The season of nail-biting waiting is upon us as close to 2 million students await the results of their college applications this spring.
It may seem like there's very little you can do while you wait, but if you're still in line for an interview at one of your top choice schools, this is one area where you can truly set yourself apart.
1. It's hard to mess this up!
This is probably the most important element to remember about any interview: it's really hard to mess it up. Unless you're rude (which, of course, I know you never would be) or you completely shut down and refuse to answer any of your interviewer's questions (also very unlikely), it's going to be hard to ruin the interview. In fact, the more you can go in there with a relaxed mindset, the more the interview will flow.
2. Get yourself in alpha state
So, now that you know that you don't have to worry about messing up the interview, what can you do to make sure you perform at your peak? Do what the very best athletes do: get into alpha state.
Alpha state engages a certain brain wave pattern that allows your natural instincts and highest level of performance to flow without interruption.
Your subconscious brain makes up 90% of your brain, and operating in alpha state allows you to tap into the natural intelligence of your subconscious mind.
There are many ways to get into alpha state: meditation, guided relaxation tracks, or simply closing your eyes and letting your body become very relaxed. You can learn more about the alpha state here.
Make sure you spend a minimum of 20 minutes getting into alpha state before you go into the interview. You'll find that your ideas and your words flow so much more easily.
3. Do your homework
Okay, so you've managed your mindset, which is more than 90% of the work you need to do. But you also need to make sure you do your research. Before you go into any interview, whether it's for a job or for college, you need to make sure you know everything you can about your interviewer and the institution you're applying to.
It takes a good solid chunk of time -- plan for at least 2 hours -- to research the school you're applying to. You want to know the school's mission statement, it's mascot, it's philosophy, and as much as you can about student life.
You also want to make sure that you've thoroughly researched the department you're applying to. You want to know not just what courses they offer, but the kind of clubs and extracurricular activities available, and what kind of research the professors are doing that you might also want to be a part of. To learn more about how to do this kind of research, you can also see more tips here.
And, of course, take time to research your interviewer. It's easy to do a Google search and find out some basic information about almost anyone today.
You're looking for what their current job is, what their major was in college, whether they've done any graduate work, and what kinds of hobbies they have. You want to have a good sense of what's important to them so you can find a way to connect the minute you meet them.
4. Ask great questions
Now that you've got a whole of information about the school and the department your interested in and you know a little bit about your interviewer, your ready to ask some great questions.
Sure, they're going to ask you a lot of questions, but they want to see you engaged and curious.
So, start with open-ended questions that show that you've done your research and demonstrate your thoughtfulness.
You're not going to ask anything that you can answer with a quick Google search. But you are going to ask questions that delve deeper into the spirit of the school.
For example, you might ask about the way the school's code of conduct seems to influence the student body. Or you might ask about the balance between academic rigor and plain old fun. The point is simply to get answers to questions that you can't easily find on the website.
Be aware, however, that your interviewer may not know exact answers about the particular department you're applying to. If that's the case, direct your questions to more general questions about the campus and the college's philosophy.
5. Know the heart of your story
If you're anything like my students, you've already spent a lot of time figuring out the heart of your story: who are you, what lights you up, and how you've grown and changed over the years. And all of that should be in your personal essays.
You should draw liberally from these stories whenever you respond to a question. Because it's your personal growth and the way you've become who you are today that is most compelling.
Yes, you'll want to emphasize your outer successes, but they're much more interested in how personable you are and what unique personal qualities you're bringing to the campus.
Let's say your interviewer asks you what your biggest challenge has been in your life. You're going to go right to the stories you've already written. And you're always going to present your story in a positive light.
So, let's say that your biggest challenge was that for most of your high school career you were addicted to A's and praise. You're going to emphasize how this held you back -- and then you're going to tell them how you overcame that challenge.
Every story you tell will serve to show how you've grown and how you've become the mature, thoughtful person you are today.
And if you get a question that you don't know how to answer, use it as an opportunity to emphasize more about these wonderful personal qualities.
Let's say your interviewer asks you what your greatest challenge has been in high school, and you're really not sure what to say. You could respond by saying, "You know, I'm not really sure. But it makes me think of _____________." And fill in the blank with something you do know how to answer.
Remember, the interviewers aren't trying to trip you up. They're just trying to get a sense of you are you and what you will bring to the campus. So as long as you stay engaged, and you continue to reveal something interesting and compelling about yourself, and you demonstrate your enthusiasm for the school, the interview will go very well.
6. Say thank you!
At the end of the interview, always be sure to thank the interviewer for his/her time. Then when you get home, send a note of thanks through email. This is a great opportunity to reiterate the three most interesting or helpful elements of the interview and once again to express your excitement about the school. Not many students take the time to do this, so when you do you'll end up standing out amidst a sea of other applicants.
Follow these 6 steps for your college interview, and you'll radically boost your chances of acceptance at your top choice school!