Commonly Asked Interview Questions

Stanford-University-Common-Interview-Questions
  • Who is your favorite author?
  • What book did you last read for fun?
  • What was your favorite book you read last year in English?
  • Can you think of 3 words that best describe yourself?
  • Describe one of your favorite assignments or projects you have done in high school.
  • Describe your best friend
  • Do you find your high school academically challenging?
  • Do you work well under pressure?
  • How do you define success?
  • How do you spend a typical weekend during the school year?
  • Can you think of anything our college can offer you that another college can't?
  • How would you describe yourself to someone who did not know you?
  • If you could do one thing in high school differently, what would it be?
  • If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
  • If you could meet any important person in the past or present, who would it be and what would you talk about?
  • If you were on the cover of Time Magazine 20 years from now, why would you be there?
  • Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself that was not asked?
  • Is there anything that concerns you about going to this college?
  • Recommend a good book to me.
  • Tell me about a challenge you overcame
  • Tell me about any community service
  • Tell me about your family.
  • Tell me about your high school
  • Tell me about your interests.
  • Tell me about your involvement in extracurricular activities. (Almost always asked)
  • Tell me about yourself.  (You should focus on about three things.)
  • What about you is unique or that may not be revealed on your application?
  • What are you doing this summer?
  • What do you do best?
  • What do you do for fun in your free time?
  • What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
  • What do you think about (insert a current event of the past week)?
  • What do you want to do in the future?
  • What has been your favorite high school class and why?
  • What has been your greatest experience in high school?
  • What have you done to prepare for college?
  • What historical figure do you most admire?
  • What is your greatest passion?
  • What is your strongest/weakest point?
  • What programs or classes most interest you at our school?
  • What Questions can I answer about our college? (Usually at the end)
  • What teacher has been the most influential to you?
  • What television shows do you watch? Favorite movie?
  • What will be your future roommate’s one complaint about you?
  • What will you contribute to our campus community
  • Which of your accomplishments are you the most proud of?
  • Who in your life has most influenced you?
  • Why do you want to attend our college? (This is almost always asked.)

Helpful Tips

  1. College interviews are a great opportunity to put a face with a name. It’s another chance to be more than a number, and to help you stand out/leave an impression. Interviewing shows dedication and demonstrated interest, and gives you the opportunity to (i) explain things about yourself, and (ii) learn about the college and have the college learn more about you. An interview will not make or break your application, but it can help distinguish you. Although your essays and recommendations offer a good impression of who you are, words on paper only reveal so much. Think of an interview as your chance to be your own advocate, talk about your interests/passions, and show them your personality.
  2. The key to interviewing is confidence and enthusiasm. If you believe you are good enough to get in, they should too… But, there’s a big difference between confidence and arrogance; please be sincere, humble, and refrain from boasting. They know when something is a big deal—be excited about your accomplishments, but remember an interviewer wants to make sure you’ll make a good roommate and also contribute in class.
  3. How to Dress: Unless you’re interviewing at a military academy, please do not over-dress. Guys: Wear chinos and a button down; you can make this your own, but please look put together and tuck in your shirt. No shorts unless it’s above 95 and you’re also going on a tour. Girls: You don’t have to wear a skirt or dress, though you can if that’s your style. Make sure you don’t wear anything too short or revealing, plus no flip-flops, leggings without a longer shirt, or shorts. Make sure your jewelry/makeup is simple – you want the interviewer to remember you, not your accessories.
  4. When to Arrive and What to do at Reception: Be early! 15 minutes early – anything after 10 minutes early is considered late. Don’t bring a bunch of stuff with you, if you do you’ll end up dropping something, not being able to shake the person’s hand, or playing with something/being distracted while interviewing.
  5. Remember that this is not an audition or a test – it’s a conversation with someone close to your age (the majority of on-campus interviews are with reps/students in their 20s). Be yourself – think you but a bit more formal… The interview will last anywhere from 5-45 minutes, but most often closer to 15-20 minutes. Also, the person interviewing you is a real person with good and bad days, just like you. If the person seems crabby, it’s not a reflection of you. Lastly, his/her life will be easier if he/she can recommend you, so don’t worry or be nervous.
  6. Posture, Stance, Demeanor: Not to sound like your mom, but sit up straight, try not to fidget, maintain eye contact, and look alert and interested. If there’s an awkward pause – live through it… Your interviewer may pause to look at your records, that’s okay – do not expect the person to know everything about you before you come in – they see hundreds of students.
  7. Your goals: Make the college want you without sounding like a car salesman; know your traits, strengths, and advocate for yourself; be humble; if you know anyone at the school, bring that person up; be in tune with the interviewer and try to read his/her signals; be able to make fun of yourself – especially during questions about your weaknesses or failure; make sure to ask questions too; AND do not leave without getting his/her card – you will need it to write a thank you note!
  8. Things to Avoid: Don’t
  • Respond with only “yes” or “no” answers 
  • Memorize speeches – you need to sound natural and conversational 
  • Ask questions covered by the college catalog 
  • Be too soft spoken
  • Chew gum 
  • Wear too much cologne or perfume 
  • Swear or use too much slang 
  • Be arrogant – there’s a fine line between being confident and boasting 
  • Lie – it will come back to haunt you 
  • Tell the school it’s your safety/at the bottom of your list
  • Say anything bad or mean about anyone, even if that math teacher gave you a C for no reason
  • Be rude to the receptionist or any other staff you meet 
  • Bring a parent into the interview 
  • Refuse an interview – this is usually noted