Overview
Interviews are used by many selective colleges as a supplemental data point. Some (Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Georgetown) offer alumni interviews to most applicants. Others (MIT, Dartmouth, some LACs) use admissions officer or video interviews. The interview rarely makes or breaks an application, but a well-prepared interview can tip the scale.
Two Types
Alumni Interview: Conducted by a volunteer alumnus, usually in-person (coffee shop, library) or by video. 30-45 minutes.
Admissions Officer Interview: Sometimes via video platforms (Zoom, InitialView, Raise.me), sometimes on campus. More formal.
When You'll Be Contacted
- Alumni interviews: Typically December-February. Check your email (including spam) regularly.
- Admissions officer: Often built into the application process (you sign up for a time slot) or offered to top candidates
Preparation Checklist
Research
- Re-read your application (especially your essays and activity list). Interviewers often don't see your application; they rely on your answers.
- Know the college: 2-3 programs, courses, or professors you'd engage with; 1-2 clubs or opportunities that matter to you; why this school over similar ones
- Current events at the college: Check recent news (new building, new dean, new program)
Practice Answers To
- "Tell me about yourself."
- "Why do you want to attend [College]?"
- "What do you plan to study? Why?"
- "What's been your most meaningful activity in high school?"
- "What's a book/podcast/article you've engaged with recently?"
- "What's a failure you've learned from?"
- "What would you contribute to our community?"
- "Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone."
- "What do you do outside of school?"
Prepare 3-5 Questions to Ask
Interview feedback often hinges on the quality of your questions. Good examples:
- "What surprised you most about [College] during your time there?"
- "How has the college changed since you graduated?"
- "What kind of student thrives here?"
- "What's your favorite memory of [College]?"
- Avoid: questions easily answered by the website, or "what's the admit rate?"
Dress
- Business casual. Not a suit. Clean, neat.
- Video interviews: same. Neutral background. Good lighting. Test your tech 10 minutes before.
Logistics
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early
- Bring a notepad (to jot down names, programs to follow up on)
- Phone on silent, preferably in bag
- Video: wired headset if possible; no eating, no pets visible, no roommates walking through
During the Interview
- Eye contact, natural smile, firm handshake (in-person)
- Listen to the whole question before answering
- Specific > vague. Stories > generalities.
- It's a conversation, not an interrogation. Don't rehearse robotically; be responsive.
- If you don't know something, say so; don't fabricate.
- Ask your prepared questions toward the end
Red Flags to Avoid
- Arrogance ("I'm the best student at my high school")
- Trashing other schools ("I don't even want to go to [rival school]")
- Trashing your own high school
- Overly rehearsed answers
- Bringing a parent into the interview (unless a minor under local law)
After
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Specific, not template. Mention something the interviewer said.
- Example: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday. I particularly enjoyed hearing about your experience with the [specific program] - it's exactly the kind of opportunity I'm excited about at [College]. I appreciate your time and insights."
If an Interview Goes Poorly
It rarely matters as much as you think. Interviewers write brief impressions; the admissions committee weights them as one small factor among many. Move forward.
If You're Not Offered an Interview
At most schools, not being offered one is not a negative signal - they can only contact so many applicants. Don't panic.
Parents
Parents do not attend. Parents do not contact the interviewer. Parents do not write follow-up messages. The student handles everything.