For those working at schools in the UK, the way in which a US college interviews students can often be quite confusing.
In the UK, we are conditioned to believe that being invited to interview is always a definitive milestone: the final stage in the process, a sign that you are nearly admitted, and something to be celebrated. When students report that they have ‘got’ an interview with MIT, Yale, or Harvard, it is hard not to react with this “Oxbridge mindset.”
Yet, the reality is often completely different.
While there are a few universities where the interview is a compulsory and decisive part of the selection process, in most cases, the interview is merely “informative”—a check to see if the person in the room matches the person on the application.
The Alumni Factor
Most of the time, the interview will be conducted by a former student (alumnus) of the university. Cynically speaking, the purpose is often more about keeping the alumnus—a potential donor—connected with the university than it is about rigorously vetting the student.
These ‘interviews’ often take place in cafes or via Zoom, with the alum knowing very little about the student beyond a name and an email address. Crucially, these interviews are typically offered to every student who applies in a specific region. Therefore, simply ‘getting’ an interview usually means very little regarding your chances of admission.
A Tale of Two Candidates
To understand the weight of these interviews, consider this example from my career as a school counsellor:
The “Head Boy” Scenario I had a very impressive student: Head Boy, liked by everyone, from an unusual background, and clearly destined for good things. He applied to Harvard, and a local alumnus contacted me to set up the interview.
Afterward, the alum debriefed with me. He said the student had given “one of the best interviews I’ve ever conducted.” However, he immediately followed up with, “It’s a shame his grades aren’t going to be strong enough.”
I concurred; with ABB predictions, the student was not a realistic candidate academically, and I had been discouraging the application for months. The stellar interview made no difference to the outcome.
Contrast this with a recent success story that highlights the right way to approach the process:
The “Strategic” Scenario Last year, one of my Early Decision (ED) admits approached his interview with a specific strategy. He planned five core “stories” he wanted to be sure to convey to the interviewer, regardless of the questions asked. He also prepared three specific questions to ask the alum.
We practiced using a list of mixed questions—some unique, some very typical. The result? He reported that it was a “fun” interview. Because he had his stories ready, he felt conversational rather than interrogated. He came across as genuine and prepared, and he was admitted.
So, What is the Point?
If the interview rarely changes the admissions outcome, why bother?
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It is a sanity check: If you are interviewing with an admissions officer, treat it very seriously.
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It is a research opportunity: If it is with an alum, view it as a chance to investigate the university.
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It adds color: A glowing report from an alum can add a nice “nudge” to a borderline application, even if it won’t save an unqualified one.
How to Prepare
You do not need to spend hours rehearsing, but you should not go in blind. Treat this as an informational exchange. Even if you give the world’s best interview, it is unlikely to secure a spot on its own, but a bad interview can hurt you.
The Basics:
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Dress sensibly: Smart-casual is usually safe.
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Know your application: Read through your personal statement and essays (the interviewer likely won’t have access to these, so you must be the expert on yourself).
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Do your homework: Know more than the basics about the university. Look at their admissions page to see what traits they value (e.g., Harvard’s specific criteria).
The Strategy (The “5 Stories” Method): Don’t just memorize answers to common questions like “What books have you read?” or “What are your goals?” Instead, prepare themes.
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Prepare 5 Anecdotes: Identify five key messages or stories about your life, leadership, or learning that you want to transmit. Pivot your answers to ensure these stories get told.
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Prepare Questions for Them: A fantastic topic to explore is the alumni experience. Ask: “How has being a graduate of this university helped you in your career?” or “What is your favorite memory from campus?”
Summary
If you get an interview, congratulations—but keep your feet on the ground. It is not a job offer; it is a conversation. Be curious, be prepared with your “stories,” and use the time to figure out if the university is the right fit for you, just as much as they are checking if you are right for them.
