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Want to know how to dress for your college interview?

First impressions last. So dress well for your college interview! Don’t blow your chances of getting into your dream school because you don’t brush your hair or tuck your shirt in. If you show up in a Rush concert shirt or a Yankees baseball hat on backwards, you’re risking a lot. (Unless, by some extremely odd coincidence, the college admissions counselor loves Geddy Lee or Derek Jeter.) Be professional – a college interview is similar to a job interview. Dress well – and dress so that you won’t fall over due to a constricted waist!

Formally

This is a professional day. Your wardrobe choice should reflect that. A college interview can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. If done well, a positive interview might also land you on a scholarship award list. Nose rings, eyebrow rings – basically, anything but traditional earrings – should be pulled out or tucked in. No jeans. Find khakis or dress pants – ladies may wear dresses or skirts as long as they are an appropriate length. Wear a belt if your pants need it, and a tie if appropriate. Clothing without words is best, unless it’s your school’s name. If you normally wear heavy makeup, consider a lighter look for the day. Your personality will come through in the speaking part of the interview.

Comfortably

Comfort is essential for your interview. You might feel more dressed up than usual, but you want to wear clothes that you will feel somewhat natural in. Ladies – if you aren’t used to wearing high heels, don’t start now, especially if you plan to take a walking tour of campus. Your shoes should be formal, but not painful. If button-up shirts feel too tight or uncomfortable, consider a polo shirt. Formality should not mean misery, so try to find a happy medium. You may laugh – but if you wear tight clothes just because they look good, you might end up with a cramp mid-interview and have to force your smiles. You want to look as happy as possible. So make sure that while you dress formally, you dress naturally, too.

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This post is titled “How to Dress for Your College Interview.” It was written by Marta Casey, a writer on Top Test Prep’s team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep’s programs, call (800) 501 – Prep

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For admission to most programs at top colleges an interview is an optional part of the application. Some college's say that they want to interview all candidates, while others say that it won't affect your application negatively if you choose not to interview. It is typically only those who are applying to programs such as business or medicine that have to interview.

So, if thoughts of clammy hands and hard questions spring to mind when you think about an interview, it's easy to say, "Well it's not necessary. I won't risk it."

However, one should never pass up the chance to talk further about their application. Interviewers know they are dealing with high school students whose interview experience may only extend to an interview for a job at the local ice cream shop. While that is no excuse for a sloppy or unprepared interview, you're not going to be walking into the stuffy atmosphere you fear.

An interview is really just a conversation. If you are a student that is looking at a top college, then you will have had many achievements about which you are passionate. Steer the interview towards these areas that you are confident about and have meaning to you, and you will find that you can talk about them with ease.

Furthermore, your interviewer is not going to be some stodgy admissions officer peering over his glasses with skepticism about your application. Typically, interviews are done either by alums who are eager to help shape a new class of their alma mater and enjoy meeting prospective students, or by a college student working with the admissions committee. These people are not out to hurt you, but rather get a better sense of who you are as a person.

The interview is the best chance you have to elaborate on your application, and it's a mistake to pass it up out of fear.  The best college's receive applications from students with myriad accomplishments, and at some point it becomes hard for them to distinguish one A-student that is editor of their school newspaper with a 2100 SAT score from another. The interview is your chance to speak in more detail about your accomplishments and give the school a chance to see what these accomplishments meant to you. Don't pass it up!
 

This article is titled, "Should You Ever Decline An Interview?."  It was written by Jon B, who is a writer for Top Test Prep's team.

To learn more about Top Test Prep's programs, call (800) 501-Prep.

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1) Watch your body language.

Sit in a way that feels comfortable but still shows that you’re taking the situation seriously. Don’t cross your arms or adopt a posture that appears closed. Talking with your hands can seem friendly and enthusiastic, but don’t let it distract from whatever you’re saying.

Give your interviewer a strong handshake, and sustain eye contact during introductions. Remember your interviewer’s name, and don’t be afraid to use it over the course of the interview.

2) Dress professionally.

When it comes to dressing for an interview, it’s better to be too formal than too informal. You might want to choose your clothes ahead of time so it’s one less thing to think about on the day of your interview.

3) Practice ahead of time with a friend.

Think of the questions you may be asked, and ask a friend to put you on the spot. Your friend may come up with some good follow-up questions, depending on your answers.

4) Get feedback.

Ask your friend to tell you honestly how you come across. Your friend may notice things that are simple and easy to adjust, but important in creating a good impression.

5) Lock down your safety schools.

Come prepared to every interview with relevant information about the school to which you’re applying. The interview is a great opportunity to demonstrate sincere interest in a school that may consider you overqualified.

6) Leave a good last impression.

Shake hands with your interviewer and thank him or her when you leave. Be sure to address him or her by name when you say goodbye.

For help with college admissions counseling interviews, contact Top Test Prep today at (800) 501-7737 or fill out our contact form.

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Here’s some information on “How to Prepare for Admissions Interviews…” When you’re getting ready for your admissions interview, make sure you’re prepared. Make a list of questions ahead of time to ask the interviewer. This helps you obtain more information about the school, and it shows the interviewer that you’re interested in the college.

Your list should include relevant questions about the school and the education you’ll receive there. Use this guide to prepare questions for your college interview.

1. Ask about the school. Demonstrate interest in the school to show that you care about the institution and your education.

Why would you recommend this school?

What are the most common majors? Why?

Are there any areas you feel the school could improve on?

