An admissions interview is an excellent opportunity for you to meet with a representative of a prospective school. You will be able to speak with him or her and to gauge whether your interests and values align with those of the college. These are the top 5 question to ask in an admissions interview. However, remember that your post-discussion follow-up is just as important as the admissions interview itself. Here are three things you must do after an admissions interview to leave a positive impression and to use the meeting to your advantage:
Write a thank you note
The first thing you must do after an admissions interview is write a thank you note to the person you met with. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration, and emphasize your interest in the school. Including a sentence or two about a part of your conversation that you particularly enjoyed will personalize your note and help it stand out from others. If there is a talking point that you did not mention in person, consider including it briefly in your note. Email is acceptable, as is traditional mail. Ensure that you thank all involved parties (if there are multiple), and reword each note so your interviewers do not receive the same stock message. Finally, remember to send the note promptly – within 24 hours, if possible. A timely, thoughtful thank you will help you shine as a responsible and ideal candidate. Here are some tips for writing a thank you note after an interview.
Reflect on your interview
While your interview experience is still fresh in your mind, take the time to reflect on what went well and what you would like to improve upon in the future. Consider creating a list of questions that allowed you to speak well about yourself, and a list of questions that stumped you. In doing so, you will then have a document of typical interview questions that may help you at a future meeting. You can also cross-check these questions with lists you find online. Write out the key points of your conversation, especially ones where you felt a connection to your interviewer. Beyond the actual content of your interview, gauge your nervousness and state of mind pre- and post-interview. Knowing how your body responds to an admissions interview will help you mentally prepare for similar situations, and it will allow you to develop conversational skills for professional settings. Keep these notes in a safe and accessible place so you can refer to them at a later date.
Complete and strengthen your application
You may have interviewed during or after the application process was complete. So, if you are still compiling your application, the final thing you must do after an admissions interview is double-check the requirements specific to that school. Ensure that you have polished your essays, checked the status of your teacher recommendations, and paid your application fee. If necessary, request the help of family, friends, teachers, or writing tutors. There is nothing like an incomplete or weak application to compromise a strong in-person impression. Confirm that all of your paperwork is complete with the college, and if you have questions, email or call an admissions officer. Allow him or her ample time to respond to your inquiry. If you don't have a writing tutor you may want to consider hiring one to help you with your applications!
If your admissions interview took place after you finished applying, seek out other opportunities to strengthen your portfolio. Consider locating the email address of a professor whose work interests you, perhaps in your desired major. You might begin a casual conversation about a shared point of interest, such as his or her research or a relevant current event/news article. Do not expect a lengthy or detailed correspondence, as many professors are busy, but the fact that you have reached out may provide you with a slight advantage.
It is not easy to speak about yourself in humble, yet positive, ways, as is necessary in an admissions interview. Enjoy the accomplishment of participating in an interview, and do not forget to follow up with your interviewer, as well as with your application. Reflecting on your experience will also make you a stronger applicant for both this school and others. Good luck!
