Are you a first-generation or international student wondering what to expect in a US college interview? This meeting isn’t just about listing your achievements; it’s your chance to share your story, highlight your goals, and show why you’re a great fit for the school.
Whether it’s in person or online, the interview is also an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and connect beyond your application. To help you succeed, we at Remitly have created this guide to discuss common college interview questions and how to answer them with confidence. You’ll also find college admission interview tips that can help you make a strong impression from start to finish.
What should you expect in a college interview?
College interviews are structured conversations designed to help admissions teams learn more about you. By asking questions about your background, extracurricular activities, and future ambitions, interviewers can assess how well-suited you are to the institution and its culture.
Who will handle your college interview?
Depending on the college, your interviewer could be an admissions officer, a faculty member, or an alumni volunteer.
Interviews with alumni are usually more casual and often happen locally or online, but their feedback plays a crucial role in the admissions process. On the other hand, interviews with admission staff or faculty are more common during on-campus visits and may feel a bit more structured.
Regardless of who conducts the interview, the goal is the same: to learn more about you beyond your application, grades, and test scores.
What are the most common interview formats?
College interviews can happen in person, online through platforms like Google Meet or Zoom, or sometimes by phone.
- In-person interviews are often held on campus or in your local area.
- Virtual interviews have become common in the last few years, offering more flexibility for both students and interviewers.
- Some popular colleges may still conduct interviews by phone, especially in cases where a video call isn’t possible.
However, the format doesn’t usually affect the outcome. What really matters is being yourself and offering the best answer you can to every question.
How long will the interview take?
Most college interviews last between 20 and 45 minutes. Some may go slightly longer, especially if the conversation flows smoothly. The tone is usually conversational rather than formal, giving you the chance to talk about your interests, goals, and reasons for applying. It’s also your opportunity to ask questions and show genuine interest in the school.
Top college interview questions and how to answer them
To help you feel confident and prepared, here are some of the most common college interview questions and how to answer them with clarity and impact:
“Tell me about yourself.”
This is your chance to share your story. Start with your background, where you’re from, your family or cultural identity, and what you’re passionate about. Then talk about your key interests—both academic and personal—values, and a few experiences that have helped shape who you are.
Wrap it up with a short overview on what excites you about the college and how you hope to grow there. Keep your answer focused, but give the interviewer a strong sense of your personality and journey.
“Why do you want to attend this college?”
Show that you’ve done your research. Mention particular programs, professors, research opportunities, or school values that align with your goals. And if you’ve visited the campus or spoken with current students, reference those insights to show genuine interest.
Go on to explain how the college fits your academic needs and personal ideals, and how it will support your long-term plans. Avoid general comments, like “the college has a good reputation” or “it’s in a good location”; instead, show that you’ve thought everything through.
“What do you want to study and why?”
Take some time to explain which subject you want to major in and connect it to your own story. You can do this by discussing what sparked your interest in the subject area, whether it was a personal experience, a class project, or a deeper passion you’ve explored on your own.
Then, explain how that interest connects to your future, what you hope to do with your education, and why it matters to you. Your plans don’t have to be perfect, but showing legitimate curiosity and a sense of purpose can work in your favor.
“What’s your biggest strength?”
The best way to answer this question is by picking one core strength that sets you apart and backing it up with a short example.
For instance, if you say your strength is leadership, describe the moment you took initiative in a group project or helped solve a problem. If you mention adaptability, share how you navigated a major transition. If it’s resilience, highlight a time you bounced back from a setback.
Whatever you choose, make sure it shows how you work with others or deal with obstacles. Most colleges really value those kinds of traits.
“What’s a challenge you have overcome?”
Here, mention a challenge that taught you something really meaningful. It could be the time you had to adjust to a new school, deal with language barriers, or handle a difficult family responsibility.
Be honest and focus on the actions you took to face the challenge, what skills you developed, and how the experience made you more prepared for college life. This is your chance to show you’re resilient, mature, and self-aware.
“What do you do outside the classroom?”
Explain how you spend your time beyond the classroom. You’ll mention activities that show initiative, responsibility, or creativity, like working a part-time job, tutoring peers, or leading a club.
