For many high school students, the words “college interview” are enough to cause their heart to race and their nerves to skyrocket. It can seem like the most daunting aspect of the college application process, from rehearsing your answers to anxiously wondering what to wear. You may sit across from an admissions officer, an alumni, or even a student who works at the admissions office, but the fear remains the same. What if they don’t like my answers? What if I can’t think of anything to say? How will I know if they like me or not? Sitting across from someone who seems so confident and accomplished, it’s easy to feel as though every word you say is being judged, and every imperfect answer you give eliminates any chance of acceptance you had to that school. But, from the interviewer’s side of the table, the process is far less intimidating, and far more human than students may expect. 

To better understand what goes into the college interview process, I reached out to an alumna interviewer from Smith College. I had the amazing opportunity to speak to Dr. Gara Sommers while doing my own interview for Smith, and she gave me incredible insight into how interviews work behind the scenes, what interviewers are really looking for, and her thoughts on the pressure that students put onto themselves when preparing for an interview. Sommers offered me a clearer picture of the interview process, and provided helpful advice for students preparing for their own future interviews. 

From an interviewer’s perspective, the college interview is not about carefully analyzing each student’s response, attempting to catch them in a wrong answer or testing how impressive they may sound. Though this is a common fear for many students, Sommers revealed that her goal is much simpler. “I try to ascertain if the candidate is a good fit for the college,” the Smith alumna said. This sense of fitting in goes beyond just a student’s GPA and test scores, which admissions officers already have access to in your application. Instead, an interviewer allows colleges to see their applicants as people, not just numbers on a page. They are able to see how the student thinks, and what they may bring to campus. 

But what are the interviewers really looking for? What makes an applicant stand out? Sommers said, “For me, it is enthusiasm for the college,” as well as “unusual extracurricular activities, life experiences, or an unusual background.” Rather than looking for perfectly polished, rehearsed answers, interviewers are drawn to the students who show genuine interest in the college, and who are willing to share what makes them different. Instead of focusing on sounding impressive, it can be beneficial to display your passion, creativity, and enthusiasm, as this will leave a lasting impression on your interviewer. 

After the interview ends, and with it your stress, the process does not stop there. The interviewer must submit a written report that becomes part of the admissions process while officers look over your application. “We submit a report addressing specific questions,” Sommers said. “The report then goes to the admissions committee.” While students are never given the opportunity to see these notes, they help the admissions officers gain a better understanding of who you are beyond just the transcripts and essays they are supplied with. 

College interviews may feel overwhelming and intimidating from a student’s perspective, but from the interviewers point of view, they are by no means an interrogation. You don’t need to worry about curating the perfect answer because for the interviewer, this is just a conversation. When asked about what she would say to students who feel intimidated walking into an interview, Sommers answered, “Relax, be yourself.” By embracing who you are and showcasing what makes you truly unique, this helps the interviewer learn about you, not the person you are pretending to be. By understanding what happens on the other side of an interview, the process can feel a little less daunting, and during your next interview, you can walk in with a newfound confidence, knowing that being you is enough.