The Interview
Although most colleges and universities do not require an admissions interview for the application process, it is to your benefit to make a visit to each institution where an application is being filed. Most admissions offices will offer individual interview appointments followed by group tours of the campus, where they will highlight what types of facilities and programs are available to the students.
The interview is less like a job interview and more of an opportunity to share information. Admissions officers will ask specific questions about your academic background, extracurricular activities, community service, and future goals. This allows them to reflect on how their institution can offer the kind of opportunities you have had in the past and look forward to in the future. The interview also allows you to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have.
If you have a specific concern about your past academic performance or needs you would like to address, the interview is a great platform to do so. Many times the application process does not allow you to show yourself as an individual and the interview is one of the best ways to discuss how you have corrected past mistakes. It will give you the opportunity to highlight specialized characteristics that you may have such as, strong leadership skills, artistic talent, belief in your future academic goals, and the motivation you have to succeed.
Questions you may be asked:
- Why did you decide to attend Fulton-Montgomery Community College?
- What would you like to major in to complete your bachelor’s degree?
- Why do you think Fulton-Montgomery Community College has prepared you to continue your education?
- What do you think you can bring to this institution to leave your mark?
- What kind of clubs, organizations and community service have you done in the past and how do you think it has affected your personal life and professional goals?
- Where do you see yourself in ten years?
- Why did you choose to apply to this institution?
- Reflecting on your academic background, what are you proud of and what would you change if you had the opportunity?
- How do you usually study (in study groups, by yourself, quietly, with music, etc.)?
- Who is your favorite professor and why?
Important Transfer Questions to ask during a campus visit:
- How many of my college credits will transfer toward my bachelor’s degree?
- How many more credits will I need to complete my degree?
- Can I complete my requirements within two years of full-time study?
- Can I transfer directly in to the specific school or major I am interested in?
- Is there a minimum grade point average required for acceptance into the program?
- Will C and D grades transfer?
- What activities/services are available to help transfer students get settled during their first year? (academically and socially)
- What are the admissions requirements?
- What scholarships and/or financial aid is available for transfer students?
- What is the student to faculty ratio?
- Are transfer students assigned an academic advisor?
- What activities are available to students?
- What housing is available? How is transfer housing assigned?
- Who teaches the courses I will be taking?
- Do you have a career services office?
The Tour
Tours are generally given by current students. The students are trained to follow a certain script, but will also interject stories about their own college experiences. Students are very honest about their institution and you can usually trust what they say. They are, however, chosen because they love their college and want students of a quality caliber to come and join in with the opportunities they are experiencing.
A tour of campus will also allow you to see the residence halls, dinning services, fitness facilities and classroom buildings. This is a good opportunity to ask the student what their classes are like, how they have enjoyed the one or two dorms they have lived in and what they think of the food. Also ask the student what kind of extra-curricular activities they have been involved in and how easy it is to get involved.
Other Options
At the time of scheduling your visit to campus, our may also ask if you could set an appointment with a financial aid representative, a faculty member in your major or a coach if you are interested in a particular sport.
Additionally, colleges may have an overnight program that would allow you to stay over night in the residence halls with a current student, eat the food and attend a class or two. This opportunity will allow you to grasp the overall experience. Most students who participate in overnight programming find them to be an extremely valuable and worthwhile use of their time. An important question is to ask is whether or not you are provided a student host during your visit. It is extremely helpful to have someone you can rely on to eat with and introduce you to students on campus.
If you will not be living on campus, you may still want to attend a class or two. The admissions office can set this up for you at your request.
