How to Prepare for a College Interview in 2025

College interviews often follow a familiar rhythm, and preparing for common questions can boost your confidence and polish your delivery. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with insight into why they are asked and how to respond effectively.

“Tell me about yourself.”
Why they ask it: To learn your story and how you present yourself.
How to approach: Use a past–present–future structure. Highlight what shaped you, what you’re doing now, and how that connects to your goals.

“What’s your favorite subject and why?”
Why they ask it: To explore your intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
How to approach: Go beyond the classroom—mention projects, mentors, or moments that made the subject meaningful.

“Why do you want to attend this college?”
Why they ask it: To see if you’ve researched the school and understand its values.
How to approach: Be specific—mention professors, programs, or campus culture. Link it to your academic or personal development.

“What’s a challenge you’ve overcome?”
Why they ask it: To assess resilience, maturity, and problem-solving.
How to approach: Use the S.T.A.R. method. Focus on what you learned and how you grew.

“How would your friends describe you?”
Why they ask it: To gauge your self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
How to approach: Share 2–3 meaningful traits with real examples to support them.

“What are you most proud of?”
Why they ask it: To understand your values and where you find meaning.
How to approach: Highlight a story that shows growth, leadership, or impact.

“What do you like to do outside of school?”
Why they ask it: To learn what motivates you beyond academics.
How to approach: Share genuine interests and connect them to your character or goals.

“If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?”
Why they ask it: To see creativity, thoughtfulness, and what inspires you.
How to approach: Choose someone aligned with your passions or values, and explain why.

“What makes you a good fit for this college?”
Why they ask it: To test your understanding of the school’s identity and your ability to contribute.
How to approach: Connect your experiences and aspirations with the school’s mission or student culture.

“Is there anything else you’d like us to know?”
Why they ask it: To give you a final opportunity to leave an impression.
How to approach: Use this to highlight a personal trait, achievement, or idea that hasn’t been covered yet but defines who you are.

College interviews often follow a familiar rhythm, and preparing for common questions can boost your confidence and polish your delivery. Expect to be asked about your academic interests, character, values, and motivations.

You might start with general prompts like “Tell me about yourself” or “How would your friends describe you?” These questions are designed to see how well you know yourself and communicate clearly. When discussing academics, expect questions such as “What’s your favorite subject and why?” or “Describe a book that changed how you think.” Admissions officers want to see your curiosity, depth, and how you approach learning.

You’ll also encounter questions that explore your fit for the school: “Why do you want to attend this college?” or “What would you contribute to our community?” Make sure your answers reference specific aspects of the college and align with your values.

Some interviews include more introspective or creative prompts, such as “What are you most proud of?” or “If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be?” Don’t rush these—take a breath and share a thoughtful perspective that reflects your personality. When asked about challenges or mistakes, focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown.

In short, treat every question as a chance to connect your story to your goals and demonstrate readiness for the college experience.