College Interviews
Resume Guide, Sample Questions, What To Wear, Follow-up Email
Resume
How to Write a High School Resume for College Applications
by: The Princeton Review
When should you submit a resume to colleges? Some colleges and scholarship committees request or recommend that you include a high school resume with your application materials. (But don’t submit a resume if they don’t ask for one—following instructions is a key application strategy.) Bring your resume to college interviews and give copies to your college counselor and teachers so that they can write you the strongest possible recommendation letter.
Tips for Composing Your College Admissions Resume
- Keep it concise. Pare down the activities you showcase to the most brag-worthy and most representative of you as a candidate. Do colleges need to know that you were on the field hockey team for one semester in Grade 9? Probably not. The standard rule of thumb is to stick to one or two pages.
- Focus on depth and length of commitment. When deciding which activities and accomplishments make the cut, keep in mind that colleges would much rather see you excited about one or two key experiences than sporadic involvement in 20 clubs. If having an after-school job limited your ability to participate in clubs or sports, make sure your resume plays up your work responsibilities, training, and on-the-job skills.
- Provide detail whenever possible. The details are what set a resume apart from a list of extracurriculars on a standard college application. For example, when describing your involvement in the French Club make sure to include:your role, school years/hours per week you participated, specific contributions (e.g. “Organized a successful after-school film series to introduce our community to French cinema and culture” ) leadership roles (e.g. “Treasurer, Grade 12” )unique details that will make you stand out.
- Highlight things you weren’t able to write about in your college essays or short answers. Use your high school resume to show colleges something new. If your devotion to photography didn’t make it on the application but is a big part of who you are, then showcase your photography cred on your resume.
- Formatting is key. Make your resume easy to scan. Divide information into sections with clear headings, bulleted lists, and a consistent font. Use a system of organization that works for you. (Chronological, by the importance of activity, or by time commitment are a few options.)
- Don’t forget to proofread !
- Be honest and accurate. Colleges know how to spot inconsistencies in your application materials, and they won’t hesitate to call your counselor to verify information that doesn’t seem right. So don’t tell them that you have practice for the school play for 30 hours per week—unless drama club is somehow your full-time job!
Source: The Princeton Review: How to Write a High School Resume for College Applications
College Interview Questions
It can be helpful to know what questions to expect during a college interview. Prep Scholar offers a great breakdown of common college interview questions and how to answer them.
The 14 College Interview Questions You Must Prepare For
by: Justin Berkman:
Question 1: Tell Me About Yourself. This isn’t even actually a question, but it’s something you might be asked to do in an interview. Because it’s so general, you might have trouble figuring out where to begin.
Why they’re asking this: Colleges are asking you to do this because they really do want to know more about you. That’s one of the primary purposes of the interview, after all!
What they’re looking for: You need to paint a unique portrait of who you are to separate yourself from other applicants. Avoid clichés or descriptions that would be too common. For example, don’t just say you’re hardworking—explain what has driven you to become as diligent as you are and why you feel it is important.
How to prepare: Rehearse answering this question. Try talking about your passions, hobbies, and interests. You can discuss what inspires you or what your friends like about you. Be specific. Again, you want to make yourself memorable.
Question 2: Why Are You Interested In This College?
Why they’re asking this: This is an important question and one you should definitely prepare for, since colleges want to see that you’re taking the application process seriously and have a legitimate interest in attending the school.
What they’re looking for: Talk about your interest in a major or academic program, the cultural values of the school, or extracurricular activities that drew you to the college. Again, be thorough and specific. Don’t talk about prestige or rankings, and don’t say you just want to go there because it’s close to home; none of this shows genuine interest in this specific college!
How to prepare: To answer this question well, you’ll need to conduct extensive college research before the interview. You should be able to cite specifics when answering this question. Follow the same advice as if you were writing the answer to this question for your application essay.
Question 3: Why Do You Want to Major in _____? If you’ve indicated that you want to major in a certain subject, you might be asked why you’re interested in that particular field.
Why they’re asking this: Colleges are interested in your academic goals and want to see that you’re academically inclined.
What they’re looking for: Talk about why a certain subject inspires you or why you’re passionate about it. Don’t say that you’re pursuing a certain major to make a lot of money or have job security. That doesn’t demonstrate genuine academic interest; it just makes you seem shallow.
How to prepare: Think deeply about why you want to pursue a specific major. Why do you find it fascinating? What experiences provoked your interest in the subject? How will the major enable you to reach your future professional goals?
Question 4: What Are Your Academic Strengths?
Why they’re asking this: In an effort to get to know you as a student, colleges are interested in getting your perspective on where you excel academically.
