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They say talk is cheap --

But it isn’t.

For one thing, mobile phones are frightfully expensive to maintain…

Just ask your bill-paying parents.

Still, some conversations are worth their cost. A particular variety can even help you gain undergraduate admission: and so the optional interview now speaks up.

Colleges across the United States vary greatly in their admissions processes. Test scores, essays, transcripts, and activities -- each school has different requirements, standards, and expectations.

Nevertheless, most schools do give their candidates some opportunity to meet with officials. At times, applicants may also schedule a personal interview with a representative.

This conference allows you to learn more about the college; it also permits the college to understand more about you.  The interview is typically formal, and can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. The interviewer could be an admissions officer, current student, or past alumnus. The conversation can be held anywhere: in a classroom, coffee shop, or office building.

Most colleges do not require students to partake in the interview: it is only an option. However, the opportunity to meet a representative face-to-face is very advantageous, and therefore worth pursuing.

Through an interview, you can fully convey your personality and perspective. After all, you are more than just a candidate number; you extend beyond a written application. As a prospective student, you can also pose questions to the representative about the college. Are you interested in their competitive Acapella group? Do you want to learn more about the Turf Management major? If so, the interview is the time to ask! The conference has one more key function: it allows you to justify any inconsistencies or shortcomings in your application. If your grades took a nosedive sophomore year because of a family issue, you can explain your circumstance to the official. If you are convincing and genuine, (s)he may take note of it, and make some exceptions for you.

The interview is not the deciding factor; it will not singlehandedly determine your admissions status. But it can give you an edge. If you are on the borderline for acceptance, a successful interview can even persuade the college to enroll you. Finally, the conference is difficult to mess up.

If you can resist dressing inappropriately and abstain from insulting the interviewer, you are likely to do well.

Okay, it’s not that easy.

You do have to put in some effort. The following components are designed to guide you in the interviewing process. These tips will teach you how to organize yourself, speak eloquently, and create a great first impression. This advice has brought our students much success in the past. We hope you find it equally useful!

Personal Appearance

When it comes to an interview, personal appearance is essential. Your image is important because it creates the interviewer’s first impression of you. Facial expressions, clothing, body language, attitude – everything is fair game.

Naturally, you want the representative to see you as a bright and capable candidate.

· So dress for success. The interview is professional and serious -- your clothes and shoes should also be formal and modest. Business-wear is most desirable. Additionally, girls should ensure that their attire is not revealing in any way, as this can poorly reflect upon them.

· Manage skin, hair, and nails. Yes, even these minor details count. Girls should wear minimal makeup; hair should always be groomed. Conservative hairstyles work best – no colorful Mohawks. Make sure your hands are clean and well-kept. Dirty fingernails look vulgar and distasteful. Chapstick is also important: dried, peeling lips are unattractive.

· Smile during the interview. A smiling person seems warm, friendly, and optimistic; representatives look for these positive attributes in their candidates.

· Do not ever chew gum. Gum is careless, distracting, and disrespectful – it will not bode well for you.

· When speaking to the interviewer, be aware of your body language and posture. Do not fidget, or appear distracted. Lean forward, nod frequently, and maintain eye-contact. You want to look enthusiastic and attentive; these qualities will best convey your interest in the college.

Preparation

In the interview, you need to prove that you are thoughtful and organized. So come well-prepared to the conference:

· Practice answers for typical interview questions. Why are you interested in Arizona State University? What are your strengths as a student? While you should think deeply about these questions, you should not memorize answers to them. Your conversation must be organic, not scripted.

· Come up with 3-5 particular questions you have for the admissions officer about the college. Make sure to ask questions that are not easily available on the college website or brochure. Specific enquiries will show the interviewer that you are serious about the college, and personally invested in your future.

Do not begin your preparations at the last minute. If you start earlier, you will feel more comfortable during the interview.

The Conversation

Of course, the interview itself is the most important factor to consider:

· Do not show up late to the meeting. Tardiness conveys carelessness, and a lack of interest. Try to arrive 10 minutes early. Make sure you know the directions to the location ahead of time.

· Turn off your cell phone. You should not receive any calls during the interview – a ringing cell phone is disruptive, and rude.

· When you meet the interviewer, shake their hand firmly, and greet them by their title and last name. Pronounce their name correctly – this will show the representative that you are conscientious. Wait to be offered a seat, before sitting down.

· During your conversation, emphasize your achievements. Discuss your strengths and goals. Try to highlight details that are not apparent in your application. Engage your interviewer, and speak confidently. But, do not come across as self-proud; representatives are turned off by arrogant candidates.

· Do not give yes or no answers. State you ideas, and then elaborate, using anecdotes or other examples. Asian students are modest in mannerism, and often have trouble doing this. Try practicing interviews with family and friends, and get into the habit of explain yourself in greater detail.

· Make sure you ask pertinent questions about the college. Specific questions will prove your desire to attend the college.

· Do not use slang, or informal language.  Try to speak formally and eloquently. Do not sound rehearsed; the conversation should be fluid, and natural.

· At the end of the interview, reiterate your interest in the college. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. Do not forget their name!

· After the conference, promptly send a thank you letter to the representative. This simple gesture will be well received.

Finally -- take a deep breath, relax, and be yourself.

You are intelligent, capable, and interesting.

If you dress smart, and speak well, the interviewer will definitely think highly of you. Good luck!