Education in San Antonio

Years ago, many highly selective colleges and universities required that all applicants complete an interview with a staff member and/or an alumnus.

Today, far fewer institutions mandate an interview, but a significant number do. And, although other institutions do not use the word “interview”, they may evaluate applicants after meeting with them. In fact, at some institutions, even current students who come into contact with applicants may formally or informally record their opinions of them.

You would be well advised to assume that anything you say to an institutional representative may influence your admission decision. Here are ten ways to help yourself.

1. Never indicate that a college or graduate school is not your first choice: if you do, you may put your chance of admission at risk.

2. Act confidently and speak confidently about wanting to continue your education, your chosen field of study, and the degree program to which you are applying. Colleges, and especially graduate schools, are more likely to admit students without doubts. Do not speak with them about yours…that is what friends and family are for.

3. Dress appropriately for all meetings with institutional representatives.

4. Research the institutions to which you are applying. Never ask a question about a college or university which you could have found an answer to in a few minutes on the institution’s website; it will make you appear lazy and/or not very interested.

5. Do not say anything to a student tour guide, discussion leader or interviewer you would not say to the Dean of Admissions.

6. Send thank you notes to anyone who spends significant time with you. The less generic they sound, the better.

7. If a family member accompanies you on a campus visit, which can be a good idea, be sure he/she knows not to be a “helicopter” parent or spouse.

8. Have at least one intelligent question prepared for each person with whom you meet.

9. Do not be presumptuous about your admission to an institution, even if you appear to meet every applicable standard.

10. Meet with representatives of your top choices only after you have had practice with a few of your back up choices. It’s a good strategy.

Good interviewing is, more than anything else, applying common sense, active listening skills, and common courtesy. Good luck.

Daniel Z. Kane is a veteran educator who has worked as a school counselor and a university dean. He also contributes to websites designed to help adults select online degree and online college programs.