An admission interview is a face-to-face meeting between a prospective college student and a college or university representative. The purpose of the discussion is to provide an opportunity for the school to get to know the student on a personal level and for the student to learn more about the school and the program they are applying to. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone or through video conferencing. They can be performed by admissions officers, alumni, current students or faculty members. The questions asked during an interview vary but typically focus on the student's academic and extracurricular achievements, goals, and interests. The discussion can also help the school to evaluate the student's communication skills, personalities and how well they would fit into the school's community.

Here are 10 Tips on How to Ace the Admission Interview

• Be prepared: Research the college and the program you're applying to, and clearly understand why you're interested in attending. This can help you to speak confidently and intelligently about the school and the program and demonstrate your genuine interest in attending. It also allows you to ask the interviewer informed questions and have a better understanding of what the school has to offer and what the school values.
• Dress professionally: Make a good impression by dressing in professional attire. This can create a positive first impression and show that you are taking the interview seriously. It also shows that you respect the college and the interviewer. It can help boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable and prepared for the interview.
• Be punctual: Arriving on time shows that you respect the interviewer's time and are serious about the opportunity. Being on time also shows that you are responsible and dependable, which is essential for a college student. Being punctual can also help you to arrive calm and relaxed, which can help you perform better during the interview.
• Show enthusiasm: Express your excitement and enthusiasm for the college and the program you're applying to. This can demonstrate your interest and passion for the school and make the interviewer more interested in you as a potential student. It can also help you communicate your passion and motivation to pursue your education in the field you're interested in.
• Be honest: Answer questions truthfully and authentically, and avoid exaggerating your accomplishments or qualifications. Being honest can help to build trust with the interviewer and demonstrate your integrity. It also helps ensure consistency and communication during the interview, and it can help the interviewer understand your qualifications and abilities.
• Be yourself: Let your personality shine through, and be yourself during the interview. This can help make the discussion more relaxed and comfortable, and it also allows the interviewer to get a sense of who you are. It can also help the interviewer understand how you will fit into the school's culture and community.
• Be prepared to answer common questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your academic and extracurricular achievements, your goals, and why you're interested in the college and program. These are common questions often asked in college admission interviews, and answering them confidently and effectively can demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for college. It can also help you make a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of getting accepted.
• Ask questions: Show interest in the college and program by asking thoughtful questions about the school and your potential future there. This can demonstrate your engagement and enthusiasm for the school and allow you to gather more information that can help you make a more informed decision. It can also show the interviewer that you have researched and are interested in the school's opportunities and resources.
• Follow up: Send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer after the interview, thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the college. This can demonstrate your appreciation and professionalism and keep you in the interviewer's mind as a strong candidate. Additionally, it can help you maintain a connection with the school and stay updated on the status of your application.
• Practice: Practice for the interview by doing mock interviews with family, friends, or a career counsellor. This can help you become more comfortable with the interview process and improve your communication skills, which can boost your confidence and increase your chances of attending the interview. Practising can also help you to become more familiar with common interview questions and can help you to tailor your responses to align with the school's mission and values.
• Prepare for the unexpected: While preparing for common interview questions is essential, it is also important to be prepared for the unexpected. The interviewer may ask you a question you didn't expect, or they might take the interview in a direction you didn't anticipate. Being adaptable and thinking on your feet can help you handle these situations quickly and make a positive impression on the interviewer. It can also help you demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations, an essential college skill.

A checklist for an admission interview

• Research the college and the program you're applying to: Understand the school's mission, values, and admissions requirements.
• Dress professionally: Wear attire that is appropriate for a job interview.
• Prepare a portfolio: Bring relevant documents such as your transcript, test scores, and resume.
• Make a list of questions: Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the school and program.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions: Practice answering questions about your academic and extracurricular achievements, goals, and why you're interested in the college and program.
• Bring a notebook and pen: Take notes during the interview for future reference.
• Be punctual: Arrive at the interview location on time and be ready to start the interview.
• Be yourself: Show your personality and be authentic during the interview.
• Show enthusiasm: Express your excitement and enthusiasm for the college and the program you're applying to.
• Follow up: Send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer after the interview.
• Practice: Do mock interviews with family, friends or a career counsellor.
• Prepare for the unexpected: Be ready to answer any questions that might come up during the interview, and be ready to adapt to new situations.