What they’re looking for: Don’t make this answer too short. Don’t just say, “I’m good at science.” When discussing your academic strengths, explain how you’ve capitalized on your strengths. If you’re an excellent writer, for example, how have you used your writing skills to excel in school? How do you plan on continuing to use your strengths?
How to prepare: Make sure you know your academic strengths. You should be able to explain how you recognized your strengths, how you’re currently using them, and how you plan to use them in the future.
Question 5: What Are Your Academic Weaknesses? How Have You Addressed Them?
Why they’re asking this: Colleges want to admit good students, but they’re aware everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Colleges want to see that you have the persistence and work ethic to succeed despite your challenges.
What they’re looking for: Schools want students who can demonstrate their ability to confront and overcome challenges. Try revealing strategies or specific approaches you’ve taken to improve your academic weaknesses. You could also tell a specific story about how you managed to do well in a subject that was especially difficult for you.
How to prepare: Be aware of your academic weaknesses and how you’ve addressed them. It’s not good to say that you don’t have any weaknesses. That’s not very believable, and you’ll come off as arrogant.
Question 6: What Do You Plan to Contribute to This School?
Why they’re asking this: Colleges want to admit students who will make positive contributions to campus and academic life. Essentially, they’re looking for students who will make the school better.
What they’re looking for: In short, specifics.Don’t limit your answer to vague positive traits. Don’t just say you’ll contribute a good work ethic and a regard for others. Is there specific research you wish to pursue? Do you want to have a leadership position in an extracurricular activity? Are there specific community service projects you want to do? How will your presence on campus and in the classroom make a difference?
How to prepare: Know the specific contributions you want to make to the school. Identify your college goals as well as the activities you want to pursue while you’re in college.
Question 7: What Do You Expect to Be Doing 10 Years From Now?
Why they’re asking this: Just to set the record straight, you don’t need to have your entire future figured out. Colleges understand that you probably won’t have everything decided and your plans are likely to change. What they do want is students with direction.
What they’re looking for: Colleges want students who are motivated to achieve their goals. The bad, general answer is to only say you expect to have a fulfilling career and be making a positive impact on the world. What are some specific activities you’d like to do? How do you plan on impacting the world? You don’t have to limit your plans to professional goals. Do you want to take your mom on a vacation? Or have weekly gatherings with your best friends from high school?
How to prepare: You can write down some detailed notes answering this question. Paint a picture of the life you want to have in 10 years. That picture should reveal your uniqueness.
Question 8: What Would You Change About Your High School?
Why they’re asking this: With this question, colleges are looking for your ability to identify problems and get a better understanding of what you’re looking for in a school. By learning what you’d change, they get a chance to learn more about what matters to you.
What they’re looking for: Colleges want a thoughtful response. Be specific and respectful. Don’t say, “I’d get better teachers.” Say that you’d allocate more resources to the music department so that more students can have the opportunity to learn how to play new instruments. Discuss how learning an instrument helped you, and describe the current state of the music department. Try to make it clear that you want to improve your school to benefit the personal and academic growth of all of its students.
How to prepare: Think about the strengths and weaknesses of your high school. What are some specific problems it has? What are the consequences of those problems? What steps would you take to make improvements?
Question 9: Whom Do You Most Admire?
Why they’re asking this: From this question, colleges can get a sense of your values. If the person you most admire is Justin Bieber, for example, colleges might wonder about your priorities.
What they’re looking for: Don’t limit your answer just to naming the person. Why do you admire that person? For instance, many people say that the person they most admire is a parent. But what specifically has that parent done that you admire so much? In short, don’t forget the details.
How to prepare: Think deeply about your response to this question. If the person you admire is somebody you know, practice by giving your answer to that person. You’ll know you’ve answered the question well if you’re rewarded with a hug or even a few tears from your audience.
Question 10: What Is Your Favorite Book?
Why they’re asking this: This question is designed to help schools learn more about your interests. Colleges also probably want to make sure that you actually read books.
What they’re looking for: Don’t limit your answer to the name of a book; think about why you like the book so much. How did it inspire you? Did a particular character resonate with you? Did you learn something from this book that influenced your opinions or behavior? Did this book help shape your perspective or values?
How to prepare: Really think about books you’ve read that you connected with and why. I’ve also seen similar questions asking about a news article you recently read, so try to stay up to date with the news, too!
Question 11: Why Do You Want to Go to College?
Why they’re asking this: For this question, schools are trying to understand why you’re motivated to pursue higher education.