How does this school compare to other public or private colleges?

2. Ask about student life. You’re going to spend the next four years of your life there, so find out answers to your questions ahead of time.

How many freshmen do you expect this year?

What activities are available for students to get to know each other?

How would you describe student life at this school?

3. Ask about activities. Learn about the extracurricular activities available at the school.

Are there sports, arts or other activities on campus that interest you?

Are internships or co-ops required?

4. Finish with a question about you. When the interview is almost complete, ask the interviewer if there is anything else he would like to know about you. This will allow the interviewer to make a more informed decision about your acceptance and leave him with a positive impression.

What not to ask

Personal questions. Ask questions to learn more about the school itself. Do not ask questions specifically about the interviewer, as they may be perceived as offensive.

Questions you should already know. Do not ask questions that can be found in the school’s calendar or admissions information. You will look unprepared.

After researching the college, draft your own list of questions. Asking questions will help you leave a better impression, which may increase your chances of admission.

Article as it appeared in Next Step Magazine.

To speak with education experts, contact us today at (800) 501-7737.

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There are an increasing number of college admissions consultants discussing the benefits of applying to college from either a public or private high school. Further, many parents and students want to know whether going to a private high school will give them a greater advantage in the admissions cycle. So we’ll discuss the benefits of applying from either public or private schools.

Applying to College From Public High Schools:

There’s a greater chance that you might “stand out” more with higher SAT and ACT scores.

Most admissions offices have statistics of matriculated students from any given high school. These show the performance of students from any high school at their college. In fact, many high school admissions offices provide SAT and ACT medians from their respective school. So, if you score way higher or lower, it could be seen more or less favorably. If a recent study by the Center on Education Policy concluding that students score slightly higher on SAT Verbal / Math from public schools is correct, then you might stand out with a higher score.

You are more likely to be the only one applying to a “Top” College

Because some public high schools are more worried about students attending high school at all, if you’re one of the few students applying to an Ivy League School or to another “Top 50″ college (based on U.S. News and World Report), admissions officers will make note of this fact. Often times students recall of X student of 300 total from Y public high school getting into Harvard. In some cases, this is true. But work on increasing your scores and improving your essays, and then apply to college. Don’t worry about the fact that you have to apply from a public school.

Applying to College From Private High Schools:

Many private schools have greater resources.

Simply put: because many private schools charge tuition and don’t rely on state and local taxes to survive, private high schools can channel more resources into college counseling and other things like computer technology. So if you’re going to a private school use the resources wisely. And our admissions consultants help both public and private school students, regardless.

There’s a better chance you can speak with current and former students at top schools.

Because there are more students from private schools at the top colleges, your private school is more likely to put you in touch with a current student who can help facilitate a campus tour or discussion with the admissions office. In addition, these contacts will help you find out what school is a good fit for you. So find out what graduates went to your choice schools and contact them.

So now you know…

Overall, it is doubtful that an admissions office will think more or less favorably of your application whether at a public or private school; the most important thing is to create an application that shows you contributed to your high school (public or private) and will do the same in college.

Remember, the key to applying to colleges is making sure that you develop a strong theme in your admissions application that shows you stood out of the crowd, regardless of whether you went to a public or private high school. Don’t worry about whether you’re currently at a public or private school, the SAT and ACT create enough objective criteria to evaluate your applications that this fact becomes irrelevant.

Ross Blankenship, Education Expert and Founder of Top Test Prep

College Admissions Experts

(800) 501-Prep

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Interviews are nerve racking to say the least. This is it: just you and the admissions experts. You need to convince this committee why they should let you attend their school. Talk about pressure! There are plenty of ways not to have a total nervous breakdown at the interview; all it takes is time and a little practice.

Prior to the interview, start thinking about what you are going to say. You should consider what makes you a unique and vital addition to the school. Think about your interests, your strengths, all of your activities. For example, there are plenty of applicants with a 4.0 GPA and awesome test scores. The usual sports, cheer leading, school clubs and band are all the same. What makes you different? Are you a leader at your school? Do you write, or have you been published? Have you started a non-profit or been a head volunteer for a major organization? These are the things that set you apart from the crowd.

Take a good look at yourself and know your strengths and weaknesses. The admissions committee may ask you what your weaknesses are. Even Superman had Kryptonite. Be prepared to answer this question. If you are expecting this question it will not catch you off guard and you will already know what you are going to say.

Now that you have some idea of what to say, let’s work on the sweaty palms, the stuttering, the nausea…. The best way to do this is to learn how to speak in front of people and this is really difficult for many of us. Practice talking to people in a confident way. Never look down; it is a sign of weakness. Look the admissions committee straight in the eye when you address a single person. When speaking to a group, find a focal point on the area in back of them that is at eye level with the majority of the group. Talk to that spot. Confidence is very effective, having an over inflated ego is not. Be sure you know the difference.

Think of the interview from a different perspective. It is not a final judgment of you. It is an exchange of ideas to see if this situation is a good fit between you and the school. Come armed with a few questions for the admissions committee. It will show that you are as interested in them as they are in you and that you put some thought into the interview.

Being well prepared is the best defense against nervousness. Most likely you will feel butterflies in your stomach. A little nervousness is expected and it is a good thing. However, don’t let fear paralyze you.

A final recommendation is to consider turning the interview theme into how you will help contribute to their particular institution. The interview on the surface is about you, but beneath it all, it’s about how you can represent, enhance and contribute to the academic milieu of that particular school.

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