Mawr Insight: Interviewing 101

While interviews provide an excellent opportunity for colleges to learn more about you and for you to learn about the college, they can also be a source of nervous anticipation. At Bryn Mawr, we aim to make our interviews feel like engaging conversations where we can get to know an applicant in more detail. Ava Blumer, a senior Tour Guide and interviewer from the Class of 2024, has conducted numerous interviews. Here, she shares her top tips and strategies for preparing for—and enjoying—your college interview.

Before you tell us your tips, what was your experience with college interviews?   

I was a little nervous for my college interviews! I was a much more anxious person in high school, but I now know that I didn’t need to be that nervous, especially if I was chatting with a current student! Interviews are the best time to ask questions, (especially if it’s an interview with a current student). It can be hard to learn about student clubs and dorm life, but in any interview you can talk about these things in detail. 

What do you look for when you're interviewing an applicant?  

I am looking to get to know a student’s personality and interests, and to have a genuine conversation with them. I’m trying to learn more about their high school experiences and their academic interests, but I also just want to talk with them. My favorite interviews have been the ones where we got slightly off-topic because we were just enjoying the conversation. I love it when we find something in common or when I can tell that we’re both just enjoying the conversation!  

How can a student prepare for an interview?  

• Do your research! Prepare a list of questions about the college – at least three. There is no such thing as “too many questions” and there's also no such thing as a “dumb question.”  

• Be yourself! I know sometimes you might be embarrassed to ask certain questions, or you think they’re not the important ones, but they are important because they’re yours.   

• Remember: it’s okay to be nervous! It might help you to tell the interviewer: “I’m excited and a little nervous about this!”   

• Think of it as a conversation with intention. It’s more structured than a conversation with your friends, but we want it to flow.  

Are there any “don'ts” for an interview?  

We are looking to get to know your authentic personality and interests but try to keep somewhat of a filter. Don’t talk about anything inappropriate, and don’t accidentally call us another college’s name (which has happened before). Don't come in with a script: think of talking points but try to remain flexible in the conversation! 

What do you enjoy about interviewing students?  

It’s so fun to meet new people!  Especially when we have an interest in common or if they have a cool hobby, I enjoy just learning about them. I remember once a student and I had a full-side conversation after the interview about something unrelated and it was so fun. I love hearing about the cool things people do! 

What advice would you give a student walking into their first college interview?  

It’s natural to be a little nervous, but everyone wants you to feel comfortable and we’re not scary or mean – we are looking for the best in you! Interviews are also meant for you to learn about us, not just us asking you everything. Be yourself and remember, you're very much allowed to be nervous, it shows you care!