There’s no sugarcoating it—college admissions interviews are intimidating. It’s one thing to hit “submit” on your Common App, but it’s a whole different kind of pressure to sit across (or Zoom across) from someone who might potentially have a say in your college future. Here’s some good news: most college interviews are primarily informational and won’t significantly impact your admissions decision.

Here’s some more good news: admissions interviews aren’t about having all the right answers. They’re about giving you a chance to share more of your personal story. They’re a low-stakes (yes, really!) way for you to share more about who you are—what excites you, what makes you think, and why you’d thrive at that college.

Wait—Do Interviews Even Matter?

Kind of, but maybe not in the way you think.

Interviews are usually optional. They’re not a make-or-break piece of your application, and many colleges don’t require them at all. That said, when offered, interviews can:

• Give you a chance to connect with someone who knows the school well.
• Help you highlight your personality in a way that your application might not.
• Show that you’re serious about attending (especially if the school tracks “demonstrated interest”).

Most importantly, they’re a two-way street. Interviews are also your chance to ask questions and figure out if this school feels right for you.

The Different Types of Interviews (And Why It Matters)

Not all interviews are created equal. Knowing what kind you’re walking into helps set your expectations:

• Evaluative Interviews: These are part of your admissions file. The interviewer may be an alum, admissions staff member, or a current student.
• Informational Interviews: Less formal, more conversational. These are for you to ask questions and get a feel for the school. Typically, these are done by alumni volunteers or students.
• Virtual Interviews: Same concept, just online. The prep is the same, but we’ll throw in a few tech tips below.

Whether you’re chatting with an alum at a local café or Zooming with an admissions officer, remember—they’re not trying to trip you up. They really are just trying to get to know you.

How to Prep (Without Overprepping)

You don’t need a memorized script. You just need to be thoughtful. Here’s how:

Know the School—But Make It Personal

Don’t just rattle off rankings or recite facts from the brochure. Ask yourself: What do you like about this place? Maybe it’s the community vibe, a specific major or research institute, or a quirky tradition. Whatever it is, name it. Connect the dots between the school and you.

Review Your Application

No need to re-read every word, but skim your activities list and personal statement. These are likely jumping-off points for conversation. It won’t be uncommon for your interviewer not to have access to your file so they may not know a lot about your background.

Think Through a Few Questions

There’s no cheat sheet, but some questions come up a lot. Be ready to chat about:

• What excites you academically?
• Why this school?
• How do you spend your time outside of class?
• What’s something you’re proud of—and what did you learn from it?

Practice aloud. Not to memorize answers, but to find your rhythm.

Interview Day Tips That Actually Help

Dress Comfortably—But Presentably

You don’t need a blazer or fancy shoes (especially for Zoom meetings). But do aim for neat, put-together, and confident in whatever makes you feel like you. And no, wearing the school’s sweatshirt won’t give you an edge.

Be a Real Human

You don’t have to be perfect. If you blank on a question, it’s okay to pause. Say something like, “That’s a good question—let me think about that for a second.” Interviewers appreciate honesty and self-awareness way more than robotic responses.

Bring Questions (Good Ones)

Ask about classes, campus culture, clubs—whatever you genuinely want to know. Avoid questions that are super easy to Google (like “What’s your acceptance rate?”). Think about what matters to you in a college experience, and go from there.

Questions You Can Ask

• What type of student is successful at your college?
• Why should students choose to attend this school?
• How would alumni say that their college experience impacted their lives?

What If It’s Virtual?

Most interviews are virtual but the vibe is the same—just through a screen. A few quick tech tips:

• Test your internet, audio, and video beforehand.
• Whenever possible, use a computer, laptop or tablet rather than a phone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space. Think about blurring or using a virtual background so you don’t have to worry about the neatness of your space.
• Look at the camera when you speak (it helps with “eye contact”).
• Keep distractions (phones, tabs, pets) at bay.

After the Interview: What’s Next?

Say Thanks

A quick thank-you email goes a long way. Mention something specific from the conversation to show that you were engaged. This doesn’t have to be long communication. A brief, heartfelt note of gratitude will be welcomed.

Reflect—but Don’t Overthink

You’ll probably replay parts of the interview in your head. That’s normal. Instead of obsessing over what you should have said, jot down what you learned—and how the school feels now.

Let’s Debunk a Few Myths

Myth: I need to impress them with big words.
Nope. Just like in writing essays, clarity beats complexity every time. Speak like yourself.

Myth: I should talk about all my achievements.
Not really. Your resume and application already cover that. Focus on stories—they’re what stick.

Myth: If I mess up one question, I’ve blown it.
Absolutely not. Interviews are about the full picture. A single awkward answer won’t ruin anything. You more than likely won’t be their first interviewee; they know this is a stressful situation and will extend you some grace.

6 Quick-Answer FAQs

Do interviews affect admissions decisions?
Sometimes. For some schools, they’re evaluative. For others, they’re purely informational.

How long do they last?
Usually 20–40 minutes. Enough time to get a feel for you, not grill you.

Should I bring anything?
If it’s in-person, maybe a resume (just in case). Otherwise, just your questions and curiosity.

Can I ask about financial aid?
Sure—but frame it thoughtfully. More than likely, you’ll be referred to the financial aid office.

What if my interviewer is an alum and not a staff member?
Same rules apply. Just be conversational and curious—they’re there to share their perspective.

What if I don’t get an interview offer?
Totally fine. Some schools don’t offer them at all. Not getting one won’t hurt your application.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Here’s the thing: interviews aren’t about saying the “right” thing. They’re about being real. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to show up with a little prep, some curiosity, and a willingness to talk about what matters to you.

So take a breath. Be yourself. And trust that your story is already enough.