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INTERVIEWS Few schools in the US require interviews for admittance. Many no longer offer them at all. Others have elaborate networks of alumni (graduates of the college) who interview applicants. There are some alumni inter-viewers in Accra. You may be contacted by a local alumni interviewer once your application has been received. Some UK universities - notably Oxford and Cambridge - all medical programs, and some art programs require you to have an interview. In some cases it may be to your advantage or even required to fly to the UK for your interview. If you are on a college campus during the summer and an interview is offered, take advantage of it. Also, if someone calls you representing a college you applied to, try to meet with them. Most interviews are not as important as students generally assume. If you have an interview, you should realize that the impression you make on the interviewer will make it into your application folder. Rarely have students been admitted simply because they had great interviews or rejected because they had a bad one.
Leave Your Parents Somewhere Your parents should not accompany you into an on-campus interview room. Admission officers don’t like having your mom or dad in the room any more than you do. Most will tell parents to wait in the waiting room (if there is one). If possible, leave your parents outside the admissions office entrance. Not having your parents with you only applies to the interview. It is perfectly acceptable for your parents to accompany you on the campus tour or to any group presentation. For local interviews, it is best to meet the interviewer at a coffee shop, work place, or at LCS. Although no LCS student has ever reported a safety problem during an interview, it pays to be cautious. It is not appropriate to meet someone at their home.
Interview DO’s •
Be prepared to offer a few different dates and times when you schedule your interview.
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Learn about the college or university before you appear on campus. Using the school’s website or a college guide, familiarize yourself with testing requirements, general curriculum, majors, or concentrations, current admissions statistics, financial aid availability and procedures
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Dress appropriately. There’s no need to dazzle but you should not wear jeans, flip-flops, tee shirts or ball caps. Shorts Sure, as long as you wear a nice shirt.
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Be on time -- or, better yet, five minutes early. Call if you will be late.
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Be respectful of everyone you come across on campus the admissions receptionist, student panelists, your tour guide, the guy in the Student Center...
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Turn off your cell phone. OFF, not vibrate.
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Extend your hand to the admissions counselor introduce him or her to your parents and siblings.
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Arrive prepared for a conversation.
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Practice answering questions like o o
Can you tell me about yourself Why do you want to attend this college
o
What is your intended major, and why
o o o o
What are your long-term dreams What do you like to read, and why Whom do you admire How would your friends, family or teachers describe you
o o o o
What’s your favorite subject What’s your favorite extracurricular What do you do for fun What are you most proud of
