The College Admissions Scoop: Don't Sweat the Interview!

By Marilyn G.S. Emerson, M.S.W., CEP

Does the thought of having a college admissions interview make you break out in a cold sweat and make your heart beat faster?  It shouldn’t!  Here’s why.

The interview is an opportunity for the college admissions representative to get to know you.  Most are nice and don’t ask trick questions. The interview isn’t a test of academic knowledge.  It is a way to help college admissions officers see that you are more than the number on your transcript (GPA) and your test scores. Interviews add a face and a personality to your application.  They give you a chance to talk about your good qualities that are not reflected in your application.  Interviews also provide you with an opportunity to explain any blemishes on your transcript.  Many interviews are informational and conversational. You tell the college admission representative a bit about you and he or she will tell you a bit about the school.

When you meet your interviewer, shake hands and maintain eye contact. If you are with your parent(s) or a friend introduce them to the interviewer.  Make sure your parents understand that they are not to accompany you into the interview room.  If your parent(s) want to be in the waiting room when your interview ends so they can ask a question or two, that’s OK.  Don’t have a family discussion in the presence of the interviewer.  Don’t roll your eyes at something your parent says, even if you think it’s the stupidest thing you ever heard.  That will only show that you’re immature. 

Marilyn’s Interview Tips:

• Most interviewers will want to know why you’re interested in their school.  It helps to do your homework and to learn about the school before you interview.  Try to go on the tour before you interview.
• A firm handshake, eye contact and a smile are important.
• Always be yourself.  If you try to be something you’re not, it will come across loud and clear.  Besides, you have a lot to offer.
• When in doubt, be honest.
• If you’re feeling really nervous, it’s OK to say so.
• Go prepared with questions to ask the interviewer.
•  If possible rehearse with someone who has conducted interviews.
•  Ask the interviewer for a business card.  This will help you spell the person’s name correctly when sending a thank you note. 

The College Admission Scoop: Begin College Applications Now to Make the Fall Less Stressful

By Marilyn G.S. Emerson, M.S.W., CEP

Don’t wait - begin now!  If you wait to begin the college application process until school resumes in the fall, you’ll find the added workload to be about the same as having added another full course!  Also, many unexpected things can occur during the fall of senior year that could prevent you from giving the application process your all.  So, don’t delay.

Starting early will give you time to think carefully about how you are going to present yourself to the admissions committee.  The college essay, the personal statement and the various short paragraphs are all important parts of the college application.  Importantly, by the time you apply, they are the only parts of your application over which you will still have control over.  To put “your best foot forward”, you will need to devote considerable thought, time and effort to your writing.  If they are written with care, your statements can help you to stand out from other applicants, and present a dynamic, personal and memorable view of yourself to the admission staff.  You should plan on doing many drafts.

The Common Application goes live for 2011-2012 on August 1^st.  Other applications will follow suit during the month of August.  Here are some reminders to make the process less stressful:

During the Summer:

• Schedule interviews as early as possible, since slots will book up.
• Create a timeline for each school you are applying to. Be sure to make note of important deadlines.
• Register for fall standardized tests.
• Visit schools.
• Register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse if you are interested in DI or DII sports and if you want to be recruited. Develop a list of your extracurricular activities.  

Once School Begins:

•  Request letters of recommendation.  Give your teachers information about you to spark their memory.  Give them plenty of time to meet deadlines.
• Request a copy of your high school transcript and check it for accuracy.
• Decide if you are applying using early decision or early action plans, or to any schools using rolling admissions.  Complete those applications first.