What they’re looking for: Colleges want to see you have clear goals you’re trying to accomplish by attending college. Obviously, they don’t want to hear that you want to go to college because your parents are making you or so you can attend wild parties. In your answer, emphasize how college will allow you to pursue your passions, aid in your personal development, and enable you to fulfill your future goals. Be specific. What are your passions and goals? How will college give you an opportunity to pursue these passions? What college activities will increase your awareness and facilitate your intellectual and emotional growth?
How to prepare: For ideas, check out the pros in my article about if you should go to college.
Question 12: What Do You Like to Do for Fun?
Why they’re asking this: This question is designed to get a better sense of your general interests and overall personality.
What they’re looking for: Your answer doesn’t only have to include activities that are academic. After all, you probably wouldn’t be believed if you said all you do for fun is read science textbooks and do math problems. If some of what you do for fun is intellectual, though, explain why you find these activities fun. Finally, try to avoid general answers such as “hang out with friends.”
How to prepare: You shouldn’t have to prepare much for this question since I assume you already know what you like to do for fun. However, spend some time thinking about why you enjoy these activities.
Question 13: What Is an Obstacle You’ve Faced and How Did You Get Through It?
Why they’re asking this: Colleges want to know if you’ve faced (and overcome) any significant challenges in your life. They also want to see that you’re persistent and willing to work hard in order to overcome these obstacles.’
What they’re looking for: It’s fine if you haven’t had some awful, incredibly difficult obstacle in your life. Think of a time when you faced a problem that challenged you, and you put in a lot of effort to solve it. Your obstacle could be related to your home life, school, or an extracurricular activity. In your response, explain how the obstacle challenged you and emphasize what exactly you did to overcome it.
How to prepare: Think of a significant challenge you’ve had in your life and how you dealt with it. What did you learn from the problem? How did you solve it? Did it change or influence the way you address similar problems?
Question 14: What Makes You Unique?
Why they’re asking this: This question is essentially what all the other questions above are meant to determine. It’s another general question that’s often difficult to answer. We are all unique, but it can be hard to put into words exactly what separates you from other people.
What they’re looking for: Schools ask this question because theywant to get to know you better. You can discuss a trait or multiple traits you possess. Give examples and stories that demonstrate these qualities. Do you have any uncommon interests or goals? Is your background very unique?
How to prepare: I recommend doing some serious brainstorming to address this question. Write out specific attributes and anecdotes you can share that demonstrate your uniqueness. When do you feel most comfortable? What makes you the proudest?
Source: Justin Berkman: The 14 College Interview Questions You Must Prepare For
What to Wear
What Should a Woman Wear to a College Interview?
by Eileen Cody
While not as formal as job interviews, college interviews can be a significant piece of the admissions process, and your clothing will help to make a memorable first impression. It’s important to present yourself in clean, well-kempt attire that’s appropriate for the season and type of college or program you’re applying to. Keep in mind that a college that uses interviews as part of their evaluation process has holistic admissions: the admissions folks are evaluating the whole applicant, not just looking at grades and standardized test scores. Thus, the impression you make matters.
Also, keep in mind that the guidelines below represent general advice. An applicant would likely dress quite differently when interviewing at a funky art school than when meeting with a representative from a conservative Christian college.
1. Pants, Skirts or Dresses: Depending on your program, the campus atmosphere and the time of year, dress pants, a skirt or a dress can all be appropriate interview attire. During the summer, a modest sundress or looser-fitting skirt may be appropriate, particularly at a more liberal college or university. In the fall or winter, wear dress pants or a straight or A-line skirt with stockings. The admissions counselor conducting your interview won’t expect to see you in a formal business suit, but keep in mind the type of school and program you’re applying to. If you’re applying to a college of business, for example, business attire might be expected. In any circumstance, stick to neutral colors such as black, grey, or brown, and make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing.
2. The Shirt: The shirt you wear is likely the first piece of clothing that your interviewer will notice, so it’s important that it makes a good impression. A blouse or a nice sweater will pair nicely with either dress pants or a skirt. During the warmer months, a modest tank top under a short-sleeved or three-quarter-sleeved cardigan is also acceptable. Neutrals, pastels or cool colors are preferable to louder colors or patterns.
3. The Shoes: Choose a simple pair of pumps or ballet flats. Your shoes should appear professional, but make sure that you’re comfortable walking in them, as well. Unless you choose to match your shoes to your outfit or purse (and make sure that this isn’t distractingly noticeable if you do), black or taupe are both appropriate color choices.
