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The student most likely to benefit from the interview is the “borderline student” who will interview well however, colleges rarely base their ultimate decision on a student’s acceptance on just the interview.  Most often, the interview is an option—not a requirement.  As much as you can, you need to relax, be yourself, be positive, and be prepared!  Go to the interview prepared with information and questions about the college. Research the campus as much as you can and formulate some well thought out questions.  Basic questions about the campus like: How many students are on this campus?  Does your campus offer (fill in the blank) major?  Where is your campus located?  can be researched ahead of time.    *Be sure to get the business card of the person interviewing you and write them a Thank You note!  Things to consider prior to your interview: 1. Review the adjectives below for descriptors. 2. What three adjectives would a friend use to describe you? 3. How have you gown or changed? 4. What have you enjoyed most about your high school years? 5. What activities have you enjoyed the most and why? 6. What are your talents? 7. Which classes you have taken have challenged you and how? 8. Of your achievements, which ones are you proudest of and why? 9. If you had the power, what would you change about your high school? 10. What do you do for relaxation or fun, hobbies? 11. How would you describe your family or community? 12. Why are you interested in becoming a student at this college? 13. Is there a book, article or creative work that has had an impact on you? 14. Why did you choose ____ major? 15. How do you spend your summers? 16. If you had a year to do anything you wanted, what would you do? 17. Who has inspired you?  How and why? 18. What issues do you feel strongly about? 19. How do you define success? 20. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?    Adjectives to consider about yourself: Reliable, social, enthusiastic, relaxed, understanding, calm, hardworking, confident, friendly, fun-loving, analytical, spontaneous, original, modest, practical, tenacious, cheerful, ambitious, reflective, daring, articulate, optimistic, resourceful, supportive, progressive, bold, sensitive, creative, patient, adaptable, adventurous, strong, careful, natural, outgoing, eager, determined, cooperative, curious, idealistic, motivated, supportive, sincere, conscientious, persevering, stable, alert, assertive, broadminded, tolerant, serious, thorough, logical, imaginative, rational, fair-minded, realistic, private, liberal, introspective, courageous, deliberate, quiet, formal, easygoing, active, sharp, versatile, happy, attentive, thoughtful, considerate, trustworthy, independent, generous, gregarious, good natured, entrepreneurial, frank, organized, sensible, consistent, inventive, intellectual, tactful, mature, successful, capable, clever, quick, hones, polite, poised, empathetic, conservative, warm, individualistic, academic, energetic, inquisitive, flexible, funny, persuasive, responsible, purposeful, competitive, firm, clearheaded, agreeable, industrious   See the other side of this paper for possible questions.      Some questions a college representative may ask you: Tell me about the classes you have been taking What classes have you enjoyed the most and why What have been your most challenging classes What kind of student have you been and how would you change that if you could do high school again Is your transcript an accurate reflection of the work you can do Did you like (your) high school Did you have a teacher or someone who inspired you academically Which extracurricular activities have you most enjoyed What contributions have you made to your school What are your hobbies/special interests Have you worked or been a volunteer Would you make different choices if you had it to do over What did you do last summer Describe your community/school Why do you want to attend college/this college What are you most looking forward to in your college experience Why are you interested in studying ______ major What extracurricular interests are you looking for in your college experience What other colleges are you considering What book are you currently reading What have you read this past year that significantly affected you What 3 books would you take to a desert island Is there a literary character you admire Who is/are your hero/heroes and why Do you have a historic hero Who would you most like to meet (either alive or dead) and what question would you ask What are your strengths/weaknesses What is the most difficult situation you have had to face What do you think sets you apart as a person at your school   Suggested questions you may want to ask about the college: What different types of people attend your campus How would you characterize the majority of students Where do the majority of your students come from What would you say most students like about your college What role do students have in shaping campus policies What current issues are students on your campus concerned about Are there any tensions on campus that I should be aware of I am interested in becoming involved with_____.  How competitive is it to get involved in this? What are some of the activities that interest students on your campus What is the campus like on weekends What role (if any) do fraternities and sororities play in student life What role do team (or intramural) sports play? Tell me about dorm life and how roommates are chosen How is the relationship between the town and college campus Which are the most competitive majors At which point in my academic career can I expect to become involved in internships Are students in lower division courses considered by professors for research assistants Are you anticipating any changes in the majors being offered What is the average class size (better question than student/teacher ratio) for freshmen Are classes taught by professors (as opposed to T.A.s)   *DON’T FORGET THE THANK YOU NOTE!!