5 of the Most Popular College Interview Questions, And How You Should Respond

Thanks to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on standardized testing and high school grading policies, the qualitative components of your application will be even more important during this application cycle. One of those components is the college interview. Though you can’t study for it in the same way you can drill math questions for the SAT or ACT, you can prepare answers in advance if you familiarize yourself with commonly asked questions. 

Here are five of the most popular college interview questions, along with best practices for responding to each from the Revolution college guidance team. 

1. What would you change about your high school? 

Interviewers ask this question because they want to know what’s important to you in a learning environment to see if you would be a good fit on their campus. To answer it well, pick something that would help ALL students, not just yourself, and explain your answer thoroughly. Make sure that you speak respectfully about your school no matter what challenges it faces. There’s a delicate balance between thoughtful criticism and unreasonable complaint, and striking the right tone is crucial. 

2. What is an obstacle you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it? 

This question helps interviewers gauge how resilient you are. In recent years, “grit” has been an educational buzzword. Interviewers want to know how you react when faced with a challenge, because in college, you’ll be faced with plenty. You can pick a challenge you've had at home, at school, or while participating in an extracurricular activity. Keep in mind that the challenge does NOT have to be something life changing to be a good choice for your answer! The most critical thing: explain the STEPS you took to overcome the obstacle, and be specific.  

3. Why are you interested in College X? 

To answer this question well, you MUST do prior research! Be able to share specific majors, programs, and professors that interest you and WHY. Bonus points if you can say how this specific college will help you reach your future goals. The college’s prestige, location, or proximity to your home should NOT be your answer. If you’re interviewing at Columbia, for example, you shouldn’t say you’re interested because you’ve always wanted to go to college in New York City. There are a ton of colleges in New York City, and this answer doesn’t give your interviewer any confidence that you’d choose Columbia over, say, Yeshiva, or NYU. A better answer might cover Columbia’s trademark core curriculum, a specific student group that excites you, or the work of a certain professor you admire and are hoping to study with during your time as an undergraduate.  

4. Can you tell me about yourself? 

This question is so broad, it can paradoxically be difficult to answer. A great response to this classic interview question might include information about your hobbies, your family and community, your academic interest, your career goals, or your values. Go deeper than what’s on your resume, because they’ve already read that. This is your chance to convey NEW information. Avoid cliches as much as possible and give specific examples. 

5. Where do you see yourself in ten years? 

A standout answer to this question will hit both career and personal dreams and goals. It's okay (and maybe even expected) if you don't know what you want to study yet, but interviewers want to learn the kind of impact you hope to have on the world. Do you see yourself writing the next great American novel? As a practicing pediatric surgeon? A fashion designer or entrepreneur? This question is a chance to show how passionate you are about your current vision.

Want individualized interview coaching? Reach out to Ariel to schedule a time to talk.