College Interviews: When Do They Usually Occur?

Hello folks! So I understand that some universities require or offer interviews as part of the admissions process. I'm a little stressed about it and want to prepare as best as I can. Can anyone tell me when these interviews usually happen? Your advice is much appreciated!

The timing of interviews can vary greatly between colleges, but they typically occur during the early action/early decision or regular decision application review periods.

For many schools, early action/early decision interviews often happen from November to December, soon after the application deadlines in late October or November. Regular decision interviews typically occur from January to February, following the application deadlines that often fall in January.

Keep in mind this timeline can depend on the specific university and how they structure their admissions process. Some colleges schedule interviews right after receiving your application, while others might wait until they've done a preliminary review of your application materials.

You'll generally receive an email from the college you've applied to with details on how to arrange your interview. This can range from an on-campus meeting, to a chat with a local alumni, to a virtual interview online.

To prepare, I'd recommend researching common interview questions and practicing your responses. Be ready to talk about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and why you're interested in that particular school. Always be authentic and sincere in your responses.

Try not to stress too much about the interviews. They're as much an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about the university as they are for the university to learn more about you. When you go into the interview, make sure you're well-rested, presentable, and prepared, but most importantly, just be yourself. Good luck!