4. The Purse: Unless you’re bringing along a sizable portfolio or other pertinent interview information, a briefcase isn’t usually necessary, but you’ll likely want to carry a purse for personal items, particularly if your outfit lacks pockets. A smaller black or neutral-colored leather purse is a safe bet.
5. The Jewelry: Jewelry is a great way to add a touch of your own style to your interview outfit. Smaller necklaces and earrings, bracelets, watches and rings are all perfectly acceptable. Keep in mind that too much jewelry can be distracting, so limit your accessories to a few tasteful pieces.
6. The Hair: Your hairstyle will obviously depend on the type and length of your own hair, but as a general rule, simpler is better. You don’t want to draw attention to your hair with a complex updo. Make sure it’s pulled back away from your face, and if it’s too long to leave down, wear it in a low ponytail, half ponytail, or bun.
7. The Manicure: A good manicure is important to tying together your interview attire. Whether you choose to paint your nails or not, make sure that they’re clean and trimmed. If you do use nail polish, stick to the classic lighter or neutral colors or a French manicure, or even just a clear coat.
8. Piercings and Body Art: Facial piercings and visible tattoos have become much more widely accepted recently, particularly on college campuses. There’s nothing wrong with leaving in a small stud in your nose or ear for your interview, and a tattoo is nothing a college admissions counselor hasn’t seen before. That being said, if you do have visible piercings or body art, keep them tasteful and appropriate, as large piercings or highly noticeable or offensive tattoos can be distracting.
9. Final Thoughts: What you wear to your college interview, of course, is the easiest piece to manage when interviewing. Far more important is the need to answer questions well and make a good impression.
Source:
What Should a Woman Wear to a College Interview? Some General Guidelines to Help You Make a Good Impression by Eileen Cody
What Should a Man Wear to a College Interview?
by Allen Grove
The college interview has no set rules about what a man should wear. In general, college interviews are less formal than a job interview, so a suit and tie are not required. However, you do want to look nice, and what you wear should be dictated partly by the weather, the context of the interview, and the type of program and school to which you are applying. If you have doubts, simply ask the admissions office—they can easily tell you what type of attire is typical. Chances are they’ll say it’s casual.
1. A Suit Usually Isn’t Necessary: If you’re applying for a job, you should definitely get out the suit and tie. For a college interview, a suit is often overkill. White collar professionals often wear suits and ties, so the dress is appropriate for the interview. College students almost never wear a suit, and the admissions counselors who interview you won’t expect you to wear one. A suit and tie can even be detrimental if you’re not comfortable wearing them and you don’t feel like yourself.That said, in a few cases a suit might be appropriate. If you are applying to a business school, you’d do well to look business-like. Also, if you’re applying to a very conservative college you might want to err on the side of over-dressing.
2. The Shirt: A nice shirt is key to proper interview attire. Think in terms of buttons and a collar. In the summer, a nice polo shirt or short-sleeve button-down dress shirt is fine. Avoid distracting patterns and colors. In the winter, a long-sleeve dress shirt or sweater is a good choice. Avoid anything that is old, faded and fraying around the edges. Avoid t-shirts.
3. The Tie: A tie never hurts, but it isn’t always necessary. On the one hand, a tie shows respect for the college and the interviewer. On the flip side, college admissions officers know that most 18-year-olds never wear ties. The tie would be a good idea if you’re applying to a business program or if you’re meeting with an alumni interviewer near your home. For an on-campus interview, a nice shirt and pair of pants will usually suffice. If you do wear a tie, make sure the pattern fits the personality of the school. An outrageous tie could be fine at an offbeat college, but some campus cultures are fairly conservative.
4. The Pants: Here, as with the other parts of the interview outfit, the context will partly dictate what you wear. Pressed wool slacks aren’t necessary unless you’re applying to a professional school with a business-like image. In general, a pair of khakis is a good choice. You can look casual but tidy. Leave the ripped jeans and sweat pants at home.
5. Shorts? Only in Rare Circumstances: If your interview is combined with a campus tour and it’s 100 degrees outside, a pair of shorts might be appropriate. In fact, the college will question your common sense if you’re sitting there sweating profusely in a wool suit. Shorts should be neat and hemmed. Save those ratty cut-offs and athletic shorts for another day.In most situations, however, long pants are the better choice. If you’re interviewing for a professional program or if you’re meeting an alumni interviewer at a place of business, never wear shorts.
6. The Belt: Whatever pants or shorts you wear, don’t forget the belt. It dresses up an outfit and keeps your pants in place. The interviewer doesn’t want to see your boxer shorts.
