The college interview is not a job interview. Instead, it should be viewed as a conversation that the student has with the college. Here’s a little admissions secret: most colleges consider an interview to be a “yield activity,” meaning that students who interview have a higher likelihood of enrolling at that institution. Interviews can be enjoyable and informative, but keep in mind that an interview is not a basic fact finding mission; instead, it offers an opportunity for students to ask the more detailed questions and determine whether a college is the right fit.

It is important to know who you are and be able to present that to your interviewer. Think of five attributes you’d like the interviewer to remember about you and consider anecdotes or stories you can share to highlight those attributes. People remember stories and impressions during interviews, not necessarily the facts.

A memorable interviewee is personable but also prepared. Let’s skip over some obvious basics—arrive early, dress appropriately, make eye contact, etc—and get to the heart of the interview. Here are some tips for a successful (and enjoyable) interview experience:

• Do Your Homework – review your research and remember why you are interested in the college
• Prepare a resume of your academic and extracurricular experiences to share
• Be sure to participate in the conversation (ask questions during the interview as well as after)
• Complete a mock interview with a friend, teacher, or family member
• Bring a notebook for notes and to refer to questions you would like answered
• Ask for the interviewer’s business card and hand write him/her a thank you note
Here is a list of common interview questions. Certainly colleges will add others, but these provide a good start:

Some Common College Interview Questions

1. Why do you want to attend ___________________ college/university?
2. What makes you think you and _______________ college are right for each other?
3. How would you describe yourself?
4. Tell me about your interests.
5. Tell me about your involvement in extracurricular activities.
6. Tell me about your family.
7. What have you done to prepare for college?
8. What do you consider your best characteristic? How about an area where you can improve?
9. Describe an accomplishment you’re most proud of.
10. What is your favorite book/author?
11. Where do you see yourself in the future?
12. What newspapers and magazines do you read? Websites you frequent?

High School Visits:

During the fall, admissions representatives descend on Portland and visit high schools, providing students the opportunity to connect with them, learn more about potential colleges and ask questions. A list should be available in high school guidance centers or, if a school uses Naviance, visits will be listed there. Students should be sure to sign up according to school policy in order to be excused from class!

College Interviews:

Interviews provide the perfect opportunity for students to meet one on one with an admissions representative or college alumnus. Interviews are not just one-sided but instead give students a venue to showcase their qualifications and interests while also interviewing the school to determine overall fit. College interview dates and locations can be found on admission websites of most colleges. An appointment is usually required.

College Fairs:

Typically held in a coliseum or gymnasium, college fairs offer students and families the option of viewing multiple colleges in one location. When preparing for a college fair it is best to go in with a plan. Most college fair websites provide a listing of participating colleges so students can create a roadmap of schools they would like to see instead of wandering aimlessly through the crowd – an experience that can be very overwhelming! Students should take time to consider the questions that are important to them in choosing their colleges and they should not be shy about seeking the information they need. After all, a final college list is only as good as the time and effort students invest. College fairs in our region include:

PNACAC Mid-Willamette College Fair

Sunday, October 3
12:00 – 3:00 pm
Lane Community College Gym
Eugene OR

Christian College Fairs:

Monday, October 11
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Rolling Hills Community Church
Tualatin OR

Tuesday, October 12
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Portland Christian Jr/Sr High School
Portland OR

Portland National Performing & Visual Arts College Fair:

Wednesday, October 27
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Portland State University
Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom
Portland OR

NACAC Portland National College Fair

Friday, November 12
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
and
Saturday, November 13
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Oregon Convention Center
Portland OR

The college search can be a stressful time but it doesn’t need to be. Students who set time aside to research colleges and take advantage of the above opportunities will find that the effort pays off with a list of wonderful college options. Good luck!

The Planning Stage:

Contact the admissions office at least three weeks in advance to arrange your visit. Make sure you check the school calendar for any campus closures before making any travel arrangements. The school website may also provide a list of hotels that offer discounts for college visitors. It is best to visit colleges when classes are in session so you can get the full feel of the campus environment, not just the buildings. If you can only visit during the summer this is okay – just pay attention to the tour guides and other students on the visit. If you connect with them, chances are you will connect with the school.

