Getting Ready for a U.S. College Interview: What Applicants Should Know

An interview with a university representative is an important part of the application process — especially if you’re an international student applying to top U.S. schools. While not every college requires an interview, many use it to get a better sense of who you are beyond your application: your motivation, communication skills, and how well you align with the school’s values.

That said, the interview isn’t just for the university — it’s also for you. It’s your chance to show who you really are, but also to ask questions that can help you figure out if the school is truly a good fit. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for your interview, feel confident going in, and ask the kind of thoughtful questions that leave a strong impression.

Contents:

• What does the interview look like: format, structure, and timing
• Common questions and how to prepare for them
• Tips to help you stand out and make a great impression

What Does the Interview Look Like?

The format of your interview will depend on the school, the level of the program, and even your chosen major. Here are the most common formats:

Online interviews are the new normal

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, most college interviews have moved online. They usually take place via Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, or a school’s own video platform. That means it’s important to double-check your tech setup ahead of time — camera, microphone, lighting, and internet connection.

Some universities use pre-recorded video platforms (like Kira Talent or InterviewStream), where you answer questions on your own time without a live interviewer.

Who Will You Be Speaking With?

Interviews are typically conducted by:

• An admissions officer — more common at highly selective schools like those in the Ivy League
• An alum (former student) — a very common format, especially at schools like Harvard, Yale, and MIT
• A faculty member or professor — usually for graduate or PhD-level programs

Each format has its own vibe. Alumni tend to focus more on your personal story and motivation, while admissions officers may ask about your academic background and how well you’d fit into the school’s community.

Structure and Timing

Most interviews last anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. A typical interview might look like this:

• A quick intro and some small talk (3–5 minutes)
• Main portion with questions (15–30 minutes)
• Time for your questions at the end (5–10 minutes)

Some schools may also ask you to fill out a form or submit a short essay in advance — the interviewer may use this as a starting point for the conversation.

Common Interview Questions — and How to Prepare for Them

A U.S. college interview is essentially a thoughtful conversation. Whether you're speaking with an admissions officer or an alum, their goal is to understand who you are — not just as a student, but as a person and future member of their campus community. Most of the questions aren't difficult, but they do call for clear, honest, and well-thought-out answers.

1. Questions about you

These are usually the warm-up questions, designed to learn more about your personality, values, and motivation.

Typical examples:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What do you do outside of school?
• What’s something you're proud of?

How to prepare:

• Share a short, personal story that highlights key things about you — your interests, values, and academic path.
• Avoid generic answers. Focus on specific, personal details and real examples.
• Practice speaking your answers out loud until they sound confident but not memorized.

2. Academic interests and goals

This is where the interviewer wants to see how well you’ve thought through your academic plans — and whether you’ve done your research.

Typical examples:

• Why do you want to study [your major]?
• What’s your favorite subject in school — and why?
• Tell me about a meaningful academic project or challenge.
• Why do you want to study at our university?

How to prepare:

• Read up on the curriculum for your intended major.
• Mention specific courses, professors, or programs that genuinely interest you.
• Connect your past experiences to what you want to study — show that your choice is informed and personal.

3. Behavioral and situational questions

These questions are meant to assess your soft skills: things like leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and how you handle stress or setbacks.

Typical examples:

• Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned.
• Describe a time you worked on a team.
• How do you handle conflict or stress?

How to prepare:

• Use the STAR method: Situation — Task — Action — Result.
• Come up with 2–3 stories from your life that show problem-solving, growth, or collaboration — and be ready to adapt them to different questions.
• Don’t be afraid to talk about failure — just be sure to reflect on what you learned from it.

4. Questions you should ask them

Almost every interview ends with, “Do you have any questions for me?” This is your chance to show curiosity, engagement, and real interest in the school.

Good questions to ask:

• What’s something you personally appreciated about this university?
• How does the school support students interested in [your field]?
• Are there research or internship opportunities for first-year students?

Important tip:

Avoid asking questions you could easily find on the school’s website (like “How many departments do you have?”). That makes it seem like you didn’t prepare — and it’s a missed opportunity to have a more meaningful conversation.

Tips to Make a Great Impression

Making a good impression isn’t just about what you say — it’s also about how you carry yourself: your tone, body language, eye contact, how well you listen and engage. Here are some practical tips to help you show your best self.

1. Be yourself — but the best version

Admissions officers and alumni really value authenticity and genuine curiosity. Don’t try to act like someone you’re not — people can tell. Instead, speak enthusiastically about what truly matters to you: your interests, experiences, and goals.

• Avoid clichés like “I want to change the world.” Be specific — how do you want to do that?
• Don’t be afraid to mention challenges or weaknesses — as long as you show how you've grown from them.

2. Speak with structure

Clear speech = clear thinking. Use simple, logical formats when answering questions: intro → main point → conclusion. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is especially helpful for behavioral questions.

Pro tip:

Record yourself answering questions during prep — it’ll help you smooth out your delivery and cut down on filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know.”

3. Pay attention to nonverbal communication

Even in a virtual setting, things like eye contact, posture, and facial expressions still matter. Interviewers pick up on whether you're engaged or distracted.

Simple tips:

• Look at the camera, not your own face on the screen.
• Sit up straight, smile, nod occasionally — show you’re paying attention.
• Don’t interrupt — and don’t be afraid of short pauses.

4. Prep yourself — inside and out

Even if the interview is on Zoom, looking neat and put-together is a must. Wear something clean and neutral, and make sure your background is tidy (or use a plain virtual one).

To mentally prepare:

• Do a few deep breaths before logging on.
• Imagine you’re chatting with a smart, kind adult who genuinely wants to get to know you.

5. Ask a smart question at the end

As we mentioned earlier, your questions matter — they’re part of the conversation. Try to prepare one or two in advance that show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the school’s culture and academic life.

Examples:

• What kinds of students tend to thrive here?
• How would you describe the classroom dynamic at your school?

This shows maturity, curiosity, and a thoughtful approach.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to remember: an interview isn’t a test — it’s your chance to show who you are beyond the grades and forms. Preparing for it isn’t about memorizing answers, but about understanding your goals, passions, and strengths — and being able to talk about them naturally and confidently.

Most of all, keep this in mind: you’re not just being evaluated — you’re also evaluating the school. It’s a two-way street.

If you’d like professional help preparing for your interview — or with any part of the admissions process, from choosing the right country to completing your application — our team is here for you.

You can book a consultation in any convenient way:

— directly in your personal account

— on the page of your chosen university

— or by emailing us at support@ed-ex.com