<p>Hello everyone,
I have been wondering, how important is the interview in college admissions, and how is it considered? Can it really hurt someone? Does it hurt alot to be too modest? (For example, I was interviewed by the head of admissions at my top college and he asked what are five words that I would use to describe myself. I never ever want to sound like I am bragging, so i said "hopefully-smart" That kinda thing. Will that hurt alot?) Can the interview really help someone? (For example at my other colleges it went alot better than the last example, dare I say, great). I am not the only one wondering this, no? What do ya all think?
Thanks!</p>
<p>I believe that an interview can only help you get into a college. I don't believe that it will "make or break" their decision. Also, the college reps don't expect you to be perfect and give exceptional answers. That said, I would not really worry about how your interview went, as it is there to supplement your application and gives the college a chance to see the real you; not just a paper application. It is the time to "sell" yourself and your application to the college so next time go ahead and brag. I am sure that your past interviews will be fine as long as you weren't offensive.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks for the response awin422. Can interviews only help at colleges where they are listed as "important" on the common data set thing (at most colleges they are only "considered")? That is alot of the reason that I am worried, especially because I read in the book A is For Admission that a weak interview with an admission director is the quickest way to be rejected.</p>
<p>Even if the college believes that the interview is "important"; I still don't believe that what you said is nothing that they haven't heard before. They are not really there to judge you, they just want to get to know you better as a person, not just a piece of paper. I think the book was refering to your appearance and presentation more then anything else. I know that first appearances do mean a lot to college reps. So, that said, I still don't believe that you should worry because the college reps know how you feel because they ultimately had to go through the whole process and if you were polite and neat then it probably won't be a problem.</p>
<p>In addition to all the comments above, I'd say, be genuine. Whether or not you guys even talk about anything related to college (I remember some of my interviews were more like exchanging interesting stories about our lives), it's always easier and more fun to find a common point that you both can discuss.</p>