If the college allows you to have an interview, take them up on that opportunity. It will show them demonstrated interest in their program.  I know you may be nervous, so practice your responses with family members, counselors, or friends before you meet.  Remember to turn off you cell phone before the interview starts.  Arrive on time, greet the admissions representative with a solid handshake and a smile. Remember to maintain eye contact through out your time together. Take a moment to think before you answer your questions, highlight your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, and place a positive focus on your past.  Do your research about the university, share information about your  visit  to their institution if had one, and prepare some questions for your interviewer to answer.

Ask about their admissions process. What makes their program different from other institutions? Do you accept advanced placement or international baccalaureate credit? Ask about their approach to technology in the classroom. Is a personal laptop required or when did you school become a laptop school?

Ask about their academic programs. Does your college use teaching assistants to teach the classes? Is faculty available for students? Do you have any off-campus or study abroad opportunities? Ask about housing. Is housing guaranteed? Are the residence halls coed? Can I get a single room as a first-year student? What percent of students live in dorms?  Is housing guaranteed for four years? Are there off-campus apartments? Can you bring a car on campus?

Ask about standardized testing. What tests are required for admission? If test option, why did your college make the SAT/ACT optional for admission? How will your college evaluate each applicant?

Ask about scholarship opportunities and requirements?

The interview may ask you questions as well.  Be prepared to answer questions like these:  Tell me about your experiences at your high school. Is there a particular experience you had there that stands out? What would you change about your school if you had the power to do so? What might your teachers say is your greatest strength as a person and as a student, and what are your weaknesses in each area? What has been the most important person or event in your self-development? What magazines and newspapers do you like to read? What sort of things do you like to do outside of school? What books or articles you read in the last year had special meaning for you? What do you want to do in the future? If you had a time machine and could go back anytime and change history, what time period would you go to and what would you do?

Remember, this is your interview and you need show the individual you can think on your own – you need to leave your parents behind. Always follow up with a thank-you note to the interviewer. After you leave the interview, jot down something that you discussed so you can mention it later in the thank-you letter.