Gone are the days when academics and extracurricular activities alone would guarantee a student admission to a top-tier school. These days, many colleges conduct interviews with high school students to see which ones are most likely to be successful in their academic environment. To help your child ace that interview and land a spot in the university of their dreams, use these tips to prepare them.

3 Ways to Prepare for a College Interview

1. Research

Preparing answers to common interview questions ahead of time will help any high school student feel more confident and ready to impress the interviewer. They should start by learning all of the relevant information about the school. Focus on the student body, philosophy, and history of the college. Knowledge of the university shows the student is interested in attending and isn’t simply using it as a “back up” school.

Your child should also prepare some talking points about their academics and extracurricular activities. Interviewers sometimes ask about current events as conversation starters, so have your child keep up with the news in the weeks preceding the interview.

2. Practice

Help your child feel as ready as possible by going over potential interview questions with them. Make sure each answer your child gives has plenty of specific examples to convey their thought process. Also, keep in mind that your child wants to sound natural rather than like they’re reciting answers. Encourage your child to ask questions as well to demonstrate their interest in specific aspects of the school.

3. Choose the Right Outfit

Your child’s clothing for the interview should be clean and pressed to help them make the best impression possible. Pair a professional outfit with good hygiene and grooming.

Proper presentation goes beyond the interview outfit. Your child should print out relevant documents, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sample papers, and carry them in a portfolio. Remind them to turn off their cellphone before the interview to avoid disruptive noises.

Give your child the best chance of acceptance into a high-quality university by enrolling them in Hawaii Baptist Academy in Honolulu. This Christian high school has prepared students for university studies since 1949 by providing outstanding academics in a faith-based setting. Get more information about the school and admissions online or by calling (808) 595-7585.