a valuable opportunity to receive direct advice while exploring one’s options. Senior Sebastian Selvucci attended one of these college workshops in the MPR.
“The workshop I attended helped me figure out which colleges to apply to because the counselors talked about each college’s requirements,” Selvucci said.
In addition to attending workshops, practicing mock interviews with a family member or a trusted friend can help you grow more confident and comfortable with your thoughts. Simulating an interview can reveal areas that you may need to improve in, making your official interview less of an anxious surprise and more of a familiar conversation.
All in all, college interviewers look for personalization in your responses. Accordingly, you should take some time to research the college’s website and bring up specific questions and facts about the college during the interview. In doing so, you can show your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the school, which will help in leaving a lasting impression on your interviewer.
In your college admissions journey, interviews remain a great opportunity to showcase parts of yourself that cannot be conveyed through the written application. With hard work, practice and a personalized approach, students can find confidence in progressing toward their dream college.
