Here are some questions you may be asked in your interview with a college:
This is second of the IQx college myth list.
IQx Myth #6 – If a student hasn’t heard of a college or university, it can’t be a good one.
A student may not hear about many of the world’s most prestigious colleges until he/she is in his/her senior year of high school. Most universities that are broadcasted nationwide are displayed through sports. However, many of the best colleges may not be amazing at athletics and don’t get the chance to get extremely well known. Look at colleges for their merits, not for their name.
IQx Myth #7 – A student should decide on his/her career before he/she can choose a university.
In most colleges, a student can choose his/her major in his/her sophomore year and still complete the degree in four years. A surprising number of students discover their ideal field while taking a course they didn’t expect to like. Take the time to decide.
IQx Myth #8 – The best time to visit colleges is after the student has been admitted.
This is absolutely vital to the student’s happiness in his/her college. Students should visit every school that they want to attend before applying. This will determine whether they enjoy the campus and general feel of the particular university. Many students have visited after they were accepted and found that none of the colleges were ones that they would fit into.
IQx Myth #9 – Large universities have greater ethnic diversity.
If the value of diversity is to learn to understand and appreciate other cultures and groups, then small colleges often offer greater diversity. However, the ratios of the different ethnic groups are generally within 1-2% from college to college.
IQx Myth #10 – Only the highest achieving students receive financial aid from colleges.
Many students are accepted to a college, but they need financial aid. Although another student may have a better transcript, financial aid is generally saved for those who need it. There are more need based scholarships than academic or athletic based scholarships.
When deciding which applicants to admit to their college, admissions officers consider many different factors.
– A Challenging Schedule
One of the main factors that college admissions officers look for is a rigorous class schedule. Universities want students who are willing to challenge themselves. Depending on the college, a challenging schedule is even better than having the best grades. If an admissions officer is deciding between two applicants, where one student has a 4.0 with standard courses and the other applicant has a 3.5 average but takes advanced courses, the admissions officer will usually pick the 3.5 average student.
– Grades
Although a challenging schedule may hold a little more precedence, grades are still vital to colleges. Many colleges have a minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) requirement in order to apply. Therefore, it is essential that a student keeps his/her grades up throughout his/her entire high school career. Also, students should not slack off in their senior year of high school. It has happened time and time again that a university revokes the student’s admission due to “senioritis”.
– Standardized Test Scores (SAT, SAT 2)
Colleges definitely take admissions test scores into consideration. Starting in the 21st century, in order to get a scholarship off test scores, the student’s test scores must be in the 99th percentile minimum. If test scores are near the median range, then class schedules and grades will be the main deciding factors for admission. If test scores are low, an admissions counselor may discard the student immediately unless their grades and schedule are simply outstanding.
– Extracurricular Activities
Being involved in extracurricular activities shows admissions officers that the student is a well-rounded student and that the student is good with time management skills. Colleges want students who are going to be involved with activities on their campus. Keep in mind, however, that a student should not join a bunch of activities just to fill up his/her high school resume. Admissions officers are looking for quality over quantity. A few activities that really interest the student looks a lot better on a high school resume.
Application Essay
The college application essay allows a student to show his/her uniqueness to admissions officers. Counselors look for application essays that are honest and provide supplemental information. Counselors do not want to see a student restating what is in their transcript.
Letters of Recommendation
Admissions officers rely on letters of recommendation to let them know how others view the student. Generally, a student wants to ask someone who knows them well and would give a positive report.