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You may or may not have won over those admissions officers or committee members with your written words, so now it’s time to dazzle them with your verbal wit. The college interview is important as it is another chance to show a school just who you are, why you want to attend their college and why they should count themselves lucky to get you (in a humble fashion, of course). It is also another chance to explain why your numbers are not as high as they could be.

While not all colleges require an interview, if you are given the opportunity, take it. Interviews may be held at the college with an admissions officer, which requires a trip to the school. But sometimes interviews are conducted in your community by local alumni. You should look forward to the opportunity of an interview. In fact, you might find it easier to discuss issues face to face rather than on paper.

Of course, unlike the essay, an interview doesn’t afford you the chance to brainstorm, outline, think about, mull over, ponder and weigh the questions. Your responses are going to be on the spot, so preparation is the key to not looking like a befuddled idiot desperately searching for the right answers.

What kinds of questions will you be asked during the interview? They are similar to the kinds of questions that are used as essay topics. But the essay has just one question to answer or one topic to explore. In the interview, however, you typically answer a number of questions and converse with an interviewer or panel for 15 minutes to an hour. Topics to be discussed are often divided into categories like school/classes, teachers, extracurricular activities, community, college and the world in general. Here are some typical examples. As you read these questions, think about how you would answer each one.

 How would you describe your high school?

 How do you fit into your school?

 If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? Why?

 What has been your favorite/least favorite class in school?

 Who was your favorite/ least favorite teacher in school? Why?

 How do you spend your free time and/or summers?

 Do you have a hobby of some kind? Tell me about it.

 Why are you interested in coming to this college?

 Where do you see yourself four years from now?

 What would you like to change about yourself?

 What are the three words that best describe you?

 What accomplishment are you most proud of?

 Why do you think you are a good match for this college?

 What do you think about ______________ (current event, literature, art, music or other contemporary subject)?