INTERVIEW: How You Can Apply to and Attend College for FREE

Are you a high achieving student who comes from a low-income family and/or will be a first generation college student? As part of College Matters' Student to Student series, we interviewed our former student Lee to talk about her application process through QuestBridge. Find out how QuestBridge not only helped her apply and attend college for FREE, but also how it benefited her after college.

INTERVIEW: Do You Have What It Takes to Study Engineering in College?

While it's challenging to study engineering in college, it can also be very rewarding and stimulating! As part of College Matters' Student to Student series, we interviewed our former student Audry to talk about who would be a good fit for engineering, how unlikely classes and clubs helped her, and advice for engineering applicants.

INTERVIEW: The Most DIRECT Way You Can Become a Doctor: BS/MD

Do you have aspirations of becoming a doctor one day? There's a way you can bypass the medical school applications and get earlier assurance into med school. As part of College Matters' Student to Student series, we interviewed our former student Anish to talk about the basics of how BS/MD works and other important advice now that he’s a current BS/MD student.

Three Tips for Acing Your Zoom Interview

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The overwhelming majority of college interviews are taking place virtually this year. And while many of our traditional tips for preparing for interviews are the same as for those that are in person, there are a few things that students need to be aware of.

1. Make eye contact. This sounds obvious, but it’s harder than you think. That’s because your computer’s camera is not aligned with the eyes of your interviewer, so it can appear that you are looking down rather that at them. Focus on the camera, not on the eyes.

2. Eliminate alerts. Put everything on silent — cell phones, email alerts, calendar reminders. Even a small ping can distract you and the interviewer from your conversation. And because Zoom audio only lets one person talk at a time, an auditory alert will actually cut off the conversation.

3. Location, location, location. Look at what is behind you: a pile of athletic equipment, your headboard, or a tidy bookshelf? What sends the message about who you are and what you value? Make sure that the lighting is good as well! It can make a huge difference!

Ask the Consultant: Should I Interview?

Q: We are planning to visit colleges over the February break. Should I have my daughter interview?

A: Early on, it is a good idea to take a look at the interview policies at each of the schools to which you are seriously considering applying.  Why?  Not all interviews are “counted” as a part of the admissions decision.  The Fiske Guide to Colleges spells out each college's interview policy.  For example, if it says: “Campus interviews: recommended, evaluative.  Alumni interviews: optional, informational,” this tells you that if you do an on-campus interview, the interviewer will take notes and put them in your file.  If you interview well, this can help you in the process.  You can also interview with an alumnus in your local area but, in this case, these interviews are only to provide you with information on the college.  In an informational interview, nothing about the conversation will be used in the decision-making process, with the exception of the knowledge that you participated. 

It is also helpful to know the timing of interviews.  Generally, the more applications the school receives, the more restrictions that they will have about interviews.  Some large state universities do not interview at all.  Many of the elite and Ivy League colleges will only interview students who have submitted an application, or at least the first part of the application with the application fee.  And many schools only offer interviews to prospective students between April 1 of the junior year and January 15 of the senior year.  After that, they are reading applications and making decisions. 

Is this going to be your only visit? 

If you are traveling quite a distance for a visit, your best bet is to get as much out of the visit as possible. This could include a class visit, lunch with a student, and an interview. On the other hand, if you are just testing the waters, determining if a school is of interest or not, do just that. The interview can wait. 

Ask the Consultant

Q: I applied single choice early action to my dream school. I just got an email from an alumna requesting an interview. I'm super excited. This a good sign, right?

A: I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but it most likely just means that they received your application. Most of the Ivy league caliber universities such as Princeton, Cornell, Brown, Stanford, and Harvard attempt to have an alumni interview every applicant. 

Don't buy the sticker for the back of the car just yet!

Some of these alumni interviews are informational, and some are evaluative. So an outstanding evaluative interview may indeed help you stand out from the pack. But we have also heard many, many stories from seasoned alumni interviewers who are shocked and confused to learn that the candidates they raved about were rejected in lieu of other, less dynamic applicants. That being said, if you are offered an alumni interview, make sure you accept. Blowing it off will certainly send a message to an admission office--and not a good one! 

Ask the Consultant

Q: When do we set up college interviews? What should I do to prepare?

A:  Early on, it is a good idea to take a look at the interview policies at each of the schools that you are seriously considering applying to.  Why?  Not all interviews are “counted” as a part of the admissions decision.  "The Fiske Guide to Colleges" spells out each college's interview policy.  For example: “Campus interviews: recommended, evaluative.  Alumni interviews: optional, informational.”  This tells you that if you do an on-campus interview, the interviewer will take notes and put them in your file.  If you interview well, this can help you in the process.  You can also interview with an alumnus in your local area, but, in this case, these interviews are only to provide you with information on the college.  In an informational interview, nothing about the interview will be used in the decision-making process, with the exception of the knowledge that you had an alumni interview. 

Also, know the timing of interviews.  Generally, the more applications the school receives, the more restrictions that they will have about interviews.  Some large state universities do not interview at all.  Many of the elite and Ivy League colleges will only interview students who have submitted an application, or at least the first part with the application fee.  Many schools only offer interviews to prospective students between April 1 of the junior year and January 15 of the senior year.  After that, they are reading applications and making decisions. 

The Interview - Gulp!

He slammed his fist down on the rickety desk, “So, did you bubble B for the last three questions of the science section for a reason … Did you run out of time … DID YOU?” The beads of sweat dripped down my ashen face as I racked my brain for answers.  Gazing around the windowless room, I was convinced the stifling air would surely crack the two-way mirror behind which two other officers stood scrutinizing my every move.  Collapsing my head into my hands, I muttered, “I don’t know” and was convinced I had sealed my fate.
 
No, this is not the typical college interview and please pardon the over-dramatization. Many students have misconceptions about the interview experience.  In general, the purpose of the interview is not to make you nervous or to rapid-fire difficult questions that you are ill-equipped to answer.  Most interviewers want to make you feel comfortable so that they can get to know you better and get an honest assessment of who you are and what you will contribute to the campus community.  Yes, some college interviews are more challenging than others, so it’s critical to prepare and practice.  But remember, try to relax and be yourself.  Oh, and never seal your fate by answering, “I don’t know.”