What should I expect in a university admissions interview?

I'm prepping for my college admissions interviews and feeling a bit anxious. What types of questions should I expect, and how can I make a good impression? Any tips from those who've been through this process would be awesome.

First off, it's perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous before your college admissions interviews. The primary aim of these interviews is to learn more about you as an individual, so the key is to be yourself. Keep in mind that those interviewing you genuinely want to get know more about your passions, your personality, and why you're interested in the university.

With that in mind, you can generally expect college admissions interviews to consist of four main types of questions:

1. Personal Background: These involve questions about your home, family, and background.

2. Academic Interests: Questions that pertain to your field of interest, your major, and your academic strengths will be asked.

3. College and Future Goals: You may be asked specifically about why you want to attend this college, what you see yourself doing in the future, and how this particular school fits into your plans.

4. Current Affairs and General Knowledge: To test your awareness of the world, they might ask about your thoughts on pressing global issues.

In terms of how to make a good impression, remember that your communication skills and body language can be just as important as your responses. Be sure to greet your interviewer politely, maintain good eye contact, listen attentively to the questions before responding, and refrain from interrupting.

One helpful tip is to rehearse common questions in advance so you can respond confidently and thoughtfully. Another way to prepare is to stay updated with current events and develop informed opinions about them, because interviewers may pose questions on relevant global or local issues.

On the big day, wear something comfortable yet presentable, plan to arrive a bit early, and relax. Remember to thank your interviewer at the end, and after the interview, it's a good practice to send a thank you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview.

Remember, while it's important to make a good impression, your interview is just one part of your overall application. It's not the sole determiner of your acceptance. Be genuine and just do your best. Best of luck with your interviews!