While interviews in many colleges in the US are not required, many top colleges encourage students’ participation. An interview is a conversation between students and the representatives of colleges. Through college interviews, admissions officers can observe what kind of student you are based on your language logic, knowledge reserves, communication skills, etc. At the same time, you can also show them your most genuine and comprehensive image. How much do you know about college interviews? Here’s our guide for college interviewees.
Types of American College Interviews
Types of American college interviews
1. Evaluative vs. Informational
- Evaluative interview: It tends to know students. In the admission process, the report of the evaluative interview is one of the important application materials.
- Informational Interview: It is more inclined to inform students about the school. After the students finish the Interview, the interviewer usually provides a report to the school for reference, so it is less important than an evaluative interview.
2. Alumni vs. Admissions Officer
- Admissions Officer Interview: Admissions officer Interview is the most traditional form of the interview in the United States, which belongs to the Evaluative Interview. Each school has an average of 10-30 admissions officers during the interview process. They are professionally trained people who directly impact applications and admissions. The interview usually lasts about half an hour. Due to the geographical limitations of international students, Skype or Zoom interviews are usually conducted online.
- Alumni Interview: Alumni interviews are more informal. The interviewers are alumni from all over the world, and it has been the mainstream interview method of “two-way, third-party objective evaluation” in recent years. After about an hour of conversation between the interviewer and the applicant, the interviewer will then use a paragraph to evaluate the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, and the admissions office will use the assessment provided by the alumni interviewer as a reference.
3. In-Person vs. Virtual
- In 2026, Zoom or Skype video interviews will remain the predominant method for international students. Ensure your background is tidy and your internet connection is stable.
Top 10 Comprehensive Universities in the US: Interview Requirements
You may ask: ‘Does the US university I’m applying to require an interview?’ The answer varies by institution. To help you save time, we’ve compiled the latest interview policies for the top 10 universities on the US News Ranking.
| US News Ranking 2026 | University Name | Interview Policy | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton University | Optional but Recommended | Alumni (Virtual/In-person) |
| 2 | MIT | Highly Recommended | Alumni (Virtual) |
| 3 | Harvard University | Optional / Based on Availability | Alumni |
| 4 | Stanford University | Optional | Alumni |
| 5 | Yale University | Optional / Based on Availability | Alumni |
| 6 | University of Chicago | Optional (Video Profile accepted) | Alumni / Senior Students |
| 7 | Duke University | Optional | Alumni |
| 8 | Johns Hopkins University | No Interviews | / |
| 9 | Northwestern | Optional (Limited availability) | Alumni |
| 10 | UPenn | Recommended (90% offered) | Alumni |
Note: Even if the school marks it as “Optional”, if you have the chance to participate, you are advised to enter the interview to show your strong interest in the university.
Common Interview Questions to Prepare for
Most interview questions for colleges focus on five dimensions: personality and background, hobbies and activities, future planning, high school experience, and college and major choice. It can be divided into the following three categories:
1. Personal information-Icebreakers
This is typically the opening question. Interviewers who ask you this question aren’t interested in hearing you repeat your CV’s GPA. Instead, they just want to hear about your passion for studying at the university.
Answering strategy (past-present-future):
Past: Where did you grow up, and what shaped you?
Present: What activities are you most committed to now?
Future: Why does this lead you to this university?
Sample Answer Excerpt:
‘I grew up in a multicultural household in Shanghai, which sparked my interest in linguistics from a young age. Currently, I lead a project documenting vanishing dialects within our community. This experience has made me realise I wish to combine sociology with linguistics, hence my attraction to your institution’s unique interdisciplinary programmes…’
2. School/major-Academic Fit
key Question: Why choose us?
This is the most crucial ‘Why Us’ question.
Response Strategy (Specific Guidance):
Avoid stating: ‘Because your university is highly ranked’ or ‘The campus is beautiful’.
Instead, state: ‘Because I wish to take Professor X’s course’ or ‘I aim to join the Y society’.
Sample response excerpt:
Having researched your university’s pioneering robotics laboratory, I am eager to contribute to the XXX initiative. Furthermore, as a visitor from a bustling metropolis, I particularly value your distinctive residential college system, believing this model fosters a more cohesive community atmosphere…
3. Activities/interests/goals-Bahavirol Questions
Key Question: Please discuss a challenge you overcame.
The interviewer aims to assess your resilience and leadership capabilities.
Response Strategy (STAR Method):
S (Situation): Context.
T (Task): Assignment.
A (Action): What actions did you take? (Focus here)
R (Result): What was the outcome?
Example Response:
Last year, the debating society faced funding disruption (Situation). As Treasurer, I had to resolve the issue (Task). I organised a community fete and approached local alumni for sponsorship (Action). Ultimately, we raised double the original budget, securing our place in the finals (Result).
4. The Reverse Interview
Key Question: Do you have any questions for me?
This is the question to ask the interviewer. Before concluding the interview, the interviewer will invariably ask you this one. Under no circumstances should you reply ‘No’.
Example Response:
‘What is one aspect of the university you would change?’
‘Could you tell me about campus life at weekends?’
‘I’m curious about the student accommodation. Do most students live on campus for all four years?
‘Is there a strong culture of off-campus living?’
These questions demonstrate you’re already planning your future university life, which is highly advantageous.
Tips for School Interview Questions
- Before a college admissions interview, it’s suggested that students rehearse with friends or family so that they can answer questions naturally and loudly.
- Students are encouraged to review their lives and academics in order to tell their stories more accurately and smoothly. When giving answers, students should try to put themselves in the interviewers’ shoes and combine their own experiences with suitable words to express their thoughts.
- Students can train themselves to ask interviewers questions. Asking questions is also a part of the interview process. Not only is the college interviewing the student, but the student also has a chance to interview the admissions officer at the same time.
FAQ
Is it bad if I don't get a college interview?
Some schools don’t offer interviews anymore. Even highly selective schools like Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt University have cancelled interviews. If you’re applying to a school that doesn’t offer interviews, you don’t need to do anything differently with your main application but make sure you’re aware of the policy.
Does a college interview matter?
Yes. If you are sure to attend the college interview, it’s very important to perform well during it. knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make a big difference.
How to prepare for college interviews?
- Prepare well in advance. For example, train for applied colleges and interview question banks with the help of families or teachers.
- Avoid asking meaningless questions when it’s your turn to ask interviewers. For example, does the college have a fitness center? How many students are in the freshman class?
- Dress appropriately. For females, makeup, nails, and other jewellery should not be too gorgeous. Don’t wear too much perfume. For males,
wear a suit and tie to show your confidence. Do not wear sports shoes!
