Ivy Options University Interview Guide

Types of Interview

There are big differences between the three types: the admissions interview, the alumni interview, and a short individual or group meeting with an admissions representative.

Why Interview?

Two good reasons: 

• First, it could make a big difference for a candidate on the cusp. A great interview could tip the scales in your favor. Most colleges will agree that the interview can’t hurt you, but it could definitely help.

• Second, you can learn a lot, enabling you to write more compelling essays while displaying demonstrated interest, an increasingly important factor in admissions.

What will they ask me? 

Most questions will be variations on these themes: 

1. Why our college? Explain how you see this university as unique and exciting, and how you would fit in and contribute to campus. 

2. What do you want to study and why? Explain what you’ve found fascinating and why you want more. Say how you’d delve into this interest in specific ways at the interviewer’s university.

3. What are three words you’d use to describe yourself? Choose uncommon words. You don’t have to use adjectives – nouns work well too! Avoid passionate and similar overused words. Give a short example for at least one of the words you offer.

4. Who is someone who inspires you and why? Choose someone less obvious than your parents; then give an interesting reason why you find them inspiring. This is an opportunity to share something you’ve done. For example, “I run a literacy program in Dubai schools that reaches over 500 local children, so Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is incredibly inspiring. Like her,  I hope to...”

5. What is your favorite book or movie and why? Have one of each ready. Be sure that you’ve actually read the book! Your interviewer might love it too. 

6. What is your greatest strength/weakness? Whatever you choose, give a brief example that shows how you are using your strength for good or proactively overcoming the weakness. If you aren’t sure if you have chosen a good trait, ask a family member or your school counselor.

7. Where do you see yourself in ten years? Universities like bold thinkers so be creative. If you truly have no idea, you can provide specific ways that you plan to explore your interests so that you’ll be doing something meaningful in ten years' time.

8. Tell me about a time when… This is a behavioral interview question. Have examples ready for a time when you: worked well in a team; overcame a problem; demonstrated creative thinking; went beyond expectations; helped others; and displayed intellectual curiosity. The STAR model is useful as you plan your answer: name the Situation, the Task, the Action you took, and the Result. 

9. What other schools are you applying to and why? It’s okay to name two or three schools that offer similar benefits, such as a renowned English Department; however, you should conclude with why the interviewer’s university is your first choice. 

10. Thousands of applicants will be rejected, so why should we admit you? Offer specific ways that you’ll take advantage of their offerings and contribute to campus over the next four years and beyond. 

11. Do you have any questions for me? Prepare at least five good questions that are specific to your interests – and not answered on the college’s website.  You can also build a connection with your interviewer by asking what he or she especially likes about the school. 

Checklist of Practical Tips

• If the interview is online, ensure that you are situated in a quiet room with a good internet connection.

• Dress appropriately. You should wear a nice shirt or top and smart trousers or dressy jeans.

• Select 3-4 essential points about yourself that you’ll convey through your answers and examples (e.g., accomplished musician, founder of a charity, published researcher, successful blogger, etc.)

• Express your strong interest in the university. Colleges want to admit students who will actually attend. 

• Encourage conversation – don’t let your answers go on for too long.

• Be specific and provide short examples wherever possible to support your points. Ideally, choose unique and less common examples.

• Practice! Contact your Ivy Options counselor to  arrange a mock interview.

Interviewing is a life skill. We want to help you learn how to do it well so you can secure a place at your dream school now and exciting internships and jobs in the future. Please contact your Ivy Options' counselor for further guidance.