Summary of The Ultimate Guide to the College Interview: Tips + Common Questions
Summary of "The Ultimate Guide to the College Interview: Tips + Common Questions"
Main Ideas and Concepts:
- Purpose of College Interviews:
- Colleges use interviews to gauge potential student fit and interest in their institution.
- Interviews can help colleges assess a student's personality and command of English.
- Students should also use the interview as an opportunity to evaluate if the school is a good fit for them.
- Importance of Interviews:
- The significance of interviews varies by institution; some schools place more weight on them than others.
- Interviews can be influential for students on the cusp of admission decisions.
- Types of Interviews:
- Evaluative Interviews: Assessing student fit for the school.
- Informational Interviews: Primarily providing information to the student.
- Preparation Steps:
- Write three essays:
- Why you want to attend the school.
- Intended major and reasons.
- Interests outside academics.
- Create a "message box" with 3-4 key talking points to ensure you cover important aspects of your profile.
- Prepare specific, insightful questions to ask the interviewer.
- Write three essays:
- Common Interview Questions:
- Anticipate questions about your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and personal experiences.
- Practice responding to questions and connecting your answers back to your message box.
- Interview Etiquette:
- Dress appropriately but don’t overthink attire; a nice shirt is sufficient.
- Bring a resume if you wish, but it’s not mandatory.
- In virtual interviews, ensure proper setup (lighting, software) and consider standing while talking for better engagement.
- Handling Difficult Situations:
- If faced with a challenging interviewer, steer the conversation back to your message box.
- If you don’t know an answer, it’s acceptable to admit it and pivot to something you do know.
Methodology and Preparation Steps:
- Step 1: Write three essays on:
- Why you want to attend the school.
- Your intended major.
- Interests outside of academics.
- Step 2: Create a message box with 3-4 key talking points.
- Step 3: Prepare 1-3 insightful questions to ask the interviewer.
Practice:
- Use the "so what" game to expand on your answers.
- Engage in mock interviews to practice segwaying into your message box.
Tips for Specific Questions:
- Avoid generic answers; provide specific, personal insights.
- For "Tell me about yourself," use your message box to guide your response.
- If asked about weaknesses, frame them as strengths taken too far.
Speakers or Sources Featured:
- Ethan, the host and creator of the video, known as the "college essay guy."
- Paul Sweet, an admissions officer from Babson College, referenced for insights on the interview process.
- Mention of an article by Haley Gladder in The Atlantic discussing the relevance of college interviews.
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for students preparing for college interviews, emphasizing both the importance of preparation and the opportunity for mutual evaluation between the student and the institution.
Notable Quotes
— 01:06 — « All right enough of this tomfoolery, let's get going. »
— 03:02 — « Dog treats are the greatest invention ever. »
— 06:24 — « I call it curiosity with legs. »
Category
Educational