Prepare for these questions ahead of time, and expect success.

In most cases, many of the same, college interview questions are asked. So there’s a very good chance that you’ll encounter a number of the questions on this list. Prepare in advance by answering these questions as thoroughly as possible. Give some real thought to the answers, know them inside and out, and internalize them so they don’t come across as rehearsed. By going through this preparation process, you’ll know yourself better, and have the confidence to face whatever college interview questions may come your way.

1. What would you like us to know about you?

Either you won’t know where to start with this question, or you’ll find yourself unable to stop rambling on. Prepare by making a list of what you’re passionate about and your accomplishments including community or charity work. Also, talk about what might make you memorable — even something fun like “I taught my dog to dribble a basketball” or “My favorite dish is jalapeño scrambled eggs”.

2. What did you do over the summer?

The purpose of this college interview question is twofold. First, the interviewer would like you to feel relaxed during the conversation. Additionally, the hope is that your answer will be a bit more adventurous than, “I took it easy and chilled with friends”. Even if you didn’t do much, think of things that contributed to your growth as a performing or visual artist and as a person.

3. Why do you want to attend our college/university?

Do your homework to evaluate what it is about the school or arts program that appeals to you and differentiates it. Avoid answers like, “I can get a better job with a degree from here”. Keep your focus on your educational and artistic interests in addition to how well you see yourself fitting in and why.

4. What do you want to know about our college/university?

Have a list of questions ready that is specifically geared to that particular school. Don’t ask any questions that can easily be answered by searching the website. Probe deeper to find out more about specific courses, college attributes, and student life on campus.

5. Why do you want to major in the arts (or other major)?

If you have decided on a specific college major, communicate the strength of your interest and passion for that subject matter. If you haven’t yet identified your major, the interviewer will appreciate a response along the lines of, “There are many areas that appeal to me, and I need to take some courses to get a better grasp of those interests before declaring a major”.

6. Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

If you’re unsure, the answer may or may not be a real person, or that person could have lived in another time period. Consider historical or even fictional characters that have meant something to you. The interviewer wants to know what character traits you value in people. Talk about why you admire that person and specifically how he or she has made an impact on your life.

7. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

Talk about your strengths in terms of how you have used them to achieve something in particular. How do they contribute to your accomplishments? Conversely, what have you done to rise above your weaknesses? For example, maybe you’ve been a shy kid in the past, but you got into musical theater as a way to get beyond that shyness.

8. Can you give an example of a challenge you’ve overcome?

You are bound to come up against many new challenges in college. Talk about an example that is real and personal. The interviewer wants to know that you have the experience and confidence to confront those challenges. They are looking for students who have the capacity to handle life’s inevitable problems.

9. Which book would you recommended, and why?

Naturally, the interviewer would like to get a sense of how much you read. But more than that, he or she wants to hear your analysis of the content to learn more about your thought process and how well you are able to articulate it.

10. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years? In 10 years?

No one is expecting you to make an exact prediction. They would, however, like to see how you view the bigger picture. Are you working toward any longer-term goals? Maybe you can envision a couple of different scenarios. That’s great. Just remember to communicate the possibilities with enthusiasm!

Find out what else you can expect from college interview questions, as well as in your search for the right college arts program. Learn directly from former college deans of admissions. See how to prepare for success in the performing arts and visual arts with specialized guidance offered by ArtsBridge College Consultants.