Some, but not all, scholarships require a personal interview. Interviews usually last 15-20 minutes and involve a small group of people. You will find the interviewer(s) to be pleasant and focused on you at your interview. They’ll try to put you at ease and make you comfortable, because they want to judge you at your best. Remember, they want you to succeed.

First, come prepared to your interview. Know as much as possible your course of study, job outlook, and the college you plan to attend. If you’re not sure about your major or the school you plan to attend, let the interviewer(s) know the areas you’re interested in as well as why you applied to a particular college. Don’t be afraid to have notes with you and to use them. Finally, be sure to have one or two questions in mind that you might ask the interviewer.

The Do’s:

• Be punctual! Get directions to the interview location before leaving your home. Check in when you arrive.
• Dress appropriately as if applying for a job, which means neither too casual nor too dressy.
• When you meet the interviewer(s), introduce yourself, make eye contact and use a firm handshake, but not too hard.
• Listen to the interview questions carefully; think about what you’ll say before replying.
• Be brief and honest with your answers.
• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s).
• Demonstrate interest and confidence.
• Have one to two questions ready to ask the interviewer(s).
• Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time and consideration. If possible, send a thank you note after the interview.
• Remember to SMILE!! Don’t be shy.
• Practice interviewing with a friend.

The Don’ts:

• Assume the interviewer(s) are knowledgeable about you and your background – regardless of what you’ve included in your application.
• Be negative or critical about teachers, school, or friends.
• Be afraid to say, “I don’t know”.
• Expect the interviewer(s) to make a decision on the day of the interview.
• Use political, racial, ethnic, religious or other sensitive statements.
• Chew gum, bite nails, smoke, yawn, stretch, or slouch.

Questions you may be asked:

• Be prepared to discuss your college choice, career goals and any other information you included in your application.
• Information on your background.
• Obstacles or personal circumstances that were included in your application.
• Personal matters such as how you plan to finance your education, future plans, and your hobbies and interests.
• Your personal value structure, which may include the things you think are important in your life.