part of the college application process. But if you can stay calm, you’ll find it a great

opportunity to interview them, too. You will need Enthusiasm and confidence. Step 1. Learn

what you can about the school before your interview. The interviewer will have looked

over your application and information, so it’s basic common courtesy that you do the

same. If you don’t know anything about the school, the interviewer will no doubt assume

you don’t care about getting in. Step 2. Anticipate the interviewer’s questions.

He’ll want to learn what kind of person you are, what you enjoy, and how you might

contribute to the school. Consider your strengths, and give the impression that you will reflect

well on the school. While it’s good to have a general idea of how to answer likely questions,

don’t prepare so much that your responses sound canned. Step 3. Obviously, you’ll

want to dress neatly and on the conservative side. If in doubt about any part of your outfit,

remember that you want the interviewer to focus on what you’re saying, not what you’re

wearing. Step 4. You should apply the same principles to your college interview that

you would to meeting anyone you want to make a good impression on: shake hands firmly,

look the interviewer in the eye, smile, and appear interested and engaged in the school

and the interview, not distracted or bored. Step 5. Use this opportunity to explain anything

that might not speak for itself in your application. If your grades or test scores aren’t as

high as they could be, acknowledge this and let the interviewer know why—maybe you took

difficult classes instead of getting an easy A. Don’t brag about your test scores or

GPA at the interview—the interviewer already has this information. You’ll make a better

impression if you emphasize non-academic assets. Step 6. Make sure to ask at least one good

question before the interview ends. It should be something that shows you’re mature and

proactive about your education, like “I hope to go to med school—what advice would

you give a pre-med student here?” Don’t put your interviewer on the defensive or ask

arrogant questions, like, “I want to go to a top med school—why should _I_ choose

your pre-med program?” Step 7. When the interview comes to a close, end it with a

firm handshake, gratitude for the interviewer’s time, and a warm smile. Follow up with a prompt

thank-you note. Did you know Only 10% of American universities claim that the interview is of

“considerable importance” in making admissions decisions.