The College Interview: (Part 4 of 4)

In Part 4 of this four-part series on the college interview, here are the most common college interview mistakes that will make your student the topic of amusing contempt in the admissions office:

1. Your cell phone is ringing. This is road-rage in the admissions office: the interviewer wants you to leave. Now! Rude doesn’t begin to describe the impression you’re creating with your cell phone. Did you plan to text all your questions back to your friends during the interview? Leave your phone in the car; don’t even have it on your person.

2. You smell. You overdid it with the perfume. It’s distracting, and if they don’t like the smell, it’s offensive.  The college is certainly hunting for students, but they’re not looking to pick up your scent. A simple shower works before leaving home.

3. You’re late. You’ve signaled that the college interview wasn’t really on your priority list, that maybe you had more important things to do. Be on time and you won’t be slime.

4. Your jaws are moving without speaking. Only teeth should be in your mouth, not chewing gum. Otherwise, if you insist on chewing gum, tell the interviewer you have a severe case of dry-mouth and you need to keep your saliva glands active. If you can pull  it off, I want to be the first to know.

5. Answers contain one syllable. Every teen’s favorite answers to any question are: “stuff,” “nothin’,” or “I dunno.” Here’s an opportunity to speak your mind and blow someone else’s. Speak in sentences where a thought is clearly illustrated. Your economy with words is acceptable at home and with friends, but not in the college interview.

6. Your clothing shows lots of wear. You’re not showing up for a landscaping or a construction job. Keep your jeans home. Be neat and casual. If you’re accepted, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to be “real and genuine” later.

7. No eye contact. This is acceptable behavior in Asia, but you’re not applying to the University of Bangkok (Thailand). Keep eye contact as much as possible, and you will look attentive, serious, and thoughtful.

8. You didn’t research the college. Here’s how to demonstrate that you didn’t do your research: you ask questions the answers to which are already found on the college’s website.  See my blog on The College Interview Part 2 of this series. In fact, stick to only those questions in Part 2, answer any questions from the college official, and get out of the office.

After you get home from the interview, send a hand-written Thank You note, not an email. A hand-written note shows you took the time and you cared enough to make the extra effort of writing, stuffing, sealing, licking, and delivering; email is too easy.

I probably forgot a few other items, but if you go with these, you’ll be the coolest high school student to walk into the admissions office. And you’ll be the topic of discussion instead of amusement. Your goal is to stand out from other students, and if you don’t make these mistakes, you will have increased your chances for admission big time.

Good luck!
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For info on Paul Hemphill’s website and his PlanForCollegeVideos, click here.

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