Don't Let the Easy Questions Throw You in a College Interview

Before you go to a college interview, you need to have a pretty good idea of how you'll answer several stock questions if they're asked. Some of these questions are:

- Why do you want to go here?
- What first brought us to your attention?
- What do you want to major in?
- What do you want to do with your life?

Most students have a hard time answering questions like this. The trouble with such questions is that they force you to think about reasons that you probably haven't examined very carefully.

All of sudden you might ask yourself, "Why do I want to go here?" And realize, "I have no idea why!!!" Analyzing your reasons is helpful and necessary.

Once you can put your finger on intelligent and convincing reasons why you want to attend a college, not only will those interview questions suddenly become a breeze but also so will the essay and the entire application.

The important thing is to be prepared for the "easy ones" so that you don't have to stammer and clear your throat when the college admissions officer asks them. This will also give you more leeway if the interviewer throws you a real zinger that you weren't prepared to answer.

Another important part of acing your college interview is showing the interviewer your natural charm and confidence. Conviviality (friendliness in short), poise, and aplomb are three qualities that have little to do with how good a student you are but a lot to do with how your interview goes.

You want to seem bright, interested, mature, and at ease. The more comfortable your interviewer feels at your college interview, the better the impression you'll make.

Ron Caruthers is the nation's leading expert on how to get your kid into college and pay for it-as well as helping students choose their careers and command top money in their fields. Ron also has expert knowledge of how to prepare for a college interview.