For many students, the phrase optional admissions interview triggers a familiar fear: What if I say the wrong thing? What if I don’t have the perfect answer? It’s easy to imagine the interview as exposing and unforgiving. Yet, the optional admissions interviews are as much for the applicant as for the college.
Think of the interview less like a courtroom cross-examination and more like sitting down for coffee with someone who’s already walked the path ahead. Most admissions interviews are conducted by alumni, who lived on that campus, sat in those classrooms, and figured out how the place fit (or didn’t fit) into their lives. Thus, the interview is a rare opportunity to learn from someone’s experience.
I recommend that students talk less and ask more. Ask:
- What surprised them about their time there?
- How did students spend weekends?
- How accessible are professors?
- What kinds of students seemed to thrive?
Asking questions doesn’t just show engagement, the information can help eventually decide whether the school actually aligns with what one wants from college. And because these interviews are optional, simply signing up and showing up signals interest and initiative. So, keep in mind that you’re not auditioning, but exploring.
“Interviews” are a two-way exchange. Yes, the interviewer is getting to know you. But you’re also gathering information about the campus culture, and whether the reality matches the brochure. In that sense, the interview is as much for you as it is for the school.
Creative Marbles Consultancy was founded by former teachers who understand how teenagers learn. Drawing on years in the classroom, we help students move beyond checklists and résumés to uncover the real stories behind their experiences. Our work centers on reflection, helping students articulate who they are becoming—not just where they are applying.