Visit Options:

Spend at least half a day on each campus. A ten minute drive-through is not helpful. Tours and information programs are the staples of a campus visit and unfortunately most students don’t venture beyond. You can make the most of your time by including the following options:

• Sit in on a class – experience the academic atmosphere
• Have lunch with current students – if offered
• Have lunch in the cafeteria – what better way to observe college students in their natural habitat?
• Schedule an interview with an admissions counselor
• Overnight stay – stay with a current student and experience what really happens on campus
• Meet with a professor/advisor in your area of study
• Meet with the financial aid office
• Meet with special programs – honors, learning differences, athletics, performing arts
• Snoop around – check the dorms not on the tour, are facilities are well-kept, see campus at night (is it a party school or so quiet you hear crickets?)

Process Your Visit:

Take photos and notes (I suggest developing a criteria sheet to use for each school). Have your family help with photos and notes so you can experience the “feel” of campus. After your visit, plan 10-15 minutes alone to gather your thoughts about the experience. Write them down. Remember, you might not be back on campus before you make your final college choice. Above all, trust your gut instinct!

Unfortunately, the first item many students focus on during the college search is the sweat-inducing range of SAT/ACT scores. Or GPA. Yet these numbers have little to do with guaranteeing a student’s happiness and success at that college, and the focus on these numbers makes it difficult for students to conduct meaningful research that truly determines overall fit. Students transfer from a college or drop out altogether not because they are ill-prepared to tackle college academics, but because they do not connect socially with their peers or the institution. If a student is not happy with her surroundings, she will not do well in class.

So, how do students figure out fit? There is not a simple answer, but if students take the time to consider what they enjoy and connect with most in their current lives, it will help them develop criteria to apply to their college research. Which activities do they enjoy? How do they prefer to learn? What values are important to them? Do they prefer hands-on learning or lectures? Is school spirit important? A specific area of the country? Are they competitive or cooperative in the classroom? How important are scholarships and financial aid? What about weather? City or cornfield? How close to home is too close—is there a college on the moon? There are hundreds of questions to consider, and by considering them, students will develop meaningful, personalized criteria. In essence, students are charged with finding the best ranked colleges according to their criteria. One of the best ways to apply these criteria is to speak with college representatives.

Families in Portland have a terrific opportunity to do just this and to experience a more holistic approach to the college search. On Saturday, July 31, 7:00 p.m., the Colleges That Change Lives tour will stop at the Oregon Convention Center. Colleges That Change Lives, a book by Lauren Pope, highlights forty liberal arts colleges across the nation. These colleges “change lives, help (students) find themselves, raise their aspirations, and empower them.” The program begins with an informational session that explores a new educational paradigm and concludes with a college fair. For more information, visit the Colleges That Change Lives website, www.ctcl.com.

Congratulations to my students on their hard work and early acceptances to the following colleges and universities: Chapman University, University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Denver, Emory University, Fordham University, Hampshire College, Loyola Marymount University, University of Miami, University of New Haven, Northwestern University, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Roger Williams University, University of San Diego, Santa Clara University, Trinity University, Tulane University, Villanova University, and College of Wooster.

Scholarship offers to date range from $6,000 to $25,000 per academic year. I’m so proud of each of you!

• Do you have counseling experience, credentials, or a master’s degree in counseling or a counseling related discipline?
• Do you have experience in a high school counseling office or as a college admission officer?
• Do you visit college campuses regularly—locally, regionally and/or nationally?
• Have you attended professionally directed conferences, college counseling institutes or workshops?
• What national and/or regional professional organizations do you belong to as a college counselor?
• Do you follow a specific set of professional ethics/standards of practices as a college counselor?
• Do you offer services free of charge or at a reduced rate depending on a family’s ability to pay?

This information was adapted from the NACAC publication “What Parents and Students Should Know About…Independent Counselors, Educational Consultants, and Commercial Counseling Centers.” Go to http://www.nacanet.org for more information.

• Does your school have counselors who spend a significant amount of time counseling students through the college admissions process?
• Have the school’s counselors received special training through regional or national workshops for college counseling?
• Is there a college/career center where you can have access to books, applications, computer programs, and other materials for individual resources?

If the answer to these questions is yes, you may not feel the need to seek additional assistance.

Independent Counselors Should:

* Insist that students be the sole authors of their college applications & essays.
* Help the student understand that no one can guarantee admission to any college or have influence on admissions decisions reached by institutions.
* Encourage students to consider a range of institutions for admission, not just emphasizing admission to highly selective or prestigious universities.
* Educate students about scare tactics used in some marketing campaigns.