Topic: | Interview Tips--"Why Are You Interested in Our College?" |
Posted_By:
cat_mom 2013-01-01 17:28:12 MST |
By Allen Grove, About.com GuideDecember 28, 2012 "Why are you interested in our college?" It seems like such an easy interview question, and it is -- assuming you've done your homework and have some specific answers to provide. Comments about wanting a college degree and a good paycheck aren't going to impress the interviewer, nor will comments about wanting to go where your friends are going. The best response will show that you've researched the school and have identified distinctive features that excite you. Many colleges place significant weight on how well your application "demonstrates interest" in their school. The interview (this question in particular) is a great place to demonstrate that interest. When you answer this interview question, you need a response that is focused on the college's unique identity. Generic answers that could apply to multiple colleges won't convince the interviewer that your interest in his or her college is sincere. So, if asked "why are you interested in our college" (and you probably will be asked this common question), follow these interview tips to make a positive impression and avoid typical pitfalls http://video.about.com/collegeapps/How-to-Prepare-for-a-College-Interview.htm "Why are you interested in our college?" Like many of the most common interview questions, this one seems like a no-brainer. After all, if you are interviewing at a school, you have presumably done some research and know why you are interested in the place. Nevertheless, some answers to this question are better than others. Your answer should show that you have specific and admirable reasons for attending the college. The following answers are not likely to impress your interviewer: "Your college is prestigious." "I'll make lots of money with a degree from your college." "All my friends are going to your college." "Your college is convenient and close to home." "My counselor told me to apply." "You're my safetly school." The interviewer is hoping that you are interested in the college for reasons other than peer pressure or convenience. Similarly, if you say you applied entirely because of a parent or counselor's recommendation, you'll be suggesting that you lack initiative and have few thoughts of your own. When it comes to prestige and earning potential, the issue is a bit more fuzzy. After all, name recognition and your future salary are both important. The interviewer most likely is hoping that you find the college prestigious. That said, you don't want to come across as someone who is more concerned with material gain and prestige than with pursuing your passions and getting a high quality education. Many students choose a college based on sports. If you love nothing more than playing soccer, you're likely to look at colleges that have strong soccer teams. During the interview, however, keep in mind that students who are interested in nothing except sports often fail to graduate. Any answer you give about athletics should be balanced with academics. What you most need to do when answering this question is show the interviewer that you know the college's distinctive features well. Don't simply say that you want to go to the college to get a good education. Be specific. Let the interviewer know that you were drawn to the college's innovative first-year program, its emphasis on experiential learning, its Honors Program, or its international focus. Also feel free to mention the school's wonderful hiking trails, its quirky traditions, or its amazing lilacs. Whatever you say, be specific. Before you set foot in the interview room, make sure you have done your research and identified several features of the college that you find particularly appealing, and make sure at least one of those features is academic in nature. |
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