So an admission officer is coming to my school this fall and I was wondering how I can impress them. Obviously I shouldn’t be spewing facts everyone knows about the university, but should I treat it like an interview? Should I prepare questions and strike up a conversation with the admissions officer?
First of all, make sure your personal presentation looks good that day. Not that you wouldn’t or don’t look great everyday but IMO, first impressions still count and there is a lot to be said for neat, clean, organized and tidy. In general, show that you are mature and “on the ball.” Yes, I would have a few questions prepared. If nothing else, to help the conversation build. Having questions ready will help foster that conversation. Feel free to practice ahead of time with one of your parents. Its normal for a high school student not to have experience with this type of informal interview. Use eye contact, show interest and try to relax and be yourself.
Make sure your questions are NOT answered on the top pages of the school’s web site. If you haven’t already devoured the web site, you show you’re not seriously interested.