All the "As," stellar test scores, and lengthy lists of accomplishments in the world cannot give anywhere near your human impression compared to the college interview. Many colleges require it although not every college will ask you for one. What's important is to treat the interview as another opportunity to prove why you are a fit for the college. Treated right, the interview will help you and should not be something to be dreaded.

The most important thing in preparing for the interview is to know yourself thoroughly. Know which extracurriculars you have enjoyed the most, which classes you liked, and related topics. Review your accomplishments and think back to the story behind what you've done - the interview is a chance to talk about "the how" and "the why"; "the what" is already clearly listed.

Knowing yourself also includes how you would assess yourself - your strengths, your weaknesses, your personality, etc. Don't overemphasize your strengths; being humble and recognizing that there's always more room to improve is important. At the same time, don't dwell too much on weaknesses or mistakes; acknowledge that you have them and that you are trying to improve in those respects.

A final part in knowing yourself is knowing why you are applying to the college. Is it because of the surroundings? The outstanding faculty? Have a coherent answer ready aside from some generic response ("I really like the school…").

Now, the interviewer will probably contact you either via email or via telephone. Treat these early contacts as part of your interview and always be respectful. Respond promptly to messages and firmly set the interview time, keeping aware of both your own scheduling conflicts as well as your interviewer's time constraints. Also, ask for the dress code on the day of the interview - will it be business casual, business formal, or just casual?

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