College Interviews

The emphasis on college interviews has decreased during the past few years, so you will need to inquire about the interviewing policy of each school. The policy will probably be one of the following:

  1. No interviews -- group information sessions only
  2. Alumni interviews only -- off-campus;
  3. Interviews are optional and informational only
  4. Interviews are encouraged and do become a part of the student's application folder.

If the college does offer an on-campus interview and you are able to visit, please take advantage of the opportunity. It may be very helpful to you. Don't be surprised if the interviewer spends much of the time selling you on his or her school. Interviews can be, in part, a marketing device. We have provided the kinds of questions you might be asked. Think about these. If you have thought these through, you should be well prepared for any question.

Sample Interview Questions:

  1. How do you like STHS? What has been the most positive experience you have had? The most negative? What would you like to change about STHS?
  2. What is your role in the school community? What would your teachers say about you as a person? As a student?
  3. What is the most significant contribution you've made to your school?
  4. What are you looking for in a college? How did you become interested in ____?
  5. What are some of your goals - personal and career - for the future?
  6. Tell me about a particular class or assignment in which you found yourself most stimulated intellectually.
  7. What is your reason for participating in athletics (or student government, or the newspaper, etc.)? What are the satisfactions?
  8. Since you are interested in science, math (where appropriate), why are you interested in a liberal arts college rather than a more technical institution?
  9. How and in what ways do you expect, plan, and hope, to transfer your secondary school contributions, achievements, activities to the college level?
  10. What has been your favorite subject in high school? Why?
  11. What might you study in college?
  12. What books or authors have made a lasting impression on your way of thinking? Have you read deeply into any one author or field?
  13. What events, if any, would you deem critical in your life thus far? Who has most influenced you?
  14. What pressures do you feel operating on you at STHS to conform? Describe ways in which you "go your own way."
  15. How have you spent your summers?
  16. What are your reactions to current events, e.g. ISIS, the presidential election?
  17. Describe something that you have really become indignant over in the past year?
  18. How would you describe yourself as a person?
  19. Have you ever thought of not going to college? What would you do?
  20. How do you spend your free time?
  21. Why do you think you are a good match for this college?
  22. Many qualified students apply to our school. What characteristics single you out from others?
  23. Do you have any questions? (Have some in mind.)