If you are applying to TOP colleges, expect to be interviewed. It's part of the process. And while it may or may not be the "deciding factor" in whether or not you actually get accepted or denied, it's best to take it seriously and leave a good impression. After all, an awesome interview will NEVER hurt, while a wretched one can definitely do some damage.
Following are 5 tips to help you leave the best impression possible:
1. Dress nicely -- it's an interview! First impressions matter. Wear your nice clothes. Make sure they are freshly laundered and pressed. Save the bedraggled "college look" for when you are actually in college. Now is the time to impress!
2. Be on time...or early. Plan where you need to go and how you are going to get there the night BEFORE your interview so you know exactly how much time is needed to get there before you wake up. If it is in a part of town you are not familiar with, consider driving there the week beforehand to make sure you know where you are going. In any case, make sure you get to your interview on time. Plan to be there 15 or 20 minutes before your meeting time just to be safe. This will give you a bit of a cushion in case of an unexpected emergency.
3. Greet interviewer with a sincere smile and a firm handshake. If you are not used to shaking someone's hand, practice. A flimsy or unresponsive handshake does not help to leave a strong first impression. You'll want to look the interviewer in the eye as you shake his or her hand firmly and smile warmly. A genuine, enthusiastic greeting is important as well.
4. Answer the questions calmly and confidently...while looking the interviewer in the eye. Once your interviewer asks you a question, answer it! Don't skirt all around the issue. Don't be too brief either. Have a conversation. Help the interviewer get to know you. Speak calmly and confidently, and look your interviewer in the eye.
5. Thank the interviewer. When you are finished with your interview, thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Shake his or her hand as you do so. Once you get home, write a real letter of thanks as well. Make sure to proofread it before sending it! If you have been emailing your contact, you can email your letter of thanks. If you have an actual address, however, send your letter of thanks there.
While interviewing can be a stressful time, try to think of it as a chance to make a new friend. Listen attentively and respond warmly when it is time. You've done so many wonderful things to get yourself ready to attend a TOP college. Now is your time to shine!
All the best and much success,
Katy Huller
Author of 28 Ways to Stand Out, Get Noticed, and (Hopefully) Get Into Top Colleges
 | 28 Ways to Stand Out, Get Noticed, and (Hopefully) Get Into Top Colleges will help give middle school and early high school students an insight into what they need to do to increase their odds of getting into a TOP college. Filled with quick facts, helpful tips, and tons of actionable ideas, this book is a "must have" for any high-achieving student interested in finding a way to stand out from the thousands of other extremely bright students vying for his or her acceptance letter and/or scholarship award. |
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