This summer when I’m visiting colleges (I will be a senior this fall), I have requested to do an interview. Would this count as a full admissions interview? And what should I wear? My mom is suggesting me to wear long sleeves and slacks (very business like something, this: http://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i3/T1GX6VXbBdXXbSX_US_010305.jpg)
Would wearing something like that look like I’m trying too hard? I don’t feel comfortable wearing long sleeves and slacks because I would have to do a campus tour before going into the interview. Please give suggestions?
Colleges want you to be comfortable. If you’re a guy, take the tour and wear whatever. Bring a light pair of slacks and a polo shirt for the interview. If you’re a girl, wear a comfy sun dress.
If you are meeting with an admissions counselor, it will “count”. It will also depend if the school values the interview. Check the CDS (Common Data Set) for each school and see how much each weighs the interview in the admissions process.
As far as what to wear… be comfortable. If you are visiting schools in warm weather and you sit down for an interview sweaty, it won’t look great. If you are uncomfortable in your outfit and fidget, then you’ll look like you are “trying too hard”. Be comfortable, but not disheveled.
Some interviews are informational, others are evaluative. You can try to look online to see which it is at the school you are visiting. If it is unclear, best to assume that it will “count” in the admissions process.
In the summer you might consider wearing a sundress (nothing too short or revealing) and ballet flats (I’d bring a cardigan as well).
I would also bring a resume if you have one prepared. It is a good jumping off point for conversations.
The main thing I would say is to not let your clothes be distracting…neither too formal nor too casual.
The picture you linked to would be fine, as would other options. Full suit? too much. Shorts and a t-shirt? No way.
Also be prepared to answer the question “Why this college” and have questions for them when they ask “Do you have any questions”…and that could be
“Can you describe the type of student that does well here”
“What are some unique traditions that your school has”
If you’re visiting, do the interview. Be comfortable. Think of it as a conversation, not an interview. With that said, DO prepare – you can go on the tour first and attend an info session (as both will likely spark a few questions), and you should review their website beforehand. As for the “why this college”, you can say what interested you enough to visit and what you’ve seen that excites you, but don’t feel like you have to say that it’s your first choice (unless you know it is, in which case, an ED application would say it better.) I like @bopper’s question about the type of student that does well – you can also tie that into how you like to learn. Remember, not every place is a good place for everyone – this is as much about you figuring out if you like them as vice versa.
Khaki (smart) shorts and polo shirt are fine, as long as nothing is dirty, wrinkled, ratty-looking. Probably best to wear pants though. If it’s hot, and it summertime, and they know you have come from a tour, they will expect you to be in shorts.