7. The Shoes: Black or brown leather (or faux leather) is your best bet. You don’t need shiny patent leather shoes, but you should avoid ratty sneakers and flip flops. In hot summer weather, a pair of nice leather sandals can be okay if the school has a fairly casual atmosphere.
8. Piercings: No interviewer is going to be shocked by the metal stud through your tongue, nose, lip or eyebrow — piercings are common sights on college campuses. At the same time, make sure your piercings aren’t too much of a distraction. If the tongue barbell clacks against your teeth and makes you lisp, you might want to remove it for the interview. Large rings in the nose or lips can also be quite distracting during a conversation. It’s always possible, of course, that you’ll get an interviewer who doesn’t share your love for piercings, so keep that possibility in mind as you dress.
9. Tattoos: As with piercings, tattoos are a common sight on college campuses and they aren’t going to shock most college admissions officers. At the same time, if your forearm has the giant word “DEATH” tattooed on it, you might want to consider long sleeves. Anything violent, racist or explicitly sexual should obviously be covered.
10. Hair: Plenty of men have been accepted to colleges with blue hair, long hair or a shaved head. The interviewer wants to get to know you, so if you typically have a purple and green mullet, you shouldn’t feel you need to change your hair style for the interview. At the same time, the campus culture should inform your decision. It would be unwise to interview at a conservative college or business school with a glow-in-the-dark mohawk.
11. Prepare for Your Interview: Your clothing isn’t the most important part of an interview, and unless you come in with messages of hate tattooed on your forehead and your lunch on the front of your shirt, your interviewer probably won’t even make a record of what you wear.
What you say, on the other hand, is extremely important for showing that you would be a good match for the college. Be sure to master these 12 interview questions, and if you want to be extra prepared, here are another 20 common interview questions. You’ll find tips and strategies for each question.
Finally, be careful to avoid these common interview mistakes.
While you want to prepare for your interview, don’t stress over it. College interviews are friendly affairs, and interviewers aren’t out to trip you up or make you squirm. They are looking to learn a little more about you, and they are eager to tell you more about their school. When an interviewer asks what he or she can tell you about the college, make sure you have some questions ready.
Source:
What Should a Man Wear to a College Interview? Some General Guidelines by Allen Grove
How to Write a Follow-Up Email
Follow up on Your College Application The Right Way
by: International College Counselors
Don’t lose sight of your college application. There are a lot of pieces to keep track of—including test scores, college application essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and more.
Not only do you need to complete these, you also have to follow up on them. The key is to stay organized. Check your email every day over the next few months. Schools send emails to confirm receipt of information, tell you if there are problems, set up interviews, and even send you acceptances!
After you send in your application: Mark off the date you sent it in. Most schools send an email confirmation within a few days. DO NOT THROW AWAY THIS EMAIL. Put it and anything you receive from a college into a special email folder for college correspondence. This email may contain log in information for a portal through which you can check your application status.
Check your status periodically. Items like transcripts and test scores take time to be processed, but if your application is not complete within a few weeks of sending all the pieces, call the school to follow up. Do not procrastinate. An incomplete application will result in a likely rejection.
After you apply for financial aid: Follow up on the status of your FAFSA. If you submit it online, three to five days after you submit your FAFSA, the office of Federal Student Aid will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR). If you mail the FAFSA in and they do not have a valid e-mail address for you on file, your SAR will be mailed within 7 to 10 days. Once your application has been processed, you’ll get a chance to check the form for errors, make corrections, and add/delete schools you want to receive an application. Make any corrections right away, before you forget about them. If you do not receive the SAR, contact FAFSA customer service at https://fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm.
After asking for transcripts and recommendation letters: Two weeks (or more) before your application deadline check with everyone you asked to write you a recommendation. Confirm that they wrote the letter and sent it in. For the Common App letters, check the “School Forms” tab for what has – and has not – been downloaded by the school. It’s your responsibility to make sure your transcripts and letters of recommendation get written and sent in by the deadline.
After an interview: Send a thank you note a few days after the interview. Thank the interviewer for speaking with you and reiterate your interest in the school. Make sure the letter is written professionally and politely. Your job of impressing the interviewer doesn’t end when the interview is over. End note: With some organization, your application process should go smoothly. Millions of students have successfully gone on to college, and you can too.
Thank You Email Template
| Subject: THANK YOU: NYU Interview Body: Hello (Insert Full Name), Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I enjoyed learning more about (college/university name here). I appreciate your time. (College/university) sounds like an environment I can succeed in. I look forward to hearing from you. If there is any additional information I can provide, please let me know! Thank you again for your time and consideration. Best Regards, Name High School |
Source: International College Counselors: Follow up on Your College Application The Right Way
