You’ve completed your college applications and sent them in. Now, your next step is the college interview. You should prepare well for the interview, so we’ve gathered some Ivy League admission tips to help you get ready for this important event.

Why a College Interview?

College interviews are not always required, and many large universities don’t interview their applicants. However, the interview can be a decisive factor for the admission decisions of some colleges.

If you’ve been waiting to hear back after applying to a college and haven’t been offered an interview, you should call and ask for one. Find out if an interview is required, what types of interviews are available, and if the interview will influence the admission decision.

Interviews are generally conducted on campus or in your local area with an alumnus. Never turn down an interview if you are offered one. If you are given contact information for a representative in your area who can set up an alumni interview, be sure to call or email them right away.

Remember, your interview could be a decisive factor in your application’s success. Submitting your application early will improve your chances of obtaining an interview.

How to Prepare for a College Interview

Here’s an essential Ivy League admission tip: get to know yourself before the interview. What are you passionate about? What are your goals? Interviewers will often ask why you want to attend their school. What do you bring to the table? What sets you apart? Why is being admitted important to you?

Further, spend time reading books from different genres. Know what your favorite books are and why, but don’t be afraid to talk about the ones you don’t like. Also, don’t forget to read about current events.

More than likely, you’ll also be able to ask questions of your own. Be sure to do your research about the college you will be visiting, and ask questions about its unique characteristics.

Ask a friend or family member to conduct a mock interview with you so you can practice your body language and conversational skills. Also, pay attention to your tone of voice. Finally, make sure that you greet your interviewer with a firm handshake.

What to Wear

Another important Ivy League admission strategy is to choose your outfit carefully. Overly casual clothing such as sandals, jeans, and T-shirts should be avoided. Dress modestly.

Men, pick some nice pants—casual is fine as long as they aren’t jeans—and a shirt with a collar. A tie and a sports coat may add that extra touch. And make sure that your clothing is freshly laundered or ironed. Your clothes should also fit well.

Ladies, choose between a skirt or pants—whichever is more comfortable. Remember that knee-length or longer is a good guideline for your skirt. Add in a blouse that isn’t too revealing, and throw on a jacket if you want to dress up a little more. Avoid flip-flops and tennis shoes.

If you want to come across as a serious, dedicated student, your appearance needs to convey those qualities.

Dos and Don’ts

Highlight your interests and achievements during the interview, but remember that you won’t have time to cover everything.

Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early. If you aren’t familiar with the area, give yourself ample time to find the interview location.

Don’t fidget, pick at your clothes, or stuff your hands into your pockets.

Keep your language professional.

Don’t chew gum during your interview.

Do turn your cell phone off before going to your interview. Be aware that you may be observed from the moment you step into view.

Do maintain eye contact when responding to or asking questions.

Don’t use fillers such as “you know” and “like.” You have important things to say and a limited time to say them. Also, avoid using phrases like “honestly” at the start of your sentences.

Do be yourself and relax. Remember, there’s no need to act. Relaxed doesn’t mean casual, though, so don’t tip your chair back and put your feet on the desk in front of you.

Do arrive clean and well-groomed. Make sure you’ve showered—you don’t want your aroma to be your lasting impression.

After the Interview

Don’t forget to follow up! After you’ve returned home from your interview, write a thank-you note to your interviewer. That note will set you apart from other applicants.

Choosing among the thousands of U.S. colleges available to students today is no small feat, and it can seem daunting without a plan. On the other hand, having a road map to follow can make this difficult decision much easier. These Ivy League admission strategies can help you navigate the college application process and decide which school will best help you achieve your dreams.

Step 1 – What Do I Want/Need?

To determine which college is best for you, you must know your academic and extracurricular ambitions, financial and living arrangements, and preferred type of school.

Academic Goals

What do you love to do? Have you chosen a major? Are you interested in a liberal arts school, a business school, or something more technical?

Consider what kind of student you are. Can you flourish at a school that requires more self-motivation, or do you need stricter requirements? Do you prefer to work independently or in a team?

Extracurricular Interests

What level of involvement will you have with the school while you’re not in class? Are you hoping to be part of an athletic team, social club, performance group, or community service project?

Would you prefer an urban, rural, suburban, or small-town setting?

Living Arrangements

Do you plan to live on or off campus?

Do you own a car? If not, you’ll need to make sure the college you choose is in a city that provides public transportation or an area that can be easily traversed without a vehicle.

Would you prefer to be near or far from home?

Financial Considerations

Public colleges are typically less expensive than private schools, but graduates of private colleges frequently earn more. Still, attending a more prestigious school may or may not result in greater career or financial success.

Will you need to get a job? If so, you’ll have to choose a college with on-campus jobs or in a location with off-campus jobs.

Campus Culture

Some colleges have tens of thousands of students, while others may not be much larger than a high school. Which would you prefer?

What level of political activism are you comfortable with?

Do you love to be a part of campus social life, or are you content with just getting your degree and making a few friends?

Would alcohol or drug use on campus make you uncomfortable?

Step 2 – Research

Once you’ve considered your needs and interests, you can begin to identify your preferred schools. Another Ivy League admission tip is to use the official school websites and other resources such as CollegeNavigator, Unigo, and the College Board to compare different colleges. Ideally, you should be able to narrow down your list to about ten schools.

Keep in mind that there is no substitute for a campus visit when it comes to getting a feel of the college’s culture.

Once you’ve narrowed down the list to about ten schools, it will be time to apply. The application process will likely shrink your list further, but hang in there—you won’t be done yet.

Step 3 – Once You’ve Been Accepted

There is still much to consider once you have your acceptance letters. You are typically allowed three to four weeks to make a decision. That is the time to take an even closer look at each school. The following questions can be useful if you have to make a difficult decision:

Academics

Which schools present knowledge in a way that is best suited to your learning style?

Is the material presented by an assistant or adjunct instructor or a full-time professor? Are the professors sufficiently qualified?

Did the classes you attended during your first campus visit hold your attention?

While it’s true that the college’s practical and cultural aspects are important and should be weighed in your decision, the education you’ll receive is your primary reason for attending the school.

Financial Factors

Which schools offer better financial aid packages? You’ll need to consider how much debt each option will leave you with after graduation.

Which schools allow for living arrangements that you can afford?

Campus Life

A second campus visit can go a long way towards helping you make a decision. This visit is a great time to address anything you may have missed during your first visit.

Though friends, family, and others will express opinions about where you should attend college, the decision is ultimately yours. Follow these Ivy League admission strategies to decide which college is the best fit for your goals and interests, personality, and financial situation.