10 Essential College Admissions Interview Questions

Welcome to the latest edition of "Unlock Your Authentic Self" – your go-to source for strategies that help you and your student leverage true self-discovery for academic and personal success. If we're meeting for the first time, hello! I’m Dr. Aviva Legatt, and I’m passionate about helping students and families navigate the college admissions journey. You can learn more about my background and mission here.

As fall admissions season ramps up, high school seniors are diving into one of the most pivotal aspects of their college applications: the interview. If you’re preparing for yours, don’t stress! I've got you covered with the 10 Essential College Admissions Interview Questions you should prepare for, along with some personal tips to help you shine.

1. Tell Me About Yourself This is your time to share about who you are and what makes you tick! Think of it as your personal "elevator pitch." Introduce yourself with a focus on what excites you about this next chapter in your life. When I did my first interview years ago, I remember relying on my acting training (sometimes, you have to fake it till you make it!), but staying authentic helped me make a genuine connection.

2. How Did You Get Interested In [Your Major]? Your chance to tell a story! Share what sparked your interest in your major and how your experiences have led you here. For me, it was my fascination with the intersection of music theatre and the record business (via one band... a bit embarrassing to say which one.. that's a subject for my book Get Real and Get In) that inspired my career path. I always say, avoid the generic and share your genuine passion.

3. What Goals Do You Have For Your College Experience? This is where you show that you've done your homework. Be specific—mention academic programs, research opportunities, or student clubs. In my day, I didn’t have the wealth of research tools you have today, and the internet was in its relatively early day. Make the most of resources like virtual tours and alumni networks. This is your chance to demonstrate your proactive approach to your college journey.

4. Can You Tell Me About A Favorite And Least Favorite Class in High School? Share what you loved about your favorite class and how it ties into your future aspirations. For your least favorite, focus on how you adapted and grew from the experience. Remember, it’s all about showing that you can learn from any situation (if it was a truly a bad experience with no redeeming qualities, no worries, but don't mention it here on this interview!).

5. What Was Your Most Exciting Intellectual Experience? This question lets your intellectual curiosity shine. Share an experience that thrilled you—whether it’s a school project, a personal interest, or something beyond the classroom. When I was a student, a single book changed the way I viewed education—so don't be afraid to talk about those moments of inspiration!

6. Why Did You Choose To Apply To [XYZ University]? This is one of the big ones. Do your research and be specific! Admissions officers want to know why their school is a great fit for you. Mention specific programs or campus culture that align with your goals. When I’m advising students, I always advise to find a through line between what the university offers and what they want to with their university education. Add a personalized touch by highlighting a specific individual or experience that they have to demonstrate their knowledge of and adoration for the university.

7. What Are Your Aspirations For Your Career? Don’t just focus on the short term—think about the big picture! What’s the impact you want to make? Even if you're not entirely sure yet (that’s okay!), show that you're thinking long term. Personally, I never would have imagined my career journey would lead me here--but a passion for helping students and families find their path led the way.

8. How Do You Spend Your Free Time? Here’s a chance to show your personality. Share hobbies or activities that reflect who you are outside of academics. Whether you’re into pottery, spelunking, or even something like dancing (which, by the way, is one of my go-to creative outlets), this is a great way to connect on a human level.

9. Can You Share A Challenge Or Failure That You Learned From? Use this question to showcase your resilience. Share a specific example of a challenge and how it helped you grow. It’s not about the failure itself but how you handled it. Most of us--myself included--have had to face a setback and figure out how to bounce back.

10. What Questions Do You Have for Me? This is your moment to engage. Ask thoughtful, specific questions that show you're genuinely interested in the school. Maybe ask about the interviewer’s own experiences as an alum or something unique to the program. I always tell students that this is a great way to showcase their curiosity, ingenuity and forge an even deeper connection with the interviewer.

Next Steps For Success

As you prepare for your college admissions interviews, practice your responses, but keep them authentic. Find a friend or mentor who can help you rehearse and give feedback. If your interview is virtual, be mindful of your setup—good lighting, a clean background, and eye contact go a long way.

Remember, thoughtful preparation is the key to calming any nerves and allowing your true self to shine through. Stay tuned for more insights by subscribing to this newsletter, and for personalized guidance, explore Ivy Insight for College Admissions and Professor Research Internships and Cognitive Command for Executive Function Coaching. And for more tips on embracing your authentic self, check out my book, "Get Real and Get In" at St. Martin's Press.

This newsletter is based on content originally published in Forbes by Dr. Aviva Legatt.Together, we’ll make this journey as rewarding as possible!