College interviews are an important part of the admissions process for many universities, but it may not be for all the reasons you think. Admissions interviewers are trying to put a face and personality to that resume, and get a sense of who your child is - serious, funny, quirky or problematic. So they ask a variety of questions - some about academic background, but some very open-ended, which can be difficult for a nervous teen to answer. And some universities, such as Oxford, ask very probing questions about global news to assess how well-informed its applicants are and how savvy. But this is also an opportunity for your child to impress upon the admissions officer how much he wants to go to this particular school, and to explain any academic blips or passions.
Your child may be viewing the interview as a test of some kind, but really, an interview can be a tremendously helpful thing for a student. So here are tips on how to help your child prepare:
- Scheduling & Logistics: Your child - not you! - should call or e-mail the school and set up the interview. It's best to schedule those first interviews at schools that don't top your child's list, so he'll be less nervous; by the time he gets to his favorite school(s), he'll have had a little practice. And don't be fooled by the phrase "optional interview." For many private colleges, "demonstrated interest" is a critical factor in admissions. Having your child interview on campus - or meet with an alumnus in his hometown - demonstrates his interest in that school. Your job, on the other hand, includes offering moral support and, if necessary, arranging transportation and providing wardrobe advice.
- Prep Work: Encourage your child to think about the interview questions he's likely to encounter, especially any questions about academic problems or dropped classes. It also can be helpful to talk with older friends who have interviewed on that campus, to find out what it was like and what types of questions were asked. Either you or your child should download a campus map and figure out where you're going, where you're going to park, and what else can be included in this visit. Musicians should take a lesson with a professor and sit in on a rehearsal. Other majors might consider sitting in on a class or lecture. And everyone should take a tour of the dorms - some universities offer overnight dorm options, as well.
- Interview Day: Besides the obvious - shower! anti-perspirant! appropriate dress! - make sure you arrive on campus in plenty of time. Allow time to get lost, to park and to get lost again. Pack a paperback thriller, a Sudoku book or something else to keep yourself occupied while your child is in his interview, or sitting in on classes. When you arrive at the admissions office, have your child sign in - not you. Remind him to silence his cell phone, tell him you love him, then go find somewhere comfortable - the library, a coffee house or sunny bench - to wait. Do not try to go into the interview with him, unless you want the admissions officer to add the notation "Warning: Helicopter Parent" to his file.
- Afterward: Bring home any papers, business cards and/or a course catalog to read at home. Encourage your child to send his interviewer (hence the importance of keeping that business card) a thank you e-mail, addressing it to Mr. or Ms., unless the interviewer specifically said, "Call me Chris."
