**Please note the use of the word “college” refers to college, university, or other post-secondary school programs.

Does the thought of a college interview panic you? Do you worry that because you are shy or introverted you will be judged? Are you concerned that this part of college admissions might affect the rest of your life?

Yes, I get it. As a shy kid/introverted adult, I don’t want talk to someone that I know is judging me. I would prefer to sit back and observe before chiming in.

But, as a teacher, I have to be a pretend extrovert. I have to energetically lift the class and encourage my silent students to speak their minds. I have to speak to new parents and students all the time.

Over the past 25 years I have worked with hundreds of students, helping them prepare for college applications. These part of the process that took the least amount of time, yet had the biggest impact was College Interview Preparation.

After spending months on SAT prep and weeks writing college applications, students often ignore the interview and then rush preparation when an invitation lands in their inboxes. Don’t let that be you.

Why preparation is important

The college interview is an opportunity for the school to meet you beyond your application, not your stats, not teacher’s opinion of you, the real you. Because “fit” plays a role in college decisions, being able to present yourself and show how you and your personality can fit with the school can be the edge you need.

Preparing is important to ensure you present yourself well under a time crunch. The interview may only last 10 minutes (though 20-30 minutes is common), so there isn’t a lot of time for you to warm up. Introverts sometimes come across as aloof or cold to new people. You need to be ready to open up immediately because you might just be getting relaxed when the interview is over.

Your college interview is your opportunity not only to show genuine interest but also to get your questions answered. I have had many student come back after the interview with a completely different attitude towards the school. The chance to talk to a former student can give invaluable insight into the real life on campus.

Most importantly, you can demonstrate your communication skills to the college. When you can speak authoritatively and communicate effectively, you demonstrate your ability to function in an academic environment particularly in programs where collaboration is a necessary component.

How do I prepare for the College Interview?

There are just a few steps to preparing for the College Interview.

• Understand how your nervous system works to overcome shy tendencies
• Prepare answers for the most common questions
• Develop stories to tell to make you engaging and memorable
• Have tactics in place for when you get nervous and strategies for handing surprising questions
• Practice, Practice, Practice