As spring approaches, high school seniors undergo the process of receiving college admission decisions. Depending on the college, this application or decision process may also entail an interview. Through conducting interviews, representatives from universities receive a chance to get to know prospective students better, in a way that an application cannot.

These interviews can be online, such as on Skype, or in person, like in a coffee shop. In some cases, an optional interview may be conducted by an alumni. Arranging a local alumni interview is an ideal opportunity which students can use to their benefit; such a situation can display a student’s interest in the university while providing them with a chance to portray personality, explain aspirations or other information beyond what is included on the application. They can also ask questions about what life at the university is like. An alumni interview is unique in that it creates a situation in which the student can get an inside perspective on what life is really like at that specific college. This can be really beneficial, especially for a student who has not been able to physically visit that college.

Here are some tips for students regarding preparation for such an interview in addition to what to expect.

Although it is difficult to showcase your entire personality over the time span of an hour, interviewers can still gain a general sense of your character or presence during this time period. It is important to not pretend to be someone else; honesty is key. Keep in mind that you are trying to find a university that fits you best; not the other way around. Ways to exude professionalism and maturity include: being punctual for the interview, dressing appropriately (ex: business casual), and just being genuine. You can be confident without feeling pressured to show off every one of your accomplishments.

After you ease into the interview, try to make it a conversation, as opposed to just a question-answer structure. You can be aware of potential questions, such as why you want to study a specific major, but don’t try to memorize any answers to questions you think an interviewer might ask. Finally, prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer. Asking more specific questions can lead you to information which you wouldn’t have otherwise found on a website or a handout. This opportunity is beneficial to you as you can learn more about the university as well as display your interest in the university about student life, academics, etc. at the college.

“Interviewing with a college is a signal of an applicant’s interest in actually attending,” said Karen Richardson, associate director of admissions at Tufts University. Keep in mind that an interview gives you just as much a chance to learn about the university as they learn about you.

“For my interview, I went to a Marriott Hotel in Chicago for USC’s Viterbi College of Engineering. The interviewer first started by briefly asking me about my grades and test scores. Then, he spent most of the time asking me about why I want to come to USC and major in computer science,” said Aditya Subramaniam, senior. “Most college admissions interviewers want to see the applicant’s interest in the college more than anything, so it’s very important to make sure you’ve done your research on the college and know why you’re interested,” added Subramaniam.