Setting Yourself Apart – Interview Strategy

In this post we’ll discuss what a successful Campus visit should look like and give you a specific interview strategy to use during your visit(s).

A campus visit is a great way to learn more about a college and it’s vitally important to attend during a typical day when classes are in session and not on the official campus visit day when the red carpet is rolled out. Your student will want to experience an average day on which they can attend a class, visit the Student Union and Library, eat cafeteria food, and speak with as many current students on campus as possible.

Visits should begin early in your student’s senior year of high school in order to help them narrow down their final decision. At this point the applications have already been submitted and you are conducting your due diligence.
Guideline for a Successful Campus Visit:

• Visit only when classes are in session. Ideally visit Tuesday through Thursday when the majority of students are attending classes.
• Walk the campus. Inspect the dorms, Library, and Student Union. Arrange to eat at the cafeteria in order to make sure that they meet your culinary expectations.
• Talk with as many students as possible and ask what they value about the school and what they struggle with.
  Prior to your visit spend some time monitoring Social Media sites that highlight day-to-day life on campus and pay attention to recurring compliments or complaints.
• Audit one class during your visit. Make these arrangements with the department head of the area you want to major in. It’s best to contact them directly rather than go through the admissions office as they will most likely urge you to attend a formal campus visit day.
• In addition to talking to admissions, faculty and students, drive the neighborhoods and get a feel for the area. Consider if environmental differences such as climate or urban versus small town would be distractions or a welcomed opportunity.
• Parents play an important role in the visitation process as well. As your student gains a clear understanding of the school’s expectation it often helps reduce their anxiety as well as yours as it relates to whether the school is the right fit. While you may consider visitations as an extra expense by doing your due diligence you can prevent an even costlier event if your student ends up at the wrong school.

Interview Strategy

Whenever possible schedule meetings with not only the head of the admissions department but with the Chairperson of the department you want to major in as well. During the meeting your aim is to strategically redirect the interviewing process from them interviewing you to you doing the interviewing. This will allow you to demonstrate qualities that will set you apart from the other interviewees.

As the interview begins you will probably be asked why you want to attend their school. This is a great opportunity to redirect the process by answering something to this order:

• That’s a great question and I’m glad you asked. I’ve done quite a bit of research and investigation into colleges that would be the best fit for me as well as me being the best fit for the college and honestly your college is at the top of my list.
• I’ve researched the (major) Department and I know how challenging this curriculum is going to be so to answer your question-that is exactly why I am here-to find out why I DO want to attend.
• You could have easily been the head if the (major) Department at any number of colleges. Why did you pick this college? (Give them time to answer and take notes)
• What qualities would a student need to possess in order to be successful here?
• Where do you see most of the incoming freshmen make mistakes?
• One area that is highly interesting to me is _________. How does your department and current curriculum prepare me for a successful career in that field?
• If you were going to recommend a student for admission here what would that student have to demonstrate in order to gain your support?
• As an incoming freshman what direction or advice would you give me regarding the one thing I should always apply, or always do during my undergraduate studies?
• Having researched and investigated both the college and the tough curriculum requirements for a major in this department if I have difficulties in transitioning from high school into college, how can I gain additional assistance to make sure my studies don’t fall behind?
• Are there any other colleges that you think would be a good idea for me to consider?
• What specifically do I need to do in order to get a head start before attending college next fall?
• From our conversation I know that you believe the choice a student makes regarding the college they attend is very important and should not be taken lightly. Thank you so much for the time you have taken with me today. I certainly appreciate it. I look forward to seeing you again in the fall.

As mentioned earlier, if you feel the interview went well don’t be afraid to ask for an endorsement and an acceptance recommendation. Make sure you have the name of your contact in admissions available.

You now have a plan of action in order to maximize your Campus visits and help yourself stand head-and-shoulders above the crowd! Make it happen!