Introduction:
Interviews can feel intimidating, especially when the stakes include a college spot or a major scholarship. The good news is that strong interviews are not about having a perfect script. They are about preparation, presence, and clear stories that show how you think and what you care about. Admissions readers and scholarship reviewers want to meet a real person, understand your motivations, and picture how you will contribute to their community.
This guide breaks down the process into simple steps you can follow in the weeks and days before your interview. You will learn how to research the program, choose the right examples, practice with a method that keeps your answers focused, and handle sticky questions with calm and clarity. These steps apply to in person, video, and alumni interviews.
Know what interviewers are trying to learn
Most college and scholarship interviews aim to answer a few predictable questions. Do you have genuine curiosity about learning. Can you describe how you have grown from challenges. Will you add to the campus or cohort in specific ways. Are your goals believable and aligned with what the institution offers. When you prepare with those questions in mind, your answers feel relevant rather than rehearsed.
For scholarships, reviewers also listen for mission fit. They want to hear how your work, service, or leadership connects to the funder’s purpose, and how the award will change what is possible for you this year.
Research that actually helps
Skip generic facts you could say about any school. Instead, find details that would shape your day to day experience. Identify two courses you would take in your first year, one faculty member or lab whose work excites you, one student organization you would join, and one resource that supports your goals, such as a writing center, makerspace, clinic, or community partnership. Write your findings in a few bullet points so they are easy to recall. Tailor this list for each college or scholarship.
Build your story toolkit
Strong interviews come from strong examples. Choose three to five moments from the last one to two years that show different sides of you. Good sources include a project you led or rescued, a time you learned from feedback, a challenge you worked through, and a way you helped someone else succeed. For each one, outline the situation, the actions you took, and what changed because of your work. End with what you learned and how you would apply it in the new setting. These “micro stories” become flexible building blocks for many questions.
Answer clearly with the STAR method
The STAR method keeps answers focused without sounding robotic.
- Situation. Set the scene in one or two sentences.
- Task. Explain your role or goal.
- Action. Describe what you did, with one or two concrete steps.
- Result and reflection. Share what happened, what you learned, and how you would use that lesson in college.
Practice out loud until you can tell each story in about one minute. Short, vivid answers are easier to follow and invite good follow up questions.
Handling common questions
“Tell me about yourself.” Share a short arc that links your present interests to what you want to study or do next. Include one personal detail that shows you as a person, such as a hobby, language, or family tradition.
“Why this college or program.” Mention a specific course, mentor, or resource, and connect it to a goal you have for the first year.
“A challenge or setback.” Choose a real example. Focus on actions you took, who you asked for help, and what you changed afterward.
“Proudest accomplishment.” Pick something recent and measurable. Explain why it matters to you, not only the outcome.
“Do you have any questions for me.” Ask about student culture in the department, how first years find mentors, or how students get involved in research or service. Avoid questions you could answer by reading the homepage.
Video and alumni interview tips
Test your setup the day before. Place your camera at eye level, check sound, and remove distractions from the background. Sit near natural light or a lamp that lights your face. For alumni interviews in coffee shops or public places, choose a quiet corner and arrive early. Bring a notebook and a pen so you can jot a couple of notes without typing. Dress in clean, simple clothing that you would wear to meet a respected teacher.
If something goes wrong
Everyone has off moments. If you freeze, take a breath and ask for a second to gather your thoughts. If you do not know an answer, it is fine to say what you would do to find it. If you say something unclearly, correct yourself and move on. Interviewers are human, and they often value composure more than perfection.
Close with gratitude and next steps
Thank the interviewer for their time, say briefly what you enjoyed learning, and restate your interest. If appropriate, send a short thank you email within 24 hours. One or two paragraphs is enough. Mention a detail from the conversation and keep the tone warm and professional.
For parents, educators, and counselors
Coach process, not performance. Help students choose stories, practice concise answers, and research specifics that show fit. Encourage mock interviews with a timer and realistic follow up questions. Remind students that interviews are conversations, not cross examinations. If nerves are high, start with short practice sessions and build up.
Conclusion
Great interviews come from preparation and presence. When you research what truly matters to you, build a small set of real stories, and practice clear answers, you can show who you are without memorizing scripts. Approach the conversation with curiosity and respect, and leave the interviewer with a sense of how you will contribute on campus or in a scholarship cohort.
Further reading
- NACAC Student Resources: interviews and application guidance. https://www.nacacnet.org/student/
- College Board BigFuture: interview tips and college application advice. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/
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