Here is a guide for how to prepare yourself for your admission interviews as a prospective undergraduate student. By this time you’ll already have sent in your applications and appeared any entrance exams.

First things first, colleges are looking for students who aren’t just academically strong but are invested in themselves. Make sure you write your own applications. Interviewers can often tell when something is generic or written by an agency or (God forbid!) AI. Being your authentic self always helps in interviews (your interviewers may have already conducted several of these, so being energetic and conversational will hold their attention)

Know the university to which you’re applying, its curricular structure, its facilities, its faculty, clubs, student events and so on. That way, any questions that remain can be the ones you ask and inquire about at the end of the interview.

Academic strengths help, of course. But increasingly, it’s not the only thing they want. Gather your extra-curriculars, your marksheets, your certificates, and highlight your strengths as you apply. Show your individuality and advocate for yourself.

Be clear about where your interest lies. What books have you read? What subject do you love? What sport do you practice? What side hobbies do you cultivate? But also know what more you’re eager to learn, what opportunities you’re looking for. You do not need to come to university fully formed, but you need to have made a start.

[Addendum on 21st Dec 2024] This does not mean that you load your CV with anything and everything you can list either. Interviewers look out for interest patterns in where you have invested your energies, and to see that your work has increasing intellectual cohesion or direction. This is particularly true for those who take various subjects and participate widely at university during their undergraduate years. The further you study, the more specialized your focus will get, and interviewers for postgraduate degrees look for signs of focus and investment from applicants. Find the balance between a range of activities and cohesion between different activities.

Remember that you’re looking for the institution to give you something (an education, an experience, opportunities and so on), but you should also think about what you bring to the table and to the community on campus.

If you’re applying to study a specific subject, do a little reading. Know the basics. Ensure you’re reading a newspaper (or news on apps) so you know your current events and general knowledge. More and more, universities are looking for applicants who are engaged with the world around them.

Finally, and this isn’t said enough, show up! Be punctual, dress professionally to demonstrate you take the interview exercise seriously. If it is an online interview, do a mic check beforehand. Have your documents at hand. Be polite—say your thank yous and good mornings. Your interviewers will often be faculty who have taken the time to interview you, so respect that. It need not just be a simple Q&A. At its best, a college interview can be a dialogue, a conversation that is enriching for both parties!

Additional Resources:

Succeeding at the college admissions interview, Khan Academy

Top College Interview Tips, The Princeton Review

Let me know in the comments if you would like a separate post for postgraduate applications and interviews.