Illustrate why those activities matter to you and how they’ve helped you grow as a person. Some colleges want to know how you connect with your community and what passions you’ll bring to campus to determine your suitability.
“Do you have any questions for me?”
Finally, always say “yes” to this and ask one or two meaningful questions about the college. You might inquire about student life, how they support students from other countries, research or internship opportunities, or what their alumni networks look like.
Try to make the questions personal and connected to your interests, and avoid asking about things already covered in brochures or on the website. This is your chance to have a real conversation, show interest in campus life, and learn something new.
College admission interview tips
A successful college interview isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being prepared and making a genuine connection. If you’re an international student, learning how to prepare for a college interview can help you show up with poise and confidence.
Here are some helpful tips you can follow:
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Be yourself, not what you think they want
Admissions officers want to understand who you really are, not a version of you that sounds scripted or overly polished. Don’t try to guess what they want to hear. Instead, speak honestly about your values, goals, and interests. Authenticity will ensure your personality shines through, and it’s what makes you memorable in the best way.
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Practice, but don’t memorize answers
Review common college interview questions and frameworks to answer them, but avoid memorizing full scripts. Overly rehearsed sample answers for college interviews can sound robotic and lose the natural flow of conversation. Instead, focus on knowing your key points and being able to adapt them based on how the interview goes. Think of it more as preparing for a conversation and not delivering a speech.
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Dress neatly and show up early
First impressions matter, so dress cleanly and professionally, even if the interview is online. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early shows you’re respectful and know how to manage time.
For virtual interviews, test your internet connection, webcam, and audio ahead of time. Also, choose a quiet, well-lit space to set the right tone. These preparatory steps show you’re responsible and organized.
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Be curious and conversational
A great interview isn’t one-sided—it’s a two-way conversation. Show interest in the college by asking thoughtful questions and responding naturally to what the interviewer says. This makes the interaction feel more engaging while helping you assess whether the school is truly the right fit for you.
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Know your application and be ready to expand on it
The interviewer may ask you to elaborate on something you wrote in your application or essay. Be ready to dive deeper into those experiences, explain your choices, and reflect on your growth. Consistency between your written and spoken responses builds credibility and adds depth to your story.
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Smile, make eye contact, and thank the interviewer
Don’t forget about your body language: small details like smiling and making eye contact show confidence and help build rapport. At the end of the session, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and express appreciation for the opportunity to talk about your ambitions. Sending a follow-up thank-you email within 24 hours is another thoughtful gesture that shows professionalism and responsiveness.
It’s a chat, not a test!
The best college interviews feel like meaningful conversations rather than high-pressure exams. When you come prepared, speak honestly, and stay calm, you create space for real connection—something admission officers value just as much as strong grades or test scores.
Understanding what’s expected can turn a stressful moment into an opportunity to show who you really are. Confidence comes from preparation, and your story is worth sharing. So, practice a few sample answers for college interviews out loud, review the school’s website, and walk into your interview knowing you’ve got this.
FAQs
What if English isn’t my first language?
College admissions officers understand that international and multilingual students may speak English differently. But they’re interested in your ideas and personality rather than perfect grammar. Take your time, speak clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed. Practicing ahead of time can help you feel more confident.
How formal should my answers be?
Aim for a tone that’s polished and respectful but natural. You don’t have to speak like a textbook—just be thoughtful, clear, and sincere. Also, it’s okay to show some personality and warmth in your responses. Think of it as a professional conversation, not a formal interview with rigid rules.
Can I bring notes to the interview?
You can jot down a few key points or questions beforehand, especially if the interview is virtual. However, don’t read from a script. Refer to your notes only when necessary, but focus on maintaining eye contact and staying engaged. Notes should support you, not distract from your natural responses.
What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
It’s okay to take a moment to think about your response. If you’re unsure, be honest. Say something like, “That’s a good question, I haven’t thought about it that way before,” or share what comes to your mind. Interviewers appreciate sincerity and seeing how well you think on your feet more than hearing a perfect answer.
What should I do after the interview?
Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention something specific you appreciated or learned during the conversation. It shows responsiveness and professionalism, and helps you leave a strong final impression.